How to Get Cast for the TV Show Botched

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 29, 2023 References

Botched is a reality TV show in which people suffering from complications of plastic surgery undergo revision surgery from top plastic surgeons. If you have had damage, injury, scars, or disfigurement from plastic surgery, this show can help you get the help you need. Applying is as simple as snapping a few pictures and filling out a form. If they are interested in you, a casting team will contact you to continue the process.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Taking Photographic Evidence

1
Ask someone else to take the photos for you. The photos will look clearer if someone is helping you take them. If you can’t get someone to take the photos for you, set the camera or phone on a tripod and start a timer.^{[1]
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- Make sure that you have good lighting. You may want to take pictures against a blank wall to focus attention on the botched area.
2
Take 2 clear photographs of the “botched” area. These pictures should clearly show where the affected site is on your body. Use these two photographs to show the site at 2 different angles to capture the full extent.
- You can take several photographs and choose the best 2. You cannot submit more than 2 photos, however.
- Lift up or remove any clothing that might cover the damage.
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3
Take a clear photograph of your face. You can stand or sit as long as the photograph clearly shows your face. This is a good place to make your personality shine by smiling or posing. Dress in a way that reflects your personality or unique characteristics.
- This can be a headshot, a full body photograph, or a photo of your upper-half.
4
Include a picture of you before the incident. If possible, this photograph should show the damaged site before anything had happened to it. Make sure to choose a photograph where you are happy and smiling.
- Alternatively, you can choose a photograph of you taken either during or immediately after surgery.
5
Upload these photographs to a computer. Save your photos as a .jpg or .jpeg file, as these are ideal for photographs. Keep all of the photos in one place where you can easily access them.^{[2]
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- To upload from a phone or camera, connect the device to the computer with a USB cord. Your computer’s upload application should immediately boot up.
- You can always scan in old photographs of yourself. You can also take a picture of the old photo, but this might cause a loss in quality.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Filling out the Application

1
Determine if you are eligible. There are certain rules about who can appear on the show. Before you apply, you may want to check that you are eligible for the show by reading the release on http://www.botchedcasting.com/. These rules include:
- You must be 18 or older.
- You must be willing to undergo a background check.
- You must not be running for public office.
- You cannot be related to the producers or anyone involved in making the show.
2
Wait until casting opens. Botched usually announces when they are casting on their Facebook page. They usually cast their show in the second half of the year. Follow their Facebook page, Botched Casting, to be alerted as soon as possible.^{[3]
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- Do not post applications or audition videos to their Facebook page. These will be ignored and possibly deleted.
- None of the doctors on the show are involved in the casting process. Emailing or contacting them will not help your chances of getting on Botched.
3
Fill out the form online or send an email. All submissions are done online. You can also email this same information to the casting directors at botched@evolutionusa.com.^{[4]
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- You will need to provide your name, gender, phone number, citizenship status, email, and occupation on this form.
- If you are sending an email, include all of the same information as is required on the online application form.
4
Explain your history of plastic surgery. Check off all of the places on your body where you have had plastic surgery, including places where the surgery was successful. In a box below this list, you should list what types of surgery you had and when they were done.
- If you can’t remember the specific date of surgery, you can just put the month and year.
5
Describe how the "botched" surgery occurred. The next question will be “Which area of your body needs to be fixed?” Check off the option(s) from the list. Below this list will be a box. In a few sentences, describe exactly how the damage occurred.
- Keep it brief. Stick to the important details of the story. For example, you might say, "Within a few months of my breast augmentation surgery, my body reacted violently to the silicone implants. Doctors tried to take them out, but they left me with disfiguring scars."
6
Explain how the surgery has affected your life. There will be a second box for you to describe the impact of the damage. Include personal details to demonstrate both the physical and emotional toll of your plastic surgery. Explain as much as you can within a few sentences.
- For example, you might say, "The pain makes it difficult for me to go to work" or "I am constantly going back to the hospital because of infections."
7
Attach the required photographs. First, you will upload a picture of yourself before attaching 2 photos of the damaged area. The last photo should one of you before, during, or immediately after your surgery.
8
Read through the release carefully before signing. You cannot submit the application without signing the release at the end of the page. This release is a legal contract that enforces what you can and cannot do on the show. Read it carefully to understand your obligations.^{[5]
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- This release involves a binding arbitration clause, which will limit your ability to sue the show if you are dissatisfied with your results.
- To sign, you will type in your name and the date.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Preparing for the Show

1
Wait to hear from the casting team. Botched does not reply to every application. If you do not hear back within a month or two, you may assume that you were rejected. If they are interested in learning more about you, they will email or call you.
- Do not send multiple applications to increase your chances.
- Do not try to email or contact the producers personally.
2
Make a video audition if requested. If the show is interested in your story, you may be asked to make a video audition. Ask someone else to hold the camera while you explain the difficulties of your life since your surgery complications.^{[6]
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- Before you begin, decide what your story is. Use this video to convey that story. For example, if your scars from a tummy tuck make it difficult for you to sleep, you might demonstrate how you have to lie on your back or prop yourself up.
- The casting team may be looking for specific details about your surgery or life. Follow their instructions when making your audition tape.
3
Save up money to pay for the surgery. If you are selected for the show, you will be paid an appearance fee, which you can put towards the surgery. You will have to pay for any remaining costs of the surgery. This price can vary widely.^{[7]
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- You may want to ask the producers for a quote of the surgery before you agree to go on the show.
4
Consult with doctors about your risk of complication. Because their needs or complications are so severe, people who are featured on Botched have a higher rate of complications than normal patients. You may want to speak to your personal doctor first about the risks and benefits of revision surgery.^{[8]
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- Before going on the show, ask the producers about what will happen if there are complications. You may want to ask “can the doctors do a second surgery?” or “how will the show help me if I experience severe complications?”

Community Q&A

Question

I have not had plastic surgery, but I have had multiple surgeries in my abdominal area and my naval is skewed and I am constantly with specialists for a variety of gastrointestinal problems. Can I apply?

Community Answer

Yes, you can still apply.
Question

I turned in 2 applications, how will I know if they received them?

Community Answer

If you followed the application guidelines correctly, they received your application. They will contact you if you've been chosen.
Question

I am wanting to do this for my wife who is a breast cancer survivor. Can we do this?

Ocelot_456

Community Answer

I'm sure you could as being through that may also give a touch of inspiration of others and that is what people are looking for.

Warnings

There is always a risk of complications when undergoing surgery. These risks are higher for people who require revision surgery for previous complications from surgery.

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Remember that going on a national TV show can affect your life in multiple ways. Make sure you are ready for the exposure that a show like Botched will bring.

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