Who is it for?

Our Psychologist supports people before and after jaw surgery.

Why?

Your wellbeing is important to us. Jaw surgery is a big decision and you need to consider whether this is right for you. The face is one of the most visible aspects of our appearance. Your appearance can affect how you feel and interact with others. You may be concerned about how you will cope with the treatment, or a change in how you look.

What do we offer?

Private space to talk about any concerns about your appearance or treatment at any stage of the journey. You’re welcome to bring a partner, parent or friend for support.

What can we support you with?

We can help you:

  • decide whether surgery is the right choice for you
  • set realistic expectations of treatment
  • cope with treatment and how it impacts your life, relationships and wellbeing
  • prepare for surgery
  • cope with any setbacks
  • address any worries or distress about your facial appearance (eg low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem)
  • adjust to physical and emotional changes during treatment

How can I be referred?

Your Consultant surgeon or Orthodontist can refer you. You can also ask to make an appointment with the Psychologist when attending one of your orthodontic appointments.

What will happen next?

The Psychologist will contact you to arrange an appointment to talk about your concerns. You will decide together if further appointments will be helpful.

What will the appointment involve?

We aim to understand your concerns. Everyone is different and we may ask questions about your personal history. This may involve talking about sensitive issues. You can let the Psychologist know if talking about any particular area of your life is upsetting so that they can support you with this. Appointments are private, but we may share information with other health care professionals where there are concerns for your safety. If there is anything you do not want to share with rest of the team please let the Psychologist know.

Further support

Common psychological difficulties: self-help guides

www.nhsinform.scot/symptoms-and-selfhelp/self-help-guides

Visible difference charity: Resources and support

Changing Faces, visible difference and disfigurement charity Helpline: 0300 012 0275

Mental Health helplines

Samaritans Tel: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org

SANEline Tel: 0300 304 7000 or email:support@sane.co.uk

Crisis Text line text SHOUT to 85258 from anywhere in the UK, anytime, about any type of crisis.

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302