Is it normal to have severe depression and anxiety after Tummy tuck surgery?

Question

It's been 4 weeks since my tummy tuck surgery. Physically I'm doing well.....healing nicely. Mentally I'm not doing very well. Now I'm experiencing severe depression and anxiety. I don't want to be alone and I feel like crying all the time. Is this common after a surgery like this and if so what can I do about it. I feel so hopeless when I should be feeling so happy.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Some depression
and anxiety is common after a significant cosmetic surgery such as this one. After
all, recovery can be a painful process, and final results take time to emerge. These
feelings will likely subside as you continue in your recovery and begin to feel
and look better than ever. Keep in mind that your final results can take up to
a year to emerge completely. If you still have significant concerns, I
recommend consulting your PS for reassurance. If you feel excessively worried
or anxious, seeing a psychologist is certainly an option as well. I suggest
doing whatever you need to do to feel mentally at ease during your recovery. More
than likely, you will be delighted with your results. Best regards.

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling depressed and anxious following your tummy tuck surgery.  It is not typical 4 weeks following a tummy tuck to be feeling depression and anxiety. However, recovery from surgery can be an isolating experience for those who are used to being more social.  Please speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns.  It might be time for you to consider seeing a mental health care professional.  Body image and self esteem are often closely tied.  Patients are typically quite happy following cosmetic procedures because they now feel that their outside appearance more closely matches how they feel on the inside.  For some patients, however, there is the expectation that the plastic surgery may help or improve other areas of their life that they are not happy with, which it cannot, of course, correct.   Wishing you the very best of luck.

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings,Tummy tuck surgery significantly changes your body self image.  Any cosmetic surgery can cause depression and anxiety, especially if the anticipated recovery period is measured in months.You should get on the phone & discuss this with your surgeon as soon as possible.You should also call  your primary care doctor to see if you should consider a short course of antidepressants.Hoping you anxiety and depression is short lived and your recovery is otherwise uneventful.Best Regards,

Is it normal to have severe depression and anxiety after Tummy tuck surgery?

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Is it normal to have severe depression and anxiety after Tummy tuck surgery?

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