Post-operative Depression: More Common Than You Think

Read on below for more information on the common occurrence of post-operative depression

Typical Reasons For Post-Surgical Depression

If this is a second surgery, 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. 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 your body. 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 bandages or support garments come off your problems are over and a perfect pair of boobs will sit on your chest. The cumbersome post-operative gear is removed and you can't wait to wear your pretty new bras. Well lo and behold when the unveiling is over, they are funny looking. In fact, you are bruised swollen, uncomfortable except for you have these two breasts with sutures all over them that may remind you of Frankenstein (Frankenboobies). They may be either square or pointy and they don't exactly look pretty. 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 our Breast Reduction Support Forum!

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!! 

You must realize you are healing, give your breasts time to settle into their new size and shape. If you know what to expect you will not be so upset.