When one considers the prospect of undergoing cosmetic surgery, particularly those of considerable severity, one’s focus is mainly on the physical aftermath; the long recovery periods during which the individual will not be able to resume normal activity. Very seldom do potential cosmetic surgery patients think about their emotional state prior to and following the procedure, which can be just as significant, and if neglected, very devastating. Many patients suffer from anxiety, nausea and depression in the days and weeks after an operation, due to the various factors involved both during the procedure itself and at its conclusion. Since one cannot be sure of one’s emotional reaction to what is bound to be a very uncomfortable, even traumatic, period, it would be best to understand what the emotional triggers are and prepare for them accordingly.

General anesthesia is typically used for extensive surgeries, without which the patient would find the procedure unbearable due to the pain involved. However, the trace chemicals that compose the anesthetic tend to remain in the patient’s bloodstream for up to three weeks, producing feelings of sluggishness, and inducing spontaneous bouts of weeping and depression.

Recovery itself is also rather tedious, as the patient will most likely be dependent on others for simple tasks such as dressing one’s self, eating or bathing. The feeling of helplessness can take its toll on a person, especially if that person was used to being independent or prided herself on her ability to cope without needing the assistance of others. Also, since exercise is normally disallowed during recovery, the patient’s endorphin levels will be rather low, inducing sadness or lethargy.

It must also be emphasized that many cosmetic surgeries do not produce clear, satisfactory results until weeks or even months after the surgery. Because the body has been subjected to significant trauma, it will definitely look hideous after the procedure. Redness, swelling and bruising all abound, the scarring will be fresh, and the adjusted muscle and skin tissue will still be healing into their new locations. Patients who do not anticipate that they will look worse after the surgery before they look better can easily succumb to depression, feeling that they have wasted so much time, money and inconvenience on an operation that made them even uglier.

Coping with the after effects of a cosmetic surgery requires that one have a confident personality and a healthy self-image prior to the procedure. Patients are screened by cosmetic surgeons to determine whether or not any of them will be a potential emotional risk afterwards, and if so, to seek counseling and reinforcement before pushing through with any operation. Among those patients who are flagged as unsuitable for plastic surgery are those who have just suffered a significant trauma in their lives, such as the death of a loved one; patients who request multiple repeated procedures or who have an impractical physical ideal in mind; and patients with a history of mental illness.

Surviving the emotional whirlwind following a cosmetic surgery first requires a formidable support network of friends and family whom a patient can trust to see her through the most trying aspects of recovery. Someone who has undergone a similar procedure or one of similar gravity would be best for explaining to the patient what to expect and how that person dealt with the changes. The home or other place where the patient expects to rest and recover should be optimized for comfort, with basic amenities like water, comfortable changes of clothing and a television made easily accessible. Alcohol should be avoided for three weeks, as with other substances that may imbalance the patient or cause emotional fluctuations. Lastly, when in doubt, the patient should call the cosmetic surgeon, who will be in the best position to guide the patient through a steady recovery, free of depression and other emotional pitfalls.