The gossip press has been covering how pop-music legend Madonna amplified an impersonator responding to disparaging plastic surgery comments who told naysayers to “shut up.” The superstar shared the clip with her Instagram followers with the caption, “some really good advice.” Writers have noted that, while Madonna has never confirmed or denied having any plastic surgery, she did respond to speculation in early 2019, saying that she was seeking no one’s approval and that everyone is entitled to make decisions over their bodies. The Beverly Hills Physicians team agrees: everyone, regardless of background or gender, deserves to look and feel their best.

There are many ways for people to achieve the best version of themselves. For some, it might be dyeing their hair blonde and for others, it might be through a facelift. Everyone should be empowered to make the decisions they feel are necessary to allow them to be their most confident selves. The more assured a person is in their skin, the more likely they are to find and meet their personal, social, and career goals.

While plastic surgery can be utilized for purely cosmetic reasons – perhaps to look slimmer or younger – some procedures could be used to improve mental wellbeing. For people going through major life changes, plastic surgery can help ease stress that might come from seeing a version of themselves that doesn’t accurately represent who they feel they are. This includes a mommy makeover for new mothers whose bodies have experienced significant alterations, like stretched skin and sagging breasts, to breast augmentation and face feminization procedures for transgender women.

Individuals interested in getting cosmetic enhancements should be sure to have realistic expectations about their surgery and find a reputable plastic surgeon to perform the procedure for the best results possible. Just as important, regardless of the reasons people choose plastic surgery, it’s a decision that should only be up to them.