Sunday, March 16, 2008

How To Prepare Yourself For Cosmetic Surgery

I know a lot of people who have spent many years planning and saving up for cosmetic surgery. They have been unhappy with a particular part of their body or face for such a long time and suddenly, just before the operation they have dreamt about is about to happen, they start to feel anxious. They are not having second thoughts, they just feel anxious about the procedure ahead of them.

This really is normal. In fact it is to be expected because nobody faces cosmetic surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, without some level of fear and anxiety. Here are some of my suggestions to help alleviate some of the anxiety before your surgery:

Preparation
Preparation, both mentally and physically, in advance of the surgery is very important and will definitely ease some of your anxiety and make the procedure go a lot smoother. If you don’t take the time to prepare then your anxiety levels will be significantly increased.

How Can You Prepare Yourself Before The Cosmetic Surgery?
Be sure to read all of the information brochures given to you by your surgeon. Reading information like this report shows that you are doing your homework and researching on the procedure and what you can expect and will be a great help to you.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or surgeon questions about the procedure and what you should expect. They really won’t mind answering your questions for you. In fact they would be more surprised and concerned if you didn’t have any questions. Write down the questions that they give so that you can digest the information properly in the comfort of your own home where you can feel relaxed enough to consider and take in what they have told you.

Preparation For After The Surgery

I recommend arranging in well in advance a close friend or relative to pick you up after the surgery and be on hand for the next day or so. This may or may not be your partner but whoever it is, make sure that they are calm, capable and won’t stress your out after the surgery. Only you know who this person will be
A month or so in advance start stocking up on health and low-salt food, healthy snacks, ice packs, extra pillows, glossy magazines and entertaining DVD’s. You will be thankful for these after the surgery.

The Night Before
The night before the surgery is the most stressful. You might get a headache because of the stress, or be irritable. You might not get much sleep that night or in some case have high blood pressure because of pre-op nerves.

To try and combat this, start practising some deep breathing techniques, watch a funny movie or just try to relax by pampering yourself with a long, relaxing soak or massage.

Immediately After the Cosmetic Surgery
It is possible that after all of the excitement and anxiety before the operation, you may feel tired and slightly depressed for a few days or weeks after the operation. This won’t be helped by the fact that every time you look in the mirror you might look like you have done a few rounds in the boxing ring with Mike Tyson. Try to remember that this is just temporary.

The worst period for feeling like this are three days after the operation, especially if you have had general anaesthetic.

However, once the swelling has gone down and you start to see the final results, the euphoria will soon kick in and you will be delighted with the new you.

All of your anxiety will be gone and all of the years you planned and saved for the procedure will be worth it. Your confidence will be rebuilt and you can start living life to the full again.

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