A visible difference refers to a physical characteristic, such as a scar, mark, disfigurement, or condition on the face or body that distinguishes an individual from what is conventionally considered to be the societal norm.
[1] These visible differences can arise due to a multitude of factors including but not limited to congenital conditions, accidents, diseases, or surgical procedures.
[3] The term visible difference is a more neutral, encompassing descriptor for any physical characteristic that sets an individual apart from what is generally considered the societal norm.
[5] Disfigurement is a term that has traditionally been used in both legal and medical contexts to refer to physical alterations that are often perceived as impairing the appearance of an individual in a significant way.
[6] Disfigurement generally carries a more negative connotation and often implies a level of severity or permanence to the condition that may result in social, emotional, or functional difficulties for the affected individual.
[19] Importantly, research has indicated that there is not a strong correlation between the visibility or severity of the physical characteristic and the level of psychological distress an individual might experience.
[20] In some cases, individuals with a visible difference may develop body dysmorphic disorder, a mental health condition characterized by obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance.
Factors such as personal resilience, availability of social support, and pre-existing mental health conditions often play a more significant role in determining the level of psychological impact.