Appearance

Sometimes, looking different can make us feel different to other people. This can make us feel a bit less confident, and we can act in a shy, embarrassed or worried way.

IN THIS SECTION

ON THIS PAGE

What does “looking different” mean?

Feeling different to other peo

On this page, we look at what “looking different” means, why appearance and confidence are connected and what you can do about it.

WHAT DOES “LOOKING DIFFERENT” MEAN?There are lots of things that can affect how you look, for example:

•You were born with something that changes the shape, size, feel or look of your face or body, or how it works.

•You have a birthmark or skin that is not the same colour all over, or it feels and looks different to other parts of your face or body.

You have scars or burns or changes to your face or body from an accident.

•You look different after being ill or having an operation.

Here at Changing Faces, we normally use the term “visible difference”. But different people use different words to describe their appearance, like “unusual”, “different” or “disfigurement”. Sometimes people use the name of the condition they have. You can choose whatever words feel right for you.