Tips to Overcoming Fear of Breast Implant Surgery?

I just turned 40 this year and have wanted Breast implants for 20+ years. I've had 3 children and although I'm 5'5" 110lbs, I've never been happy with my barely B cup size. I can afford the implants, I have the time to do it but my fear of the surgery and the pain have prevented me from doing so. I avoid many types of clothing because of my breasts and it affects my self-esteem. How can I get past my fear and how bad REALLY is breast implant recovery?

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anxiety fear self-esteem

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by afraidofsurgery in Ohio

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Getting past the fear of breast surgery

Dear "afraid of surgery", If you have any close friends who have had this surgery, the best thing is for you to talk to them and get their personal experience with their surgery. The next move would be to meet with a few Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who can explain their techniques, and give you the information that you require to deal with the fears you have about the surgery itself. I would suggest considering choosing the surgeon whom you feel the most comfortable with.... more

Surgery anxiety

If you were not fearful of surgery, you probably would not be normal. Everyone is a bit nervous about surgery. Having a good relationship withyour doctor and his staff will hopefully alleviate some of this anxiety. Certainly if you are unsure to have surgery , then do not undergo it. I always remind patients that they may even feel a bit depressed after surgery. This usually goes away as they start feeling better, and the majority of patients are extremely happy that they had the... more

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Overcoming fear of breast implant surgery

It's normal to have fear and anxiety about breast implant surgery. First, try to identify the exact reason for the fear. Is it pain? Worried about anesthesia? Concerned about how recovery period is like? Worried about the implant? Uncertain about final result? Talk to an experience plastic surgeon will help not only to identify the source of the fear but how to overcome it. Most women are concerned about pain and recovery. Speak to other women who had breast implant will help guide your... more

Easy recovery after breast implants.

Hi! There are 4 things women are afraid of when considering breast implants: 1) Complications of anesthesia. You are young and thin and (presumably) healthy, so any risk from the anesthesia is truly remote. 2) Pain. With gentle surgery, the recovery from breast augmentation is quite easy, and many of our patients go back to work in 3 or 4 days. 3) Are implants harmful? There are many large scientific studies that show that implants are safe and do not cause any diseases. This is... more

Fears prior to surgery

I would advise that you contact women you know who have had the surgery. While it is true that some patients experience more pain than anticipated, most are reasonably surprised and take pain medications to alleviate the discomfort. Many of my patients who have nursed relate the pain after breast enlargement to be similar or identical to the discomfort of their milk "coming in " and their breast engorgment. In any event, do not do the surgery unless you are completely fine with... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Fear of surgery for breast augmentation

Your best bet is to talk with as many woman as possible who have had the procedure done. Realself is a great site for giving you the flavor of what the procedure and recovery is like. You can also get names from your plastic surgeon of patients that he has treated. Ultimately it is you who have to make the leap and need to be comfortable with what you are doing.

Overcoming Fear of Breast Implants

There are 2 things that you should try to help overcome your fears. First of all, find a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with performing your surgery. Then ask him/her to see if some former patients are willing to speak to you about their experience. I think you will find this very helpful. Good Luck!

Overcoming fear of Breast Implant surgery

Dear "Freda", "fear of the surgery and the pain ...How can I get past my fear and how bad REALLY is recovery?" Fear of surgery could be classified as REALISTIC and UNREALISTIC. Realistic, reactive, fear is the uneasiness we all feel whenever we surrender ourselves to someone else and lose total control. The best way to conquer this is to reflect how many people undergo general anesthesia every day in your town/city and of these just how many (in your state of health) die or more

Fear of breast implant surgery

About 80% of my patients say the recovery was much easier than they expected. The pain is well tolerated with a little medication and the surgery is safe in the hands of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with substantial experience and a physician anesthesiologist. Try to get some support people around you, choose a great doctor and staff and go for it!