Overcoming Procedure Nerves: Mental and Physical Cosmetic Procedure Preparation Tips

Are you thinking about undergoing one of our many facial procedures? There are many great reasons to do so. 

Before you jump in, however, it’s essential to learn how to prepare yourself for a cosmetic treatment. That includes not only the physical things that you’ll need to do but also mental prep work that will ensure that you’re in the right frame of mind. 

Below, we’ll show you some of our best cosmetic procedure preparation tips. Use these tips as a guide to get the most from your experience.

Mental Cosmetic Procedure Preparation Tips

Preparing yourself mentally ahead of a cosmetic procedure is crucial. The following cosmetic procedure preparation tips will help you manage your expectations, avoid pre-procedure nerves, and enjoy a smooth recovery.

Understand the Results You Can Expect

Managing your expectations is the most crucial way to mentally prepare yourself for a cosmetic procedure. It’s important to understand what your chosen procedure can and cannot do so that you have a realistic idea of the final results. 

Different kinds of cosmetic procedures can produce varying levels of results. Consequently, some patients can end up disappointed when the results aren’t the dramatic change they expect. On the other hand, some patients experience the opposite—surprise at more significant changes when they weren’t expecting such a large change.

Work with your provider to keep your expectations where they should be for the procedure you’ll be undergoing. Ask lots of questions and look at plenty of realistic before-and-after images. Your provider can help you understand the results you can expect from your particular treatment plan.

Combat Nerves With Knowledge

Some pre-procedure nervousness is natural. Most patients will experience at least a degree of anxiety, and it’s essential to recognize that this is normal and that your providers will do their best to make you as comfortable as possible.

You can also help ease nervousness through knowledge. Before your procedure, learn as much as possible about how it works, how you can physically prepare for it, what happens during the procedure, how to care for yourself afterward, and the results you can expect. Empowering yourself with knowledge will help you to understand the risks—which are usually quite minimal—and it will also help you feel more prepared, which will reduce your levels of anxiety.

Be Thorough When Preparing

You wouldn’t want to pack for a vacation half an hour before you leave for the airport—and by that same token, you shouldn’t skimp on preparations ahead of a cosmetic treatment or procedure. Ensuring you’re well-prepared can ease anxiety ahead of the procedure and make for a much more comfortable, restful recovery. 

Here’s what you can do to prepare:

• Make plans in advance for transportation to and from the procedure.
• Stock your freezer and medicine cabinet with ice packs, pain relievers, and anything else your provider recommends for aftercare.
• If you anticipate a more extended recovery period, be prepared to make yourself comfortable. Your favorite PJs and a cozy blanket on the sofa may be just what you need.
• If you’re anticipating more extended periods of downtime, make sure that you have plenty of recovery-friendly activities that you can do. Read a book, binge your favorite show, or plan to engage in non-strenuous hobbies while healing and recovering.

Physical Cosmetic Procedure Preparation Tips

When it comes to physical preparations, remember that different procedures will require slightly different preparations, and each individual is unique. Ask your provider for specifics based on your treatment plan and needs. The tips we’ll provide below are preparations that you can expect ahead of most cosmetic procedures.

Medications to Avoid

Your provider will ask for a complete list of your medications so that they can minimize risks during your treatment. Be sure to ask about any specific medications you may be taking. Common medications and supplements to avoid for a few weeks before and after a cosmetic procedure include aspirin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Take Care With Skincare

You should also consult with your provider about your skincare regimen in the weeks before and after a cosmetic procedure. For example, you may need to discontinue using anything that could be irritating for a couple of weeks before and after the procedure. Your provider may also provide you with recommendations or products that you can use to prepare for the procedure or to ease recovery and maintain results.

Manage Sun Exposure

While minimizing sun exposure or using sunscreen is always a good idea, it’s imperative in the weeks before and after a cosmetic procedure. Too much sun exposure prior to your procedure may make it impossible to perform it, and sun exposure afterward can lead to diminished results.

Limit Strenuous Exercise

After many cosmetic procedures, minimizing exercise is essential so your body can focus on healing. In most cases, this means following the 2-4-6 Rule: You can begin going for non-strenuous walks on flat surfaces after two weeks, resume light cardiovascular exercise at four weeks, and resume regular physical activities at six weeks.

Ask for Help if You Need It

Today’s busy lifestyles mean that not all patients will have someone available to help during an extensive recovery period. If you have someone who can provide extra assistance in the first few days post-surgery, make sure they’re available and understand what to expect. However, if friends or family are unavailable, ask your provider about arranging for a registered nurse or home healthcare provider to come and provide assistance after your procedure.

Navigate Your Cosmetic Procedure Without the Nerves at Vargas Face & Skin

These cosmetic procedure preparation tips will help you prepare both physically and mentally, but don’t forget that your provider can help you, too. Be sure to ask plenty of questions in advance of your procedure and to listen to all advice given so that you can reduce any anxiety and get the best results possible from your treatment.

Ready to learn more about the cosmetic procedures that can benefit you? Contact Vargas Face and Skin for a consultation.