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.

The Right Cosmetic Surgeon , How?

How To Choose The Right Cosmetic Surgeon And What Questions Should You Ask Him?

Somewhere out there, an excellent, reliable doctor or surgeon is waiting to transform you. The trick is finding them. To do that, you need to ask the right questions, in the right places, and then you can go ahead with much more confidence.

There is never just one specialist doctor for any procedure in the world of cosmetic surgery and treatments. There are almost certainly several, sometimes many, practitioners and surgeons who can give you an equally good result.

The best way to find a great cosmetic surgeon is to ask around. Get references and talk to patients who are happy (or unhappy) with their results. Talk to your own doctor or gynaecologist and, if you have access to other doctors, anaesthetists and theatre nurse, ask them too. They are great sources of information because they work within the profession and see the results almost on a daily basis.

Ask beauty gurus and journalists, and collect information from magazines, newspapers and the Internet.

Before scheduling an initial appointment, request brochures, which describe their practise, experience and special interests. Also check their web sites. Most surgeons will charge a fee for the first visit, so ask in advance or look out for things like this in your research. Try to get a short list of two, or preferably three or more surgeons.

Never go with the first or only cosmetic surgeon you see (at least, when it comes to having an operation. A non-invasive procedure doesn’t carry the same risks). Even if you are excited about the first one you meet, and feel very comfortable and confident with him/her, please go to see the others for information and comparison, even if only to confirm your initial impression. Only then are you qualified to choose wisely.

Remember that you should always feel comfortable with the doctor and with their recommendations for your treatment. They should also counsel you to make sure that you are ready to undergo this treatment and understand all the implications and risks. If you don’t like the person, continue with the interview but wait and have another think: certainly don’t commit unless you are sure. Once you decide, get all the fees and hospital costs in writing.

To help you, here are a list of questions that you should ask every surgeon you have a consultation with:

• Have you had any legal action taken against you as the result of surgery you’ve performed, or is there any case outstanding? (You can check this with the General Medical Council).

• What are your qualifications and training?

• How long have you been practising and where?

• What professional bodies do you belong to?

• How many of these procedures have you performed during the last year?

• Can I see pre and post operative photographs of other patients that you have operated on?

• Exactly what do you recommend for me, and why?

• Where will it be performed?

• What kinds of anaesthesia will I have and who will be administering it? (The qualifications and experience of the anaesthetist are as important as those of the surgeon)

• How long will the procedure take?

• Will I need to stay in hospital overnight and where will that be?

• How many incisions will there be and where exactly will they be placed?

• What is the estimated length of time for recovery? Absence from work and overall healing?

• How long do you expect the results to last?

• What results can I reasonably expect?

Don’t be afraid to ask these questions. Any good cosmetic surgeon will be more than happy to answer them and to put your mind at rest.