Cosmetic surgery and the recovery process: how to handle your surroundings?

I'm 17 and I have surgery coming up soon to fix my deviated septum and the shape of my nose. Since I'm already going under, I've decided to go ahead with some cosmetic work too. Honestly, I'm terrified of the actual surgery, but that’s actually not even my biggest worry right now. My real anxiety is about the day I walk back into school and everyone notices the change. I'm worried about how my classmates will react. I grew up in a small town where people aren't exactly great about anyone being different. I know there are going to be stares and comments—some people might be bold enough to ask direct questions or throw out a sarcastic remark. How should I handle those kinds of comments? Is it even worth responding to them? Should I pay any attention to the gossip and the looks, or is it better to just tune everything out and ignore it? 🤷

Let’s be clear—I had nose surgery for medical reasons, so why does anyone care if it was purely cosmetic? I don't see how that's any of your business. My nose, my choice. Plus, breathing is much easier now. So, what do you think—do you like the new look?

Weren't they already looking at you sideways because of your deviation?🤷

Of course you have to answer the question. You can't just sit there in silence.🤣
If someone turns out to be an idiot, then you just ignore them.

mellowbadger36 said:I'm 17 and I have surgery coming up soon to fix my deviated septum and the shape of my nose. Since I'm already going under, I've decided to go ahead with some cosmetic work too. Honestly, I'm terrified of the actual surgery, but that’s actually not even my biggest worry right now. My real anxiety is about the day I walk back into school and everyone notices the change. I'm worried about how my classmates will react. I grew up in a small town where people aren't exactly great about anyone being different. I know there are going to be stares and comments—some people might be bold enough to ask direct questions or throw out a sarcastic remark. How should I handle those kinds of comments? Is it even worth responding to them? Should I pay any attention to the gossip and the looks, or is it better to just tune everything out and ignore it? 🤷

Does your friend group actually know you're doing this?
First off, don't feel an ounce of shame about it. Look, if you're excited about getting this fixed—and I'm betting you are—then just own it. Tell people before you even go under the knife. Be happy about it, like you just bought a killer pair of designer heels and you're showing them off to your friends. You know what I mean.
Once everything is healed up, stay positive (and you will be).
If you're dreading the reaction, preempt it. Make it clear that this is happening, that you're looking forward to it, and leave it at that.
Don't make this a bigger drama in your own head than it needs to be. Good luck, I hope you love the results. 👍

Jack Jones7 said:Weren't they already looking at you sideways because of your deviation?🤷

Of course you have to answer the question. You can't just sit there in silence.🤣
If someone turns out to be an idiot, then you just ignore them.

As for the deviation, nobody ever actually asks me about it. Most people just whisper their aesthetic critiques behind my back—loud enough for me to hear, of course. It's usually the same old nonsense; no one says anything to my face, but they make sure those side comments are loud enough to catch my attention. Honestly, in my social circle, getting cosmetic surgery still feels like this somewhat exotic, slightly taboo thing.🤔

Anthony Diaz4 said:Does your friend group actually know you're doing this?
First off, don't feel an ounce of shame about it. Look, if you're excited about getting this fixed—and I'm betting you are—then just own it. Tell people before you even go under the knife. Be happy about it, like you just bought a killer pair of designer heels and you're showing them off to your friends. You know what I mean.
Once everything is healed up, stay positive (and you will be).
If you're dreading the reaction, preempt it. Make it clear that this is happening, that you're looking forward to it, and leave it at that.
Don't make this a bigger drama in your own head than it needs to be. Good luck, I hope you love the results. 👍

Only my absolute closest friend knows. I'm actually thinking about posting a few photos on Facebook while I'm at the hospital so it won't be such a shock to everyone when I head back to school.

Whenever you run into those nasty or just plain rude comments—honestly, my best move is to just hit them back with a quick "Who told you that?"... then totally ghost 'em.

Hey, don't even sweat it!
Try just making a joke out of it—that way you're still telling the truth, but it keeps things light.
Seriously though, I had nose surgery because my profile was looking more like a baked potato than anything else, and I could barely breathe. Anyone else feel me?
Honestly, if it were me, I’d totally react like 😬
They'll get used to it and forget all about it soon enough. 🙂