Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Question

15 days post-op. First, I am finding myself extremely depressed. Secondly, today I literally sat in the mirror for 3 hours comparing both breasts. I see a slight difference between the two. I am right hand dominant and it seems like my right side is fuller than my left. The problem for me is the extreme depression I am feeling and just wanting to stare at them in the mirror for literally hours at a time and self diagnose thinking the worst is happening to me. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Most patients are elated within a week or so after breast surgery, even though it takes about 3 months to see the final results. Occasionally I will see a patient obsessing over every little detail, and this in not normal in my practice and not a healthy response. Neither you nor can PS speed up Mother Nature. Healing takes time, and worrying won't speed it up. Try to find something else to do rather than spending 3 hours in front of a mirror obsessing over ever detail. If something is wrong, your PS will take care of it, after it has healed and settled.I suggest visiting your PS and viewing your pro-op photos particularly for symmetry. Very few women have perfectly symmetrical breast before or after surgery, but oddly, most never noticed it until after their surgery. You may also think about visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist for suggestions to control your obsession.Thank you for your questions and good luck.

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

It is extremely common to have strong emotions following elective, cosmetic surgery. There are physical, psychologic, and sociologic reasons for these emotions.
First, your body is exposed to medications during and after surgery that are not present everyday. These include narcotic pain medications, anesthetics, and benzodiazepines. All of these can alter the normal neurochemicals in the brain, especially dopamine, and lead to some feelings of "blues" especially in patients with a history of depression, bipolar, or anxiety. This will resolve in a few days once the medications are not needed any more.
Second, most patients are very excited about their upcoming surgery and are "amped up." Once the procedure is completed, there can be a "let down" period when your cortisol and adrenaline levels (stress hormones) drop. Again, this will get better very quickly.
Another common reason for patients to feel "blue" or "anxious" immediately after surgery is that we all want perfect results....Now. The body doesn't always see things this way and there is normal swelling, bruising, etc that needs to resolve before you can see the final results. What you see on day one is not what you will see in 3, 6, or 12 months. 
Lastly, friends and family want to help patients after surgery. This is greatly appreciated, but can create it's own dynamics that can, unintentionally, cause stress. I encourage the caregiver to come to the office for the pre-operative visit so that they can help provide an environment conducive for a low-stress recovery.
Most importantly, please reach out to your surgeon if you find your emotions are getting the better of you. We are here to make your experience as positive as possible.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

Believe it or not, anxiety and depression can be common after any major surgery or general anesthesia. You're not experiencing uncommon symptoms. This is even more problematic in patients with baseline anxiety or depressive mood. But what I can tell you now is that you're very early in the post operative timeline, and the final results will not be seen for several months.  Please try to work on your mood and mental stability and spend less time worrying in front of the mirror. Sometimes, even medication is needed from your doctor in the early postoperative setting to help deal with the anxiety. The results will turn out great in the end, but remember, breasts are sisters not twins. There will always be mild asymmetryies between them. This is normal. Good luck, hope that helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  It is very common to have a "blues" period after an elective surgical procedure and I would counsel you to discuss this with your surgeon.  We are here to not only perform the procedure but help you convalesce as well.  It is normal to be vigilant about your results but it does take up to 6 months for them to mature.  Hang in there!

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

I find that some patients are so relaxed and happy to have their new breasts that recovery is easy, and for others it becomes a matter of obsession.  I remind them that everyone has asymmetries present before surgery and that placing implants (even identical ones) won't make everything symmetric since shape, skin surface, underlying ribs, nipple position, etc, etc are all different from one side to the other.  The best thing you can do is to convince yourself that there is presently swelling to resolve and settling to occur so you need to allow a couple of months to even see your actual results.Talk to your surgeon about your anxiety issues and if necessary seek a psychologist to help you defocus and relax.  Hopefully these feelings and fixations will disappear to make your recovery easier.  Best wishes,Jon A Perlman MD FACS 
  
Certified, Am Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  
Beverly Hills, Ca

Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Answer: Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Answer: Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Answer: Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

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Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Answer: Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Answer: Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

Answer: Is it normal to be depressed and also extremely obsessive about comparing my breasts after an augmentation?

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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.