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Breast Surgery Nocebo
A breast surgery nocebo effect can result from many different surgical procedures. Nocebo is a Latin word which means “I shall harm you”. Nocebo is a common phenomenon in psychosomatic medicine which can result from a negative diagnosis, acquired information or internal belief. Nocebo is the direct opposite of the
Placebo
effect.
Effects of Breast Surgery Nocebo
The nocebo effect is a well known causation of, and contributor to the development of psychosomatic conditions which can make life a living hell. The vast majority of treatment resistant pain syndromes, currently plaguing mankind, are either directly caused by a psychogenic process or are at least contributed to, or perpetuated by psychosomatic factors. The most common all these conditions include headaches, back pain, fibromyalgia, ulcers, gastrointestinal discomfort, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome and many others.
Causes of Plastic Surgery Nocebo
There are many situations which may cause a woman to suffer a nocebo effect related to a surgical breast procedure:
* Diagnosis of
breast cancer
can create a severe effect on the mind and body.
* Reading inflammatory information suggesting that
breast implants
might be harmful to the patient’s health.
* Warning from a doctor or radiologist that breast implants are dangerous or may make mammography more difficult.
* Acquiring any information which may lead the patient to believe they might suffer ill effects from
breast augmentation,
reduction
or
mastopexy
surgery.
* Any other cause which creates a feeling of doubt or unrest concerning an operative breast procedure.
Preventing Breast Surgery Nocebo
Preventing the nocebo effect is really quiet simple. First, it is important to fully understand the true facts concerning your proposed procedure. Know the potential
risks
and rewards and do not listen to hearsay. Do not allow someone to convince you that their problematic experience will be your fate. Similarly, do not listen to people who knew of someone who had some terrible experience and then transfer that experience to your own situation. Have confidence in your doctor and make your surgical decisions slowly and carefully. Knowledge and confidence cancel the nocebo effect and prevent the subconscious mind from creating disease in the physical body.
The Bottom Line on Breast Surgery Nocebo
The mind and body work together in all aspects of health and disease. Do not discount the ability of the mind to influence the physical body positively or negatively. Limit the power of the nocebo effect by gaining factual knowledge and making wise surgical decisions. Do not allow others to make you doubt your own choices once they have been made. Consult with your
plastic surgeon
about specific ways to reduce any potential nocebo effects from complicating your recovery. Share your own breast improvement story at our Breast Plastic Surgery Interactive Forum
Breast Surgery Nocebo to Breast Enlargement & Breast Implants Home
12/14/07 Revised 2/19/08

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