Crying and anxious after explant and breast lift?

Question

I had an explant and lift 7 days ago and for the last few days I’ve been really low and anxious and ready to cry for no reason? I know this is a common reaction but how long does it last because it is really not any fun!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of you feeling low and anxious after your procedure.  As you mentioned this is not an uncommon reaction and tends to resolve spontaneously over the first 3-4 weeks of recovery for most patients.  Hang in there and discuss your feelings with your surgeon, they should be able to provide you with reassurance.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you are feeling anxious after your surgery.  Though your reaction is not uncommon, it can be hard on the patient.  The emotions usually will balance out over the first month post op.  I encourage you to discuss the situation with your surgeon so that other interventions, including medication can be used if advised.

Douglas Hendricks, MD · Answer

after surgery. It is in Chapter 1 of every surgery textbook. When your body undergoes the stress of anesthesia, or the stress following a serious trauma or accident, there are specific hormonal shifts that occur. One very important hormone for mood and well being is a hormone called cortisol which is produced by the adrenal gland.When our body has a major stressful event, our adrenal glands squeeze every spare molecule of cortisol into the blood stream. Your body essentially prepares for battle. Blood insulin drops and blood sugar rises to feed the muscles.There are about a dozen  other hormonal shifts like this as a result of stress. Since normal levels of cortisol makes us feel at ease or peaceful inside, extra cortisol can make us almost feel like we are on a high after surgery for a day or two.But all that goes up must come down. The adrenal glands cant replace the spent cortisol very rapidly. Therefore, around the third day post stress the blood cortisol level dips to very low levels which makes humans feel fatigue, depleted, and even sad. I have seen grown men cry on the third day post surgery. Fortunately, cortisol production catches up fairly rapidly so that often by the 4th or 5th day the "blues" are mostly history. It is a pattern that we always look for to reassure us as doctors that a patient is healing normally and is not at the beginning of a complication like infection or bleeding. In fact we used to look for what we call the "lipstick sign" on or about the 4th day, because  if we noticed that  on the 4th day that a patient was up and moving around, taking more interest in their appearance by  applying a bit of makeup and brushing hair, we felt more assured that the patient was experiencing a normal post op course and complications were unlikely. Take all this information with the hope that you are feeling and behaving fairly normally especially taking into account all of the chemical and hormonal changes your body has gone through in the last week.I suspect you are just fine, but as always I recommend confirming this with your surgeon who can examine you to confirm that all is well. Take care and thank you for your question.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to experience what you are experiencing at this time in your recovery.  Generally speaking, severe emotional “ups and downs” are common after all types of surgery. Requiring reassurance (that what you are experiencing is normal) is also common and to be expected. The specific cause of the "postoperative depression" is not known;  in my opinion, it is probably multifactorial (factors such as stress, pain, unanticipated length of recovery, being away from usually enjoyed activities/people…).
I would suggest that you do your best to occupy your mind with activities that you enjoy. For example, for our patients experiencing these types of post operative “sadness”, I suggest they walk outdoors (fresh air), see movies, enjoy music, read books they enjoy, seek family/friends' support…  
Let your plastic surgeon know how you are feeling, especially if you do not see/feel improvement.  See him/her as frequently as necessary; I ask my patients experiencing complications or the "blues" to call if/when wish to talk or seek reassurance.  Talking to previous patients who have experienced similar complications (and at the end are very pleased with long-term outcome of the procedure) may be helpful as well.
 Do your best to keep positive perspective and keep in mind that the worst part of the recovery is over (and you have yet to enjoy the outcome of the procedure performed).
Best wishes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have just undergone an image change and can take a while to adjust, even if you wanted this change. Also, you are still sore and swollen, and still very early in your healing phase. You might check to make sure your medication is not making you more emotional.

Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thank you for your question and your honesty!  You bring to light a very important component of having surgery and that is the emotion of it.  Any major change to your body can spark feelings of "what was I thinking?", "why am I not happy?" etc, and by and large this is very normal response and quite common.  It is very early in your healing so you can't quite yet enjoy your result and this adds to those feelings.  Be sure to be checking in with your surgeon to track your progress and hang in there, this passes.  Keep your eye on the prize and be good to your body while you are healing, making sure you keep your nutrition up.Best of Luck,Dr. K.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

You will be fine.   Let your lift heal and take care of yourself.   If after a year you want an implant replaced you can do this.    My Best,  Dr Commons

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Generally speaking, severe emotional “ups and downs” are common after all types of surgery. Requiring reassurance (that what you are experiencing is normal) is also common and to be expected. The crying will not expedite your recovery.  You may want to see an expert to get a handle on your emotions.

Crying and anxious after explant and breast lift?

Answers (8)

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