Pre and Post Op Mental Health – It’s Important

Plastic surgery is a very serious decision to make in life. It comes with many potential outcomes. Although most are positive and disappointments are rare, ensuring your mental health is in a good place prior to your surgery is essential for a positive and safe cosmetic surgery journey.

We urge our patients to be vigilant about their mental health in the lead-up to making the final decision to undergo a procedure. This may involve asking yourself important questions such as: Do I constantly compare myself to others? Do I have an unhealthy relationship with food or with how I view myself? Am I fixated on my appearance, and do these thoughts distract me from leading my everyday life?

There is a significant difference between wanting to improve a part of your appearance through surgery and the never-ending battle of always feeling unhappy with how you look — the latter can be detrimental to your mental well-being.

When you attend your initial consultation with Dr Hertess, you will be asked to complete a body dysmorphia screening test. This allows Dr Hertess to carefully assess whether you are in a healthy state of mind to proceed with surgery. We take the safety and care of our patients seriously, and it is our responsibility to ensure that no one makes decisions to alter their appearance unless it is considered both realistic and psychologically healthy.

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Here are some ways you can take care of your mental health in the lead-up to your decision to undergo plastic surgery:

• Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it can be helpful to explore your motivations with a licensed mental health professional. This can help determine whether your desire for surgery stems from internal pressures (such as body dysmorphia, anxiety, or trauma) or from realistic and healthy goals.
  
  
• Educate yourself thoroughly about the procedure, recovery process, risks, and expected outcomes. This can reduce anxiety and increase your confidence in the decision. Speaking with a qualified surgeon like Dr Hertess and reviewing reliable medical resources can provide clarity and ease fear-based decision-making.
  
  
• Talk to trusted friends, family, or support groups about your plans. A strong support system can offer emotional validation, help you identify any red flags, and provide practical support throughout your recovery.
  
  
• Work with your surgeon to set realistic expectations about the surgical outcome. Recognise that while cosmetic surgery may enhance your appearance, it is unlikely to resolve deeper emotional struggles or insecurities without broader support.
  
  

Understanding “Post-Surgery Blues”

The period after plastic surgery when people often experience “the blues” typically begins around 3 to 7 days post-operation and can sometimes extend into the first two weeks. This emotional low is commonly referred to as postoperative or post-surgery depression, and while it may come as a surprise, it is a well-documented and relatively common part of the recovery process.

It’s important to understand that these feelings are normal and, in most cases, temporary. As the body undergoes acute healing, patients often face a range of physical challenges such as discomfort, swelling, bruising, and restricted movement. These physical symptoms can make daily activities more difficult and contribute to feelings of vulnerability, frustration, or helplessness.

Even for those without prior mental health concerns, the physical strain and the emotional shift from anticipation to the reality of recovery can weigh heavily on one’s mood. That’s why a strong support system is so important. Surrounding yourself with trusted loved ones and ensuring you have someone to talk to — whether a friend, family member, or mental health professional — can provide much-needed reassurance, perspective, and emotional comfort during this time.

Here are a few factors that can contribute to postoperative depression:

• Swelling, bruising, tightness, and general discomfort can leave you feeling physically and emotionally drained.
  
  
• General anaesthesia and pain medications may affect mood, leading to irritability, fatigue, or emotional lows.
  
  
• Initial results are not immediately visible due to swelling and bruising. This can cause anxiety or regret when your post-surgical appearance doesn’t match expectations.
  
  
• Time off work, limited mobility, and staying indoors can lead to isolation or boredom, which may worsen low mood.
  
  
• After the excitement and anticipation of surgery, it’s common to experience a reduction in mood — especially if your expectations were unrealistic. During your consultation, Dr Hertess will explain the importance of setting realistic expectations to help avoid this emotional drop.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION HERE 

To book your initial consultation with Dr Hertess, simply [click here]. A consultation can provide personalised guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you explore any mental health considerations and ensuring you feel informed, supported, and confident in your decision about plastic surgery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the services below for professional help:
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Lifeline – 13 11 14

“The plastic and female reconstructive surgeon that females trust, relate to, and are empowered by. At Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery, we are passionate about offering quality cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures alongside long-term support from our professional and experienced team."