Why is it that, even today, so many people feel they have to whisper about getting aesthetic treatments?
Why do we hide the fact that we care about our appearance — as if wanting to look and feel our best is something to be ashamed of?
For many, the word “aesthetics” still conjures up images of vanity, insecurity, and superficiality. There’s a lingering, outdated stigma: that if you invest in your appearance, you must be vain. That if you care about how you look, you’re somehow less “authentic.”
As a GP with a background in medical aesthetics, and through my work at Skin by Dr. Y, I see this tension every day. Patients who come in with excitement about their goals, but also with guilt, shame, or fear of being judged. The truth is, taking pride in your appearance isn’t vanity — it’s self-respect. It’s a commitment to caring for yourself, inside and out.
And the role of modern aesthetic medicine is not what many people think it is.
It’s time to rethink the conversation around aesthetics — and to draw a clear line between pride and vanity.
Vanity vs. Pride: Understanding the Difference
Vanity is about seeking external validation — trying to fit into ever-shifting standards of beauty for the approval of others. It can lead to dissatisfaction, chasing perfection that doesn’t exist.
Pride in your appearance, however, is rooted internally. It’s about feeling aligned with how you see yourself. It’s about self-confidence, wellness, and investing in your health and happiness.
Taking pride isn’t about radically changing yourself — it’s about enhancing your natural features to look and feel your best, much like choosing a dress that flatters your figure or a suit that fits just right. It’s an act of self-care and self-respect, not self-obsession.
A Personal Reflection: Misconceptions About Aesthetic Medicine
Amongst colleagues and even within my own family, I have often noticed a subtle shift in how I am perceived — as a doctor who embarked on a career that could easily be seen as pandering to vanity, or worse, preying on people’s insecurities. It’s a judgment that, at first, was difficult to sit with.
But over time, I realised something important: these perceptions come from those who don’t fully understand what cosmetic and aesthetic medicine has become. They see it through an outdated lens — a world where Botox and fillers were the only tools in the kit, often wielded without much thought for natural balance, harmony, or overall health.
While aesthetic medicine has evolved into a field focused on skin health, prevention, and natural enhancement, I recognise not every clinic shares this philosophy; there are still places where the pursuit of exaggerated results overshadows long-term wellbeing. I feel fortunate to have entered aesthetics during a shift toward regenerative and preventative approaches — treatments that work with the body, not against it, and focus on longevity, preservation, and authenticity. This is where my true passion lies: helping people not just look better, but feel confident and empowered by supporting their skin’s health, resilience, and natural ageing journey.
Where Aesthetic Medicine Comes In
At Skin by Doctor Y, my philosophy is simple: enhance natural beauty, honour individuality, and prioritise skin health. Aesthetic treatments should never be about creating a new face or feeding insecurity. They should be about amplifying what’s already there — helping patients feel comfortable, confident, and empowered.
Our role as aesthetic practitioners is not to encourage dissatisfaction, but to offer treatments that are thoughtful, personalised, and aligned with a patient’s wellbeing. Sometimes, the best treatment is no treatment at all — and knowing when to say no is just as important as knowing how to say yes.
Drawing the Line
The difference between pride and vanity often comes down to motivation. Are you seeking to feel more like yourself, or are you chasing an impossible ideal? Are you honouring your body, or trying to erase it?
As practitioners, we have a duty to help patients navigate these questions with honesty and care.
Dr Summya’s Vision
Taking pride in your appearance is not a sign of vanity. It is a celebration of self-care, health, and self-confidence. Aesthetic medicine, practiced with integrity, offers tools to support that journey — helping individuals to look and feel like their best, most authentic selves.
At Skin by Doctor Y, I am proud to be part of this new era of aesthetics — where the focus is not on changing who you are, but on helping you shine even brighter.
