Postoperative Emotions Checklist
After your facial rejuvenation procedure, you may be:
- Sore
- Tired
- Irritable
- Sad
- Depressed
- Bloated
- Bored
- Anxious
- Restless
Your face or treated area may be:
- Asymmetrical
- Swollen
- Bruised
- Tender to the touch
- Numb
- Firm or hard
All these emotions and physical symptoms are a normal part of the healing process. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take a deep breath and follow your doctor's postoperative instructions carefully, making sure to return for your scheduled postoperative appointments. If you are concerned about something that doesn't seem quite right, call your surgeon immediately.
It will take time for the new, improved you to emerge. Be patient. Print out this list and keep it by your nightstand so you remember that your feelings are to be expected. Consider keeping a journal of your highs and lows. This can be extremely therapeutic.
If you are still feeling sad or blue after you have begun to more fully recover, and/or these feelings are getting worse instead of better, seek a referral to a mental health specialist. If the cosmetic results are not what you anticipated after the swelling and bruising have abated and sufficient time has passed, it may be time to consider revision facial plastic surgery. Consult with your original surgeon to find out what your options are.
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Yael Halaas, MD, FACS
60 East 56th Street
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10022
(332) 239-6439
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Cosmetic Surgery Associates of New York
465 Columbus Avenue
370
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 421-0113
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Min S. Ahn MD
FACSThe Aesthetic Wellness Center
2 Connector Road, #2C
Westborough, MA 01581
508-366-2020