What is Post Plastic Surgery Depression?
Submitted by Bernabe Vazquez on June 13, 2013
The decision to have plastic surgery takes a lot of time and effort. Decisions like this don’t happen overnight. Sometimes the idea of change comes from lack of self-esteem, and sometimes it is just out of the desire for assistance with a modification, if you will.A good plastic surgeon will listen and discuss your thoughts about the particular body part you would like to change. He may discern that speaking with a counselor prior to surgery would help to establish a support system. He knows best and with plastic surgery, there can be a period of self-adjustment for some patients.
Realistic Expectations
The emotional impact of plastic surgery should be addressed from the onset. Discussing what a patient can expect post surgery is as important as the post surgery treatment. The physical discomfort is not long lasting, however, the expectations that a patient has may be unrealistic.
Altered States
Surgery of any kind takes time to recover from, especially where anesthesia is involved. Add to this the pain medications that a patient may be taking and there is definitely going to be a chain reaction. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating and disorientation are all part of the norm in the days following surgery.
The Emotional Tides
Remorse or grief can also set in due to the difficult position of being dependent on others for the first time. Being out of one’s normal routine may cause additional depression. All of this is normal but to a patient recovering from plastic surgery, it may make them feel tremendously out of sorts. Post surgery removal of bandages will still leave swelling and bruising, which may takes months to return to normal. This is not uncommon but nevertheless, the emotional body of pain can get toggled and make the patient feel badly about himself or herself. If this period is prolonged, speak with your doctor or go to a counselor to assist with the intensity of the healing experience.
What is the Norm?
There are statistics that show that eighty three percent of patients are happy with their outcome. For the remaining percentage of patients, they may be uncomfortable with their state, but it is always beneficial to have a support system in place and to understand that everyone recovers in a different way, and in differing amounts of time.Discomfort and alienation can lead to all sorts of feelings of sadness and depression. The adrenaline rush that comes with intense anticipation may be somewhat responsible for the exacerbated let down feeling that may take its place.
Post Operative Musts
It is important to remember to take care of yourself by resting, drinking lots of water and tending to issues of constipation that can be an after affect of the anesthesia. Helping your system to flush out those meds can assist you in feeling more like yourself in no time at all.Most of all remember not to be critical of yourself during the healing process. Being positive promotes good healing.To arrange for your consultation with Dr. Bernabe Vazquez of Bayshore Cosmetic Surgery, please contact us today by calling our office at (305) 858-8222.
