Depression After Surgery
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Many patients—including me—have periods of depression after surgery, especially cosmetic surgery. We begin to second guess ourselves and wonder 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. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. In fact, you're quite normal! While some elective cosmetic procedures do cause depression after surgery, elective eye surgery procedures can often be uplifting because they restore vision and immediately enhance the lifestyle. To learn about cataract surgery recovery or LASIK recovery, please visit our sister site. |
Typical Reasons For After Surgery Depression
A period of depression or marked sadness after your surgery can be due to the aftereffects of anesthesia. Anesthesia seems to bring out our sensitive sides and our anxiety.
After surgery depression can also be caused by medications, postsurgical traumatic stress syndrome, constipation from the medications (it's true!), and a general sense that your life is in disarray. Add in being instructed to stay in bed and avoid your usual activities and the fact that you must sleep almost upright for 2 weeks, none of which makes things any better. And you may not being able to smell or taste your favorite foods very well! Throw on top that you are all bruised and can't breathe through your nose. Whew! No wonder you're feeling down!
Pain and discomfort can wreak havoc on the emotional balance of many patients. As I mentioned above, pain medications (and antibiotics) can cause constipation and other digestive problems. You may feel bloated and sometimes even have abdominal pain. Some surgeons suggest a mild stool softener like Colace® or natural remedies such as eating a high fiber diet or eating daikon (Japanese radish) after you are finished with your medications. Daikon and a high fiber diet can help with getting everything in working order again and also flush out residual medications and what not from your system.
Drink plenty of water as you recover! Drinking plenty of water helps both with reducing swelling and preventing constipation. I cannot stress this factor enough.
Even if you know that you might be depressed and sad after your surgery, you tend not to think about it. Print out our Postoperative Emotions Reminder List to help you with your recovery.
It Is Normal to Feel Let Down
The number one reason for depression is that the adrenaline rush is now over.
Imagine that you are expecting something that you have anticipated and you are just so emotionally and mentally excited that you are getting a physical adrenaline rush. You start to believe everything is going to be wonderful and that as soon as your cast comes off your problems will be over and a perfect nose will sit on your face. Then, the cast is removed and well, you are bruised swollen, and uncomfortable. What gives?
According to Hamid Massiha, MD, a plastic surgeon in practice in New Orleans, depression after cosmetic surgery 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 "let down" feeling is normal during rhinoplasty recovery so take this into account. You can even write down what to expect before your surgery so you can read 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.
However, if the period of depression and severe sadness continues, speak with your surgeon about it. The temporary depression that can accompany cosmetic surgery can trigger a deeper depression. You can get a referral to a therapist. If you had any other medical problem, you would do something about it, right? Depression is no different. Talking to a therapist can do more good than you think. Therapy does not need to be long and difficult. Frequently, just a few talks with a mental health professional can help.
Print out our Postoperative Emotions Reminder List to help you with your recovery.
