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:
- Feeling sad or down most of the time
- Loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Fatigue or decreased energy levels
- Insomnia or increased need for sleep
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
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:
- Talk to your surgeon about your expectations for the results of your surgery. It is important to be realistic about what your nose will look like after the healing process is complete.
- Seek professional help if you are having difficulty dealing with your emotions. A therapist can help you work through any feelings of depression, anxiety, or body dysmorphic disorder that you may be experiencing.
- Be patient with yourself as you heal. It can take several months for swelling to go down and for your nose to settle into its new shape.
- Avoid comparing your results to those of other people. Every nose is different, and you will achieve the best results if you focus on what is right for you.
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.
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Sanjay Rai
Sanjay is a Senior Clinical Member at Berkeley Square Medical carrying over a decade of experience. He has assisted over 1500 surgeries carried out at the hospital supporting patients both pre and post-surgery throughout their treatment journeys. This article was written with the contribution of Dr Taimur Shoaib, our Consultant Plastic Surgeon.
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