Question: My sister had rhinoplasty about nine months ago. Her new nose is fabulous. She looks great and I tell her that a lot, but for the past couple of months she has not been herself. She seems mildly depressed to me. I know that having plastic surgery can be an emotional experience. I’m not too worried now, but are there any warning signs I should be looking for or anything I should do besides talking to her to make sure she’s OK?
Answer: Make sure she talks to her family doctor and a psychiatrist about her emotions. Be supportive and make sure she knows you are not judging her but rather just worried about her. Changes in facial features most often lead to increased self confidence and improved mood but depression can also occur. Often this is seen in male rhinoplasty patients who did not do pre operative computer imaging and did not see what their new face and nose would look like. Be proactive and get her immediate help.
