RuPaul’s Drag Race judge and self-proclaimed queen of vogueing Michelle Visage is officially releasing her documentary, titled Explant.
In the film – which originally premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in June – director Jeremy Simmons documents Visage’s decision to remove her double-D breast implants after noticing health and immunity issues, as well as the emotional stories and testimonies of women who experienced medical problems after receiving breast augmentation surgery.
Opening up a teaser for the film, RuPaul interviews Visage on her implant removal. “The reason I got them was for my self-confidence. I needed them because of male-dominated society and boyfriends telling me that I wasn’t as attractive with no tits.”
In the full trailer, Visage shares her thoughts before the removal surgery. “This is the last time you’re going to see me with these,” she says, pointing to her breasts. “I’m scared, I’m nervous, I’m petrified. If this doesn’t work, it’s back to the drawing board, but I know… that I’m going to feel so much better after this.”
The trailer also details the invention of breast implants by Dr. Frank Gerow in 1962 and numerous scientific studies related to the surgery, stating that “thousands” of women claim to have breast implant illness. “Why do doctors still claim implants are safe?” it asks. “Michelle Visage is on a mission to uncover the truth about the most popular cosmetic surgery in the world.”
In a statement on Instagram, however, Visage noted that the film is not “anti-plastic surgery”. “It’s pro-transparency,” she said. “Watch and be informed.”
She continued: “I hope this helps many women be heard. Ladies, we are not crazy, our health matters, and we need to be our own advocates. (Breast implant illnesses) are REAL.”
Explant is available to stream on Paramount Plus, beginning December 15. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
