Self-love is a tough topic that encompasses our relationship with ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. Despite the abundance of quotes and inspirational messages on how important self-love is… well, the truth is that it can take a lot of time to learn.

But when self-love affects your perception of yourself and of your role in life, everything can become a struggle. Frankly, without it, life becomes exhausting.

But as self-love is a journey, you need to learn how to put yourself first. Indeed, self-love begins when you put your best interests first. What are your own best interests?

The truth is that there is no clear definition of what is best for you. Yet, self-love thinks about long-term happiness and well-being. So it may sound odd or even counterproductive to mention plastic surgery as a form of self-love. Is plastic surgery the answer or not?

Let’s dive into the complex nuances of the human mind.

Does being beautiful fulfil your self-love quota?

You’ve probably come across countless interviews with top models explaining that they don’t find themselves beautiful. From Claudia Schiffer in the 1990s to Bella Hadid now, we can’t help but wonder what is wrong with these women’s eyes? Can’t they see what we see?

The answer is no; they don’t see themselves with the same eyes. The same principle applies to you too. You never see in your face or your body what other people see. So using plastic surgery as an excuse to achieve your ideal of beauty is unlikely to translate into self-love.

Beauty runs deep in your mind

Yet, when facial features or elements of your body prevent you mentally and emotionally from being in a place where you can be confident in yourself, there is a need for an in-depth analysis. Therapy can help you make peace with your imperfections and recognise them as an integral part of who you are. Does it sound a little too easy? It is, and it isn’t always an option. Some flaws can be part of your identity because they can’t be changed, and you can learn to manage them, such as being short or having a lazy eye.

But when you can’t find peace, or you expect more from yourself, sometimes plastic surgery can provide an answer to self-love. Indeed, to see beauty in yourself, you need to be able to recognise the person in the mirror, to match your inner sense of worth with your appearance. When it feels like two irreconcilable people, plastic surgery can help bring inner peace through beauty. Many women, for instance, feel inadequate because they can’t meet their beauty standards. Often, concerns such as gravity and age, causing sagging or wrinkles, can leave debilitating self-esteem issues. Take a look at Helen Wood’s before and after surgery images, for example. For someone in her professional situation, beauty is an essential factor of self-worth. But many other women define their self-worth in terms of beauty too. Failing to meet one’s own beauty expectations can lead to social isolation and exclusion. In a sense, beauty through plastic surgery can give someone the confidence to shine and be themselves.

Is there anything wrong with fighting your demons with the best weapon for yourself, whether it is therapy, positive affirmations, plastic surgery, or simply making peace with who you are? Your appearance plays a huge role in your sense of self and your sense of worth. So why deny yourself the right to feel beautiful?