1. Random Meltdowns
You were worried going into surgery. A few helpful friends shared horror stories of their own cosmetic surgery experiences or, better yet, sent you links to the latest “fake surgeon operating out of a garage” story. But now a couple of days have passed, and you’re doing OK. In fact, you’re wondering what all the fuss was about. You’re getting around without help, piddling in the kitchen, and thinking that maybe a few yoga stretches wouldn’t hurt anything. You’re pretty sore, but you’re handling it. In fact, you’re kind of feeling like a warrior woman in an armor of foam & velcro compression garments that would make your average Victorian princess cry for mercy. No doubt about it. You are the same resilient, independent badass you always have been. Then it happens. Maybe you’re maneuvering into the shower, or reaching for something you’ve dropped, or you’re just alone for the first time after surgery when the waterworks start. You’re crying and you have no idea why, but you suddenly feel deeply, existentially sad. We’ve known for some time that up to 75% of people experience post-surgical depression. But, cosmetic surgeons rarely discuss it with their patients beforehand. The good news is that it is temporary, nearly always resolving within 6 months. The causes are multifactorial and may include the effects of anesthetics, antibiotics and narcotics, altered sleep and digestion, and the physical changes, however positive, which can leave you feeling disoriented. I also suspect that the quiet time necessary for healing causes us to face feelings about ourselves and our lives normally masked by our day to day busy-ness. My best advice? Accept your feelings as a normal response to a big transition. Reach out to your friends, gently exercise (a long walk is an amazing tool), and consider speaking to a counselor…after all, you’re already taking time off!
