Cosmetic surgery is a big decision to make. You might be ready to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits that come with many different procedures, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be mentally prepared for when the big day arrives. Any surgical procedure can require considerable thought. However, you might be as prepared as you’ll ever be when you’ve taken the following actions:
Be Well Informed
Whether you’re booked in to receive a natural-looking breast implant surgery, a tummy tuck, or another popular procedure, ensure you’re well-informed. Understand what’s involved in your procedure, the risks, and what post-operative care looks like. The more you know about what happens when you enter your surgeon’s office, the more confident you might be to proceed. You might also be much happier with the results.
Fortunately, being well-informed doesn’t have to be a challenging undertaking. When you meet with your preferred cosmetic surgeon for the first time, you can ask as many questions as you need to ensure your complete understanding and alleviate any stress you’re feeling. Your surgeon will also be available to answer any last-minute questions on the day of your surgery in case you have further queries or concerns.
Understand Your ‘Why’
Cosmetic surgery involves permanent change. Once you have a surgical procedure, it can be hard to undo it. With that in mind, being mentally prepared for cosmetic surgery involves understanding why you’ve opted for it in the first place.
Some people choose plastic surgery to improve their self-esteem, especially if there’s something about their appearance they don’t like. This is an excellent reason to consider it. However, if you’re changing your body to please other people, it’s time to reevaluate your decision.
Keep Your Expectations In Check
Well-regarded plastic surgeons are the masters of their craft. They can achieve some incredible things for their clients. However, what your surgeon achieves for you and what you were expecting might be two different things. Keep your expectations in check by asking your surgeon questions about your procedure. They might also show you before and after shots of people they have helped in the past to help you gain insight into their talents.
Along the same lines, question surgeons whose promises seem unrealistic compared to the before and after photos you’ve seen. If your surgeon doesn’t inspire confidence or seems over-confident with what they can achieve, consider consulting with another reputable surgeon.
Look After Yourself
Surgical procedures can take their toll on your body. As a result, being mentally and physically healthy leading up to your surgery can be crucial. In the weeks and months before your appointment date, develop healthy habits that will serve you well for your procedure and future life.
Drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and improve your sleep hygiene. Your chosen surgeon might also recommend quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption to potentially improve surgical outcomes.
Make Time for Healing
When your surgeon shows you before and after photos of surgical procedures, it’s easy to assume that you’ll wake up mildly uncomfortable but can carry on with everyday life. However, depending on the procedure, a great deal of healing can often be involved. Make time for it to give your body a chance to recover properly.
Many people take time off work after undergoing surgery so they don’t have to rush back to the office too early. You might also wait to schedule your procedure until you have fewer life demands. The less you have to worry about on your recovery journey, the more straightforward it might be.
Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
You might trust your surgeon to do right by you, but that doesn’t mean you have to give them complete control to make decisions without consulting you first. If there’s anything you don’t understand about the surgical procedure or are uncomfortable with, voice your concerns or present your surgeon with questions.
When you have the confidence to question decisions made for you, you can better understand what’s in store for you on your healing journey. If anything about your surgeon makes you uncomfortable, you are also within your rights to cancel your appointment and seek cosmetic services elsewhere.
Choose a Reputable Surgeon
Everyone deserves to have peace of mind before a surgical procedure. You might be more mentally ready by making your appointment with a qualified and reputable surgeon.
Research the available options online or ask loved ones for recommendations. Read online reviews, check photo galleries for results pictures, and check their credentials. To be entirely confident in your decision, you can also look for plastic surgeons on the American Board of Plastic Surgery website. When you see their name, you can rest assured they are board-certified.
Being mentally ready for cosmetic surgery won’t happen overnight. However, when you prepare yourself using some of the tips above, you might be entirely confident once the big day arrives.