There are so many myths that can influence the way people with disfigurements are treated. So it’s important to not make assumptions about disfigurement.

Here are some of the key myths and the facts:

The myth that you cannot lead a successful life with a disfigurement.

This isn’t true. Many people with disfigurements live normal and successful lives, although public attitudes and discrimination can make it extremely hard for them to do so.

The myth that surgery is a magic cure.

Contrary to popular opinion although surgery can reduce the conspicuousness of disfigurement it cannot remove it completely. If you believe the myth of surgery, you may imagine that someone with a disfigurement is going to get “it” fixed as soon as possible – and even expect them to do so – putting unwanted an unrealistic pressure on them. It is important to over-estimate what surgery can do or believe it is always necessary.

The myth that people with disfigurements are not interested in the appearance.

It is myth to assume that appearances don’t matter to people with disfigurements and they are not interested in looking good. People with disfigurements enjoy wearing make-up, jewellery and fashionable clothes to positively enhance their appearance. They know appearances matter – in the first few minutes at least. Initial judgements are made in the first few minutes of a meeting and being well presented can send out a positive message.

The myth of horror

Because media and film often portray villains and evil characters as having some form of disfigurement people can be afraid of people disfigurements and equate them with nastiness.

Disfigurement has no influence whatsoever on moral character.

The myth of learning difficulties

People with disfigurements often report that people talk down to them, speak very slowly or ignore them altogether. This behaviour reflects a belief that disfigurement is a visible manifestation of some form of learning difficulty. It is a false assumption to generally associate disfigurement with learning difficulties.

Find out more facts and figures about disfigurement.