Can you do plastic surgery while being bipolar?

Question

Hi, my question pertains to if it’s possible to do a mommy makeover surgery if you are diagnosed bipolar & taking an antidepressant medication like Wellbutrin? Will you have to get off the antidepressants before surgery or can you still take it?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the possibility of undergoing plastic surgery, such as a mommy makeover, while being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and taking an antidepressant like Wellbutrin.

The simple answer is yes, you can have a mommy makeover even if you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder and are taking Wellbutrin. It’s essential, however, that your psychiatrist or psychologist is aware of your plans for plastic surgery. This is important not only for your mental well-being but also to ensure that your condition is well-managed before, during, and after the procedure.

It is crucial to have realistic expectations about what a mommy makeover can achieve, as well as to understand the limitations of the surgery. Your plastic surgeon, along with the medical team involved in your care, should be fully informed about your Wellbutrin prescription and your bipolar diagnosis. Normally, you do not need to stop taking Wellbutrin before or after the surgery, but this should be confirmed with your plastic surgeon. They will ensure that the medications you receive post-operatively do not interfere with your current medication regimen.

In most cases, no significant adjustments to your medications are necessary, but your medical team will work together to ensure your safety and the best possible outcome. It's essential to have open and thorough communication with all your healthcare providers throughout this process.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! You would still be a candidate for a mommy makeover even if there's medications you're currently prescribed. I recommend scheduling a consult appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

You can definitely have a mommy makeover if you are bipolar. You should continue taking your medication until the exception of surgery day. Please make sure you let your plastic surgeon know the details of your medication. Best of luck to you.

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

It's understandable that you're concerned about how your diagnosis of bipolar disorder and the use of Wellbutrin (bupropion) might affect your ability to undergo a Mommy Makeover or any major surgery.

General Considerations for Surgery with Bipolar Disorder and Wellbutrin:
Medical Clearance: Your plastic surgeon will likely require medical clearance from your psychiatrist or prescribing doctor to ensure that your mood is stable and that you are well-controlled on your medication. Wellbutrin is commonly used to manage depression and can be part of the treatment for bipolar disorder, but your mental health must be stable to safely undergo an elective procedure like a Mommy Makeover.

Continuing Wellbutrin: In most cases, it is safe to continue taking Wellbutrin before and after surgery. It does not typically interfere with anesthesia or surgical recovery. However, it’s crucial that both your plastic surgeon and psychiatrist are informed about your medications so that they can assess for any potential interactions or concerns.

Anesthesia Considerations: Wellbutrin doesn’t usually pose an issue with anesthesia, but certain medications used during surgery, like pain relievers or sedatives, could have interactions that your doctors should be aware of.
Mood Stabilization: One of the key factors your doctors will evaluate is whether your bipolar disorder is well-managed. Surgery can be stressful, both physically and emotionally, and a stable mental health state is crucial for good recovery. If your mood has been stable on Wellbutrin and/or any other medications, it’s usually safe to proceed with surgery.

Adjusting Medications: In rare cases, your psychiatrist might recommend adjusting your medication before surgery, but this is not common unless there is a specific concern related to the surgery or recovery period. You should never stop taking Wellbutrin or other mood-stabilizing medications abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms or destabilize your mood.

Risks of Stopping Antidepressants:
Mood Instability: Stopping an antidepressant like Wellbutrin before surgery could potentially destabilize your mood and increase the risk of experiencing depressive or manic episodes, especially under the stress of surgery and recovery.
Post-Surgical Depression: It’s not uncommon for people to experience mood changes or even post-surgical depression after elective procedures due to anesthesia, pain, or changes in body image. Keeping your antidepressant regimen consistent helps mitigate this risk.
Key Steps to Take:
Discuss with Your Psychiatrist: Before surgery, have a conversation with your psychiatrist or prescribing doctor about your plans. They can ensure that your mental health is stable and provide the necessary clearance for surgery. They can also discuss whether any changes need to be made to your medication regimen.

Inform Your Plastic Surgeon: Be upfront with your plastic surgeon about your bipolar diagnosis and medications. They will want to ensure that the surgical and post-op care plan is tailored to your needs, including pain management and any medications that might interact with Wellbutrin.

Coordination Between Doctors: It may be helpful for your psychiatrist and surgeon to communicate directly, especially if there are any concerns about medication interactions or managing mood stability during the surgery and recovery period.

Summary:
In most cases, you can continue taking Wellbutrin during your Mommy Makeover surgery.
The most important thing is that your bipolar disorder is well-managed and that you receive medical clearance from your psychiatrist.
Be sure to keep your doctors informed and make any necessary adjustments under their supervision if needed.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

You can have a mommy makeover if you are bipolar. You may continue on your medication with the exception of surgery day. Schedule a consultation with a board certified certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Patrick Felice, MD · Answer

Bipolar disorder does not exclude you from having your desired procedure. As long as you are stable and your mental health provider feels you can benefit, it should be ok.I do not withhold antidepressant medication for these procedures.Hope this helps.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Psychiatric conditions, in and of themselves, are not an absolute contraindication to surgery. It is important to be up front with your physician regarding these conditions. Furthermore, you will need to make sure that these conditions are well managed by a professional before proceeding. Medications can in general be continued, so if the conditions are well managed this should not be an issue. Surgery is a stressful time, however, so making sure these conditions are well managed before proceeding is of the utmost importance.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question,

Yes.  It's essential that the bipolar disorder is well-managed and under control before proceeding with surgery. It's important for individuals with bipolar disorder to consider how the stress of surgery, changes in physical appearance, and recovery process may affect their mental health and overall stability.

Open and honest communication with both the plastic surgeon and mental health professionals is crucial. The plastic surgeon should be informed about the patient's bipolar disorder, medication regimen, and any related concerns to ensure appropriate pre-operative planning and post-operative care.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LIV425,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You will need a clearance from your doctor prior to surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Whether or not someone with bipolar disorder can undergo plastic surgery depends on several factors, including the severity of their condition, their current stability, and the specific procedures they're considering. It's essential for individuals with bipolar disorder to consult with their mental health professionals and their surgeons to assess their readiness for surgery.

Here are some considerations:

Mental Health Stability: Plastic surgery can be physically and emotionally demanding. It's crucial for individuals with bipolar disorder to be in a stable mental state before undergoing any surgical procedure. Fluctuations in mood or medication adjustments could affect the outcome of surgery and the recovery process.
Medication Management: Many individuals with bipolar disorder are prescribed medications to manage their symptoms. Some medications can interact with anesthesia or other drugs used during surgery. It's essential to discuss all medications with both the mental health provider and the surgeon to ensure safe management during and after the procedure.
Post-Surgery Support: Recovery from plastic surgery can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Individuals with bipolar disorder may require additional support during this time to manage any mood fluctuations or potential setbacks.
Risk Assessment: Surgeons will typically conduct a thorough medical evaluation before performing any surgery. They will assess the overall health of the individual, including their mental health history. Depending on the individual's specific circumstances, the surgeon may recommend against surgery or may require clearance from a mental health professional.
Ultimately, each case is unique, and decisions regarding plastic surgery should be made in collaboration with both mental health professionals and surgeons to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual.

Can you do plastic surgery while being bipolar?

Answers (14)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (14)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

Can a mommy makeover be safely performed along with chin liposuction and an upper eyelid lift?

Looking for the best options (price, quality, doctor experience, etc...) for breast augmentation and tummy tuck. (Photo)

Tooth extraction before mommy makeover - how long will I need to wait?

Wound healing problem. Do these openings need to be stitched back together? (Photo)

I’m thinking of having a mommy makeover. Should you reach your goal weight before undergoing the surgery?

Looking to have a TT, BBL, lipo and BA/BL. What do the doctors think? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS