Is paranoia after surgery about healing normal? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. Healing after plastic surgery is a process and the earlier parts are the most challenging.  Emotions are a big part of the process as well. Try to be calmed and follow your surgeon's recovery instructions.  

Hello,Thank you for your question. I think it is better that you err on the side of caution rather than carelessness when it comes to post op activity restrictions, however you don't need to be worried or afraid. If you are following your surgeon's instructions you should heal well as expected. Talk to your Plastic Surgeon and see them in person if you have any ongoing concerns. As others have said, medications can affect anxiety, dreams etc. Try to relax and distress.All the best

Following up with your plastic surgeon or his/her office staff can bring you peace of mind in reassuring you that your healing is proceeding as expected. Now that you have successfully completed the first two weeks of recovery, you may be experiencing "cabin fever" or restlessness. Your night mares may be attributed to being unable to return to your usual exercise routine until six weeks post op so you are not physically tired when you sleep.  Your body and mind accomplish most of their healing during deep rest..  Be reassured that you are not alone in your relentless concerns about your breast augmentation as real self records some 50 questions or more each day or so about concerns such as yours.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

My patients have lots of concerns after surgery pretty much like you say. As long as you follow your surgeon's instructions particularly with regard to physical activity limits, you will be fine. And keep communication lines open with your surgeon if issues do actually come up.Try to enjoy your results - it's great you are so happy with them!

Hi OCoastMomma,



Being worried about healing properly after a surgery is normal. However, excessive amounts of worrying can be debilitating. Visiting your plastic surgeon for assessment can help you become reassured of your condition.



Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. It’s very common for both men and women to experience an increase in stress levels before and after having surgery. In the case of an aesthetic procedure like breast augmentation, anxiety and paranoia can be even more prevalent because of how much you’ve anticipated your ideal results. It’s great that you’re pleased with your results so far! Try not to worry too much about issues like displacement or asymmetrical results. Complications like the ones you describe are not common and fixating on them will only stress you out further. Try to sit back, relax and enjoy your new breasts!

Thank you for your question.
Being worried about your healing is certainly a normal response after surgery.  Being "paranoid" and having nightmares is atypical but not unusual. Some of the medications typically prescribed for post surgery can have powerful but temporary side effects such as anxiety.
You said it yourself that you love your results.  There is very little you can do as the patient that will cause a complication at this point.  Perhaps a visit with your plastic surgeon would help remedy this worry.  Specific clarification of activities you can and cannot do would help your concerns as well.
Best Dr. L

Thank you for your question.  It is normal to obsess a bit about your breasts after surgery but not to the point of being debilitating.  Relax and know you had a good result and all you can do is follow post op instructions to improve final result. 

Thank you for your inquiry. Being nervous and hopeful about healing is normal. The fact that you are expression "paranoia" is normal in a way....but unnecessary. Try to calm down and just accept the fact that you are healing perfectly and are very happy with your results. With time these concerns you have will fade. 

Surgery is stress and stress can cause one to be more anxious. I would suggest meeting with your surgeon and being checked to reassure yourself that you are healing normally. Please follow all your surgeon's recommendations about activities and massage. Some medications might also induce some anxiety, but that will go away.