The fact is that you are not completely helpless in this situation; there are things you can do to prepare for a future treatment.

The prospect of undergoing surgery might be frightening. While you’re unconscious, someone is cutting into your body, more or less, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it—the it’s pinnacle of helplessness, really. For some, none of this is a significant issue. Surgery can be extremely frightening for some people, particularly first-time patients. Some pointers on how to prepare for the big day are provided below.

Before undergoing surgery, discuss your options with your physician.
Discuss everything with your doctor, and I mean that. Check their qualifications, how many operations similar to yours they’ve completed, where they went to school, how long they’ve been doing this—anything you need to know to make yourself feel more comfortable with their services. Their goal is to look after you and put your health first, which means that they must not only perform the physical aspects of their job effectively, but they must also consider your emotional well-being. The ability to answer questions in order to reduce your worry is a significant part of what they are there to do, so don’t be shy about asking.

You should also inquire about your anesthesiologist, and make every effort to meet with them or with a doctor who is familiar with the members of your anesthetic care team prior to your procedure. If someone says something that you don’t understand, you should ask them to explain it more. There are various types of anesthesia, such as local, regional, and general anaesthetic, among others. Local anaesthetic numbs a specific portion of your body, regional anesthesia numbs a broader section of your body, and general anesthesia puts you into a state of unconsciousness in which you will not feel or be aware of anything during the procedure. You should always seek clarification when you are unsure of a distinction—or the definition of anything else.

Make sure you’re prepared.
Even if it’s fun to question the members of your care team about their unique qualifications, the real question is: are you prepared for surgery? Your doctors have spent years studying and preparing for your big day—but there are a few things you can do to help as well.

First and foremost, give up smoking. Make a start as soon as you can. If you know you’ll be having surgery months in advance, quit as soon as possible or ask your health-care provider how far in advance they want you to quit. If your operation is scheduled at the last minute, you may not have much time to prepare, but within the brief window of time you do have before going under the knife, refrain from smoking. Because smoking might raise the risk of anesthesia-related complications, some surgeons, particularly those who specialize in cosmetic treatments, will refuse to perform a surgery if you test positive for nicotine on the day of the procedure.
According to Annie, a registered nurse with nine years of experience who declined to give her last name for professional reasons, “generally having a list of your medications and allergies, [and] knowing what (if any) medications may need to be changed following the surgery” are important precautions. Inform your doctor of the medications you are taking, and inquire as to whether any of them should be temporarily discontinued. Find out when you can resume any medications that may have been temporarily suspended, and request a list of any medications that may be prescribed to aid in your recovery.

Another couple of minor elements that you might overlook, but which we took into consideration for you are as follows: Because metal body jewelry should not be worn during surgery, consult with your doctor to see whether wearing plastic retainer jewelry is acceptable or whether you need fully remove your adornments before the procedure.
Clothing that is loose-fitting is recommended, especially if you will be departing the same day, and a small recovery bag is recommended. Keep a phone charger and a comfort item in your bag, such as a favorite blanket or something special given to you by someone you care about, nearby. Inquire with your doctor about if you can bring slippers or a bathrobe from home to help you feel more comfortable while you are recovering from your treatment.

Final step: Educate yourself, but make certain that the information you receive is correct. Annie stressed the importance of media literacy in this situation: “Trust.org or.gov websites, but stay away from Google, and understand that everyone will have a different experience.” More than anything, she encourages that you speak with your care team in order to obtain the answers you seek rather than relying on forums or Google for all you require. And pay attention to what they have to say. When they tell you to cease eating and drinking at a certain hour the night before the surgery, you should follow their instructions. You should have someone ready to pick you up after the procedure if they say someone has to be on site to pick you up after the treatment or if you are not allowed to go. Make all of your preparations ahead of time so that you aren’t trapped thinking about it or scrambling when you’re trying to recover.
Prepare for everything several weeks in advance.
Create a strategy for your recovery that is as detailed as possible. Being prepared for the procedure itself, as well as for what follows thereafter, will make the process lot less daunting and less stressful. It is possible that you will require assistance getting home, especially if you were under general anesthesia, and that you will require assistance staying with you for a period of time. Organize a care team, which may include family members or home health aides. Prepare in advance by going over everything you’ll need for recovery with them.

In the words of Dr. Alex Sobel, a triple board certified cosmetic surgeon in Bellevue, Washington: “Patients should have a clear knowledge of what their first week after surgery will likely look like and plan appropriately.” “This planning involves determining who will be responsible for caring for them during their first 24 hours following surgery (which is the most essential period for recovering after surgery), as well as who will transport them to and from their postoperative visits.”
Sobel also pointed out that if you’re expecting postoperative drainage, you’ll need someone to assist you, and you’ll even need to plan out a sleeping position ahead of time to ensure that the region of your surgery isn’t disturbed while you’re sleeping. In addition, he recommended that you pre-fill your prescriptions at your pharmacy and pick up any other helpful over-the-counter remedies that you might require ahead of time.

Don’t get yourself worked up about it.

Whether you’re already stressed out about your health or you’re just afraid about the operation itself, resist the temptation to add to your stress by reading horror stories online or staying up all night worrying about the possible outcomes.

Also, don’t get too worked up about the type of operation you’re having performed. If a cosmetic procedure or one to correct your vision isn’t as important to you as, say, open heart surgery, you’re wrong. If it’s important to you, it’s important.
According to Dr. Mo Banki, a Rhode Island-based surgeon, “with elective surgery, one has the luxury of being able to plan the therapy and only after a sufficient examination of possibilities and alternatives continue with the operation.” “Elective procedures, while not always necessary for a patient’s health and well-being, are nonetheless important.”

It’s true that you have more time to plan, but it also means that you have more time to doubt yourself or panic. Please don’t do it. Assume responsibility for your surgery, prepare as well as you can, and schedule some time to rest and recuperate afterward.