Anticipation can come in many forms, from excitement to anxiety. For patients coming to our Atlanta practice for plastic surgery, the weeks and days leading up to the procedure often stir up the nerves. That’s completely normal. Cosmetic surgery is usually something people have contemplated for months, even years, so patients can expect some nervousness as the big day approaches.
Of course, you don’t want those nerves to get the best of you. Sometimes the wait can be worse than the procedure itself. Trusting your surgeon is a good way to begin calming your nerves. I have nearly 40 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. My partners both have more than 25 years of experience.
There are some other steps to help you prepare for surgery and enjoy this period:
- Talk to someone who had the same procedure you have planned. Often, not knowing what to expect causes nervousness. When you hear someone else describe his or her experience from a patient’s perspective, including step-by-step details, it helps alleviate your anxiety.
- Come to your consultation prepared with questions. Don’t assume anything. If you’re not sure about something, or you want something explained in more detail, ask questions. We’re more than willing to answer anything you can think of. Arm yourself with knowledge so you can fight off those nerves.
- Find a primary contact person at your surgeon’s practice. Sometimes you’ll forget to ask a question during your consultation, or you will want to know something after your procedure. Our staff is very knowledgeable, and it helps to ask directly for a specific person who can provide answers or tips about such things as filling prescriptions prior to surgery.
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