Why does some patients experience "the blues" or feel sad and down after the Tummy Tuck procedure?

Question

I've noticed after reading lots of reviews, some (not all) patients that's healing seem to feel bad or blue after a few days into recovery, is this because of the sudden chance physically? Does it has a lot to do with mental state of mind?

Christopher K. Patronella, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon
for women after having cosmetic surgery of any kind to experience a period of
depression. This seems to be more common after a tummy tuck and/or other mommy
makeover procedures. It has been my experience, after treating many mothers
over the last 25 years, for there to be a sense of guilt and anxiety following
surgery that stems from the profound mother’s instinct to care for her family.
When they are unable to do this for several weeks because of an elective
procedure, these mothers can be overwhelmed with a sense of inadequacy, feeling
they have not met their responsibilities. Relatively quickly this period of
depression typically resolves when normal activities are resumed.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Unfortunately, 'the blues' after any surgical procedure is quite common. Recovery is often painful and debilitating contributing to your psychological wellness. Knowing ahead of time this is a possibility reduces the risk of this phenomenon. I hope this helps.Best wishes and kind regards,

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is fairly common for patients to experience mood swings and even depression following elective cosmetic surgery.  It is thought to originate from the patient questioning their motives for the procedure in combination with the stress and/or pain of their recovery.  As the recovery progresses, the depression often quickly improves. Hope this helps!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear thanks for your important question.A tremendous amount of effort goes into a plastic surgery decision. 
Anticipation of the procedure can cause stress. Recovery is another 
issue, whether it includes the mixed emotion of grieving the facial or 
bodily imperfection loss, or the lack of support from a family member or
 friends. For example, your child may prefer that mom would look just 
the way she always was. In fact, the initial discomforting recovery 
appearance, such as bruising and swelling, may bring on the "blues" for 
quite a few weeks after surgery.

Postoperative depression is not uncommon with any surgery. The 
symptoms of postoperative depression are similar to those associated 
with post-partum depression. After recovery, the emotional and social 
challenge associated with gazing eyes or disapproving looks from others 
can produce feelings of isolation or anger. At the same time, the final 
results may be very positive, in some cases a dramatic alteration.Managing Expectations:It is important to have realistic expectations. While the procedure may 
positively impact the perception of those around you, the increased 
attention or disappointment of those around you may be a new challenge 
to manage. Going into plastic surgery to improve a bodily or facial flaw
 is one thing; expectations to improve the rest of your life are another
 thing. While the results of plastic surgery may positively shape many 
aspects of your life, it's not the most appropriate reason to have 
surgery. The appropriate reason for cosmetic surgery is to improve the 
appearance of a specific area of your body.Good luck :)

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.Many patients go through that, and I counsel patients that it will likely happen to them.  The best way to combat "blue days" is to know they may come, and when they do, recognize that it is what it is, and that tomorrow will be a better day.  That allows patients to "shrug it off" more as an expected part of the recovery.It probably has to do with a combination of medications, changes in sleeping habits, changes in physical activity, and maybe some initial guilt for doing the procedure ("why did I do this", "I don't think it was worth it", "I shouldn't have spent money on this", "I feel badly having my friends/family having to care for me").  These are completely normal thoughts that patients have.  The good news is that they are temporary, and once patients begin to see their final results and get back to their regular lives, the thought is usually "Yep, totally worth it"!Best of luck!

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

I don't think this subject is discussed enough and I applaud you for asking about it.  There are many reasons that post-operative depression exists.  I think some of the doctors have already touched on a few of those, but I encourage you to google "post-operative depression" and read up on it, so that you are prepared if it happens to you.  Hope this helps and thanks again for bringing this issue to light.-JGH

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the good question. Yes, significant “emotional” swings are quite commonly encountered after all types of elective surgery.   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…).  In my experience, patients who have a history of depression may be more prone to such emotional “ups and downs”.  In other words, patient personality features ( "glass half full") makes a difference when it comes to the recovery experience.I think that it is ideal for patients to be at their best physically, mentally, and psychosocially prior to proceeding with tummy tuck or mommy makeover surgery. I would suggest that patients do their best to occupy your mind with activities that they enjoy. For example, for our patients experiencing these types of post operative “sadness”, I suggest they walk outdoors (fresh air), see movies, read books they enjoy, seek family/friends' support… A few words of advice I provide to my patients undergoing tummy tuck or mommy makeover surgery may be helpful to you:

1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful. 
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Why does some patients experience "the blues" or feel sad and down after the Tummy Tuck procedure?

Answers (7)

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