Tips to Avoid The Post-Op Blues

Post-op Blues

Recovering from most surgeries today is relatively pain-free. Your surgeon and supporting medical staff will ensure that your recovery process is as comfortable as possible.

The medication given to most patients after surgery may include pain-killers and antibiotics, plus whatever else your doctor thinks is required. The aim of your medical team will be to ensure that you heal as well and as quickly as possible.

The Emotional Recovery Journey

While this addresses much of the physical side of healing after surgery, what is less talked about is the post-OP blues or emotional journey after undergoing surgery – and that includes cosmetic surgery.

In fact, undergoing plastic or cosmetic surgery procedures can add another layer to the emotional journey. When you do have these procedures, it is only natural to have expectations on how you will look and feel after the surgery.

Almost without exception, a lot of the recovery period after any surgery comes down to patience. While most surgeons explain how your recovery could be expected to go and what sort of time frame you are looking at. But sadly, some surgeons don’t, while some patients only hear what they want to hear.

Adding to the confusion is the impact some medications can have on your mental health. Some people may react strongly to pain killers and antibiotics. While this is temporary, the reaction can overlap with the physical impact on the body that surgery can have on you.

Following are some suggestions to help you recover well both physically and mentally after surgery, as well as some things to look out for. In the meantime Dr Rohit Kumar at Sydney Cosmetic Sanctuary also outlines some great detailed information on how best to recover from plastic surgery in the link below.

Tips to Avoid the Post-op Blues

  1. Patience! More patience and then some more. Most of us are so used to instant gratification. A new haircut, even non-surgical treatments such as injectables can give you an instant improvement with no downtime. But all surgery involves some downtime, with some procedures requiring many weeks, even months of recovery (along with visible improvements over time).
  2. Exercise – preferably outside. Follow your doctors advise on this one, but if you can gently exercise, you should and preferably outside. It’s amazing what a gentle walk in nature can do for your body and your spirits.
  3. Eat well. A well-balanced diet full of all the vitamins and minerals you need for your body will also be great for your mind as well.
  4. Focus on the positive. You undertook the surgery for some reason – so focus on that. It may be a while until you can enjoy the full benefits of the surgery you had – but you are on the road to recovery – and closer to that day when you know it was all worthwhile.
  5. Ask for support. Talk to your friends or your family about how you are feeling. If you think you need cheering up – ask them. Most people love to feel needed, especially if someone they love is feeling down, so don’t be afraid to speak up and tell them how you’re feeling.

Consult your doctor if you are persistently feeling down or having the post-OP blue. This is important. If you are feeling down and unlike your normal self for more than a couple of weeks, seek help from your doctor. Even if it is only to be able to talk about how you are feeling and to make sure that you haven’t tipped into depression, it’s worth taking your mental health seriously.

For more tips on recovery visit the Sydney Cosmetic Sanctuary at:
https://www.sydneycosmeticsanctuary.com.au/plastic-surgery/patient-resources/surgery-recovery/

If you’re booked in for tummy tuck surgery, you might wish to sign up to Plastic Surgery Hub’s After Surgery Back To Health Program. A 6 week program designed to get you back to health as quickly as possible. Like a support person on your mobile! Click here to find out more.

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