Posts Tagged ‘post-rhinoplasty depression’

The Emotional Effects of Rhinoplasty

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Locating a good rhinoplasty surgeon, learning about how the surgery is performed and preparing yourself for the possible risks and complications after the nose surgery is only one aspect of full rhinoplasty preparation since one should be well aware of the emotional impact of rhinoplasty as well.

A good nose job can be extremely beneficial to the patient’s self esteem. This is the reason why most rhinoplasty patients are teens and young adults, who are often deeply concerned with their appearance and are more inclined to suffer from low self-confidence issues.

Unfortunately, rhinoplasty surgery cannot be a positive experience for everyone. If you are considering a nose job you should also be ready for the negative emotions you may feel after the surgery.

Although only a minority of patients experience a deep post-rhinoplasty depression, most patients go through a period of feeling very down. The first reason for this is that though a nose job is not unbearably painful for most people, it does cause a lot of discomfort. You can feel very congested – as if you have a heavy cold, you may also lose your sense of smell and consequently most of your ability to taste for some time which can be rather annoying.

Secondly, at least for a week or two, you are physically restricted which can make you feel quite miserable. To avoid any injuries to the post-operative nose which is still very delicate, you should limit most of your everyday activities, which can be quite distressing. There are also sleeping pose restrictions – the head must be elevated, which makes sleeping in an almost upright position a necessity – this may lead to a poor night’s sleep and result in irritability and tiredness.

Finally, there is also the possibility that you may be dissatisfied with the initial nose job results, since the nose will be bruised and swollen in the first few weeks.

To discuss further details concerning the post-rhinoplasty period, please feel free to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Armen Vartany.

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Risks and Benefits of Rhinoplasty: Know Before Making Your Final Decision

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

All surgical procedures have certain risks and benefits. So before opting for any surgical procedure one should have a clear idea of what he/she might expect. The greatest fear of nearly all plastic surgeries is the fear of bleeding, since if bleeding under the skin occurs an extra surgery may be required. This may affect the plastic surgery outcome, causing an over and under correction. Other matters which are best addressed before any cosmetic surgery are anesthesia allergies and the common factors that might cause nerve damage.

To avoid possible post-rhinoplasty depressions, one should have realistic expectations and a clear idea of the procedure. Schedule a consultation with your Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon to learn what post-surgical affects you may expect. Expect swelling for at least two weeks and always remember that rhinoplasty is not considered complete until about a year later. There are certain surgical alternatives, such as non-invasive injections which help to alleviate some concerns.

Deciding on whether to undergo a rhinoplasty operation or not can become much easier in case you have discussed all your concerns during the consultation. A thorough skin exam is necessary before the surgical procedure.

Once surgery is completed and the healing period is over, the result will most likely be the much desired nose. With modern techniques as well as tried historical methods, chances of success are very high. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision.

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The First Week after Rhinoplasty

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

During the first post-operative week you should limit your activities as much as possible. Though you are encouraged to walk about the house, you should avoid bending at the waist or lifting heavy objects. Remember that overexertion may result in bleeding. When sleeping try to keep your head elevated on 2-3 pillows and avoid turning on your side.

Do not lose control over your emotions. Post-rhinoplasty depression is usual, but do not let it take over you. Crying will only add to the swelling and initiate bleeding. This state will quickly pass as you will begin to feel and look better.

Use plenty of fluids and easily chewable foods for at least the first week after your nose surgery. Clean around your nostrils with hydrogen peroxide three times a day. After cleaning, place a little amount of Vaseline or antibiotic ointment around the nostrils to keep them from drying out.

During the first post-rhinoplasty week, swelling will obstruct your nasal passages making it harder to breathe. You may use a humidifier which will make breathing through the mouth more comfortable. Blowing or sniffing should be avoided as it will only irritate the healing tissues and slow down the rhinoplasty recovery. Sneeze with your mouth open to decrease the pressure on your nose and reduce the risk of bleeding.

You may take a bath in the tub on the first day after the nose job, while showering is allowed on the second post-operative day only. Try to keep the cast dry while taking a bath or shower (in case the cast becomes wet, dry it with the help of a blow dryer). Washing your face with a mild soap is also allowed. Avoid being in smoke-filled areas as excessive smoke may irritate the nasal tissue. The use of alcoholic beverages is also not encouraged as it may increase your chances of bleeding.

For further questions concerning your activities during the first post-surgical week, contact your Los Angeles rhinoplasty surgeon.

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Depression after Rhinoplasty

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Rhinoplasty is a big step in one’s life. It requires  good emotional preparation as patients may suffer periods of depression after the nose surgery. They may begin to second guess themselves and wonder if their decision to undergo plastic surgery was right. Thoughts that they are ugly and that the bruising and swelling will never go away may haunt them after the surgery.

Many patients may have a strong feeling of sadness, fatigue and a general loss of interest. These psychological post-effects begin approximately three days after surgery, when the appearance is not yet satisfying, and which can last more than two weeks.

The other main factors that cause depression after rhinoplasty are medications, post-surgical traumatic stress syndrome, constipation from the medications, as well as the inability to return to normal activities for some time. The adjustment to the new look, the reactions of family and friends and financial stress may lead to self-accusing thoughts and make the depression after rhinoplasty more severe.

Here are a few ways that may help to cope with post-rhinoplasty depression.


Find Support

Reach out to people who are in a similar situation. Read about other people’s experiences. Remember that you are not alone; there are many other people who are in the same situation as you.

Talk To Your Surgeon

Talk to your plastic surgeon about your worries, e.g. he/she may refer you to a counselor or to his/her previous patients to whom you may talk.

Family

Talk to your family about your feelings, post-surgical emotions and the way you feel about your new appearance. Clear up any misunderstanding with your children and your partner.

Exercise

Try to exercise for at least twenty minutes a day. It is very good for you because it helps to stimulate productions of endorphins and increase your blood circulation which makes you feel much better.

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