Anxieties about new experiences do not always come from a rational place. If you have a fear or anxiety, such as fainting, that is holding you back from having a cosmetic treatment then it is worth taking advice and carrying out research.
People react to stress or certain triggers differently. If the thought of having a facial aesthetics makes you anxious and you think you will faint, then you must have a genuine reason to feel that way.
But just because you have a genuine reason to feel that way does not mean that you have a genuine reason for the fear.
The place to begin to overcome this fear is to consider what aspect of a cosmetic treatment makes you believe you may faint.
Fear of fainting during cosmetic treatment
As a general rule, if you have never fainted before from stress or the sight of needles you are probably unlikely to. People do have one-off fainting episodes that are not medical in nature but often there is a pattern to fainting. People who experience it for emotional or stress reasons will usually have passed out previously with the pattern quite often starting in childhood.
It is of utmost importance to speak to your clinician about fears of fainting in your consultation, or over the phone when considering treatment. If you have a medical condition that you believe could cause you to faint during a treatment it is wise to raise this before booking. Such issues may include low blood pressure, low blood sugar, diabetes or heart problems.
Fainting can also occur as a reaction to stress. In the context of cosmetic treatment that stress could be triggered by a phobia of needles, anxiety about the treatment, fear of blood or pain. This is why it is so important to put your concerns and anxieties into context when considering a facial aesthetics treatment.
Fear of fainting from pain during a cosmetic treatment
In a safe, sterile clinic, under the care of a medical professional any discomfort should be kept to a minimum and as the treatment is non-invasive you should not expect to see any blood. In treatments where a needle is used, such as for fillers, these often combine anaesthetic to minimise any pain.
While it is reasonable to expect a degree of discomfort, which may last for a couple of days, you should not experience pain during or after a cosmetic treatment. This is why so many people choose cosmetic treatments to make changes to their appearance instead of opting for going under the knife with cosmetic surgery and the associated downtime as the skin heals.
Fear of fainting at the sight of a needle
A fear of needles is not necessarily uncommon. However, it is important to understand that the needles used in cosmetic treatments are ultra-thin, and as such minimise any pain, especially when used alongside an anaesthetic or numbing cream.
When choosing a treatment involving needles it is important to choose a clinic where the treatment is delivered by a medical professional. This will give you confidence in the procedure and peace of mind that any issues will be dealt with quickly, efficiently and professionally.
If you do have a fear of needles and are worried about fainting, always make sure you discuss this with the clinician beforehand. If your fear of needles is putting you off having a treatment you really want, speak to the clinic to see how they could help.
Fear anxiety over cosmetic treatment could lead to fainting
Making a change to your appearance is a big deal for most people. It is natural to have some anxiety about the results of your treatment – especially if it is the first time that you have had an aesthetic treatment.
Again, knowledge is power so speak to your clinician – they will have heard the same concerns many, many times and will be able to help put your mind at rest.
One of the major plus points of choosing cosmetic surgery is that it is not permanent. While you will more than likely be delighted with the changes you see when rejuvenating your appearance, it is worth bearing in mind that these will only be temporary if your anxiety is going into overdrive. For example, fillers will last for six to 12 months, while a non-surgical facelift lasts for up to 18 months.
Anxiety can easily stretch out of control so try to consider the exact issues behind your fears and find out as much information as you can to help calm our mind.
If you suffer from panic attacks or other anxiety-related issues, it is essential that you make your aesthetic clinician aware of this.
Be prepared: Steps to take to avoid fainting
If you have a genuine worry that you could faint while having a cosmetic treatment, take steps to minimise the possibility of this happening.
- Make sure you have eaten well and have kept hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment
- Have sufficient sleep before the day of your treatment
- Stay cool and wear comfortable clothing
- Leave plenty of time to get to your appointment
- Bring someone along to support you
- Practice breathing exercises
Choosing your clinic carefully is the most important part of a cosmetic treatment – and you should always make sure that your consultation and treatment are carried out by a medical professional.
Support from a medical professional
A medical professional will understand your concerns about the possibility of fainting and will talk through these with you. Knowing that you are being looked after by a trained doctor or nurse should give you confidence in the quality of the treatment, as well as reassurance should there be any other issues.
Dr Camilla Hill is a fully qualified medical doctor with more than 30 years’ experience. Having trained as an aesthetics doctor in 2014 she has seen it all when it comes to anxieties and fears and is happy to help you with any concerns you may have.
If you want to make a change to your appearance don’t let anxiety hold you back. Talk over your best options with a qualified and experienced aesthetics clinician like Dr Camilla Hill, who will address your concerns and make sure you get the right treatment for you. Contact Dr Camilla Hill for a consultation.
