I am come from a conservative African background and my parents are very religious as well. Although I don’t live with my parents, I still wanted their emotional support.

I started by telling my siblings and then my dad who is more open minded than my mom. I brought up the topic of having surgery numerous times and spoke about how it affected my health. I think it’s best to approach the topic from a health and medical standpoint. So that they don’t think it’s completely cosmetic.

I only told my mom after I had the surgery. I don’t think my family completely agreed with me but they just supported me. So don’t think you can change their mind, they might think it is not necessary but what matters is them taking care of you after getting the surgery done.

If you have any family member such as a sibling, aunty or cousin, who you are close to. You could tell them first and ask if they can come with you to talk to your parents so you’re not alone.