Having hydrocephalus almost always means you\u2019ve had surgery, and in most cases, it\u2019s been more than one. For many, it\u2019s multiple surgeries over a lifetime. Because treatment for hydrocephalus often involves placing a shunt<\/a> or performing an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV),<\/a> most people have at least one surgical scar, and sometimes several, on their head, neck, chest, stomach, and\/or back. Some fade with time, while others remain as constant reminders of what your body has endured and overcome.<\/p>\n And while people often say, \u201cYou should be proud of your scars; they\u2019re a testament of what you\u2019ve survived,\u201d<\/em> it\u2019s okay if that doesn\u2019t always feel true. Sometimes, scars just make you feel different, and you aren\u2019t alone if you feel that way about your scars.<\/p>\n After a shunt or ETV surgery, it\u2019s completely normal to feel self-conscious. Maybe part of your hair was shaved, or you\u2019ve noticed thin spots or bald areas from multiple surgeries. Maybe your abdominal scar, or a scar on another part of your body, shows when you wear certain shirts, go swimming, or change in a locker room. You might notice people looking, or just feel<\/em> like they\u2019re looking, even if they\u2019re not.<\/p>\n Many people find little ways to feel more confident while they heal. Some people wear scarves, hats, or headbands to cover their incision while it heals or because it helps them feel more confident. Others choose shirts with higher necklines or a looser fit, or simply take time to get used to how their scars look. There\u2019s no right or wrong way to handle it. What matters most is doing what makes you<\/em> feel comfortable.<\/p>\n After the healing, scars can still impact how you feel. This can be in social situations, like dating or meeting new friends, or even feeling confident at work or the gym. Those moments can stir up insecurities. This feeling is more common than you might think.<\/p>\n Feeling self-conscious is one thing, but sometimes, those thoughts can take over. Body dysmorphia<\/strong><\/a> happens when you can\u2019t stop focusing on a part of your body you wish looked different. You might check your reflection often, compare yourself to others, or feel anxious about people noticing your scars.<\/p>\n Body dysmorphia can feel exhausting. You might avoid photos, hide under certain clothes, or fixate on your reflection, unable to look away from the one thing you wish you could change. Even when friends or family tell you they don\u2019t notice, it can be hard to believe them because what you see doesn\u2019t match what they see.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not about caring too much about how you look, it\u2019s about living in a body that\u2019s been through a lot and struggling to see it without judgment. If you recognize yourself in these feelings, you don\u2019t have to handle them alone. Therapists familiar with chronic illness or medical trauma can help you rebuild a more compassionate relationship with your body and begin to quiet that inner critic.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to remember: most people don\u2019t see what you see. What feels obvious to you might be barely noticeable to someone else…or they might not care. But your feelings are real and valid.<\/p>\n People with hydrocephalus often share similar stories:<\/p>\n Hearing others talk about it can make a big difference. You don\u2019t have to love your scars right away\u2014or ever. Acceptance takes time.<\/p>\n Here are a few ways to start feeling more comfortable in your skin:<\/p>\n It\u2019s okay to have days when you wish your scars weren\u2019t there. But they don\u2019t define you. They don\u2019t make you less attractive, less capable, or less worthy of love and respect.<\/p>\n Your scars tell the story of survival; of every surgery, every challenge, and every moment you kept going. They\u2019re part of your story, but not the whole story. Over time, you might find that what once made you self-conscious becomes something you\u2019re quietly proud of: a visible reminder of everything you\u2019ve overcome.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re struggling with body image or self-esteem related to hydrocephalus, you\u2019re not alone. Our Community Networks (online and in person support groups)<\/a><\/strong> are safe spaces to share, connect, and find understanding.<\/p>\n Information you can trust! This article was produced by the Hydrocephalus Association, copyright 2025. <\/em><\/p>\n This article is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. It is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from a medical professional. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition, consult your doctor.<\/em><\/p>\n\r\n
\nWhen You See Yourself Differently<\/h2>\n
\nWhen Body Image Turns Into Body Dysmorphia<\/h2>\n
\nYou\u2019re Not the Only One Who Feels This Way<\/h2>\n
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\nFinding Confidence, Your Way<\/h2>\n
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\nYou Are More Than Your Scars<\/h2>\n
\nResources<\/h2>\n
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