3/12 weeks post op after facelift. No aftercare. Depressed and severe temporaral headaches. Wish I did nor have the surgery

Hi depressed,I am so sorry to hear you are having these issues. I think you need to schedule an appointment to see your plastic surgeon ASAP. People have different rates of healing, but you seem to be having some healing issues that you may need to have treated. Also, having some feelings of discouragement after surgery is not unusual, having somebody to talk to about your concerns would be helpful. If you are feeling depressed after talking to your surgeon, I think you should also see your primary care specialist for evaluation just to make sure that there isn't anything non-surgical that hasn't been missed.Please let us know how you are doing and let us know how things are turning out for you!

It is not unusual for some people to go through a period of depression after surgery. No matter how much they wanted the operation beforehand and how much they were informed about what to expect postoperatively, patients are concerned when they see their face swollen and, perhaps discolored.Please be patient and realize that this is a temporary condition, which will subside shortly. The best “treatment” consists of busying yourself with the details of post-operative care and trying to divert your attention to other thoughts (T.V., a book, an unhurried walk in a peaceful place, ...).I find it disheartening to hear that your surgeon has not invested time to see you or educate you.  My patients become like family after I operate on them.  Try to maintain some contact with your surgeon and bring up these issues.  Good luck with your recovery!

Depression in the immediate postoperative period is common. I don't know about your past medical history or what procedures you have had done. I advise you to speak often to your surgeon and to accept help from a professional counselor/therapist regarding your feelings. You are not alone. Many people have had similar experiences and come out feeling better with time.Seek help now for both your physical and emotional needs.Dr. J

Most importantly, you need to schedule a visit with your plastic surgeon immediately to be seen again. If there are potential complications going on, such as infections work which can cause "pus "as well as fullness and bruising over three weeks out, this can signal real problems. Schedule an appointment immediately with your plastic surgeon, and if he/she cannot see you, seek another opinion. Certainly it is normal to be slightly depressed during the first few weeks after surgery, especially when the results are not what you had hoped for. First and foremost, your plastic surgeon should rule out serious complications. Hopefully this should put your mind at ease. I'm sorry you are going through this, and certainly if you are depressed to the point of crying daily, you may benefit from a short-term course of antidepressants to help you through the postsurgical blues.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Hi Depressed63I am really sorry to hear your story. Hopefully I can help in a small way.From what you have described this does not seem like standard good medical practice. You should have been informed about the risks of the surgery and the aftercare that varies with each surgeon to guide you through your recovery. Swelling and bruising can last a number of weeks and with neck tightening procedure this can create the feeling of tightness around your throat which will subside over the coming weeks when the swelling has settled and the pressure has eased.Puss coming from your eye's is concerning as you may have developed an infection and need to seek urgent medical care. The headaches in your temple may be due to the particular face lift technique that was used and commonly will ease as the swelling and bruising settles. However there should no pain or discomfort by 31/2 weeks.I would encourage you to seek out your surgeon and ask for guidance on what technique they have used and whether this is normal for what they perform. And lastly - you will need to be slightly patient for the results to show. However if you are still concerned go and see a specialist that is experienced in revision surgery and they should be able to help you.I wish you all the best.

When you are depressed, it is very easy to feel that no one cares about you, especially your surgeon and his office. Depression also colors the way you see yourself and your appearance.  You should give yourself, your doctor and his office a chance. Go back to your doctors office for more care. They should not object to seeing you and addressing your concerns at this phase of the post op period. Also, try not to be so hard on yourself...give yourself a chance to heal.

After surgery some patients can experience depression. It is the responsibility of your surgeon to help you through this. If you have chosen a surgeon who does not feel this is responsibility then a mistaken selection was made.

I am so sorry to hear about your post op course.  It can be very normal to experience feelings of letdown or disappointment after any type of elective surgery, however it is important to make sure that you are healing correctly before assuming that all of your feelings are "normal".  If you can't get back in to your surgeon at a moments notice, I would not hesitate to get a second opinion to make sure that your healing is ok.  Pus is never normal!  Once you have established that you are healing physically, there are many avenues to help with the psychological adjustment to plastic surgery.  Best of luck...

Sorry to hear about your depression.. That can unfortunately happen and is defined as post-surgical depression, which can occur in some patients due to many factors, such as: a lack of support, inability to get back to your normal life routine, disappointment over the surgical outcome, pain meds,etc... Even after a successful surgery this can happen. Unfortunately, without photos - both pre-op and post-op, reading the operative report, and knowing your medical history- it is difficult to comment accurately re/your situation. Have you discussed this with your Operating Surgeon? If after you speak with him/her you're still dissatisfied with answers- you can always look for a second opinion from an experienced Board Certified PS

The emotional roller coaster of excitement before surgery then feeling scared and worried right before and after. Post procedure it is common to question what decision you have made. It is hard to look in the mirror and not see that face that you are use to. This early stage swelling and healing are very active. I suggest making an appointment as soon as you can with your surgeon. I hope this helps. Good luck with everything. Best wishes.