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.
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:
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.
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:
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.