Dr. Saber’s Blog

Do People Really Get Depressed After Plastic Surgery? What Causes the “Emotional Roller Coaster”

What is post-cosmetic surgery depression?

Most patients report an improvement in their self-esteem, body image, and mental health after a cosmetic procedure, but like any surgery, cosmetic surgery can result in a period of depression. Post-surgery depression is caused by several factors, including anesthesia and post-operative pain medication, and is more likely to occur if you have a history of depression.

Cosmetic surgery can have a huge positive impact on your social and professional lives. However, it’s important to remember that after any surgery, you may experience some of the following depression symptoms:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Oversensitivity to the opinions of others
  • Anxiety about the results
  • Concern over scarring
  • Worrying whether your pain or other post-op symptoms are normal
  • Feelings of isolation

Most patients report that these symptoms last less than a week, and as they start to heal and sleep better, their depression lifts.

What is post-plastic surgery depression?

What are the major contributors to post-plastic surgery depression?

Post-surgical depression is not uncommon and usually occurs early in the recovery period. However, some symptoms, such as fatigue and irritability, are common when recovering from surgery and may not indicate you’re depressed.

Common causes of depression after cosmetic surgery include:

  • Pain medication
  • Discomfort, pain, tenderness, or tightness
  • A history of depression
  • Lack of support after surgery
  • Mobility limitations during recovery
  • Increased dependence on others
  • Decreased physical activity increases risk of low mood

The psychological effects of plastic surgery are usually mild and short-lived. However, if you feel your symptoms are going beyond what’s expected after a surgical procedure and you’re becoming depressed, it’s critical to speak with your plastic surgeon and mental health practitioner.

How can I prevent depression after plastic surgery?

Luckily, even if you have a history of depression, feeling blue after surgery isn’t inevitable. With proper support, knowledge of what to expect, and a board-certified plastic surgeon you trust, you can improve your odds of a smooth recovery.

Preparation is key

It’s common to have mixed emotions after plastic surgery, but asking yourself and your surgeon some questions ahead of time can minimize your risk of depression. During your consultation, Dr. Saber will set realistic expectations for surgical outcomes, risks, and potential complications. It’s important to Dr. Saber that all her patients go into cosmetic surgery fully informed, so she will also answer any questions you may have before your procedure and during your recovery process.

Before agreeing to a plastic surgery procedure, you should understand the recovery time, possible side effects, limitations during the healing process, what to expect in terms of postoperative depression, and what your results will look like.

She will also ask about your mental health, as after plastic surgery, depression occurs most often in those with a history of mental problems.

Aesthetic procedures, including breast augmentation, facelift, breast reduction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, eyelid surgery, liposuction, breast implants, mommy makeovers, and neck lifts, are shown to have unique preoperative and post-operative psychological effects.

Keep your expectations realistic

It’s important to prepare mentally by having realistic expectations about the results of your cosmetic procedure. Also, understand that it can take weeks to months for final results to become fully visible as your body heals and adjusts to the changes.

Social media tremendously influences plastic surgery expectations, and the pandemic accelerated the trend. People are taking their cues from social media influencers or even their own edited selfies.

In 2021, a survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that nearly half of all patients reported that social media played a role in their decision to seek cosmetic surgery. In 2020, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that 72% of its members had seen patients who sought plastic surgery to look better in selfies.

Social media is full of filters and edited images and does not present realistic appearance expectations. Your plastic surgery goals should focus on yourself, not attempting to look like or impress other people.

Ensure you have a support system

A strong support system or group of friends can help you deal with any negative mental symptoms resulting from your surgery. Ask a friend or family member to check on you during your recovery period and try to see them regularly.

Be good to yourself

During your recovery period, try to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest. Give yourself a break from life for a while and read books, watch movies, or play games instead of worrying about chores or when you have to get back to work.

All these can lighten your mood, helping you recover quickly and keep a positive outlook.

Why choose Saber Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Sepideh Saber is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing cosmetic procedures and surgeries from a more sensitive female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Mental health and personal well-being are important to Dr. Saber, and she will never push a cosmetic surgery patient into a procedure or decision they aren’t fully onboard with.

Keeping her patients safe remains her top priority. She employs the latest state-of-the-art techniques and performs her procedures in the top surgical centers and hospitals, where she enjoys full admitting privileges.

To request a consultation, please call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA, for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the equally lauded University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University in the extremely challenging and delicate disciplines of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
    🏥 Encino, CA | Book a Free Consult
    ☎️ (833) 215-0500
    💌 info@saberplasticsurgery.com

    ✨ Our patient is 4 weeks post Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction.

Her scars are a bit fresh. Overtime they will heal and become less visible. ✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!
___________________________
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⭐️To set up a consultation:⁠
🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
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#breastreduction 
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    Loving that you're feeling comfortable and happy with your results! Your satisfaction is my greatest reward. Thank you for trusting me. ❤️

#cosmeticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeonlosangeles #losangeles #liposuctionlosangeles #drsaberplasticsurgery
    Cheers to a weekend without rain! 🥳
    ✨ Our patient is 3 months post-op from our Tummy Tuck and Fat Transfer for her Breast Lift procedure. 

She wanted to avoid implants, so we opted in for the subtle augmentation. 
We are absolutely thrilled with her results✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

____________________________
⁠
⭐️To set up a consultation:⁠
🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
🔸 info@saberplasticsurgery.com ⁠
🔸 saberplasticsurgery.com

#tummytuck #breastaugmentation #beforeandafter #breastlift #beauty #cosmeticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #breastsurgery #losangeles #facelift #breastimplants  #lipinjections #botox #bbl #filler #saline #chinlipo #liposuction #defined #consultation  #proce dure
    ✨ Our beautiful patient came in for our Otoplasty procedure. Her after photo is only 3 weeks Post-Op. We are absolutely thrilled with her results!✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

____________________________
⁠
⭐️To set up a consultation:⁠
🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
🔸 info@saberplasticsurgery.com ⁠
🔸 saberplasticsurgery.com
____________________________

#otoplasty #earpinning #earreshaping #breastaugmentation 
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#defined #chinlipo #necklipo  #hourglass 
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    Osvaldo, your happiness brings a smile to our faces too! It's nice knowing that our care has had a positive impact. 😊 

#SmilesAllAround #cosmeticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeonlosangeles #losangeles #liposuctionlosangeles #drsaberplasticsurgery
    Happy Saturday 🫶🏼

  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

    4.8
    Over 16 Reviews

    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020