How To Talk to Your Child About A Mommy Makeover

  The Mommy Makeover is becoming a very popular procedure as moms of all ages want to restore their pre-pregnancy form. Here are some practical approaches to consider when explaining plastic surgery to your child.

The physical problems which can arise due to pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing can't always be solved by diet or exercise. Stretch marks stretched abdominal muscles and skin, sagging breasts, and areas of fat deposits can leave you feeling depressed, and disappointed with yourself. Some moms feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their bodies.

If diet and exercise fails, there is another option: the Mommy Makeover. Breast augmentations or breast lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction, and facial rejuvenations are all successful plastic surgery techniques that, combined, become the Mommy Makeover. Regaining your pre-pregnancy body will improve your sense of self and well-being.

Plastic surgery entails a recovery period, which of course will temporarily curtail your activities. Tummy tucks and breast lifts or breast augmentations will need several weeks of recovery. Strenuous activity like lifting will be prohibited.

Some moms may prefer to send their child to stay with grandma or another family member for the immediate recovery period. Other moms with older children may keep the child at home.

So how do you explain the Mommy Makeover to your child? What's the best way to explain that you love being a mom, but hate what it's done to your body? Your explanation will depend on the age of your child.

Young children

Younger children will be worried about you, afraid you're really sick. The post-surgery bruising, swelling, and bandaging could frighten the younger child. It's important to reassure your child that mommy is not sick—she just wants her old body back. But it's also important to explain that your child isn't responsible for mommy needing surgery.

Perhaps your child will understand that the surgery will make mommy feel better, rather than explaining that the surgery makes mommy look better, too.

Teenage children

Older children won't be afraid you're really sick. But moms want to send the right message about body image to their daughters. Explain that having a Mommy Makeover isn't emphasizing external appearance over inner beauty. The Mommy Makeover is not about sculpting your body into an unrealistic "ideal," but simply returning your own body to its previous state.

All children will understand that when mom feels good about herself, she's happier.