What It’s Really Like To Have Surgery

Posted on December 15, 2021 in Plastic Surgery

When you’re planning to undergo a surgical procedure, whether for medical or aesthetic reasons, you’re likely experiencing a flurry of emotions in the days and weeks leading up to your surgery date. One of the common feelings is nervousness, which is totally understandable.

We share a lot of this with you in your pre-operative appointment and plan for us to help you every step of the way. To help combat the nerves you may be feeling about your upcoming procedure, we’re going to share exactly what it’s like to have surgery, so you’re fully aware of what you’re getting into.

Before Surgery

On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at the surgery center with a loved one about 1-1.5 hours early who will also drive you home after the procedure. You’ll fill out some paperwork and then be sent to the pre-op area. Here, the nurses and assistants will take care of you as you begin the surgical process.

Things that might happen during pre-op for your procedure include:

• Confirming your identity
• Changing into surgical gown and bonnet
• Taking out jewelry and piercings, if any
• Removing contact lenses, if needed
• Asking you about your recent medical history, and if you’ve followed all necessary preparation instructions
• Starting an IV (intravenous) line to administer medications
• Taking your vitals: heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.

During Surgery

The experience immediately before Dr. Ransom begins his procedure will vary based on the type of anesthetic you’re given. For local anesthesia and IV sedation, the area being treated will be numbed and you’ll feel drowsy while being lowered into a less alert form of consciousness.

For general anesthesia, medication may be used prior to wheeling you into the operating room, and once in the operating room, a board-certified anesthesiologist will manage your airway and administer the anesthesia.

After Surgery

Your experience after surgery will be different depending on the type of anesthesia used, but in any case, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where you’ll be monitored for normal vital signs for up to a couple of hours. Once you’re awake, Dr. Ransom will come to talk to you about how the procedure went, as well as remind you about important post-op instructions, which you may or may not remember later on. Our nurses will make sure you’re comfortable, not in pain, and your caregiver will come to meet you to take you home.

If you’ve had general anesthesia, you can expect to feel groggy and have a sore or irritated throat from the intubation.

Feeling Comfortable About Your Chosen Procedure

Dr. Ransom wants to ensure the process for all his patients from scheduling the date of surgery to leaving the operating room is a calm, empowering period, rather than one of nerves and anxiety. To learn more about your specific experience and how you can feel relaxed about the idea of having surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at any time. You can contact us by calling our office during office hours or contacting us online.