The Post-Op Blues; It’s Real, It Sucks, But It’s TEMPORARY

The Post Op Blues (or Post Operative Blues) can be described as:

A short episode of mild depression is actually not rare after cosmetic surgery of any kind, breast augmentation included. It may last from a few days to several weeks, and is in many ways similar to the “Baby Blues”, known as postpartum depression, that can occur after labor and delivery.

There are many things that can contribute to this brief mild depression, and it is likely that several factors are present in combination, to different degrees depending upon the individual circumstances.

Here are some factors that can contribute to “Postoperative Blues”:

1. Sometimes a person may be so excited about their upcoming surgery that they have a sort of giddy euphoria about it. One aspect of this feeling is actually chemical – substances like steroids, adrenaline, or endorphins produced by the body. After operation, these chemicals stop, and there is a sort of let down. This is similar to what happens after childbirth.

2. Sometime the woman may have been hoping that having breast augmentation would change her life or her relationships. Reputable plastic surgeons do everything they can to clear up such a misconception before ever scheduling the surgery, but it can still happen nevertheless. Breast augmentation will not improve a failing relationship.

3. Some surgeons do not properly involve the patient in the size decision, giving the patient little or no input into the process. Or worse, some surgeons impose their own tastes or preferences upon the patient, deciding for them what size they should be. These approaches do not work and will likely leave the patient feeling that after all the trouble and expense she is the wrong size.

4. Many women have a natural tendency to feel guilty when they do something for themselves, particularly if it means spending money on their appearance, when the funds could have been used for other purposes.

5. Many people habitually compare themselves to others who are less fortunate, and then feel guilty or vain for spending money on themselves when they know that there are people starving somewhere. People who have this viewpoint have difficulty accepting any of the good that they have in their own life.

6. Certain religions encourage people to feel guilty about doing things for themselves. Other religions do not permit people to electively choose to change any physical aspect of their bodies. Even if a religion is not that extreme, it can still make the woman feel uneasy on vaguely religious grounds.

These are just some of the factors, and several may be working together. But don’t worry, it is normal, and usually temporary.
 

It is something that CAN happen and YES, it happened to me.  

You will see it referred to in the posts during the few days after surgery.  

But remember, THIS TOO WILL PASS!!