Menstrual Cycle After Plastic Surgery

Does Surgery Affect Menstrual Cycle

There are so many things to consider when planning the perfect Turkey plastic surgery procedure. From which destination to pick, to what to pack, there’s often a lot of information rolling around in your brain. Add to that the regular list of things you need to think of and plan for (including your menstrual cycle), and the months leading up to your surgery date can be a bit stressful. That is unless you prepare for your plastic surgery procedure with us!

Clients ask us a range of questions in the lead up to surgery. Among the most frequently asked are those that focus on menstruation. In a previous article, we covered why it’s not ideal to have your period during surgery, but what about the other questions? If you’ve ever wondered, “can surgery mess up your period?”, or if you just want to mentally prepare for what to expect about your menstrual cycle after surgery, read on below.

Can Surgery Delay Your Period?

The simple answer is yes—surgery can delay and affect your menstrual cycle. When you have any kind of surgical procedure, your body experiences a level of stress it’s not normally exposed to. This, just like the stress of excessive exercise, pressure at work, an illness, or any other life stress, can delay your period. A delay to your menstrual cycle could happen before surgery* (if your period was otherwise aligned with your surgery date), or during your recovery.

*If you were expecting your period prior to surgery, but it hasn’t come, we suggest doing a pregnancy test as a precaution. In most cases, the delay will be completely normal and a result of you anticipating your procedure. If it is the result of pregnancy however, your Surgeon will need to know so that they can reschedule your surgery date.

How Anaesthesia Affects the Menstrual Cycle

While the anaesthetic used in plastic surgery procedures can contribute to the stress placed on your body, it doesn’t directly affect the menstrual cycle on its own. This is why you can have a local anaesthetic for a minor procedure in a doctor’s clinic, or at the dentist, without any delay to your period. The general anaesthetic administered prior to your plastic surgery procedure commencing will be done by a highly qualified Anaesthetist. They will talk you through all the likely effects that the anaesthetic may have on your body (e.g. constipation is a common side effect—be sure to speak to your Client Manager about how best to prepare for this!). Note, not everyone experiences the same side effects after surgery, and not everyone’s menstrual cycle will be delayed.

How Long Will My Period Be Delayed?

Did surgery mess up your period and wondering how long it’ll last? The good news is that changes to your menstrual cycle as a result of plastic surgery aren’t permanent. Typically, as your body heals, its stress levels will decrease, and your period will return to normal. In regard to how long this takes, that all depends on your unique healing process and the type of procedure you have. For example, the recovery time after a Rhinoplasty is approximately 6 weeks, whereas a full recovery from a Mummy Makeover will take place over 6 – 12 months. To ensure a quick and successful recovery, be sure to follow your Surgeon’s post-surgery advice.

Want to Know More?

If you have more questions about your menstrual cycle after plastic surgery, be sure to speak directly to your Client Manager. For other information to help you prepare for your procedure, look through our Frequently Asked Questions.