I'm really nervous about my upcoming BA surgery. Any tips on staying calm?

Question

Everytime I think about it I get major anxiety. I've been wanting to get a boob job for so long & now that it's around the corner I can't help but feel scared.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Your anxiety about your upcoming breast augmentation surgery is normal. I prescribe pre-op Valium to help this. It might also help to mention your concern to your surgeon. Good luck.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Being nervous or anxious for surgery is certainly common especially if it's your first time going under general anesthesia. Being prepared is a great way to help set your mind at ease. Make sure all your lab work is completed for medical clearance, all prescriptions prescribed by surgeon filled prior, have your ride home arranged, create a comfortable space where you will be recovering, bring loose fitting clothing that will be easy to get on post op, and get plenty of rest the night before.

Suzette Miranda, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Its completely normal to be nervous before surgery but its also important for you to have a solid fund of knowledge for any procedure you are going to have (especially for an elective procedure) and I would encourage you to ask questions so you feel more secure with your decision. 
You should know that more than 10 million women worldwide have breast implants for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes and that approx. 500,000 implants are placed yearly in the US alone. This is one of the most performed aesthetic procedures worldwide. 
You will feel so much better after the surgery and your anxiety should be lessened. Good luck!
Best wishes, 
Dr. Suzette Miranda

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sorry to hear about your anxiety but this completely normal before surgery. Every normal person would have some apprehension before surgery. The good thing is for BA surgery, the vast majority of patients do fine and so will you. If you feel your anxiety is really affecting your life, then you can discuss with your surgeon some medications to help.Best of luck!

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Hello,I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 10 years of experience in Sacramento, California. I have consulted with many women undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Almost any patient undergoing plastic surgery is excited about their results. At the same time, there is a level of anxiety or nervousness which is a very normal feeling. You are having surgery. This is one of the biggest decisions you have made thus far in your life. I encourage patients to continue to educate themselves about their plastic surgery procedure. Many of my patients find reading about the actual implant itself as well as reading about the stories of other women who have used the same implant to be very helpful. Additionally, I would recommend typing in "meditation before surgery" in the search bar of your internet browser (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) and you will find a number of great articles and resources about tips/steps to relax and focus before your big day.The last piece of advice I can give you is to focus on the positive. Continue to look at the results your plastic surgeon provides to their patients. I hope you find these steps helpful and I wish you the best as you approach your surgery day.Sincerely,Jeffrey Sweat, M.D.Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Sacramento, California

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is perfectly normal to be scared and anxious prior to having surgery. Just try to remember why you want this surgery and how excited you are. Talk with your surgeon to help alleviate your concerns. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Heep24mg, 
  
It is normal to feel anxious before any surgery. You can speak with your plastic surgeon about what you are feeling. This way, your plastic surgeon can reassure you. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery w 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Anxiety prior to surgery is very normal; its complete elimination is usually not possible. Assuming you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully, other important "variables" such as anesthesia provider and surgery facility will be selected based on everyone's first priority: safety. This careful selection should give you some peace of mind that you will be safe around the time of surgery. Discuss your specific areas of concerns with your plastic surgeon who will be in the best position to help you calm your nerves. 
I ask my patients to try to be as calm as possible prior to surgery; this “calmness" tends to translate to a smoother postoperative course. You may be able to alleviate some pre operative anxiety with music, exercise, meditation, a glass of wine (if ok with your surgeon), sexual activity (be careful...), and positive/objective focus on the long term outcome/benefits etc. prior to your procedure.
Generally, patients find that they did “get worked up for nothing” after their recovery is completed.
I hope this helps.

R. Stewart Collins, MD · Answer

I understand that thinking about your upcoming surgery can make you feel nervous, that is completely normal! Getting a good night's rest, drinking the recommended daily serving of water, and spending time doing things that you enjoy such a taking a walk or seeing a movie can help keep your mind off of the anxiety you are feeling as your surgery approaches. I highly recommend that you contact your Surgeon's office and share your concerns; it is possible that a prescription for something to help you sleep or to help calm your nerves could offer you some relief from your worries. We wish you the best and invite you to contact our office with questions!

Renee Burke, MD · Answer

Your anxiety regarding surgery is very normal. If someone displays and discussing this type of anxiety we will usually order something to help the patient relax prior to surgery. I think having an open line of communication with your surgeon is the best way to handle pre operative anxiety issues. Good luck to you!

I'm really nervous about my upcoming BA surgery. Any tips on staying calm?

Answers (14)

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