My mum said the same thing about it. I think that most of them don't really have problems at all. Nothing a little diet and makeup can't fix. I like extreme makeover because they actually help people, but The Swan has different intentions.
What I find disturbing in the Swan is that the women, who usually have loving husbands and families, are saying things like how they just can't be happy because of this and that physical aspects of themselves. I think it's more their self esteem than their physical appearance that needs fixing. (And they included a psychologist in the show, but how much help is she I wonder, when the women say things like, "now I can be happy because I look beautiful.". It's great to see them so happy in front of the mirror, but for how long?
It is bad show that it seems to be giving the message that being you is not good enough. You have to have a pointing high bridge nose, you have to boobs, you have to this kind of eyes, that sort of lips etc.
I don't think the beauty peagent thing is such a good idea. I don't see the point in that. You would be saying to the woman who doesn't win, yeah you are beautiful but you are not the most beautiful. What does it do to the women who aren't qualified for their stupid little peagent? See she looks better than you. You can go home with your new body, but you aren't good enough to be on the peagent, goodbye. I think that just sucks if your self esteem is low.