Plastic surgery can brings about many positive psychological effects on people. Improvements in physical appearance increases people’s confidence and self-esteem. Most people are attracted to cosmetic surgery procedures for these reasons.
But for some patients, the results of aesthetic cosmetic surgery can be quite overwhelming. This is especially true for the healing process after procedures that visibly change the patient’s figure, such as liposuction or breast augmentations.
Sometimes these big changes in appearance may bring negative psychological effects, like depression and adjustment difficulties. During the healing process, this can sometimes last for weeks. Patients may become more stressed out wondering if they have made the right choice, what other people might think about them after the cosmetic improvement, and whether it has been done properly.
The celebrity culture leads to disappointment for some patients. While patients commonly request a certain feature inspired by someone famous, they may have unrealistic expectations patients can become dissatisfied with the final result.
So how do we, as doctors who hold responsibilities, and you, as a patient who needs to understand the procedures, emotionally prepare for plastic surgery?
The first thing we do is encourage patients to educate themselves. We want you to learn as much as they can about plastic surgery, about the procedure you’re undergoing, about the risks the procedure holds, and about the recovery. The best thing you can do is to openly discuss the procedure and any questions they have with their expert surgeon.
Prepare for the recovery needed after the surgery. Find people who will be a phone call away to help you when you need it. Stock up on healthy food – proper diet can improve your well-being. Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol by all means.