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How to prepare psychologically for surgery?

You have an operation planned, and your thoughts are busy with how your reflection in the mirror will change. You are beaming with anticipation and sharing your emotions with your loved ones. But gradually, fear can creep up. What if the result is not what you wanted? Or will you wake up during the operation? How to deal with anxiety and keep your head cool? Let's tell you how to mentally prepare for the operation.

Published at

April 3, 2024

How are you feeling? 

Patients with a calm mindset are easier to accept changes, and they are more likely to positively assess their appearance after surgery. But even optimistic patients may be afraid of surgery. And that's okay. Any drastic changes in life are stressful. And even if they lead to the best. For example, winning the lottery. 

Fear is often associated with ignorance. Start with yourself. Why did you decide to have plastic surgery or are you thinking about it? Will the changes make you happier? We have compiled tips that will help you feel confident in your choice. 

Before the operation

Analyze your expectations from the operation

Inflated and unrealistic expectations will only lead to disappointment. Your surgeon should tell you about the future results in advance. If your surgeon makes big promises that seem too good to be true, you may need to find another specialist. 

Explore more information

Find out all the details about the operation before consulting with your doctor, at the reception and after the meeting. When meeting a patient, the specialists of Olympus Clinics talk about contraindications, preparation before plastic surgery, stages of correction, and recovery after. The more knowledge you have, the calmer and more confident you will be able to feel throughout the journey.

Be more optimistic

This is a good way to mentally prepare for surgery. Visualize yourself. Think about how you will look and feel? To stay optimistic, try to be more grateful and attentive. There are mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, or a gratitude diary. These methods will also help you during the rehabilitation period. 

Think about your motives

Is this your desire or is it imposed by others? Formulate for yourself the reasons why you want to have plastic surgery before deciding on it. Thinking about motivation will help you be in a good mood on the day of surgery. 

Don't let anyone pressure you into changing your appearance.

Develop healthy habits

Physical health is closely related to mental health. A few weeks before surgery, start practicing healthy rituals. Go for walks, drink plenty of water, eat more fruits and vegetables, give up alcohol, quit smoking and get enough sleep. In a healthy body - a healthy mind!

What about the surgeon?

Study the surgeon's education. And not only 

Before consulting with a specialist, find out what his work experience and specialization are. Study his portfolio, read patient reviews. You can try writing to patients to find out how a plastic surgeon behaves in business. 

Find a surgeon you trust

Another key to feeling good is trusting a plastic surgeon. When you meet with your potential surgeon, make sure that he really listens to you, understands your worries, can dispel them and does not build illusions. 

Feel free to ask questions. Any questions

Do not go to surgery if you have unanswered questions. Let the doctor know that you need more details if you are in doubt or have little information. The caring specialists of Olympus Clinics will be happy to answer all your questions, even if they seem silly to you. Each of your questions is relevant. 

After the operation

Be patient: the result immediately after the operation is inconclusive

On the day after surgery, you will not look like a completely new person. You may have bruises, swelling, and a tired look. As your body heals, intermediate results can be evaluated. Don't rush to conclusions. There are operations, the final result of which can be seen in a year. For example, nose correction. 

Be prepared for possible ambiguous emotions after plastic surgery

You may feel sad, regretful, and the reasons for the operation may seem meaningless at first after the correction. This is completely normal. Your body and/or face has changed. You need to get used to the new look. Know that these feelings are temporary. If your condition does not return to normal or worsens, share your emotions with your loved ones or talk to a psychologist. 

Physical health should also be normal

Before any plastic surgery, the doctor prescribes a list of tests. The list of analyses depends on the type of correction, but the standard one looks like this: 

  • ​​General Blood Test (OAK): Helps to detect the presence of anemia, inflammatory processes and other changes in the blood.
  • General Urine analysis (OAM): It may indicate the presence of infections, kidney pathologies and other conditions.
  • Coagulogram (blood coagulation analysis): It is needed to assess the risk of bleeding during surgery.
  • Biochemical blood test (BAC): It allows you to evaluate the function of the liver, kidneys, glucose levels, and other indicators.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluates the work of the heart and can detect the presence of arrhythmia or other problems.
  • Chest X-ray: May be required depending on the operation and the patient's state of health.
  • Immunological tests: They can be prescribed to assess the immune system and identify possible allergic reactions.

Asking for help is not a shame

Finally, feel free to ask for support if you need it. Talk to your friends and family. Tell them which support method is right for you. Maybe comforting words will make you feel better. Or it's enough for you to be close to your loved ones. Try to find chat rooms where patients are waiting or have undergone surgery. They can advise you on their methods of overcoming fear and cheer you up. 

How else can you take care of yourself? 

  • Inform your employer about your surgery, arrange to work from home, or take a vacation.

  • Ask your partner or relatives to help you with household chores, rehabilitation, support, and just be there for you. 

To summarize: How do I know that I am ready for changes?

Emotional preparation is an aspect that should be considered before correcting your appearance. It is important to have realistic expectations, do it for yourself, have a positive mental state, be in excellent physical shape, have a reasonable idea of recovery time and be ready to follow the doctor's recommendations. 

Olympus Clinic doctors are distinguished by empathy and careful attitude towards patients. Even at the consultation stage, they assess the emotional state of the patient. They ask you what result you want to get, and tell you how it will look, taking into account your anatomy of the face or body. When our doctors realize that the patient has high expectations or has contraindications to plastic surgery, they may refuse. It is important for them to build a trusting relationship with the patient and work with him in a team. This allows you to speak the same language and understand each other.

Schedule a visit to the clinic

You can schedule a visit to any of the clinics. Choose the time when it will be convenient for you to receive a return call to confirm the appointment.

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