Post-operative Depression | Yes They're Fake! Plastic Surgery Network

Typical Reasons For Post-Surgical Depression
That Period of Feeling "Let Down"
When It's More Than Meds & "Let Down" - The Seriousness of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Many times patients, including me, experience times of sadness or anxiety in the recovery period. We begin to second guess ourselves and wonder truly if we ever should have had the surgery in the first place. We begin to think we are "ugly" and that the bruising and swelling will never go away. You are not alone. In fact, you're quite normal!

Typical Reasons For Post-Surgical Depression
If this is a revision, many of you may know what it feels like to experience a period of depression or marked sadness after your surgery - especially that your primary surgery turned out to be not as you thought it would be. This can be from the after effects of anesthesia (anesthesia seems to bring out our "sensitive sides" and our anxiety), medications, post-surgical traumatic stress syndrome, constipation from the medications (it's true!) and a general sense of disarray. Plus being instructed to stay in bed and restricted to low impact activities, with the fact that you must sleep upright for 2 weeks doesn't make things any better. If you've had a rhinoplasty or Septoplasty you probably aren't able to smell or taste your favorite foods very well. And then throw on top of that that you are all bruised up and can't breathe through your nose. For some procedures you can't sleep on your stomach or side, heck you may not even be able to move your head normally for a while - depending upon your procedure. For others you might not be able to see or speak correctly, your lips way be swollen out to HERE! If you've had liposuction you may be bigger than you were pre-operatively. Whew! No wonder you're feeling down.

Pain and discomfort can really wreak havoc on some patients and although this isn't life threatening it isn't exactly fun. As I mentioned above, the pain medications (and antibiotics) can cause constipation and other temporary digestive problems and can back everything up and make you feel bloated and sometimes even cause you abdominal pain. Some surgeons suggest a mild stool softener like Colace® or even natural remedies such as eating Daikon (a Chinese root vegetable) after you are finished with your medications. This helps with getting everything in working order again and helps flush out residual meds and what not from the "pipes". Drinking plenty of water most certainly helps and I cannot stress this factor enough. Print out our "motivational" Post-operative Emotions Reminder List to help you with your recovery.

That Period of Feeling "Let Down"
The number one reason for depression is usually the adrenaline period is now over, also known as the "Surgical Let Down" period. Imagine that you are expecting something that you have anticipated and you are just so emotionally and mentally excited as well as the physical adrenaline rush you are receiving.

Just when are starting to believe all is going to be wonderful and you think as soon as your cast, bandages or support garments come off your problems are over and a perfect nose will sit on your face. The cumbersome post-operative gear is removed and well, you don't look much different. In fact, you are bruised swollen, uncomfortable and you feel the same except you have no cast, bandages or support garments on. What gives?? What the heck did you pay for already?!?!

According to Hamid Massiha, M.D. depression is very normal, "Quite frequently patients experience a brief period of "let-down" or depression after cosmetic surgery. Some may subconsciously have expected to feel and look better "instantly," even though they rationally understand that this will not be the case. Patients commonly question their decision to have surgery during the first few days after surgery. As the healing occurs, these thoughts usually disappear quickly. If you feel depressed, understanding that this is a "natural" phase of the healing process may help you to cope with this emotional state."

This is normal so take this into account and even write what to expect down so you can note it afterwards when you ARE feeling blue. This will help you keep things in perspective and prepare your mind. It was also remind your brain that you DID know this was going to happen. You're not crazy - you're just going through a low. It should subside. If it does not, speak with your surgeon about it as well as possibly get a referral for a therapist. Don't take that wrong, it could do more good that you'd think. I actually find it extraordinarily helpful to talk to real patients about these sad feelings. That's why you should visit out Support Forums! There you can trade stories and seek support from people who have been there and done it and can help you better than a therapist who has never even thought about plastic surgery before. Then again, the choice is yours, which do you think will help best? Heck! Try both!! Also, print out our "motivational" Post-operative Emotions Reminder List to help you with your recovery.

When It's More Than Meds & "Let Down" - The Seriousness of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
BDD is a serious illness and unfortunately affects a small percentage of plastic surgery patients. Some procedures more than others attract persons with BDD, such as rhinoplasty. BDD can lead to very serious issues like severe depression and suicide. Please click here for more information on BDD, you could just save someone's life.

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