Hello,
I’m presenting at a large political science conference at the end of this month. Should I try to cover my surgery scars? I have 2 very prominent 2 inch and 6 inch scars on my forearm. It’s clear it’s from a medical procedure, but still in the early stages of healing so pretty red.
I have a few professional outfits that I’ve worn before, including a long sleeve blouse. It’s hard to cover them up due to the position and because of nerve pain, I’d be uncomfortable/ in pain. However, I don’t want my scars to either make other people uncomfortable, take away from my presentation, or make me look unprofessional in any way. If I should, I could make it through the day concealing them.
Would appreciate any advice!
Comments
You should only cover them up if you would be more psychologically or physically comfortable with them covered. There’s nothing unprofessional about arms, and anyone who is immature enough to be uncomfortable with your surgery scars doesn’t have an opinion worth caring about.
If it’s painful to cover them, leave them on show. During your presentation you could quickly say something to acknowledge them, maybe make a joke like you were auditioning for Jaws (or whatever resonates with you.) It’s not unprofessional to be recovering from surgery and I’m sure most people won’t even notice.
I wouldn’t worry about it. Medical scars aren’t unprofessional or uncommon. If anyone is uncomfortable, that’s their problem. I like the advice in this thread. Rock your presentation and please don’t worry about concealing them! Have a wonderful time!
Hi! I’m also presenting at a big political science conference at the end of the month! Good luck and you shouldn’t cover them if you don’t want too
If it’s a talk in a large hotel conference room, you probably won’t be terribly visible up there in the gloom at the front of the room. So do whatever will make you feel the most comfortable. But don’t worry about your scars being a distraction or take away from your presentation.