You have just decided to undergo a major change. You have booked your surgery and accepted the physical adjustments that your body will undergo. But have you thought about how you will be managing this change?
For some patients, easing into new physical changes comes naturally. For others, it requires a shift in thinking that will help them acclimatise to their new additions or alterations. While this form of mental readjustment is not a blanketed approach for all patients it is a beneficial skill to possess.
My practice continues to utilise change management skills throughout our processes in order to ensure that all patients experience holistic care.
I will, therefore, be unpacking the concept of ‘change management’ and how it can be applied post-surgery.
Assessing the current climate
History has proved several key things. One of which is that change is constant. In fact, it is synonymous with life and its ever-changing state. It is in learning to embrace these persistent shifts that we are able to thrive through transitions. The current COVID19 pandemic proves this.
Countries across the globe have had to drastically change their responses and strategies to this international health crisis. As a result, several travel bans, nationwide shutdowns and stringent health and safety measures have been implemented. All of which have been enacted to counter the spread of this novel virus.
While nations have been forced to acclimatise and adjust, this has also occurred on a micro/ personal level. Individuals are now forced to embrace the inevitability of change. This means adjusting to remote working, self-quarantining, social distancing and maintaining high sanitation levels. We have even seen these changes within the walls of my own practice.
In many ways, this pandemic has motioned us towards a new reality. Shifting both our bodies and lives to cooperate with the concept of change. If we are able to make these changes in the face of adversity, why not employ these same strategies to various parts of our lives? Including how we approach our surgical procedures and their subsequent changes.
What is personal change management?
Personal or individual change management is ultimately a framework that enables individuals to fully understand, accept and adjust to all forms of change. This is particularly true in the case of plastic or cosmetic surgery where significant physical changes will take place.
Why is change management so important post-surgery
Your body has just undergone major physical changes. While these changes were requested and highly desired it can be difficult to adjust to. Walking past the mirror and noticing a slightly readjusted nose or breast augmentation will require some mental and emotional adjustments.
The physical changes may have been complete once patients leave the operating table, but the emotional and mental changes occur during the recovery period. Taking time to unpack the changes that the body has undertaken will allow you to reconnect physiologically. This is also crucial as you now acclimate to parts of your body or face that had previously been criticised and have since been corrected. As a result, an adjusted body-positive practice happens here.
My change management tips
1. Get a sense of what to expect
It is crucial that patients are made aware of the various surgical stages involved with their specific procedure. I encourage all of my patients to raise any questions or concerns with me throughout the entire process. This will allow you to feel more in control over the situation and the changes that are about to ensue. Understanding what to expect will also ensure that both parties acknowledge the outcomes of the procedure upfront.
2. Get back into your routine once it’s safe to do so
This step is crucial. Patients are encouraged to resume their regular daily routines that include varying activities and tasks. This will help stimulate serotonin, improve your overall mood and help you better acclimate to your everyday life with your new physical changes.
Ensure, however, that you do not take on too much too soon. Your body is slowly adjusting. Return to your daily routines but do so with caution and patience.
3. Express your emotions
Ensure that your emotional wellbeing is also catered to post-surgery. It is therefore highly recommended that patients express their emotions, including fears, concerns and excitement during this time. Success lies in taking care of yourself and unpacking your mental state.
4. Set realistic recovery goals
It is human nature to expect things to happen at a rapid pace, but change requires patience and rest. Setting appropriate expectations and outcomes is crucial. Particularly when ensuring patient satisfaction. Realistic expectations and post-surgery recovery processes are therefore clearly outlined between both myself and my patients pre-surgery to minimise dissatisfaction.
In order for these recovery goals to be met, I encourage my patients to set aside time to allow the body and mind to adjust accordingly. Again, patients should remain realistic about the recovery process and the speed at which it will happen. For example: in the case of rhinoplasty, swelling of the nose takes at least 6 to 9 months to completely disappear and to truly appreciate the sculpted nature of the nose tip.
5. Prepare family and friends
Those closest to you play an integral part in your journey towards embracing change. Their valued input, support and encouragement will help see you through this process. Ensure that they are made aware of your intended procedure, its outcome and the support you will need during the recovery stage.
6. Stay healthy
Prioritize your health by opting for healthy coping mechanisms. Patients should, therefore, reduce choices that could potentially derail their recovery process or aggravate the final result of the surgery. This includes stopping all smoking, alcohol consumption and adhering to a healthy diet.
Increasing your daily fruit and vegetable intake and meeting your daily water requirement is vital. These vitamins and minerals will keep your body hydrated and healthy. Failure to do so could stall your recovery process.
Human beings are incredibly resilient. As much as change may ignite a sense of nervousness, we are naturally built to acclimatize and adjust. Ensure that you are supported by a qualified surgical expert that will not only help you achieve your desired look but equip you with the necessary knowledge to mentally adjust to your new change. Tap here to get in contact with me and my team.
