The singer underwent a life-saving transplant over the summer, after learning she needed a new kidney as a side effect of Lupus, a disease which affects the body’s immune system.

Now, after being asked if she feels “comfortable” with her surgical scars, Gomez admits that– just like so many others who suffer with chronic illnesses – it took her a long time to come to terms with her altered appearance.

“I do [feel comfortable],” she tells Billboard. “I didn’t, but I do now.”

Gomez goes on to explain that “it was really hard in the beginning” to even look at her own reflection, saying: “I remember looking at myself in the mirror completely naked and thinking about all the things that I used to bitch about and just asking, ‘Why?’

“I had someone in my life for a very long time who pointed out all the things that I didn’t feel great about with myself. When I look at my body now, I just see life.”

Of course, there are many options available to Gomez if she wishes to minimise her scar. However, she says that seeing it every day gives her “a sense of gratitude for myself” – and reminds her “how much my body is my own”. As such, she feels more encouraged to focus on herself and make the decisions that are best for her, rather than those around her.

“There are a million things I can do – lasers and creams and all that stuff – but I’m OK with it,” she says. “And by the way, there’s nothing wrong with [plastic surgery]. Cardi B has been my inspiration lately. She’s killing it, and she is proud of everything she has done. So there is absolutely zero judgment on my end.

“I just think for me, it could be my eyes, my round face, my ears, my legs, my scar. I don’t have perfect abs, but I feel like I’m wonderfully made.”

Gomez was recently honoured as the 2017 Woman of the Year for Billboard – and it was none other than Francia Raisa, her good friend and kidney donor, who stepped up on stage to present the musician with her accolade.

“When we first met, we bonded immediately,” said Raisa. “[And] when I first found out I was a match for Selena, I didn’t think twice about it.”

Gomez, similarly, used the moment to pay tribute to her pal, insisting that it is Raisa who should have been honoured as Woman of the Year.

“I feel incredibly lucky,” she said emotionally. “Honestly, I couldn’t be more grateful for the position I’ve been given in my career. I want people to know I respect the platform that I have so deeply, specifically this year, I would like to thank my amazing team and my family because they stuck with me through some really hard times.”

Gomez continued. “I got to do a lot this year, even though I had a couple of other things to do. I’m so grateful for the older women who have lifted all of us up.”

Addressing Raisa directly, the musician added: “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay [her] but maybe I’ll make an epic album next year.”

Images: Rex Features