Lifestyle

5 Reasons Why You Should Never Be Ashamed Of Plastic Surgery

by Olga Trembath
REX/Shutterstock

There are two types of people who undergo plastic surgery: those who tell the world about their transformation, and those who try to take it to the grave.

Unfortunately, most of those who keep it a secret feel ashamed due to societal scorn.

Even if a person gets surgery for non-cosmetic reasons, they still feel pressure to keep it a secret. And if those people are transparent about the procedure, they usually make sure to clarify that it was for non-cosmetic reasons.

Even if an obese patient goes through a life-saving procedure, they face the stigma that they took the "easy way out" for weight loss.

Do we really have reasons to shame people who get surgery for cosmetic reasons? Do we have a right to? And are the motives for undergoing these procedures a result of societal beauty standards or personal ones?

Regardless of motive, one thing is clear. We need to change the plastic surgery conversation.

1. Your confidence and self-esteem should be a priority.

And if surgery can improve how you see yourself, then why is it not as accepted as any other form of self-care?

One can get plastic surgery for lots of reasons, which range from removing some unwanted fat to erasing scars or burns that remind you of trauma every day.

Some women turn to surgery to repair their body after being the subject of abuse.

A dear friend of mine had her nose violently broken by a man at the age of 16. This left her with breathing problems, as well as self-esteem issues.

Either way, after the surgery, your self-esteem will increase, which will positively impact every part of your life.

This has a huge impact on your emotions, leading to a healthier version of you.

2. Vanity is an industry.

The beauty industry is among the most profitable industries out there, so why are we fooling ourselves into thinking plastic surgery isn't common?

The principle of getting plastic surgery is the same as the principle of going to the gym and taking care of yourself.

Our society values how we look over who we are, so why do people act so shocked when we conform to the standards they set?

A certain level of vanity is not a sin, but a must these days. Just as we feel the pressure to whiten our teeth, the same pressure motivates us to go under the knife.

3. Nobody has the right to judge you.

Women are undoubtably criticized by every person they run into. We judge how much or how little makeup a woman is wearing. We judge if her hair color is flattering or if we can see her natural roots. We judge if a woman is dressed in a conservative or provocative manor.

There is no winning regardless of what you do, and the same rule applies to plastic surgery. Whether you get it or not, there will be people judging your choice.

Your surgery (or lack thereof) will not change anyone's life other than your own. So the decision should be entirely yours, regardless of the potential reaction of others.

4. By fixing your insecurities, you can focus on your other strengths.

When a woman looks in the mirror she notices things like her hair falling flat. She scrutinizes her lips for not being Kylie-size. She curses her skin for breaking out.

While fixating on these self-proclaimed imperfections, we forget to remember what else we bring to the table. Our strength, our humor and our intelligence all become second thoughts.

If all this confidence comes from a dermal filler, then let it be, especially since there are studies that show cosmetic interventions improve life quality.

5. Women need to stand together.

A woman, regardless of who she is or what she does, is always a subject of objectification. Because of this, we as women tend to feed into the double standard and criticize each other.

By doing this, we bring other women down, which then gives men permission to continue objectifying us.

By boosting our own self-esteem, we are less likely to bring others down with us, which will create a healthier relationship among women. And when we are stronger together, we stand up to the double-standards we all face.

When you are comfortable in your own skin, you are able to leave behind all the things that have been holding you back.

If you don't want plastic surgery, do not let society tell you that you need it. And if you do want plastic surgery, own it.