Nose job Beverly Hills is an elective cosmetic procedure that involves reshaping the nose for aesthetic purposes. While it may help improve self-confidence, depression can result in some individuals after this procedure. This article will discuss potential causes of depression after rhinoplasty as well as options for managing it.
What is Depression Post-Surgery?
It’s normal to feel a kind of emotional rush just before having a rhinoplasty Beverly Hills or any plastic surgery. The result of months of planning, consultation, waiting, and finally undergoing the procedure can feel like a long climb up the hill of a roller coaster at times.
Once the procedure is over and the recovery period kicks in, however, some people may become mildly depressed. Whether it’s the after-effect of the anesthesia, the pain, swelling, or bruising and home confinement, the emotional high is gone, and it’s back to reality.
It’s also normal to fall into a kind of post-operative funk where the feelings of anticipation and exhilaration before nose surgery are replaced by second-guessing and thoughts of “did I do the right thing having the procedure done?”
Why does it happen?
Some people may become depressed by the pain and discomfort associated with recovery. Others might feel down at the often distressing sight of recuperative bruising and swelling, which is expected after a nose job.
It’s also disconcerting having to stay indoors for days at a time while the body recovers or having to readjust and refine one’s normal sleep positions to ensure optimum healing. Then there are those patients who are more prone to mild depression and anxiety, and having cosmetic surgery may only exacerbate their feelings.
How to Know If I Have Post-Surgery Depression
If you’re feeling more down or anxious than usual during your recovery after a nose job, it could be one of the symptoms of depression after a nose job. The key is to recognize the signs and symptoms in yourself so you can take action.
Depression After Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic surgery can cause a whirlwind of emotions, especially during the initial stages of recovery. Feelings of excitement, joy, and relief are all common — but so are nervousness and apprehension. Because of post-procedure swelling, bruising, and scarring, actual results may not appear for weeks, months, or even years after surgery. While plastic surgeons do their best to prepare patients for these inevitabilities, less often discussed pre-operatively is the emotional and psychological toll that elective surgery can have.
Melinda* underwent a comprehensive facial rejuvenation three years ago, which included a facelift, brow lift, and neck lift. She’d done her homework and been thoroughly briefed by her doctor, board certified UCLA plastic surgeon Jason Roostaeian, MD, but there was simply no way to prepare herself for what she encountered in the mirror in the early days of her recovery. “I was swollen and a little shocked when I looked in the mirror,” she shares. “ I didn’t look like myself.”
During the healing process, it’s not uncommon for patients to feel uncertainty, doubt, and even regret about their procedure(s), and The AEDITION talked to board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Jason and Richard Brown, MD, about how to handle these post-surgery blues.
Understanding Post-Surgery Blues
All types of surgery — elective or otherwise — are traumatic for the body and mind, especially when performed under general anesthesia. The cocktail of anesthesia drugs combined with the depressive effects of post-operative narcotics prescribed to control pain have both physical and emotional effects. Additionally, post-surgery restrictions limiting mobility and basic self care activities can also take their toll on self-esteem. Lethargy, brain fog, emotional sensitivity, sleeping problems, irritability, appetite changes, and anxiety are all common post-surgical complaints.
These feelings may be even more pronounced in cosmetic surgery patients due to the inherent psychological dilemma. Not only is there uncertainty about the outcome and results, but there can also be the burden of physical and mental turmoil that is magnified by potential guilt over feeling lousy about an elective procedure.
“There are definitely patients who are worried early on about what their end result will look like because they’re still in the healing process. It’s an evolution,” says Dr. Jason explains. “Because they don’t have the experience and knowledge that we do as surgeons, patients can have moments of remorse and wonder ‘Did I do the right thing?’”
Chris*, a patient of Dr. Jason’s, experienced a period of uncertainty after his rhinoplasty. “It’s a bittersweet couple of months,” he shares. “You’re so excited about looking like a new person but you’re also dealing with the reality of being a new person.”
While it’s impossible to predict whether or not a patient will experience feelings of post-surgical depression, certain types of cosmetic surgery may make it more likely. “Among my rhinoplasty patients, the people who are most at risk are those who are seeking fine refinements,” explains Dr. Jason. “When swelling sets in during the healing process, it looks worse than when they started.” These patients often wait months to experience their final results, whereas those seeking, say, a dorsal hump reduction get to see that change almost immediately. “They’re happy right when you take off the bandages because they can see you accomplished their goal,” he says.
According to Arizona-based Dr. Brown, author of The Real Beauty Bible, it’s especially common for post-operative moms to feel guilty about not being able to care for their families. That “mom guilt” can lead to self-questioning and doubt. “Occasionally when women come in for their follow-up visit, I can tell that something is going on in their heads,” he says. “That ‘something’ is usually the post-procedure blues.”
When to Seek Help for Post-Operative Depression
In some patients, post-procedure blues can linger or even worsen over time. This could be a sign of a larger mental health concern, like clinical depression, whether it’s related to elective surgery or not. Symptoms of depression include frequent feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, overwhelming fatigue, and a lack of interest in normal activities. Patients — especially those who already experience or are treated for depression — should be open with their doctor about their symptoms. In the vast majority of cosmetic surgery-related cases, however, the feelings pass as the healing process progresses.
How to Cope with Post-Surgery Blues
While feelings of mild depression, anxiety, and/or uncertainty post-surgery are unpredictable, there are measures patients can take to reduce their likelihood. Communicating with your plastic surgeon — both before and after a cosmetic procedure — is key. Considering the following advice could also foster a smoother recovery, though it is never meant to replace your own surgeon’s instructions.
1. Educate Yourself
Learn as much as possible about your procedure beforehand by asking plenty of questions during your consultation and pre-op appointments and by conducting your own research. Ask your cosmetic surgeon’s office if they can put you in touch with past patients who may be able to offer personal insight. Knowing what to expect and having realistic expectations about your results can help keep you calm during recovery. “I knew I’d be swollen and bruised, so I wasn’t troubled that I didn’t look perfect overnight,” recalls Kimberly*, one of Dr. Brown’s mommy makeover patients.
2. Plan Ahead
The key to resting without stress or guilt is to prepare as much as possible beforehand. Kimberly, for example, heeded Dr. Brown’s advice to prepare meals, arrange transportation, and put friends on standby prior to her procedures. As a result, the mom of five, who underwent a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction, could better focus on taking care of herself. “I was really emotional for the first couple of weeks,” she shares. “I got post-op blues but never was truly depressed about my decision. I read Dr. Brown’s book and his office prepared me well.”
3. Don’t Suffer in Silence
While it’s important to understand that your feelings are likely completely normal, it’s wise to share them with your physician and supportive friends and family members. “Don’t be nervous to share your feelings with your surgeon,” says Dr. Brown. “We’re here to support you.”
4. Get Out of Bed
While many people envision their recovery period as an opportunity to stay in bed all day and binge Netflix, being too sedentary can hamper healing. Instead, be as active as your surgeon allows. Even short, gentle walks around the house can stimulate mood-boosting brain activity.
5. Meditate
Practicing mindfulness not only helps increase positive feelings — it’s also been proven to aid in the physical healing process. “The concept of neuroplasticity tells us that the brain is constantly adapting,” says Dr. Jason. “Using relaxation techniques and guided imagery can increase well-being by reminding your brain to focus its energy on healing.”
6. Stay Away from the Mirror
We know this is a tough one, but do your best to not overly scrutinize your surgical site. Monitor your progress as directed by your doctor to ensure you are healing properly, but do not obsess. The healing process often gets worse before it gets better. “I tell patients that swelling is like a checkerboard. It doesn’t come in uniformly, and it doesn’t leave uniformly,” says Dr. Jason. “While you’re going through the healing process, you’re going to see small differences in certain areas.”
7. Medicate Only as Directed
Controlling your pain is a key component of a comfortable recovery, but prescription pain medications can have both physical and emotional side effects. Weaning off pain meds will allow the body to start detoxing, and many patients find they get necessary relief with over-the-counter remedies as soon as one or two days post-op (again, always adhere to your surgeon’s advice). Gentle exercise (in accordance with your doctor’s recovery plan) and meditation can also ease or distract from discomfort — no pills necessary.
8. Be a Patient Patient
Healing takes time — it’s sometimes two steps forward, one step back — so practice being kind to yourself. Dr. Jason warns that patients should expect to encounter some minor setbacks, like renewed swelling, as a result of basic things like sleeping on one side or resuming normal workouts, and it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. “Don’t lose patience,” Dr. Brown adds. “Get past that attitude of expecting immediate results and remember that positive change takes time.”
9. Focus on the Positive
Don’t let stress, guilt, or impatience allow you to lose sight of why you made the decision to have cosmetic surgery in the first place. Instead, imagine the weeks and months down the road when your recovery will start to be a thing of the past. Envision the positive changes — whether or not they are visible yet.
Dr. Jason, for one, takes photos in the OR that can be helpful for rhinoplasty patients trying to push through post-procedure anxiety. “The end result on the table has less swelling than when you first take the cast off,” he says. “I’ll often show that to the patient because they like how that looks and they feel good about that. It gives them some perspective and a glimpse into what their ultimate result will be.”
10. Trust the Process
“You’ve got to have faith,” says Dr. Jason. Remember: Your body is designed to heal itself, and your plastic surgeon has taken every measure to promote a positive outcome. Melinda was able to overcome her post-op apprehension after recalling the conversations she had with Dr. Jason prior to surgery. “We’d talked about how much I wanted a natural look,” she shares. “We have similar views about plastic surgery, and I liked the pictures of his work.” Feeling confident about her surgeon’s past results helped ease Melinda’s mind.
Two years after her facelift with Dr. Jason, Jenna* says that her recovery is nothing but a distant memory. “It was kind of depressing for a bit, but Dr. Jason was very encouraging,” she recalls. “The second day, you look great — and then a week later, you look terrible. But it got better, and now I just remember the good parts.”
depression nose tip after rhinoplasty
Depression after rhinoplasty is a very real phenomenon. Many people who have surgery to improve the appearance of their nose experience some degree of depression in the weeks and months following the procedure.
This can be due to a variety of factors, including the stress of surgery itself, changes in body image, and the hormonal fluctuations that often occur after surgery.
In this blog post, we will discuss what to expect in terms of depression after a rhinoplasty surgery, and how to deal with it if it arises.
What is post-operative depression?
Post-operative depression is a type of depression that can occur after any surgery but is reasonably common after cosmetic surgery.
This is because people who undergo cosmetic surgery often have high expectations for the results of their procedure, and can be disappointed if they do not meet those expectations. (1)
In addition, changes in appearance can be a major trigger for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is a condition characterized by an obsessive focus on one or more perceived flaws in appearance.
People with BDD often suffer from depression, anxiety, and social isolation as a result of their preoccupation with their appearance.
What are the symptoms of post-operative depression?
The symptoms of post-operative depression can vary from person to person, but may include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional for help.
Depression is a treatable condition, and there is no shame in seeking help to deal with it.
How can I deal with depression after rhinoplasty?
If you are experiencing depression after rhinoplasty, there are a few things you can do to cope with it:
FAQ
Is it normal to feel depressed after a nose job?
It is normal to feel a range of emotions after a nose job, including depression.
The contrast between the anticipation felt while planning the surgery and the wait until you can see the final results after the surgery can be difficult for some people to manage.
Are most people happy after rhinoplasty?
Nose surgery is a positive experience for most patients and can often be a life-changing event. Patients often report a very positive change in their level of confidence, especially in social situations.
However, it is important to remember that every patient is different and there is no guarantee that you will be happy with your results.
It is important to discuss your expectations with your surgeon before having the procedure so that you have realistic expectations for the outcome of your surgery.
Does rhinoplasty change your personality?
Rhinoplasty can change your appearance, which may lead to a boost in confidence or self-esteem. However, it is important to remember that rhinoplasty cannot change your personality.
If you are considering nose surgery, it is important to do it for yourself and not because you think it will change how other people see you.
Is it normal to have anxiety after rhinoplasty?
Anxiety is a common emotion after nose surgery. It is normal to feel anxious about the healing process and the final results of your surgery.
If you are having difficulty dealing with your anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you work through your anxiety and develop coping mechanisms to deal with it.
How long does depression last after plastic surgery?
The duration of post-operative depression can vary from person to person. For some people, it may last a few weeks, while for others it may last several months.
Our team at Berkeley Square Medical takes the well-being of every patient very seriously. If you are experiencing any symptoms of depression, we encourage you to reach out to us so that we can help you get the treatment you need.
is it normal to hate your nose after rhinoplasty
More than any other procedure, rhinoplasty surgery seems to have the highest number of revision rates. Some studies point to 15 percent, others say closer to 20. However, if we go by popular culture alone it’s safe to say that noses often get a redo. Because they’re featured so prominently on our faces, many times its noticeable when our favorite stars are on their second or third noses.
For the average patient, the decision to undergo a secondary or third procedure is often one fraught with fear, doubt and anxiety. While no one wants to undergo another procedure to fine tune results, the nose is not a part of the body you can ignore. It’s one of the first features you see when looking at yourself in the mirror, which is why outcomes that don’t feel or look they go with the rest of your face are often corrected. Here, top rhinoplasty surgeons share exactly what to do if you’re not vibing with your new nose and how to proceed with a rhinoplasty redo.
What’s the first thing you should do if you dislike your nose job results?
“If you just had the surgery and are less than one year after surgery, the first thing NOT to do is panic and start planning another surgery,” says New York facial plastic surgeon Edward S. Kwak, MD. “Try to keep a positive outlook and keep your scheduled follow-up appointments. Communicate with your surgeon directly your concerns and issues. Oftentimes most of these concerns are related to normal post-operative swelling and healing which your surgeon can assess and reassure.”
“If it is early after surgery, I would take a deep breath and tell yourself that bumps, swelling, and even sometimes minor crookedness can improve as sometimes these issues are the result of asymmetric swelling,” adds Chicago plastic surgeon Michael J. Lee, MD. “If the nose is too small after surgery or the tip is rotated down after surgery, these issues will not likely improve and I would advise talking to your surgeon about these issues and when they could possibly be addressed.”
How long should you wait before making a final decision on results? When are they close to permanent?
Just a few months out from surgery? Now is not the time to make a final decision say our experts, as it can take up to a full year to see your final rhinoplasty results. “The majority of swelling will resolve after the first six to 12 weeks post-operatively,” says Vero Beach, FL plastic surgeon Jimmy H. Chim, MD. So when can you really get a good idea of what your nose will look like? “At six months your rhinoplasty results will be fairly close to final and evaluation can likely begin to address concerns that may be amenable to revision.”
“Your surgeon will ask you to be patient to separate the swelling from the surgical result,” shares Campbell, CA plastic surgeon R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD. “This can take up to one year. However, in my experience, when a patient is unhappy on day one they are unlikely to be any happier—probably worse—on day 365.”
Salt Lake City facial plastic surgeon P. Daniel Ward, MD says the nose is one of the most frustrating parts of the body to heal. “It takes 12 to 18 months for all the swelling to go down and for all the scar tissue to settle,” he explains. “Patience is difficult, but it is a necessary part of the process for healing after any surgery, but especially the nose. Remember that most of the changes that you see are related to the skin and soft tissue of the nose and those areas take time to heal.”
Is there a risk or downside to getting a revision too soon?
“Fixing,” what you might see as a concern too early can lead to further unhappiness down the line, cautions Arcadia, CA, plastic surgeon Arthur Y. Yu, MD. “When the nose is still very swollen, a revision surgery could induce more scarring, affecting the final result. Furthermore, your surgeon may not be able to provide a clear diagnosis as to what happened. As a result, this type of revision might end up being a failure.”
Further swelling, edema and scarring can make it more difficult for a surgeon to get the nose to your desired shape. “It’s like driving through fog. All of this will be done in an effort to revise something that may very well resolve with time. Most plastic surgeons would likely discourage early revisionary rhinoplasty in this ‘game of millimeters,’” notes Dr. Chim.
What if I dislike my results but no one else sees the issues I do?
According to Dr. Lee, many times the dissatisfied patient is dealing with an issue of perception versus reality. In this case, the best approach is a conservative one. “If no one else sees the issues that bother you, I would strongly recommend against trying to revise it. All surgeries have risks and sometimes a revision can create thinner skin and may also result in deviation, scarring and visible cartilage grafts. If other people don’t see the issues that bother you, the ability to change and improve a minuscule issue may create more noticeable problems.”
The misperception of results is such a common issue, Dr. Berkowitz says surgeons have even developed techniques to help ease the patient into it if the reaction is extreme. “This has been studied and good suggestions made for surgeons for methods to handle the dysphoric patient on the day the cast comes off,” he explains. “The following suggestions have been presented at our Rhinoplasty Society meetings by former President Dr. Ronald Gruber, who is quite knowledgeable about psychology and perception. First he recommends immediately taping the nose with beige 3M Micropore tape, which is like putting a bandaid over a blemish, and often the patient will immediately feel some relief upon reflection. Secondly, in cases of a severe reaction, treatment with a beta blocker such as propanalol helps to block the PTSD type of physiologic response the patient may be experiencing.”
How long does depression last after plastic surgery
When nose surgery goes wrong and the results don’t turn out as you expected, it can be devastating. If all the concern, time, investment, and work to achieve your ideal nose seem to have been in vain, you may feel like there’s no way to turn things around. Fortunately, there is a solution: revision rhinoplasty. With the following recommendations, an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon can improve the results of your initial rhinoplasty and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
First, Give It Time
The first thing that any patient should do if they are unhappy with their rhinoplasty results is give it time. The tissues of the nose will shift and adjust in subtle ways for many months after surgery. Wait a full year to let your nose heal from the initial procedure before pursuing any additional surgery. Not only will this give you time to determine if you truly desire revision surgery, but it will also give your body critical time to heal. Failing to let the tissues heal properly could have severe consequences on your revision rhinoplasty surgeon’s ability to effectively manipulate the nasal tissues according to your desires.
Make Sure Your Expectations Are Realistic
Secondly, make sure you have realistic expectations. Your initial surgeon should have spoken with you about how every nose is unique, and some changes may not be possible for certain individuals. Other desired changes may not be compatible with your facial features, particularly for different ethnicities. Michael Jackson’s nose is an example. A skilled surgeon can guide you in making choices that are realistic for your nose and face and that will give you the best aesthetic results.
Find an Experienced Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Revision rhinoplasty is significantly different from traditional rhinoplasty. Before you pursue revision rhinoplasty, research and seek out a surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty. This is the best way to ensure that you get the results you desire.