The biggest fear reported by those considering plastic surgery is a negative reaction from other people. How other people see us is extremely important, otherwise no one would be doing this in the first place.

The social stigma attached to cosmetic surgery has been around for decades and shows no signs of abating anytime soon. People contemplating it should consider this stigma when making their decision and fully commit to dealing with the repercussions of it.

Plastic surgery can be reconstructive after an injury or defect, or cosmetic to improve the aesthetic appearance of the patient. It is usually the cosmetic way that people choose to judge unfairly. This judgment can come in many different forms: a sidelong glance from a stranger, a raised eyebrow from an acquaintance, or even a full-on lecture from a close friend or relative. People have strong opinions about this treatment for cosmetic reasons and often want to project those feelings onto the person who chooses this surgical treatment for themselves.

Sometimes it’s a jealousy issue: the person you don’t like secretly wants to change their own appearance and thinks you’re “cheating”. And other times it’s a moral dilemma: whose place is it to modify our appearances? What right do we have to make such changes in our physical being?

Undoubtedly, the opinions of others can take their toll when deciding on this treatment. Of course you want to please your loved ones and you don’t want to engage in behavior that offends them.

So if your mother says that “plastic surgery is for careless narcissists,” you’ll naturally be inclined to listen to her and opt out of having the operation you want.

However, the decision whether or not to change a part of your body is highly personal and must be made by you alone. Others can voice their opinion, but you must retain the personal determination to do what you know in your heart is right for your body, your self-esteem, and your life.

The people who know and love you are unlikely to disown you for something like plastic reconstructive treatment. At the very least, the dissenters in your life will be upset that you didn’t take their advice and may be a bit cold or disapproving for a while. This kind of stigma can be worth the impressive benefits a cosmetic procedure can have on your life. If you think plastic surgery is right for you, don’t let anyone stop you from making a decision that could improve your life.