Dealing with Preoperative Fears

1. Understanding the Source of Your Fears: The Unknown and Loss of Control

Orthognathic surgery is an operation that is usually recommended at a young age, requires detailed planning and affects the aesthetic appearance of the face. A process with so many variables has an impact on human psychology. feeling of uncertainty and loss of controlinevitable.

Common fears:

- "Will something go wrong during the operation?"

- "Will my face change so much? Will I be unrecognisable?"

- "Will the recovery process be very difficult?"

- "Will I have pain? How will I eat and talk?"

- "How will people receive me?"

The first step in dealing with these fears is to recognise natural is to accept that you are. Knowing that everyone going through this process is going through similar feelings shows that you are not alone.

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2. Knowledge: The Most Powerful Weapon Against Fear

The human mind fears uncertainty. The more information you acquire, the more you internalise the process. This increases your sense of control and reduces fears.

🔍 Try to learn the following clearly:

- Which technique will be used for the operation?

- How long will it take?

- What will be the next stages?

- Which medicines will be used?

- What awaits you at which point?

📌 Recommendation: Write down all your questions in a notebook in advance. Ask these questions in order and take short notes on the way to the examination. This makes you much more mentally prepared.

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3. Approach Social Media and Experience Sharing Carefully

YouTube videos, forums and social media posts can be tempting at first. However, what is written here may sometimes be exaggerated, incomplete or reflect personalised situations. Each patient's facial structure, psychological endurance and healing process are different.

📌 Recommendation: Go for reliable, expert-approved content. Limit the sources you follow. If negative content demoralises you, don't hesitate to take a break.

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4. Share Your Feelings

Instead of suppressing your fears, sharing them can help you to relax. Talking to family, friends or someone who has already had surgery can be very valuable. Do not hesitate to openly express your feelings to your surgeon.

Some patients may think, "My surgeon only knows the technical part, he does not understand my emotional side". However, a reliable physician knows that this process is holistic and wants to listen to you.

Recommendation: Keep a diary. Writing down your feelings before the operation will help you to see that your anxiety decreases over time.

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5. Small Habits for Psychological Preparation

Mental balance also has a positive effect on your physical healing process. The following simple habits can give you strength:

- Deep breathing exercise for 5-10 minutes every morning

- Light walking or yoga

- Listening to relaxing music

- "Result" orientated dreaming (your smile after surgery, breathing comfortably)

- Repeating positive phrases to yourself during the day

Example of positive suggestion:

"This is a process and temporary. I am safe. My body has the power to heal. The result will be good."

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 6. Don't Overestimate, But Don't Underestimate

Orthognathic surgery is a planned operation. Today, digital planning is very safe thanks to advanced surgical techniques and strong anaesthetic protocols. However, instead of underestimating this process meet in a prepared manner much healthier.

Temporary postoperative discomforts (oedema, pain, difficulty speaking, etc.) disappear within a few weeks. What is permanent is the correct closure, a balanced facial profile and high living comfort.

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Conclusion: Courage is Taking a Step Despite Fear

Do not underestimate your fears before surgery, but do not give in to them. Orthognathic surgery significantly improves your quality of life both aesthetically and functionally. Facing your fears, accepting them and being equipped with knowledge will empower you.