Why Do Some Doctors Say to Expect Feeling Depressed After a Full Face and Brow Lift?

Feelings of fatigue and sadness are not uncommon after any plastic surgery procedure. The reasons for these feelings are varied. First of all, a great deal of planning, anticipation and anxiety (stress) proceeds cosmetic surgery, especially when the procedure could impact ones self image and confidence for a long period of time. After the procedure there is often an 'emotional release' or let down, causing many patients to feel feel tired and spent afterwards. Downtime following the procedure is accompanied a period of swelling and bruising that can also trigger a spell of the 'blues', the symptoms of which are not too dissimilar from any other form of depression. Finally, in some circumstances feelings of sadness and loneliness occur because the patient feels 'judged' and doesn't receive the anticipated emotional support of friends or family. Fortunately most feelings of sadness resolve quickly as the body heals and the patient is able to return to normal life and activities. To minimize the risk of post-operative depression, patients should possess a realistic understanding of the time required for the healing process. They should also avoid surgery during periods of extreme stress such as death, divorce, job loss or family crisis. 

It is not surprising that some patients feel depressed after major surgery such as a facelift. Some factors that may affect mood are:

Lack of energy owing to the healing processCurtailment of normal activities during “downtime”Distress over how the face looks while it is still healingReaction to anesthesiaChanges in sleep and appetite in the postsurgical period.A facelift represents a major life change and, like all life changes, it takes some adjustment. I always try to prepare my patients for the possibility of feeling not quite like themselves in the first two to three postoperative weeks. Knowing ahead of time that depression may become an issue allows them to prepare emotionally, just as they prepare themselves physically, for surgery. I'm glad that wasn't your experience.

Great question.  Although many patients seem to sail through the postoperative period without even a hint of depression, the downtime can be difficult for some to cope with emotionally.  Although everyone knows and expects that there will be swelling, bruising, and general downtime with cosmetic facial surgery, sometimes it doesn't completely sink in until the patient sees him or herself in the mirror.  There may be feelings of doubt or even guilt for spending money on themselves.  The good news is that with patience and encouragement from your surgeon and family members, these feelings generally resolve quickly, and patients quickly becomes excited and happy with how they look.  Here's some info on facelift recovery:

It is very common after having a big life event to get a little down.  There is ramping up of excitement, then the event, and then the after effects.  With facial surgery there is also getting used to a face in the mirror that is different than what you are used to.  Also aesthetic surgery sometimes makes people look worse before they look better.  Please do talk to your plastic surgeon's office.  They see this stuff all the time.  They should be able to help.

    Most patients have some pain or discomfort after facelift.  Though depression may not be observed in the majority of patients, there are some patients in which the postsurgical changes and the healing process produce changes in mood.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA