Is it normal to be scared or anxious before getting a mommy makeover? (Photo)

Question

Is it normal to be scared before getting a mommy make over. Im starting to panic and im not sure if i should continue! I am a 31 year old mother of 4 children a 15, 11 , 2, and 1. At times i think to myself what if I don't make it thru surgery... But this has been something Ive been wanting to do since i had my 2 older ones. I set up my appointment for surgery for December 17, 2016

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Congrats on scheduling your mommy makeover! This should be a very exciting time because having this procedure can almost be life changing! I have had many patients who have had this procedure done and are sooooo happy and thankful that they went through with it. Their self confidence skyrockets! It is normal to be nervous before any surgery. Most people are nervous about their anesthesia experience. With anything in life, there are risks. Getting in a car or a plane or even walking down the street has risks...you just have to determine how likely the risks are and if the benefits outweigh the risks in your eyes. If you are undergoing general anesthesia, the risks of something major happening is very low. The risks can be even lower if you are undergoing conscious sedation. Now of course, some of this depends on skill level and experience of all those involved. The most important thing is to make sure you have done your research on your plastic surgeon and see what other patients experiences have been. I agree with Dr Peters below in that once you make your decision and you are comfortable with it, STOP over researching. Patients are much more likely to post and talk about the "bad" results than the "good" ones on the internet. So the more you research the more its probably going to freak you out. You should also speak to your plastic surgeon and let them know your concerns and maybe they will be able to ease some of your fears! Once again congrats and I wish you the best of luck!Ankur Mehta MD

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

It is ABSOLUTELY normal to be scared before undergoing any surgery…especially and elective surgery like a mommy makeover! Surgery is an emotional rollercoaster and if you didn’t have doubts or worries I would think that you were not taking it serious enough! But, do not let it get so bad that you chicken out…thousands of women go through that same surgery every year safely. With you being young and healthy, your risk of not surviving is miniscule (you are more likely to get hit by lightning standing out in a thunderstorm!). Do expect that after surgery you also may feel an emotional let-down when you are starting to feel better, but things are not fully healed and looking good yet. You just have to keep in mind your goals and the endpoint you are working toward.
In the long run all of the ups and downs will fade from your memory and you will be left with an improved figure and more self-confidence. The results are definitely worth it, so stay strong and don’t panic!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Anxiety is very common prior to any surgical procedure for a variety of reasons.  Having your questions answered and feeling confident about your surgeon and surgical plan will ease some of this feeling.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! It's very common to feel nervous leading up to any surgical procedure however, I assure you, the majority of our patients have asked themselves why they've never gone through with it sooner, once they're all healed up. Just know, it's very common, but you will be very happy once it's all said and done. Good luck!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, it is common to be nervous about upcoming surgical procedures.  If you have specific concerns, it might help to alleviate yoru anxiety if you discuss them again with your surgeon.

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Of course it is! There is no 100% guaranty for the result. However, if you have any previous scars, it is very likely that you will make the same type of scar or similar. Caring for your wounds is critical to help achieve better healing and therefore better scars: keeping wounds clean, follow post operative instructions etc, but the choice of suture material, and wound care by your plastic surgeon is also very important. The wounds need to be watched closely for any sign of hypertrophy, infection, poor healing etc.

Lisa J. Peters, MD · Answer

Nearly every patient undergoing surgery has some anxiety, particularly the closer they get to the surgery day.  I consider this a normal, contemplative, and mature response to having surgery, as it is not a frequent occurrence for most people and of course carries some risk.  I find that some patients, however, spend an inordinate amount of time worrying and over-researching the "what-ifs" and in so doing create an excessive amount of anxiety for themselves.  I recommend that all patients consider the procedure they want carefully including the risks and benefits, choose a well-qualified surgeon with whom they feel comfortable and confident, ask questions of their surgeon throughout the consultation and pre-operative process, and make the decision to proceed with surgery with thoughtful consideration.  Once you've done that, stop researching and over thinking your decision and just look forward to achieving your goals!  If at any time during your consideration of surgery you've noted any "red flags" about the process, the surgeon, the facility, or any other aspect of your care, take a step back, postpone your surgery, consider a second opinion, and proceed when you can be confident you're making the right decision for you.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

It is normal to have some degree before surgery. Particularly a mommy makeover. Because you are someone's mommy.  I would advise you to call your plastic surgeon's office. They can provide reassurance about recovery, the record of safety with your doctor and perhaps other things to help calm your nerves. If you have not yet had your pre-operative appt., that may help to clear up some concerns. In my office, the full year of post operative appointments are scheduled. This also helps patients know that they are very much involved with the plastic surgeon and medical professionals in his or her practice long after surgery takes place.

John S. Alspaugh, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very normal to be anxious. A lot of people are counting on you. As long as you have checked that the physician is a board certified Plastic surgeon with a properly trained anesdthesia provider and in a certified Or facility, I would not be personanlly worried if it was a family member of mine.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I assure you that you are not alone.  Many patients feel some nervousness before surgery.  There are some things that you need to keep in mind.  The first and most important one is that your safety is the number one priority of everyone that is involved in your surgery.  That includes an entire team of trained professionals.  So while you are in their care they will be performing multiple interventions "behind the scenes" ensuring that you are safe.  That includes everything from reviewing your medical history, to preparing needed items for surgery, to keeping a sterile field, to monitoring you during and after surgery, and everything in between.  Second thing to remember is this is something that you are doing for yourself.  You deserve this!  The transformation you will experience will not only positively affect you, but you will notice once you feel great about how you look and feel, that positive outlook will transfer to those around you.  Feel confident in your choice.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  You are all on the same team. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!

Is it normal to be scared or anxious before getting a mommy makeover? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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