Medical companies, practices, and hospitals take pride in their ability to offer state of the art, new age, patented, and FDA approved technology to address a wide range of medical concerns. No matter now thoroughly proven a concept or meticulously practiced method is, there exists a shadow of doubt associated with the undergoing any procedure. However, the possibility of new body contouring procedures are exciting and empowering, despite the associated risks and uncertainties, and it is imperative that as a patient you keep this fact in mind when facing the fact that there never is any guarantee.
Extremly personal decision
The decision to have cosmetic plastic surgery is extremely personal and the patient must decide if the benefits will achieve his/her goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. As a patient, you will be informed that there is never any guarantee a procedure will go perfectly according to protocol; even the smallest injection of volumizer/filler into the face, a minimally invasive 20-minute procedure with minimal downtime, can go wrong. Acknowledging these risks is a starting point in getting over the fear of “no guarantee” in surgery and sparks a discussion for various care options, questions, and treatment plans with your physician. Do not be afraid to ask questions! The surgeon that is right for you will patiently answer all your questions and guarantee that you leave the consultation room with the confidence that the benefits of your chosen procedure outweigh the risk of “no guarantee”.
Put yourself in a vulnerable position
Accepting the feeling of vulnerability and dependence on others is crucial to becoming comfortable with taking a risk for the sake of a procedure. Obviously, you cannot contribute to the surgery during the surgery, so you must feel secure with the plan that has been offered by your surgeon and office/facility staff. One way to do so is to write down a list of possible risks outlined by your doctor during your consultation, or bring a family member or close friend to do so for you if you would like to listen. You can also ask the office staff to send you scientific literature concerning your procedure or examine clinical trials conducted by medical professionals. For example, to investigate the effectiveness of breast augmentation with silicone versus saline breast implants, studies examining breast implants manufactured by Allergan, Sientra, or Mentor could allay your worries. To achieve your aesthetic goals, you need to put yourself in a vulnerable position, so remember to put yourself into the hands of a surgeon who strives to maintain medical excellence and understands your trepidations about the procedure.
Maintain a positive mindset
Finally, keep your goals in the front of your mind during your surgical journey. Maintain a positive mindset through all the ups and downs. Keep loved ones near you for encouragement and reassurance! You may want to start a journal in either video or written format to keep track of how you are feeling. This form of active reflection is very beneficial in forcing you to analyze the situation, fully understanding what will happen, and finally coming to terms with the risks and consequences that may unfortunately arise from surgery. Being able to see the full picture mapped out in your own words will also help you remain positive and fully enjoy the results afterward!