Plastic surgery is not only a physical journey, but it is also a mental and emotional journey. Many articles online describe different steps you can do to make your body ready for undergoing an operation. However, there are not many sources that detail ways you can mentally prepare yourself before any plastic surgery.
While some people undergo plastic surgery for health reasons, many cases undergo such procedures to feel better about their looks. They say that beauty is “inside out,” but sometimes how we look outside affects how we feel on the inside. Creating physical changes can do wonders for our confidence.
It is advisable to take time to mentally before undergoing plastic surgery. You need to approach your treatment not only with a strong body but with a strong mindset as well.
Tips to Mentally Prepare Before Plastic Surgery
Here are some tips to ensure peace of mind before, during, and after your surgery.
1. Know All the Facts
To mentally prepare yourself before plastic surgery, know everything you need to know about your surgery. It involves being completely aware of every aspect from preparation, procedure proper, and recovery.
If you have breast augmentation, learning about the technique or anesthetic protocol used in your surgery can help ease your mind. Also, knowing the right supportive undergarments during recovery gives you comfort both physically and mentally.
The more you know about the process you’re going under, the more confident and relaxed you are throughout.
2. Have Realistic Expectations
Most of us want to undergo plastic surgery to fix something that we may not be happy about with our appearance. However, this sometimes leads other people to have unrealistic expectations for their operation. Remember that plastic surgery still has some limitations in what it can and can’t do. Setting too high of expectations can lead to greater disappointment once you see the results.
When researching your surgery, do not only focus on the positive sides of the treatment. Also, be aware of the possible risks that come with the operation. This way, you form a more realistic picture of what may happen during the procedure and recovery period. Furthermore, if your surgeon promises you results that seem to be good to be true, it may be your cue to find another surgeon.
3. Find a Trustworthy Surgeon
Plastic surgery is not a one-person process. As you are putting your body in their hands, it is essential to choose a surgeon that you can fully trust. When finding the right surgeon, make sure they are a skilled, experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. You can also visit their clinic to ensure they have the proper licensure and sanitation process to perform your procedure.
To test out your rapport with your surgeon, you can pay them a visit for a consultation. Here, you can see how they can effectively communicate with you throughout the process. A good surgeon listens to their patient’s needs and concerns and clearly addresses solutions to them. More importantly, find someone who will be honest with you, helping you set realistic expectations.
4. Remember to Speak Up
If you want to mentally prepare yourself before plastic surgery, you need to go into your operation without any doubts. During your consultations with your surgeons, make sure any questions you have regarding your operation are answered clearly. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Even if you have done your research, it is still best to hear your surgeon’s thoughts on certain aspects of your surgery. Once your doubts are clarified, the more comfortable you are going through the whole process.
5. Evaluate Your Reasons
As mentioned earlier, we have different reasons for wanting to undergo plastic surgery. Some may do it due to health reasons, while some might be for aesthetic improvement. There is nothing wrong with either, as long as you are doing it to satisfy yourself. Remember that plastic surgery creates permanent changes to your body. Before committing to the process, evaluate the reasons why you want to have plastic surgery. If you go in half-heartedly, the difference can bring you more distress rather than satisfaction.
6. Expect Post-Surgery “Blues”
As we have established, plastic surgery brings change both inside and out. It takes time for us to get used to these new changes. Most people who have undergone any plastic surgery procedures feel depressed, regretful, or unmotivated for about a week post-surgery. Do not worry as this is normal. Your body experienced trauma, and these negative feelings are the body’s way to keep you still and quiet during recovery. They are temporary, though if depression doesn’t lift, you may opt to consult with a professional.
7. Be Patient for Final Results
To mentally prepare yourself before plastic surgery, learn to enjoy the results of delayed gratification. Remember that these changes in your body don’t happen overnight. While there are usually some noticeable changes, most plastic surgery results take time to settle. You may be bruised, swollen, and bandaged during the earlier parts of recovery. Remind yourself that it is part of the process. It takes several months for the breast implants to settle into place for an operation like breast augmentation. Patience is a virtue, and it rings especially true for plastic surgery.
8. Practice Healthy Habits
We have established the connection between mind and body throughout your journey. Establishing a healthy body also helps to improve your mental health.
Start practicing healthy habits at least three weeks before your surgery. Drink more water, consume more fruits and vegetables, and add more physical activities to your daily routine. Also, eliminate vices such as drinking alcohol and smoking, and make sure to get plenty of sleep. Doing these things not only prepares your body for an invasive operation, but it also eliminates anything that can cause you stress.
Of course, these healthy habits shouldn’t stop after surgery. Continue to do them to give you a clear headspace during recovery.
Those are some tips that can help you mentally prepare before plastic surgery. You can adjust these tips depending on your current situation. With that said, anything that can ease your mind during the process can help, as long as you do not harm your body. The balance of a healthy mind and body can contribute to greater satisfaction with your operation.
Again, being informed leads us to create smart body choices. Being equipped with everything you need to know about your surgery helps to ease your mind. To learn more about plastic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation, you can visit the Korea Breast Surgery website.
Remember that the best transformative journey not only changes how you look on the outside but also improves how you feel on the inside. Follow these following steps to ensure a stress-free process in achieving the body you’ve always wanted.