Plastic Surgery and Its Psychological Impact

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“The Swan,” “Extreme Makeover,” and MTV’s “I want a Famous Face” morph average people into drop dead, gorgeous people by using plastic surgery to enhance their looks. The appearance of the person changes, but what about the psychological implications of all that surgery?

The participants on these shows always end up projecting an improved, if not perfect, physical image to the public. However, many psychologists feel that the drastic changes these people undergo after a variety of cosmetic procedures has a real psychological impact.

Still, these extreme surgeries are not your everyday plastic surgery scenario, and typical, less extreme procedures can also have a psychological effect.

Depression After Surgery

“I had a facelift and an upper and lower bleph. It’s been three weeks and a day and I still have dark purple lines that I look like a football player. It seems it will never go away. I’m definitely battling depression with it as well,” one patient wrote into a cosmetic surgery column.

Post-operative depression after plastic surgery can be a reality and is often due to:

  • Effects of anesthesia
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Post-operative medications and their effects
  • Post-surgical stress
  • Restriction of activities
  • Change of sleeping position after surgery
  • Changes in your senses like smell with a facial surgery
  • High expectations of the outcome
  • Exhaustion
  • Metabolic changes
  • Responses from others

Most professionals in the field feel that the most pronounced reason for depression is the “Surgical Letdown Period.”

“Quite frequently patients experience a brief period of let down or depression after cosmetic surgery. Some may subconsciously have expected to feel and look better ‘instantly’ even if they rationally understand that it will not be the case,” said Dr. Hamid Massiha, a board certified plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

According to Dr. Oscar Ramirez, Johns Hopkins Hospital plastic surgeon and researcher, nearly half of all plastic surgery patients experience depression after surgery even if they are satisfied with the surgeries results. Like Dr. Massiha, he said he feels this is due to high patient expectations.

“Patients commonly question their decisions to have surgery during the first few days after surgery. As the healing occurs, these thoughts disappear quickly,” Dr. Massiha said.

Combating the Blues After Plastic Surgery

The ASPS suggests that in order to combat pre- or post- operative depression after plastic surgery, patients need to gather as much information about the procedure as they can. An important part of the information gather process is choosing a board certified plastic surgeon who will provide details about what the surgery entails and what to expect.

Because the changes resulting from plastic surgery are often dramatic and permanent, the ASPS says it is important to be clear about how surgery might make you feel. After the surgery is completed, it may take awhile for your physical and emotional recovery. An outside support system, like friends and family members, can help assist your recovery.

The bottom line: Be positive about your decision and try not to second-guess yourself.

(Article by: Donna Corrado)

Considering cosmetic surgery? Click here to arrange a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.


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