Oh, the plastic surgery! It’s a bit like the friend who brings mixed emotions to parties. Some people love to tell stories of nips, tucks and other sexy things. Others? They’d prefer to talk about anything else. Here’s the truth: plastic surgery doesn’t only belong on reality television or in gossip columns. Plastic surgery is a choice that people make, for all kinds of reasons our website. And it’s about time we started a conversation.

First of all, let’s clear up one thing – it’s not about trying to look just like the latest celebrity crush. These reasons are valid, but there is another side. Imagine someone that has had to deal with a number of health issues or accidents. Or maybe they just gave birth to a baby (well done, moms!) They may want to feel confident or more “them” again.

Next, let’s talk about ethics and those annoying standards of beauty. People are sometimes critical of the world of nips & tucks for making people feel less than if their appearance doesn’t meet some airbrushed standard. It’s understandable that when you see your Instagram feed full of perfect faces and bodies defying gravity, it makes you think about a few tweaks. A heart-to-heart conversation with your doctor is important – they can be part cheerleader, and part reality checker.

Technology is a great way to enhance your appearance. This is stuff out of sci-fi films. 3D-printing for implants? Check. Check. You betcha. We’re living in a future where technology gives us greater control over our appearance and healing.

Spider-Man is to be commended for this one. Even though it’s tempting to try and achieve perfection using these new shiny tools, we need to ask ourselves some hard questions. What do we want to achieve with all these changes? Is it happiness or acceptance? Acceptance? A killer selfie?

When it comes to questions, have you ever noticed how everyone becomes an authority when you mention plastic surgery? You’ll find that your neighbor’s aunt’s friend, who had plastic surgery done, knows exactly what you need to do. Advice should be taken with a pinch of salt. This journey is solely yours.

We shouldn’t forget that these procedures aren’t cheap and they’re not always easy. It’s possible that complications can occur; your wallet can feel lighter after the procedure. Saving money and researching the risks are as important as deciding what you want to change if you plan on taking the leap.

Let’s wrap up this chat (see how I did that? It doesn’t matter if you love plastic surgery or hate it. The most important thing is to feel comfortable in your skin, and to make changes for yourself – not just because someone told you that it was a good idea.

Go ahead and live your best possible life. Whether that means undergoing surgery or embracing the lines and wrinkles earned by frowning, laughing and giggling. You should always remember that at the end (or after surgery), whatever decision you make, you want to smile when you see yourself in the reflection. You are confident…and perhaps have a wicked sense of humour. Snapchat filters are always useful!