You have long wanted to improve your appearance, and you have decided that plastic surgery is the right route for you. The next step isn’t getting the procedure, though: it is mentally preparing.
Getting into the right headspace sets you up for greater success with your procedure and genuine happiness when you view those final results. To help, here are five ways we suggest you mentally prep before your mommy makeover, tummy tuck or other procedure.
1. Arm Yourself With Facts
They say knowledge is power. While this might seem like a trite expression, it is also true. The more you know about your procedure, the better prepared you will be mentally.
Start by talking openly with your surgeon. Ask for all the important details relating to preparation, the surgery itself and recovery. Find out about the potential side effects and risks. Some of these details might sound scary and intimidating, but it’s kind of like walking into a dark room; it’s scary when you don’t know what lies inside, but once you shed light on it, it isn’t so intimidating after all.
2. Form Realistic Expectations
Plastic surgery can make incredible changes in your body, and those can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. But surgery isn’t magic; it has its limits.
Plastic surgery won’t work miracles, though it can still be lifechanging.
Part of mentally preparing for your procedure is forming realistic expectations. But if you aren’t a surgeon yourself, it might be hard to understand what those are. One way you can start building up a realistic picture in your head is to look at before and after photos from your surgeon and online. This will let you find those starting from a place similar to your own and see where they ended up. This helps by both taking away an element of the unknown and getting you into a good headspace for seeing your new look after you recover.
3. Be Honest About Your Motivations
Not just with your surgeon and others, but with yourself. The vast majority of clients want surgery for themselves — to look better, to feel better, to have greater confidence. But sometimes, their motivations are more external. This could be pressure from a significant other, societal pressure or even peer pressure. Satisfaction after plastic surgery relies on internal motivation. Don’t decide on any procedure based on what others will think of you.
4. Gear Up for a Waiting Period
Not the waiting period for the procedure itself, but the waiting period between when the procedure is complete, and when the results are visible. After most plastic surgery procedures, there will be some degree of swelling and bruising, plus stitches that need to heal. Expect to wait at least six weeks to get an idea of how well your surgery went and a full six months before final results are visible.
5. Voice Your Concerns
Being concerned about aspects of surgery and recovery is normal. Don’t keep these to yourself; it won’t insult your surgeon to find out that you have doubts or fears. Ask your surgeon any questions you have and make clear what worries you. Chances are a short discussion will have you feeling better and ready for the big day.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
