Don’t Fear Your Surgery

A recent study conducted by RealSelf.com and released by the New York Daily News revealed that a significant majority of women consider some part of their body unattractive or a “problem area.” About 85 percent of women in the 55-64 age range and more than 90 percent of women in the 18-24 age range wish they could change some part of themselves. What’s surprising about this study, however, isn’t the number of people who are unhappy with their bodies; it’s the number of people who have actually tried to make improvements. Even though the majority of women want to make changes, only about 43 percent of them are actively seeking out methods of doing so.

There are a number of reasons why women aren’t getting plastic surgery when they want to, but really, it all boils down to fear. Fear of complications, fear of pain, fear of coming out worse than before, even fear of death are preventing women from trying to look and feel their very best.

Surgery is always a scary thing, whether it is medically or cosmetically related. You can help yourself be less afraid, though, by learning as much about your surgery as possible, choosing a skilled surgeon, and following your pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions carefully.

Knowledge Is Power

When you have a better understanding of something, it becomes less mysterious and subsequently less terrifying. It’s the same with plastic surgery and, thanks to the internet, there is a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. You can find out details for each step in the surgery, learn about different advancements, and explore your surgery options, all without even visiting a doctor’s office. Of course, you should be mindful about where you are getting your information and verify everything you learn with your surgeon when you have a patient consultation.

Invest in a Great Surgeon

Complications, bad results, and even death are all certainly possibilities in any surgery, but those possibilities are significantly reduced by choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon. To be a certified plastic surgeon, a doctor has to go through a rigorous training and examination program that involves years of education and field experience following by an in-depth evaluation by the top surgeons in the country. Not everyone can make it to that level; surgeons have to work extremely hard for that endorsement. It may be tempting to opt for a less expensive surgeon for your procedure, but that will only increase your risk of problems.

You can also research your surgeon to learn more about them and see how former patients enjoyed their experiences. There are several websites dedicated to reviewing plastic surgeons and their procedures, reviews that are done by real patients with real results. If you find a surgeon with a history of producing positive results and a fantastic overall experience, you know that you’re more likely to have the same.

Following Directions

Pain and discomfort are a part of surgery, much like they are a part of life. The amount of pain and discomfort you’ll feel depends a lot on the type of surgery you get; a more invasive procedure will probably be more painful than one that is less invasive. Every patient also reacts to surgery differently; some have a more difficult time and a harder recovery than others who undergo the exact same procedure. The truth is that pain and discomfort are almost a guarantee when it comes to plastic surgery. The good news, however, is that you can cope with it by following your surgeon’s pre- and post-surgery instructions.

These instructions will include ways to prepare yourself and your home for surgery, like setting up a comfortable area for you to rest and stocking up on supplies for your home. It’s also likely to include pain medication prescriptions to help you deal with the worst of the pain in the days immediately following your surgery. Each surgery and each doctor has a slightly different set of instructions, but you should follow them to the letter. This will not only help you get through the toughest parts of your recovery, but it will also reduce your risk of complications before and after surgery.

Above all, if you are afraid of something involving your surgery, don’t be afraid to address it with your surgeon. They want you to be happy and excited about your surgery so you can be even more excited about the results. They are there to help you get through the process from the day of your consultation to your last day of recovery. If something makes you scared, worried, or uncomfortable, say so! Part of their job is addressing these concerns.

Weniger Plastic Surgery

If you are considering plastic surgery and are interested in finding out more about Frederick G. Weniger, M.D., F.A.C.S. and the procedures he offers, call (843) 757-0123 to schedule a consultation.