From May 22 on Real Time, the ethical docuseries returns with intimate stories of transformation, identity and acceptance
Rebirth on camera: a second chance for the soul
My Friend the Scalpel: intimate confessions, airing on Real Time every Thursday at 9:30 PM from May 22, returns to explore a deeply personal journey: the bond between identity and body image after trauma, illness, or drastic changes.
This second season, produced by Artlouder, features real people—teachers, hairdressers, nurses—seeking help from Dr. Damiano Tambasco, Head of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at San Carlo di Nancy Hospital in Rome.
Real pain, real people, real transformations
Each 30-minute episode takes viewers into a sensitive and intimate narrative flow: from medical consultations to surgical procedures and emotional breakthroughs.
We meet Emanuela, who lost her dream of motherhood due to endometriosis and a series of operations. Her story is one of reclaiming her body and identity as a woman and wife.
Then there’s Claudio, a young man from Caserta, struggling with his gender identity and finding freedom through gender affirmation surgery, supported every step by his devoted mother.
The scars we carry aren’t always visible
More than a show about surgery, the series reflects how plastic and reconstructive procedures can become therapeutic tools. “When you don’t feel at peace with your body, nothing feels right anymore,” explains Dr. Tambasco, often called the “doctor with the kind eyes.”
We follow Roberta, who, despite massive weight loss, couldn’t feel joy due to excess skin on her arms. Surgery helped her break free from that physical reminder of past struggles.
And Federico Lauri, aka Fashion Style, shares how bullying over his weight shaped his youth, and how self-acceptance—supported by surgery—helped him live freely and authentically.
Not vanity, but deep healing
The series creator Chiara Panzieri emphasizes that these transformations are not driven by vanity. These are people who carry emotional wounds, often invisible but deeply painful, sometimes since childhood.
“My Friend the Scalpel” shows how plastic surgery can be ethical, intimate, and healing, when guided by empathy and respect.
FAQ
1. What is “My Friend the Scalpel”?
An ethical docuseries airing on Real Time that explores personal journeys of healing through plastic surgery.
2. Who is the main doctor in the show?
Dr. Damiano Tambasco, head of Aesthetic Surgery at San Carlo di Nancy Hospital in Rome.
3. When does the new season air?
Starting May 22, 2025, every Thursday at 9:30 PM on Real Time.
4. Is the series focused only on cosmetic enhancement?
No, it focuses on emotional healing and regaining self-love through reconstructive procedures.
5. What types of stories are featured?
Stories of trauma, illness, bullying, gender transition, and identity.
6. Is the show appropriate for younger viewers?
Yes, it’s educational and portrays sensitive topics with respect and care.
7. Are surgeries shown on screen?
Yes, but respectfully and with medical explanations.
8. Where is the series set?
At San Carlo di Nancy Hospital in Rome.
9. How long is each episode?
About 30 minutes.
10. Is it informative as well as emotional?
Absolutely. It blends storytelling, medicine, and real emotional journeys.
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