Once you decide to have a Mommy Makeover or other cosmetic surgery, you’ll probably spend a great deal of time visualizing how youthful you’ll look in photos or how confident you’ll feel in a holiday dress that shows off all your beautiful new curves. That’s to be expected. The big reveal is always the best part! But at San Diego Body Contouring, we also make it a point to remind our patients that the healing process has its challenges. As exciting as it is to anticipate the results of your breast augmentation or liposuction procedure, it’s also important to be prepared for any difficult emotions that might arise. Take a look below at some common feelings after plastic surgery.
Anxiety
Immediately after surgery, it is not uncommon to find yourself a bit anxious, wondering whether you’ve made a mistake. Keep in mind that even though you know going in that there will be some pain and discomfort, coming out of surgery is the first moment it becomes real. This is a good time to take a deep breath and remember all the reasons you trust your doctor.
Sadness
In the first few days after your surgery, you may experience feelings of sadness. This, too, is normal, particularly if you had anesthesia or have been prescribed pain medication, both of which can cause temporary, depression-like symptoms. If this sadness persists for longer than two weeks, or if you’re having thoughts of hopelessness, speak to your doctor.
Disappointment
The big reveal doesn’t always happen the moment the bandages come off. Sometimes, depending on the cosmetic procedure you’ve had, you may experience significant swelling and bruising that takes some time to go away. During this phase of healing, it’s probably best not to spend too much time looking in the mirror, and to remind yourself that the final results of your cosmetic surgery may not be visible for months.
Restlessness and irritability
If you’re accustomed to a busy, active schedule, the downtime required for healing from cosmetic surgery may take a toll on you emotionally. Restlessness and irritability are common feelings during the recovery process, particularly if you are unable to maintain the level of independence you’re used to and must rely on others for help in accomplishing daily tasks.
Feelings of disconnection
Many of those who undergo cosmetic procedures like to keep it to themselves. If this means missing your weekly brunch with girlfriends and your Tuesday/Thursday yoga class for a month while you heal, it may lead to feelings of disconnection and isolation. Having a therapist, family member, or trusted friend to talk to about what you’re going through can help you maintain a sense of connectedness.
3 Important Tips for Minimizing Emotional Difficulty After Cosmetic Surgery
The above emotions are normal, temporary, and in most cases, nothing to be worried about. But the more prepared you are emotionally, the better your experience will be. The following three tips will help increase your likelihood of an easy, successful recovery period with minimal emotional difficulty.
1. Maintain realistic expectations
It’s important to maintain realistic expectations about the recovery process as well as about how the final results will affect your life. Keep in mind that while addressing a cosmetic concern can give you a boost in confidence, it cannot raise your self-esteem.
2. Create a support plan ahead of time
In the days and weeks prior to your cosmetic surgery, create a written plan of care not only for yourself but also for your caretakers and anyone in your home who will be assisting in household chores while you recover. Having these details ironed out ahead of time will spare you a great deal of post-surgery anxiety.
3. Follow your doctor’s instructions
Before and after your surgery, your doctor will give you a set of instructions. Following them carefully will help minimize the risk of complications and help you heal as quickly as possible.
We’ll make sure your surgery results are worth the wait
At San Diego Body Contouring, we believe that the journey to a successful cosmetic surgery starts with the relationship between patient and doctor. From the moment you dial our number or walk through our door, you’ll get a feel for how much we value each patient and the relationship we build with each one. During your consultation, we’ll listen to your beauty concerns, educate you on your options, and create a treatment plan designed to help you reach your cosmetic goals. Our staff and cosmetic surgeons will be there with you every step of the way, from your first phone call until the big reveal when you discover that your gorgeous results really are worth the wait.
Give us a call at (619) 697-1325 to schedule a consultation today.
