Read This If You Are Nervous About Plastic Surgery By Joseph M. Brown, MD, FACS on June 13, 2019

Plastic surgery in Tampa has the potential to improve your life exponentially. However, there are many reasons you may hesitate to undergo a procedure. Recovery time, finances, and lack of knowledge can all be intimidating. Try your best not to let anxiety be the reason you opt out of plastic surgery. If you have been thinking about undergoing a procedure to boost your confidence, here are some ways to get rid of nervousness.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

Both the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons agree that finding a plastic surgeon is the most important step you will make. This decision determines the experience you will have and the outcome of your procedure. It is important to make an educated decision at this stage. Surgery is surgery, so even common elective procedures come with at least a bit of nervous energy. The surgeon you choose can make all the difference in how high your anxiety gets.

The first step is to make sure that your surgeon is board-certified and experienced in your procedure. This will alleviate concerns and give you comfort knowing you are in good hands. Do not be shy to ask how many times they have performed the procedure and to see their certifications. Most qualified and experienced doctors can provide you with this information because they have nothing to hide. In fact, most surgeons will proudly show their certifications and awards on their promotional material, such as Tampa Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery.

Second, make sure that your gut agrees with your head. This means that you need to pay attention to your feelings because if the doctor, staff, or facility are making you nervous while just talking about the procedure, that will not get any better during the procedure. Find a doctor that you connect with and feel comfortable with, who has a team and facility that feels right to you.

Finally, make sure that the doctor you choose sees eye to eye with your vision. Look at the surgeon’s portfolio of before and after pictures. Also, discuss what aesthetic style you are hoping to achieve and whether or not the doctor can deliver that. Being open and honest with your potential doctor, and yourself, are the best ways to mitigate stress and anxiety about the procedure.

Educate Yourself

The cliché that knowledge is power came to be because there is truth to that statement. Fear comes from the unknown, so educating yourself is a practical way to lessen that fear. Learn about the procedure, what the process is like before and during the operation, how long it typically takes, and what the recovery process is like. The more you know, the less you have to fear.

Pre-Surgery Tips for Dealing with Anxiety

Once all the preliminary work is done to mitigate nervousness, you may still be feeling some butterflies before the procedure. Here are some tips to deal with that anxiety:
  • Listen to your doctor and their staff before the procedure. Keeping focused and staying busy will help you not focus on anxiety.
  • If there is not much to do except wait, distract yourself with something else. It is maddening to just sit and contemplate what you fear, so watch something on your phone, read a book, listen to music, or do a puzzle if permitted.
  • Breathing exercises and meditation are great ways to calm your body and mind.
  • Bring someone with you who you are comfortable sharing your anxiety with. Talking to them about your fear is a great comforter and will allow you to vent some of those feelings instead of bottling them up.
  • Try essential oils and herbs, if allowed by the doctor, to help calm your nerves. There are a lot of easily accessible holistic medicines that can be used for anxiety.

Plastic Surgery in Tampa

Planning ahead and finding a comfortable environment are the keys to reducing nervousness before surgery. Tampa Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery strive to create an environment where their patients can feel comfortable and informed, which is the ideal setting for anyone deciding on plastic surgery.

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Dr. Joseph Brown

SynergyMD
Plastic Surgery

A board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Joseph M. Brown strives to provide patients with transformative, yet natural results in a safe and comfortable environment. When you choose him as your provider, he will develop a patient-doctor relationship based on honesty, trust, and a clear understanding of a common goal. He is affiliated with organizations such as the:

  • American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
  • Florida Medical Association
  • American Medical Association
  • American College of Surgeons

To get started, request an appointment using our form or call (813) 258-2425.

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