It's normal to feel scared and nervous before TT AND LIPO surgery?

Question

I went to my general doctor and I had some analysis done few weeks ago and everything came out good, just a little anemia and he prescribe some Iron to take twice a day. I'm a healthy woman and have two children (4 &2) I had two C-section and my weight is around 148 pounds and 5'2''. My concern is because I want to have a TT back lipo. I just feel selfish because this is something I just want to do it and its my dream but I just thinking of my children.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Please take comfort in knowing that pre-op nerves and anxiety is exceedingly common, especially as your scheduled surgery gets closer and closer.  While the concerns for patients are variable and can range from anesthesia to scarring to recovery to pain, etc... we as surgeons expect our patients to be anxious before surgery and it is our job to help you navigate through this.  Please consider speaking with your operating surgeon to address your specific concerns.  I wish you the best and I hope you find this helpful.

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes it is completely normal to feel anxious and nervous before your surgery. Our job as surgeons is to try and to make you feel as comfortable as possible and make you feel safe. That´s why it is important   to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure. Good Luck!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Tiffany.     I would say that it would be abnormal NOT to feel some fear and apprehension before surgery. You are experiencing normal emotions prior to your procedure, indicating that you are a good candidate for the surgery because you are not taking it lightly! Best of luck!

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Of course it's normal to be nervous about surgery. Especially elective surgery. It may seem strange but I think a nervous patient is  actually a better patient. A nervous patient will listen to and follow instructions better and has a healthy dose of reality. We Take risks every day in our lives. Flying, driving, and other activities. The risks of surgery are low but remember that you should never feel pressured. From your height and your weight I believe that your goals are realistic.  wanting to feel normal again is more than reasonable. I don't think you should feel guilty about that. Best wishes and good luck with your upcoming surgery.

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

It's completely normal to feel nervous in the days leading up to surgery, and you can always speak with your plastic surgeon beforehand to address any last minute concerns. Before undergoing any surgical procedure, always make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Best of luck,Keith M. Blechman, MDNew York, NY

Best of luck,Keith M. Blechman, MDNew York, NY

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.

For safety reasons, to be a good candidate for the procedures you want at the same time, your labs and cardiovascular preoperative evaluation must be optimal.
Therefore, you must be a healthy person, within an appropriate BMI and no history of diseases that increase the surgical / anesthetic risk degree.
Finally, I recommend you a skilled certified plastic surgeon in body contouring surgery and experienced in cases like yours where the planned operating time is less than five hours.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.   It is very  normal to be nervous before surgery.  If you are having this surgery done in a reputable facility by a board-certified plastic surgeon, then this is a very safe procedure.  One thing I always tell patients is that if you are nervous before surgery, call me and we can speak.  Talking to your surgeon can hopefully help you and may want to do that.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Given the fact that there are always potential risks with surgery there is no reason to feel guilty about being nervous or scared about going into a procedure. You have every right to consult with however many local board certified plastic surgeons to find one with whom you feel the most comfortable and confident about the procedure and final results that you may be able to gain. When it comes to the tummy tuck there is always the potential for several months of total healing, with certain difficulties regarding swelling and scars settling completely to your final results. You should never rush into a procedure until you find a surgeon who you feel will be the most supportive and efficient with your procedure. Consultations are free and helpful to evaluate what will be best for your and your desired results. Take a look at the video here describing some of the different incisions available. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is normal to feel a bit of anxiety before surgery.  Good luck with your surgery moving forward.....

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

It is completely normal to be anxious prior to any kind of surgery. If you weren't anxious, then something would be wrong!  Anesthesia is very safe. It's understandable that, as a mother, you would worry. Express this to your plastic surgeon so your fears can be allayed. For some patients, that worry is about waking up, for others it is pain, and for yet others it is incapacitation.  By sharing this, your doctor can be part of the solution.