It’s perfectly natural to feel apprehensive and anxious ahead of a surgical procedure. However, preparing yourself both mentally and physically can go a long way in helping to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with surgery and also helps to lead to a better recovery. Here are a few tipson how to prepare for surgery mentally.

How to Prepare for Surgery Mentally 

Don’t know how to prepare for surgery mentally? You should make sure you have the right doctor for you whether it’s a medical, cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure, do your due diligence before surgery day and more. 

1. Make Sure You Have the Right Doctor for You

The surgeon you choose should be based on more than just your health condition. You want a doctor who makes you feel most comfortable, prepared and supported. Your doctor should be able to make you feel satisfied that the recommended procedure is right for you. The doctor should also help you understand the benefits of surgery, any alternatives and what your recovery time looks like. Never shy away from seeking clarification, asking questions and speaking up. The objective is to prepare yourself for optimal results.

2. Do Your Due Diligence

After surgery has been recommended, spare some time before your next appointment to arm yourself with information about your procedure as well as any other alternatives worth considering. Today, there are plenty of online forums and websites with useful information on medical procedures.

Here are some important topics to cover with your doctor:

• Concerns you may be having
• The type of procedure, risks, benefits and alternatives
• The doctor’s experience with the specific procedure
• Recovery, including the timeline

Doing your research beforehand and getting to your appointment prepared ensures you use the time with your doctor effectively and get answers to any questions or concerns.

3. It Never Hurts to Get A Second Opinion

It’s always advisable to get a second opinion when your surgery is not an emergency. Speaking with another doctor will give you the assurance you need to help you determine if you should think about alternatives. Be sure to confirm whether your health plan covers or requires a second opinion.

4. Preparing for Surgery

Once you’ve determined the right surgeon and confirmed that you’re going ahead with the procedure, it’s now time to prepare for the actual surgery. Confirm with your health plan or doctor to determine whether they offer any interactive medical information as part of your pre-authorization process and what foods you should eat beforehand. Some support groups, for example, will walk you through the procedure with others who have had the same type of surgery. 

In addition, do something that helps you relax and keep your mind at ease. Walk the dog, practice yoga, paint, etc. You can incorporate these techniques into the recovery process, before the surgeon approves the process to help you feel better more quickly.

5. Prepare for Recovery

Regardless of the type of surgery, there will definitely be a postoperative recovery period. You can start preparing for the recovery before undergoing the procedure. Make sure you have everything ready for the recovery and visualize yourself recovering to help put your mind at ease and get you ready for the procedure itself.

Bottom Line

Knowing how to prepare for surgery mentally is serious business. Take advantage of the resources, including your plastic surgeon, at your disposal to help you make the right decision and go into any procedure with confidence, emotionally and mentally prepared. By doing so, you’ll be able to prepare yourself for a speedy recovery.