Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering individuals the opportunity to alter their appearance to align with their aesthetic desires. While the decision to undergo plastic surgery is a personal one, for some individuals it can comes with a side of pre-procedure anxiety. Regardless if it is any surgical procedure, not just cosmetic, the anticipation of an upcoming surgery can trigger stress and nervousness in many. We want to accentuate that it is normal to be anxious and that you are not alone in this feeling. In this blog, we will explore some coping strategies that can be used to help address pre-procedure anxiety.

Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. Understanding the intricacies of your chosen cosmetic procedure like; steps involved, potential outcomes, associated risks, and the recovery process can contribute to alleviating anxiety. All information on available procedures can be found on our website as we believe in providing individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions pre-consultation.

Choose a Qualified Surgeon

Selecting a qualified and accredited surgeon is crucial. Many people are surprised to learn that some doctors performing plastic/cosmetic surgery, have no formal surgical training. The distinction lies in the specialisation and certifications from recognized bodies, such as a fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and membership in the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you are in doubt you can phone the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons to confirm qualifications on +61 2 9437 9200 or utilise the ‘Find a Surgeon’ feature on their website.

Establish Realistic Expectations

Set realistic expectations for the outcome of your procedure. While viewing before and after imagery it’s important to keep in mind that your procedure will be unique to you. A consultation can provide a clearer view of what the procedure might look like on an individual level. Dr Scamp is able to facilitate this through creating personalised treatment plans for all his patients. Consultations also give a more in-depth understanding through the utilisation of tools. For instance the Vectra 3D imaging machine can scan a patient considering undergoing an Augmentation Mammaplasty, providing them with a visualization of what the outcome of the procedure might look like. Through aligning your expectations with what is possible it can help alleviate pre and post-operative anxiety.

Bring a list to your consultation

Putting the time aside to write your goals, concerns and questions could help alleviate anxiety. During your consultation Dr Scamp will address all areas of your procedure such as the risks, where scarring will be present, and after care among other things. However, a well-thought-out list can help patient’s feel more in control and minimises the likelihood of lingering questions. However, if you find yourself with any outstanding questions, don’t hesitate to call us.

Create a Support System

Talking with friends and family about your plastic surgery goals not only provides emotional support but also establishes a practical support system. Informed loved ones can assist in preparing the home for recovery, offer moral support during healing, or even provide transportation to and from the surgery. We encourage any patient to reach out and create a dependable and informed support network as the value cannot be understated.

Seek Professional Support

If pre-procedure anxiety becomes overwhelming, there is always the option to consider seeking professional support. If your situation calls for it, a mental health professional can provide coping strategies and support tailored to your individual needs.

Dr Scamp’s stance

Addressing pre-procedure anxiety is a crucial aspect of the plastic surgery journey. Dr Scamp‘s emphasis on education, transparency, and personalised care plans reflects his unwavering commitment to patient well-being. Through discussing a variety of coping strategies, we hope that one of these will align with your needs and aid in alleviating pre-procedure anxiety. We want to accentuate that we while we understand that every plastic surgery journey is different, pre-procedure anxiety is normal and is nothing to be ashamed of.