Plastic surgery can be an emotional as well as physical roller coaster ride. A sudden change in appearance can do wonders for one’s self-esteem, but there are other factors to consider as well. Dr. Bottger has been practicing plastic surgery for over 19 years and has seen it all. In this article, he discusses plastic surgery’s emotional effects.
- Satisfaction: Depending on the person and on the procedure, people have different rates and levels of satisfaction. While plastic surgery can do wonders to enhance and improve many signs of aging, a 60-year-old woman will simply never look the way she did when she was 17. Don’t go in with your expectations too high and you won’t be disappointed going out. A good plastic surgeon will lay out for you exactly what to expect and nothing more. If a doctor promises you the world and then some, you are surely going to be disappointed with the results.Most people don’t realize that the plastic surgery procedure with the highest rate of satisfaction is breast reduction. Women come in who have been suffering from back, neck and shoulder pain their whole life, who can’t even run properly and want to tone down their bust. They generally know exactly what they want and what to expect and are almost always satisfied with their new manageable-sized breasts.
Another big pleaser is breast enhancement. Women who are dissatisfied with their busts and wants larger or perkier breasts are often happy with the results. They knew what they wanted going in and usually have it going out. Facelifts, on the other hand, generally have a lower satisfaction rate because while they do improve appearance, they simply cannot turn back the hands of time.
- Post-Surgical Healing and Depression: A good doctor will tell you right away that the months following your surgery are not fun. You will be in a lot of pain, swollen, scarred and stitched and will be weak and heavily medicated. You won’t be able to return to work for a while. That’s why many decide to take “plastic surgery vacations” where they pair their plastic surgery with a recovery period in a holiday resort. If you’re going to lay around useless, it may as well be in Tahiti rather than on the couch.Sitting around barely mobile, in pain and also looking like you just got beaten by Mike Tyson when you should be looking like Cher often leads to post-surgical depression. This is extremely common after plastic surgery, so you should be aware of this phenomenon going in. Be sure to be in a place and surrounded by people who will support you and help you out. Like any patient in healing, it is not an easy time, and your friends and family will be essential during this fragile period.
Also, know what drugs you are taking. Most painkillers prescribed after surgeries are heavy opiate-based narcotics. These pills are extremely powerful drugs that fall under the category of depressants, similar to alcohol. One effect of these drugs can be lethargy and depression, and they also can be extremely addictive if used improperly. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders carefully and be aware of the warning signs of addiction.
- Dealing with it: Don’t worry! It’s all going to be over soon! The swelling will go down, the stitches will be removed and you will look beautiful soon enough! For now though, take it easy, have a solid support base of friends and family and a low-stress environment to heal in. Eat well and take care of your overall health. Remind yourself that this healing time is temporary, but that new nose will be getting you with you for the rest of your life. If you do have any problems or complications, be sure to call your plastic surgeon for advice. A good plastic surgeon will be there for you before, during, and most especially, after, the procedure.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
