Series: Emotional well-being and plastic surgery. Chapter 6.
Emotional well-being plays an essential role in the surgical process, both before and during the postoperative period. Here are some practical tips for patients who want to take care of their emotional well-being and have a positive experience throughout the process:
Before surgery:
1. Research and choose a suitable surgeon: Research and select a plastic surgeon with experience and reputation in the procedure you wish to have performed. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident with the professional who will perform the surgery.
2. Set realistic expectations: Talk to your surgeon about your goals and expectations for the procedure. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the realistic results and possible limitations of surgery.
3. Talk about your emotions: Don’t be afraid to express your emotions and concerns with the surgeon. Open and honest communication will help build a trusting relationship and address any concerns prior to surgery.
4. Seek emotional support: Share your surgery plans with supportive and understanding friends and family during this period. Social support can be a positive factor in managing emotions prior to surgery.
During the postoperative period:
Follow the medical indications: Comply with all the indications and recommendations of your plastic surgeon for the postoperative period. This includes caring for incisions, taking medications as directed and attending follow-up appointments.
2. Accept the healing process: Recovery takes time and each individual recovers at his or her own pace. Accept that there will be better and worse days during recovery and allow yourself to rest and heal properly. On these pages you will find the approximate healing times for each plastic surgery or aesthetic medicine procedure in our clinic in Mallorca.
Don’t compare yourself to others: Every patient has a unique recovery experience. It is inevitable that the healing process of a rhinoplasty or breast augmentation will differ from person to person, so avoid comparing yourself to other patients and focus on your own progress and well-being.
4. Seek emotional and physical support: Maintain an emotional support network during the postoperative period. Talk to friends and family about your emotions and feelings, and seek support from mental health professionals if you feel it is necessary.
5. Focus your mind on the positive: During the healing process, focus your mind on the positive aspects and long-term benefits of the procedure. This is valid for abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty and facelift. Visualize the end result you expect and keep a positive attitude towards your recovery.
Remember that taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health during the surgical process. By adopting these practical tips, you will be better prepared to face the cosmetic surgery process with a positive mindset and a more rewarding and satisfying experience overall.
Sources:
Cano, S. J., et al. (2013). The BREAST-Q: Further validation in independent clinical samples. “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,” 131(2), 293-302.
2. Clarke, A., et al. (2017). Psychological and quality-of-life outcomes following breast reconstruction surgery: A literature review. “Journal of Aesthetic Nursing,” 6(9), 458-464.
Mundy, L. R., et al. (2017). Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Plastic Surgery: Use and Interpretation in Evidence-Based Medicine. “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,” 139(4), 977e-988e.
4. von Soest, T., et al. (2012). Psychosocial changes following cosmetic surgery: A 5-year follow-up study. “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,” 130(3), 765-772.
5. Pecorari, G., et al. (2019). Psychological outcomes and surgical decisions in oncological patients receiving counseling support: A longitudinal study. “Psycho-Oncology,” 28(2), 381-387.
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