Nerves And Surgery: Why Being Nervous Is Normal—And Even Helpful

B. Aviva Preminger, MD, MPH, FACS

Thinking about plastic surgery but feeling butterflies in your stomach about it?

It is perfectly natural to feel nervous before surgery. In fact, many patients tell me that the anticipation of the procedure is the hardest part. In the quiet hours leading up to surgery, it is common to feel a flutter in the stomach, restless thoughts at night, or even moments of second-guessing. But here’s something important to remember: nerves are not a weakness. They are part of being human, and in the right context, they can actually be constructive.

Anxiety before surgery often reflects the seriousness with which patients are approaching the experience. After all, surgery is not like getting a haircut—it is a meaningful, sometimes life-changing decision. That weight carries responsibility, and nerves are often a sign of respect for the process. Feeling anxious helps patients prepare, pay attention, and take the journey seriously.

In fact, I sometimes remind patients that I would be more worried if they felt nothing at all. Nerves signal that they are invested in their health and aware of the importance of what lies ahead. That level of mindfulness, while uncomfortable, often motivates patients to follow instructions carefully and to create the right environment for their recovery.

One of the most effective antidotes to fear is knowledge. Open communication with your physician can make a tremendous difference. By asking questions, expressing concerns, and learning about what to expect, patients often feel a sense of reassurance. Education transforms uncertainty into understanding and understanding reduces fear.

I always encourage my patients to bring up even the smallest worry—no question is too trivial when it comes to peace of mind. Often, the things that keep patients awake at night are not the big surgical details, but the little unknowns: What will I feel when I wake up? Will I remember anything from the operating room? How soon can I hug my children? The answers to these questions help put the mind at ease and make the experience more manageable.

Sometimes, the simple act of walking through the process step by step is calming. Patients usually meet the anesthesiologist, nurses, and surgical team before their procedure. They see that they are not alone but surrounded by professionals who are trained to keep them safe and comfortable. Knowing what recovery will look like—whether that means taking a week off work, arranging childcare, or stocking the freezer with easy meals—gives patients a sense of control and readiness.

Of course, sometimes reassurance and preparation are not enough. Despite thorough discussions and education, some patients still feel overwhelmed by their anxiety. In those cases, we may prescribe a mild pre-medication, such as Valium, to help ease tension before surgery. This is not uncommon and can make the experience smoother and less stressful.

Pre-medication is not about “erasing” anxiety but about taking the edge off so that patients can approach surgery in a calmer state of mind. Just as some people use breathing techniques, meditation, or prayer, a small dose of medication can be one more tool to help patients cope.

But it is worth emphasizing that not all anxiety is bad. In fact, a certain amount of nervous energy can be very useful. It reminds patients to prepare their questions in advance, to bring a trusted family member or friend for support, and to double-check their instructions for aftercare. It encourages them to plan thoughtfully for their recovery and to take their health seriously.

I sometimes tell patients: anxiety is like the body’s alarm clock. It nudges you to get ready, to organize, and to treat surgery as the important step it is. That same energy can be redirected into positive preparation.

As a surgeon, I see nerves as a form of vulnerability—and that is not a bad thing. Vulnerability reminds us that we are human. Even surgeons who one day find themselves on the other side of the operating table feel it. I can tell you from my own experience that being a patient comes with its own anxieties. The difference is that we know firsthand how much trust goes into this process, and how essential that trust is between patient and physician.

When patients allow themselves to be vulnerable, it creates a partnership with their doctor. That partnership is built on honesty, trust, and shared responsibility. It is what makes surgery safe, effective, and ultimately healing.

For many of my patients in the Jewish community, faith and prayer also play a role in managing pre-surgical anxiety. Taking a moment to pray, to recite Tehillim, or to ask for a blessing can be profoundly grounding. Family and friends, too, become essential sources of strength. Having someone by your side who can listen, reassure, or simply sit quietly in the waiting room can make all the difference.

Surgery is never a journey you take alone. Whether through medical support, spiritual practice, or the love of family, you are carried into the operating room by more than just your own strength.

So if you find yourself feeling nervous as your surgery date approaches, know that you are not alone. Nerves are not a sign of weakness—they are a sign that you care deeply about your health and your future. With open communication, education, and, when necessary, a little medical support, that nervous energy can be transformed into focus and resilience.

In the end, nerves are not something to fear. They are part of the process of preparing for something important. With the right guidance and trust, anxiety can become not an obstacle, but a source of strength.

At Preminger Plastic Surgery, we are committed to educating our patients and providing personalized care tailored to their unique needs. For those considering plastic surgery, we offer guidance every step of the way to help you achieve your aesthetic and wellness goals. Dr. Preminger is a board-certified plastic surgeon with degrees from Harvard, Cornell, and Columbia.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit premingermd.com or call 212-706-1900.