Anxiety / Insomnia 3.5 weeks post mommy makeover -- any suggestions on how to overcome this?

Surgery is traumatic experience.  Its stressful on your mind and body.  It's completely normal that you are experiencing claustrophobia as well.  After surgery you're constrained by your garments so you don't feel like yourself.  This is all a part of the healing process that many experience.   Please know that it will not last for much longer.  In time, your body will heal and your mind get less anxious.The emotional and physical turmoil you're experiencing can be helped by meditation, deep relaxation, and rest.  Let your doctor know how you're feeling and maybe he or she will suggest an anti-anxiety medication.  You're results from your mommy makeover will make it all worth it once you heal and see how amazing you look.  As for your seroma, that's a different story.  Go to your plastic surgeon and have him/her examine it today!  It's unfortunate to get a seroma and I know they look scary, but they're common and straight forward to treat by any doctor.    

HI freckle,It is not unusual to have anxiety after such a major procedure. I would recommend that you discuss this issue with your surgeon. I'm sure that he/she will be able to reassure you and perhaps , give you a short term medication for sleep. I let my patients wear spanx after a few weeks and this might be less constricting than an abdominal binder. My patients also like the way they look with the spanx.With that said, however, please discuss this with your own surgeon as every surgeon has his/her own protocol.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Hello Freckle. You should speak with your plastic surgeon about your level of anxiety. I'm sure he will listen to you and likely understand, especially since the seroma is on your and his/hers mind. Ask for them to treat the seroma, but also treat your anxiety. It's not always about giving you medicinesfor anxiety. I find that massaging and relaxation techniques work well. Avoid benzodiazepines if possible as these may slow you down.Congratulations and good luck,Dr. ALDO 

Experiencing anxiety and insomnia following a mommy makeover surgery is not uncommon, but there are several strategies you can try to help alleviate these symptoms:1. Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions: Ensure you are following all postoperative instructions provided by your plastic surgeon. This includes taking any prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and adhering to activity restrictions.2. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or meditation. These techniques can help calm your mind and reduce feelings of anxiety.3. Establish a Bedtime Routine: Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. This could include activities such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.4. Limit Stimulants: Avoid consuming caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, as these substances can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.5. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Make sure your sleep environment is conducive to restful sleep. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, and invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.6. Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers in the hours before bedtime, as the blue light emitted by these devices can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.7. Stay Active During the Day: Engage in light physical activity during the day, such as walking or gentle stretching, to help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.8. Seek Support: Talk to your friends, family members, or a mental health professional about your feelings of anxiety and insomnia. Sometimes, simply expressing your concerns and receiving support from others can help alleviate your symptoms.9. Consider Professional Help: If your anxiety and insomnia persist or worsen, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who can provide strategies for coping with anxiety and improving sleep quality.It's essential to be patient with yourself during the recovery process and prioritize self-care. Remember that it's normal to experience some level of anxiety and difficulty sleeping after surgery, but with time and appropriate self-care strategies, these symptoms should improve. If you have concerns about your recovery or overall well-being, don't hesitate to reach out to your plastic surgeon for guidance and support.

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to completely and adequately answer your question because anxiety/insomnia can be due to a multitude of reasons. As a plastic surgeon performing these types of body contouring procedures, the most important thing is overall safety, well-being, and ultimately an aesthetically pleasing outcome of my patient’s results. A very uncommon, yet potentially life-threatening, complication from larger mommy makeover procedures are thromboembolic events such as blood clots to the legs and lungs. Although most of the time an affected patient will complain of leg pain/swelling (blood clot in leg) or shortness of breath/chest pain (blood clot in lung), a less common complaint is anxiety/mild confusion due to diminished oxygenation. I would go to your family physician or local emergency room for an evaluation.

I'm sorry to hear of your issues after surgery.  Seromas can occur, but usually resolve with no complications when followed and treated by your surgeon.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about your concerns, anxiety and insomnia.  I'm sure together you will find a way to help you through this.

Sorry to hear of your plight.  Seromas occasionally do occur.  Treatment usually consists of serial aspiration, activity restriction, wearing compression garments for at least 6-8 weeks.  The condition invariably resolves after 2-3 weeks but can certainly provoke anxiety.  Ask your PS to estimate a "timeline" and don't get too upset on why this did or didn't occur.  Consult with your PCP to exclude any medical diagnoses, which could explain the heart racing & anxious thoughts.  After ruling out anything organic, take comfort in the knowledge that this is only a slight detour and you will eventually graduate.  Good luck. 

Please contact your board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your post-operative concerns and your anxiety following surgery. Your surgeon will want to address these and assist you on your way to recovery. Best of luck!