Undertaking any type of serious surgery can be a somewhat anxiety-inducing phenomenon. This is no less true for eyelid surgery, which requires the same intensive steps as other types of surgery to be successfully executed. Fortunately, there are several methods and best practices that can help you prepare for an eyelid surgery and reduce your anxiety surrounding the procedure. Learning about these techniques can significantly improve your pre-surgery experience. If you have an eyelid surgery planned, this article will guide you through overcoming eyelid surgery anxiety and help you have a successful procedure.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery refers to any surgery that modifies the appearance or form of the eyelids for either medical or aesthetic reasons. The medical term for an eyelid surgery is blepharoplasty. There are several subtypes of this surgery that are employed for specific parts of the eyelid.
Overcoming Eyelid Surgery Anxiety
Experiencing anxiety about any surgery is natural. After all, the stakes can be high for most types of invasive surgery. Luckily, there are steps you can take to curb this anxiety.
1. Set the Stage For Your Recovery
One of the best steps that you can take to reduce your anxiety about surgery is to prepare for your recovery period ahead of time. The more seamless and comfortable you can make your transition into this period, the more relaxed you will be both leading up to surgery and afterward.
One example of preparations that can be made before your blepharoplasty is arranging for a friend to drive you home from the clinic after the surgery is completed. Another would be taking some time to arrange your surroundings ahead of time so that they are arranged and accessible in a way that is conducive to exerting minimal energy.
2. Talk With Your Surgeon
You should feel free to express any concerns that you might have with your surgeon prior to your surgery. The more you talk with your doctor about what you are going to experience, the more informed and prepared you will feel about the experience itself.
3. Get Plenty of Rest Beforehand
Sleep is vital to one’s overall mental health and is doubly important when one is preparing for a potentially stressful medical procedure. You should get as much high-quality rest as possible prior to your surgery to ensure your nerves are set before you enter the operating room.
In addition to the increased calm you will feel if you sleep well before your eyelid surgery, there are physiological impacts of sleep that can help your body endure the impact of your surgery. Well-rested people tend to have more robust immune systems than those who have poor sleep.
4. Try Engaging in Mindfulness
There are many different forms of natural wellness and mindfulness that can help a patient feel more physically and mentally relaxed. These are especially useful for someone overcoming eyelid surgery anxiety. Popular mindfulness methods include:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Music therapy
- Essential oils
- Acupuncture
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
It may take some effort to determine which of these methods works for you. You can ask your physician if they have recommendations that they expect would work well for you.
5. Over-the-Counter Medications
There are supplements and over-the-counter medications that can assist with relaxing before your eyelid surgery. One example is melatonin, which can induce a slight feeling of relaxation in some individuals.
Of course, you should speak with your physician about any considering before substances you are considering before you take them. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications may interact with anesthesia in negative ways. Always consult with your doctor regarding your plans in this area.
6. Identify Your Anxiety
Sometimes, identifying the exact source of your anxiety can help you surmount those anxieties. Doing this on your own or through conversation with your physician can help narrow down what is making you anxious and provide the opportunity to address and manage those feelings.
Your Friend for Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Sarah Avila is one of the most highly regarded eyelid surgeons in Southern California. If you want to speak with an eyelid surgery and aesthetic specialist, contact Dr. Avila’s office to set up an appointment.
