Overcoming Fear: Common Rhinoplasty Surgery Fears

Many people are scared of going under the knife because of the risks of complications or because of extreme phobia—and sadly, these fears prevent them from undergoing surgery or even going to the hospital for routine medical treatment. If you need rhinoplasty for medical reasons but are scared of undergoing the procedure, you are not alone—and you can certainly talk to your surgeon about them. He or she should be happy to explain the risks of this type of surgery and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Anxiety about rhinoplasty surgery (and most surgeries) usually stem from fear of hospitals in general, fear of injections and scalpels, and fear of going under anaesthesia. While some people have phobias because of traumatic experiences, others don’t—they simply fear possible complications such as bleeding, scars, infection, and permanent numbness.

Do you need to undergo rhinoplasty because of breathing problems, snoring, or a damaged nose structure caused by an accident or injury? In order to get over your fear, you must first find a surgeon that you can trust. It’s best to have your surgery done locally—in the UK—and not abroad. This way, you can research more about your prospective surgeons, double checking their credentials if necessary. This can be hard to do if you choose to go the medical tourism route.

Look for a licensed, qualified plastic surgeon who understands your fear and will calm you down by answering all the questions you have in mind—no matter how silly they might be. You want a surgeon that makes you feel at ease and can explain the procedure to you in a language that you understand. Understanding exactly what goes on during rhinoplasty surgery can give you a sense of control and help put you at ease.

It also makes sense to read up on the pre-op and post-op instructions in order to recover fuller and faster and to prevent unwanted complications. Post-surgery instructions include sleeping with your head elevated for the first few weeks and not wearing glasses for six weeks following the surgery. You might also need to avoid direct contact with the sun (or use high-quality sunscreen if necessary) and stay away from strenuous activities such as contact sports. Your surgeon can provide you with information on what to expect after your surgery and how to help your body recover faster.