Healing and Emotional Aspects of Surgical Recovery

Many people do not think about the emotional aftermath of surgery. Studies have shown that self-esteem improves when patients attain the look they sought with a cosmetic procedure. We know you will look better, and often we think we are prepared for the recovery time involved. Despite all this rational thinking and careful consultation, often people expect to feel better right away. Unfortunately sometimes a patient can get a case of the “Post Surgical Blues.”  General anesthesia can affect an individual both physically and emotionally for up to three weeks. The residual effects can even make someone feel lethargic or depressed. Pain medications can exacerbate these “post-surgical blues.” The physical restrictions necessary to recover along with being bruised from the procedure can make you feel emotionally battered. It is important to pamper yourself after cosmetic surgery. Remember that it is all temporary; keep your mind on the prize. Here are some ways to do this:

• Have a support system in place. Do not stay alone! Especially the first few days home. Make sure you have someone to help you care for yourself. Your family, spouse, and best friends are all good candidates. It helps to talk to people you are close to when feeling anxious or depressed. Make sure they know in advance that surgery can affect you emotionally and that they will want to be supportive. You may want to talk to them about dividing up the chores you cannot do because of lifting and movement restrictions. How about really pampering yourself?  Have a cleaning person come in before you go into surgery! 

• Get lots of rest and eat healthy food. Maybe your support system can surprise you with a really healthy salad, chicken soup, or a nice hydrating fruit bowl. Remember that healthy food, lots of water, and plenty of rest will help you heal up faster. On this subject, stay away from alcohol and smoking for three weeks, or even until you are completely healed. This may be your chance to quit smoking completely! 

• Have things to do while recovering ready. How about that great novel you wanted to read? Those old movies you have not seen in years? Some healthy treats would be good too. Snuggle up with that favorite robe or blanket. Try to look at your recovery time as a well deserved vacation that will allow you to loll around in bed enjoying the peace and quiet that your support system can make sure you get! Have the phone handy if you want it, but minimize exhausting conversations. Have a snack and something refreshing to drink right next to your bed. Make sure that trip to the bathroom is not too much of journey. 

• Following the doctor’s instructions is the most important part of healing successfully. Well, there is one instruction you can break. You can take more time off resting than I said to! Don’t be afraid to call with any concerns when you are in doubt.

Look at it this way: you were seeking cosmetic surgery to look and feel better, so why not construct your recovery time to reflect this? As one more gift to yourself, I suggest a pampered recovery and extra rest!

Call Melinda to set up a consultation with me at 501-227-0707