There have always been those, me included, that took a glance when someone looked different and there probably always will be. Staying out of sight won't change that. There will also be those that are very insensitive and unfortunately we can't get rid of them. All of this is just part of what we call human nature. We are told early on that we need to be handsome or beautiful so I think it's normal for all of us to feel inadequate even those of us that didn't have surgery. An entire profession was created just to keep old age at bay.

You had to have a surgery that altered your outward appearance to save your life. Please don't let it alter your inner person. Few people have had to face death and go through what you did to beat it back and for that you should wear a Badge of Courage. Few people know the feelings that you carry now that you more fully appreciate what it means to be alive. Take all the time you need to adjust and talk to professionals if need be but let the feeling of pride shine through and all around you will feel it.