Plastic Surgery: It’s a Mind-Body Thing

Monday, 15 November 2021 07:50

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Deciding to have plastic surgery is momentous. For most people, it takes months, if not years, to make the decision that surgery is the best approach to their cosmetic concerns. Once the decision is made, the expectation has been set. Most people, once they have consulted with a surgeon, begin imagining what life will be like after surgery. They imagine their new and improved appearance and just know that they will feel happy that they chose to take the path that they did. It is very rare for any other perspective to emerge. There is no inkling whatsoever that feelings of sadness may occur after plastic surgery. Feelings of sadness can occur, so this is an issue that we must discuss. 

Why Would I Feel Sad After Plastic Surgery?

The term postoperative depression has been used to describe the strong emotional reaction that some people have after a major procedure. This condition is often related to open heart surgery, hysterectomy, or other procedures in which there may be some sense of loss. In such situations, feeling a little blue makes sense. It doesn’t make sense to most people to encounter sadness after a cosmetic procedure, and this can be precisely what makes it so challenging. 

Postoperative sadness after plastic surgery is akin to postpartum depression in one major way. In both situations, the affected person feels sad when everything tells them they should feel immensely happy. The conflict here creates confusion, guilt, and can feel very isolating.

Some of the ways that sadness can present after surgery include:

• Anxiety about postoperative side effects and how the body is healing. 
• A sense of distress about not knowing when to call the doctor about side effects. 
• A sense of loss due to the disruption of normal daily activities. 
• Irritability and heightened emotional sensitivity.
• Doubt and second-guessing the decision to have surgery.

Any surgical procedure is stressful on the body and the mind. This is one of the primary reasons people can feel sad after a successful cosmetic surgery. The nervous system is simply doing what it does to process what has happened “to” the body. Having to rely on others, even for a short time, can exacerbate the emotional aspect of recovery, as well. 

Restoring Emotional Balance after Surgery

Emotional balance will return as the body heals and energy is regained. Patients who experience postoperative sadness tend to feel increasingly better as side effects like swelling, bruising, and discomfort subside, and as they can do more for themselves. However, there is no need to wait it out.

Some ways to attend to emotional needs after surgery include:

• Ask lots of questions before surgery so you know what to expect, such as what you will look like right after your procedure, and how long it may take for side effects to begin to resolve. 
• Prepare  healthy meals before surgery so no cooking has to be done. Make them healthy and comforting, so they feed both the body and the mind. 
• Write down affirmations to read on days when emotions feel heightened. 
• Create a vision board to remind yourself of your Why and what you have to look forward to. 
• Stay connected with a strong support team who is in favor of your surgery.

The vast majority of people who have plastic surgery are very glad they did. You can be one of them, and we are here to see you through. To schedule a consultation, contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office today.