Selena Gomez praised by fans for displaying kidney transplant scar on Instagram

Selena Gomez isn’t afraid to show her scars.

The singer and actor posted a photo of herself modelling a swimsuit on Instagram, revealing a scar on her upper thigh which she received after a kidney transplant.

In her post, she describes her past issues with body confidence following her surgery:

When I got my kidney transplant, I remember it being very difficult at first showing my scar. I didn’t want it to be in photos, so I wore things that would cover it up. Now, more than ever, I feel confident in who I am and what I went through...and I’m proud of that.

Gomez had a kidney transplant in 2017 following complications from Lupus. Actor Francia Raísa donated her kidney and the two underwent procedures that lasted over three hours each.

The aftermath of the surgery was potentially fatal for Gomez, as she turned and broke an artery. “They had to take her into emergency surgery and get a vein from her leg and build a new artery to keep my kidney in place,” Raísa explained. “She could have died.”

Fans and celebrities alike praised Gomez for her openness about her scars.

“This is not a scar, this is a fight that you've won!” one fan commented on Instagram. Another simply said, “Your scar is beautiful, be proud.”

Former boxer Oscar De La Hoya also commented: “You are an amazing ambassador for everyone who is afraid to love themselves and deserves to be loved. I’m proud to say that my daughter admires a strong, confident and courageous woman.”

In another comment, 13 Reasons Why star Katherine Langford wrote: “Love you lady, you're a strong one!”

Some also shared stories about their own scars.

“I have a scar in the same place from my cancer surgeries,” one fan wrote. “I love this.

Another commented: “I had a kidney transplant 31 years ago. So I really understand you. You’re making an example for everyone to love themselves as they are.”

Gomez’s post is a much needed reminder that everyone should love their bodies, scars and all.