Plastic Surgeons Need Rest Too: A Message to Our Patients

Hello,

This is Dr. J from Cheongdam SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Did you know that the doctor you meet in the consultation room,

the one hidden behind the mask,

carries a heavier burden than you might imagine?

Today, I'd like to talk a little more specifically about the stress plastic surgeons face and our efforts to maintain our health, and also share some tips for relieving stress in your daily life.

A doctor's day, meeting patients, looks like this.

The heavy responsibility of ‘perfection’

We carry your expectations and hopes on our shoulders, performing delicate surgeries stitch by stitch. The pressure that even a small difference in results can significantly impact a patient's life is always with us.

Swimming with the flow of emotions

In the consultation room, we often encounter deep worries and anxieties, sometimes even tears. Genuinely understanding and comforting your emotions requires more energy than you might think.

Unpredictable moments

No matter how thoroughly we prepare, unexpected variables can arise during surgery and recovery. The responsibility and worry in such moments can keep us awake at night.

Never-ending work

Even after surgery, there's a flood of inquiries, record-keeping, and clinic management! For a solo practitioner, all of this rests on one person's shoulders.

Doctors try to maintain their health in these ways.

Doctors, who are responsible for your health, are also ‘people’, and they strive to maintain their own health.

1. Practicing satisfaction with ‘doing my best’

We acknowledge that we cannot control 100% of all outcomes. After doing our best, we try to tell ourselves, ‘You did well.’

2. Setting boundaries

We clearly distinguish between work hours and rest hours. After work, we switch off ‘doctor mode’ and fully focus on time with family or hobbies. We really want to avoid receiving calls about consultations on our days off.

3. Investing in body and mind

Consistent exercise

Jogging, gym workouts, yoga, hiking, etc. We sweat it out to release stress hormones.

True rest

Mindlessly gazing out the window, listening to favorite music, getting enough sleep. ‘Time to do nothing’ is the most precious.

Finding small joys

We cherish small pleasures like a cup of coffee, dinner with family, or a walk with a pet.

Not bearing it alone

We confide in trusted colleagues or friends, or seek professional counseling if needed.

Dear patients, now it's your turn. Let's envision a healthy life together.

Doctors also fight stress and try to take care of their health.

Isn't the same true for your precious lives?

While plastic surgery can be a part of life, true beauty and happiness begin with a healthy body and mind.

🌟 Find your own stress outlet

Even in your busy daily life, focus on yourself for just 10 minutes. A warm cup of tea, a short walk, listening to your favorite song, meditation... anything is good.

🌟 Move your body to dust off your mind

Start with light stretching, taking the stairs, or following a workout video on YouTube. Movement brightens your mood.

🌟 Have realistic expectations

Excessive expectations for surgical results can be a source of stress. Honest consultation with your doctor and setting reasonable goals will increase satisfaction and psychological stability.

🌟 Celebrate small achievements

During the post-surgery recovery process, notice your daily improvements and praise yourself for that progress.

🌟 Asking for help is wisdom

It's okay to lean on those around you when things are tough. Help from family, friends, or professionals is a sign of strength.

Doctors face their own stress on the operating table, and you face yours in daily life.

By understanding each other's efforts and concerns, I hope that when we meet in the consultation room, we can face each other with a little more ease and in healthier states.

This message is from a plastic surgeon who genuinely wishes for your inner health and happiness as much as we support your external transformation.

To all of us who worked hard today, please take care of yourselves a little more!🙏🏻

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