Will doctors refuse to operate on patients with depression?

Question

I was diagnosed with depression 6 months ago and am currently on 76mg Sertraline per day. However, I have wanted a breast augmentation for 5 years and my desire for breast augmentation is separate from my depression, which was brought on by career related problems. Will surgeons refuse to treat me because I am depressed and taking antidepressants even though I think my unhappiness with the size of my breasts is an unrelated issue?

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are doing the right thing seeking help for your depression. Stay engaged with your psychiatrist.  Breast augmentation is entirely possible while undergoing treatment for depression (In fact, it can be a real pick-you-upper!!)Be forthright with your psychiatrist and your plastic surgeon. Tell them what you would like to do. Everyone can work as a team to get you what you want. Good luck!,

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It sounds as if you are doing a great job of dealing with your depression. Bravo. Which leads me to believe that there shouldn't be a problem with your getting a breast augmentation. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below) to discuss. Best of luck, Dr. Nazarian

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Having a history of depression if not a contraindication to having breast implant surgery.  However, I would recommend discussing this with your surgeon and ensure they know the medications you are taking.  Some antidepressant medications can have an effect on the medications given during a general anesthetic for surgery.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Your mental health is as important as your physical health when you are considering cosmetic surgery. Just as I would ask your heart doctor for medical clearance, I would ask your therapist for clearance if you were currently in treatment or had received
treatment recently for depression. I would need to know that your therapist is supportive of your plans to have breast surgery at this time. It is necessary to have someone in your corner who knows the issues you are working on and can counsel you through your adjustment to your new body image.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

I guess I should know the percentage of people who are medicated  upon whom I operate , but I do know it is not unusual.  however if you are still clinically symptomatic I would tend to wait until you are more on he upswing.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

As long as you are in overall good health and your depression is managed by your psychiatrist and he/she clears your for surgery then there should be no issues moving forward.

The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Will doctors refuse to operate on patients with depression?

Answers (11)

Answer: Breast Augmentation is still possible when depressed

Answer: Breast Augmentation is still possible when depressed

Answer: Depression

Answer: Depression

Answer: Will doctors refuse to operate on patients with depression?

Answer: Will doctors refuse to operate on patients with depression?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Will doctors refuse to operate on patients with depression?

Answers (11)

Answer: Breast Augmentation is still possible when depressed

Answer: Breast Augmentation is still possible when depressed

Answer: Depression

Answer: Depression

Answer: Will doctors refuse to operate on patients with depression?

Answer: Will doctors refuse to operate on patients with depression?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.