Because alignment of your physical and mental self is very gratifying. Ask trans folks. The problem, I think, is chasing an unattainable self image and trying to fix what’s inside by changing what’s outside.

Personally, I find the idea of changing my appearance surgically for beauty standards rather distasteful, but I am a person who has always been pretty confident and comfortable with who I am. Cosmetic surgery as you describe it in general strikes me as vain and bougie, and ultimately just makes everyone look the same, which I feel strongly about. Don’t get me started on these face filters.

All that said, I have tattoos and whatnot that others might find distasteful but they make me feel more like who I really am and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I support (and engage in) all sorts of gender-affirming behaviors meant to change my appearance though, so maybe I’m a hypocrite?

I once met a man who had functionally turned himself into a cat, via surgery. Screw in whiskers, lip bifurcation and cheek implants, everything. He was a nice guy, very kind and surprisingly shy given how much he worked to stand out. That’s how he was most comfortable and I respect that. I liked him a lot better than the gaggle of rich blonde moms who all had the exact same faces that I see at the mall or whatever.

Everybody should look the way they want to look. I guess maybe make sure you keep up the insides too, lest you mistake a lake of spirit for a lack of beauty.