Matthew
First of all, congratulations to you. I think you made the right move. You pics look just fine to me and ...in all honesty...I would be proud if I were you.

Just curious... Back when you had a full head of hair, were you self conscious after you got your hair cut, or when you tried a new style? I'm wondering if you are experiencing a similar rooted anxiety, but on a more acute level since now you are wearing a piece.

You mentioned you were in show business. Do you live in L.A? I do. Here in LA you see fake boobs, fake smiles, botoxed faces, implants of all shapes and sizes, stapled stomachs, facelifts etc everywhere you go... even the supermarket and always at the gym.

I betcha a lot of other people in "The Industry" go through different levels of anxiety at first when they make improvements to their appearance. Imagine how guys with new pieces must feel if they are usually hounded by papparazzi when they go out.

Let me ask you this. If your friends are the type of people who would make snide comments or judge you about the decision you've made, then perhaps they aren't really "friends" at all? I'm just throwing that out there to ponder.

As for your concerns about how wearing might affect your chances on the dating scene. here's a possible solution. Only go on dates with those people who've obviously had some type of "work done" already themselves. Then they have no grounds to be critical...and... you kinda have something in common.

If you live here in L.A. and want me to take a look in person, i'd be happy to give you constructive compliments and supportive suggestions. I don't wear yet...so you totally are ahead of me in taking the plunge.

Anyway, CONGRATS BUDDY and hang in there. There's no business like show business.
- Chris