"My Beautiful Mommy":A Plastic Surgery Primer For The Primary School Set

I've had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach ever since I read a review of a new children's book in Newsweek. The book is entitled "My Beautiful Mommy". It's not a book about Mommy's positive attitude towards her body or Mommy's healthy self-esteem. It's a book written for young children to help prepare them for Mommy's plastic surgery by explaining things like post-op swelling, bruising and bandages which can be traumatizing for children to witness. Go figure. (Source) The book, written by Dr. Michael Salzhauer (a board-certified plastic surgeon), reportedly features upbeat cartoon characters and a perky Mommy character complete with a pair of perky breasts that become even perkier (not to mention more voluptuous) after the surgery. Feeling queasy yet?

What I'm curious to know is whether the book will also include a chapter on the risks of plastic surgery. Will it include upbeat cartoon characters explaining that Mommy may not in fact come back more beautiful but may instead come back looking like a wax figure from Madame Tusseaud's or that those casual little Botox injections that make Mommy look more relaxed might eventually seep into her brain and make Mommy feel not quite her perky self? (Source) Will it include a chapter explaining that Mommy will eventually have to go under the knife again to replace her breast implants as they have a shelf life of only eight to ten years or that there may be painful complications resulting from the formation of scar tissue? Or that there is a small but very real risk that Mommy may not come back at all because surgery involves anesthesia which in turn carries a small but very real risk of death? Maybe Dr. Salzhauer is keeping that upbeat material for a sequel.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Images courtesy of Newsweek.

Comments

[cosmetic surgery upland]

Where can i buy this books titled "My Beautiful Mommy"? condemn is the excessive recourse to plastic surgery and its blatant promotion by the medical profession as is the case with this children's book.Very nice blog i enjoyed reading thank's.

by: sphin

[Helene]

Hi Samantha:

In response to your question, I've never had it myself but I don't condemn it for people who are seriously afflicted by some kind of disfigurement. What I do condemn is the excessive recourse to plastic surgery and its blatant promotion by the medical profession as is the case with this children's book. Plastic surgery (and other anti-aging "treatments") have become far too common and far too routine. I think it is rooted in an unhealthy denial of aging and blatant sexism. While women are expected to chase every anti-aging remedy ranging from the ridiculous to the dangerous, men for the most part remain free to age, wrinkle, sag and go bald with impunity.

I'm publishing a post on the subject of women and aging on Monday in case you're interested. It's a celebration of women who have chosen to eschew radical anti-aging "treatments" in favor of "aging gracefully".

Thank you for taking the time to post a comment on The Luxe Chronicles.

Sincerely,

Helene

[Samantha]

I am doing a project on the social commentary of plastic surgery and was wondering if you could write me and tell me a few things about it. I need this information really soon because my project is due.

How do you feel about it? What kind of messages are there that portray plastic surgery? Have you ever had plastic surgery or someone you know ever had plastic surgery? If so, did you/they like it? What would you change if you could have it? Do you want plastic surgery (again)?

samisapepper@comcast.net