Parent to Parent: Plastic Surgery

WSVN -- Sophy Rindler loves reading to her little girl. This book is one of her favorites, it's a story about plastic surgery.

Sophy Rindler: "My daughter loves the book. She almost knows each page by heart."

When Sophy decided to undergo a nose job and a chin implant, this book was a great tool to prepare little Shana.

Sophy Rindler: "It's incredible because this book is like my story. I feel exactly the same thing. They didn't see it as something scary. They were very well prepared, and the support was there."

Dr. Michael Salzhauer wrote My Beautiful Mommy. He got the idea after seeing how some children reacted to the bruising and swelling mom or dad had after surgery.

Dr. Michael Salzhauer: "They scream in terror when they see their parents in bandages. You don't want it to be any more dramatic than it has to be. The book is a vehicle, a tool for my patients to use."

Seven's parenting expert Dr. Valerie Goode says, when it comes to any surgery, prepare your children for how the recovery will affect them. As for cosmetic procedures, you don't have to get into the details of why you are getting work done.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Your reasons for getting a breast augmentation or a breast lift really is not very important to the child. That's your stuff, that's parent stuff."

Dr. Valerie says don't over dramatize the event, reassure them that you are OK.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "They trust you, you are their mom, you are their mountain, so if you say to them, 'It's OK,' they will trust you."

Prior to the surgery, tell them that you will need rest and will not be able to physically do some activities with them for a while. Also, get them involved by asking them to help you around the house.

Sophy Rindler: "It's easier for me to read a book about it and have her understand it through somebody else's experience than to explain it to them myself."

For Sophy, the book was a great help. It prepared her daughter and eased some of her anxiety as well.

Dr. Salzhauer admits this book is not your typical children's book and recommends reading it to your children only if you are serious about getting plastic surgery.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode:
http://www.drvaleriegoode.com/