Cosmetic Surgery Tips To Reduce Stress Before Surgery

By Larry H. Lickstein, MD, FACS

Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery

. https://www.elleaestheticarts.com/

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Cosmetic Surgery Tips To Reduce Stress Before Surgery

Making the decision to “go under the knife” can induce anxiety, especially when surgery is elective. Despite the challenges, the promise of improved appearance, confidence, and sense of well being can be a strong motivator, so consider these tips to help minimize stress and simplify recovery.

1. Do your homework Research your procedure and surgeon and even consider multiple consultations. Make certain your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is an effective communicator, a good listener, and is able to provide comforting reassurance. Be comfortable with his entire care team. Check that the surgery facility is accredited, and uses board certified anesthesiologists.

2. Communicate Make certain that your care team listens to your concerns and keeps you informed. Discuss health issues with both your surgeon and internist to optimize your care. Ensure that your doctors communicate with each other. Discuss lines of communication before surgery. Know how to reach your doctor after hours and understand who covers when your doctor is unavailable.

3. Schedule surgery thoughtfully Don’t “squeeze in” surgery at a stressful time, or a time that will not permit comfortable, safe recovery. Make certain that you can take adequate time from work. Arrange child care for peace of mind.

4. Build your support staff Arrange with family and friends to assist you early in your recovery. Determine each person’s role and responsibilities and discuss how they can contribute to your recovery. If necessary, engage support from professional agencies. Make certain that you address transportation needs, not just for surgery, but for follow up visits.

5. Prepare Your Home

• Fill your prescriptions. Consider a stool softener to combat constipation related to pain medications and probiotics if you experience GI distress from antibiotics. Consider throat lozenges and chapstick.
• Load your fridge with foods easy to digest, low in sodium to limit swelling, and high in protein to aid healing. Maintain hydration. Consider food preparation before surgery.
• Prepare recovery spaces in your home with pillows, TV remotes, books, and your computer. Have batteries and chargers, sports bottles for hydration, and a notepad and pen for questions and concerns.
• Set up comfortable sleeping arrangements.
• Prepare comfortable clothing, easy to change into, preferably with pockets for drains. Consider robes and slippers.
• Purchase dressing supplies.
• Buy bathing supplies in case showers and baths are restricted.
• Complete projects mow the lawn, do the dishes, do laundry.

6. Have a strategy to relieve stress Engage your health care team to address concerns, manage problems, and provide reassurance. Consider relaxation techniques and coping methods to ease life’s stresses as your surgery approaches. Read, exercise, listen to music, or catch up on Netflix.

7. Be realistic A challenge, but essential to your success; have realistic expectations for recovery and for the ultimate result.

All surgery is taxing, but thoughtful preparation can make the experience manageable. Consider these tips, and best wishes for an easy and fast recovery.