Complete the form for guaranteed financing* with a board-certified surgeon:

First Name:

Email

Procedure

State:

* Individual financing rates and monthly payments are determined by credit score. A one time $25.00 credit application fee applies. †Guaranteed Approval applies only to first time customers. Additional loans subject to new credit approval.

Post-operative Depression

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

You may experience a period of depression or marked sadness after your surgery. 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 restricted to low impact activities, with the fact that you sore for about 2 weeks doesn't make things any better. Neither does not being able to stand up straight or walk without slight discomfort. And then throw on top of that that you are all bruised up and have a drain sticking out of you (if applicable). 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 - like you needed anymore of THAT! 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.

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. It could do more good than you think. Remember to print out our "motivational" Post-operative Emotions Reminder List to help you with your recovery.

Area is Locked