Michelle Visage Champions Self-Acceptance in New Plastic Surgery Show ‘Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind’

Michelle Visage, a prominent advocate for self-expression and LGBTQ+ representation, has returned to television as the host of E!’s newest reality series, ‘Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind.’ The show, which premiered July 9, 2025, centers nine celebrities and influencers as they confront their personal histories with cosmetic surgery and decide whether to reverse past procedures in pursuit of a more natural look. The series is available on E! and streams one week later on Peacock, expanding its accessibility to a wide audience .

At the heart of ‘Plastic Surgery Rewind’ is the “Rewind Retreat,” where participants—including reality stars Kim Zolciak and daughter Brielle Biermann, Aubrey O'Day, Jessica Dime, Larissa Santos Lima, Sebastian Bales, Sophia Elgerabli, Alan McGarry, and Kathy Brown—gather to reflect on their cosmetic journeys. With guidance from Visage, body image expert Dr. Spirit, PhD, and renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow, the cast engages in therapeutic exercises, group challenges, and one-on-one consultations to help them make empowered decisions about their bodies .

The process culminates in the “Time Tunnel Rewind,” a pivotal moment where each participant chooses whether to keep previous enhancements or return to their natural appearance. The format emphasizes emotional well-being and informed consent, foregrounding the complex relationships people have with their bodies and society’s expectations.

Michelle Visage, no stranger to candid conversations about appearance and self-worth, brings her signature openness to the series. In a widely-viewed episode, Visage goes makeup-free in solidarity with the cast, sparking an honest dialogue about beauty, vulnerability, and self-acceptance—values that resonate deeply within LGBTQ+ communities, where gender expression and body autonomy are often at the center of personal and political struggles .

In her own words, Visage makes it clear that the show is about more than just undoing cosmetic enhancements: “Above all else, my main goal is to give people the tools to make their own choices… I just think people need to know why they’re doing what they’re doing” . She is also careful to affirm that her comments about elective cosmetic surgery are not directed at transgender people or those seeking gender-affirming procedures, recognizing the distinct and valid motivations that exist within the trans community. “There’s so many more layers to that than me just saying don’t get implants… I have not walked this life on Earth as a trans person, so I can’t speak for trans people. It’s a different situation in my opinion,” she states .

The show’s structure, which blends reality television with therapeutic and medical expertise, aims to de-stigmatize conversations around cosmetic surgery. Dr. Spirit’s sessions focus on understanding the psychological drivers of body modification, while Dr. Dubrow offers clinical insight into the risks and outcomes of reversing procedures. This dual approach ensures participants are supported holistically, and viewers are encouraged to question the societal pressures that fuel the pursuit of aesthetic “perfection” .

‘Plastic Surgery Rewind’ arrives at a cultural moment when LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly vocal about the intersection of beauty culture, identity, and autonomy. The show’s commitment to affirming personal choice, while also exposing the vulnerabilities and pressures that celebrities face, mirrors ongoing dialogues in LGBTQ+ spaces about authenticity and self-love.

By spotlighting a diverse group of participants and providing a platform for honest reflection, ‘Plastic Surgery Rewind’ offers a rare opportunity for audiences to reconsider their own relationships with body image. For LGBTQ+ viewers, Michelle Visage’s leadership and advocacy serve as a reminder that self-acceptance is a journey, and that every individual’s path—whether it includes surgery or not—deserves respect and validation.

‘Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind’ is currently airing Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on E! and streaming on Peacock in the U.S. and on Amazon Prime Video in the U.K. .