As little girls, we’ve all watched enough Disney to know that, just in the nick of time, our fairy god mother arrives, waves her glamour wand and poof – happily ever after begins.
Then we have our first child and reality sets in. Who knew such beautiful little angels would do such unspeakable things to our bodies! If you have ever thought “Where is my Fairy Godmother now?” you’re not alone. I think most of us have stood in front of a mirror months or even years after giving birth in hopes that Fairy Godmother will arrive and grant our wish for a mommy make-over! Just like Cinderelli, we take care of everyone around us. We “make the fire, fix the breakfast, wash the dishes, and do the mopping…”
As moms we give so much of our time, energy and love to everyone around us that we often forget to take care of ourselves. We’ve all heard the term “kids can be cruel.” We just didn’t know it was in reference to what was about to happen to our bodies after pregnancy! We are left with sagging skin where our waist used to be. Breasts are now distorted and stretch out. There is weight gain of the hips and thighs. Our new saddlebags become a quick reminder that we are probably no longer eligible for low rise jeans.
For most of us, pregnancy takes a huge toll on our body. With child-bearing, raising a family, car pool, homework, household chores, not to mention sun damage, age and heredity hovering over us, our own well being and self development can get lost in the shuffle. We are so busy that we don’t even notice until someday, a friend or even a complete stranger makes a comment that really sticks.
Perception is reality. How we view ourselves and how we think others view us determines much of how interactive we are with those around us. All of the changes we see on the outside can have some damaging effects on the inside as well. We lose self-respect, confidence and spirit. We become less socially active. Sound familiar?
Since you are reading this blog, I am going to assume there is something about your body that makes you uncomfortable. What is it that bothers you? Do you find yourself repeatedly thinking about a particular area of your face or body? How many times have you thought about it today? In the last 6 hours?
Maybe it’s your abdomen. Maybe it just hasn’t recovered after the birth of your second child. Often, it doesn’t matter how health conscious and physically fit you are. You cannot exercise away the stretched out, saggy skin hanging from your abdomen that once provided a safe place for your precious bundles of joy to develop. Maybe you find yourself so self-conscious that it is becoming more and more difficult for you to expose your body to your partner. You’ve traded in your bikini for a one piece with a skirt. You find yourself selecting styles of clothing that attempt to hide your body instead of ones that say you are vibrant, assured women.
Maybe you are a single mom who has a strong desire to begin the search for your prince charming. But, saying yes to that first date has you terrified. You don’t feel good about the changes that have occurred in your body. That stops you from coming across as the fun, outgoing, intellectual that you are. Maybe it’s the uncontrollable, extended greeting your arm gives; you know, when the underside of your arm continues to wave to your friend long after you’ve stopped. Maybe you’re an empty nester now and you would like to finally do something for yourself.
Many women are no longer waiting for their fairy godmother to wave her magic wand. They are taking charge, no longer accepting that their distorted bodies are the price they have to pay for having a family. I guess you could say that they are asking Dr. Castillo to wave his magic scalpel instead.
Often, Mothers walk into our office for the first time with their shoulders hanging low. They are reserved, tired, insecure. By the day of their surgery, a change has already begun. It takes courage to take charge and force a change. Of course they are a little nervous. But they are so excited! How many people do you know who head off to surgery with a big smile on their face? After their “mommy make-over,” they become renewed. They are suddenly reunited with the person they used to be. Their families have miraculously survived during the recovery period. They have a new brand new attitude. They are energetic. They laugh more. They smile more. They walk straight up, looking out at what the world has to offer.
Cosmetic surgery is not the right choice for everyone. If you are considering it, do your homework. Ask lots of questions at your consultation. If you do not feel comfortable during the consultation, seek out other doctor. You need to develop realistic goals. Having cosmetic surgery will not fix your problems. However, substantial changes can occur in patients who choose cosmetic surgery for the right reasons. It often changes their quality of life. In many cases, patients become motivated to live a more health conscious, socially active lifestyle.
As mothers it’s important to remember that we are also individuals. It’s okay to be a mom and still want to be sexy, current and confident. In fact, who could possibly be a better role model for your children than a self-assured, strong, healthy, enthusiastic mommy?
As little girls, we’ve all watched enough Disney to know that, just in the nick of time, our fairy godmother arrives, waves her glamour wand and poof – happily ever after begins.
Then we have our first child and reality sets in. Who knew such beautiful little angels would do such unspeakable things to our bodies! If you have ever thought “Where is my Fairy Godmother now?” you’re not alone. I think most of us have stood in front of a mirror months or even years after giving birth in hopes that Fairy Godmother will arrive and grant our wish for a mommy make-over! Just like Cinderelli, we take care of everyone around us. We “make the fire, fix the breakfast, wash the dishes, and do the mopping…”
As moms we give so much of our time, energy and love to everyone around us that we often forget to take care of ourselves. We’ve all heard the term “kids can be cruel.” We just didn’t know it was in reference to what was about to happen to our bodies after pregnancy! We are left with sagging skin where our waist used to be. Breasts are now distorted and stretch out. There is weight gain of the hips and thighs. Our new saddlebags become a quick reminder that we are probably no longer eligible for low rise jeans.
For most of us, pregnancy takes a huge toll on our body. With child-bearing, raising a family, car pool, homework, household chores, not to mention sun damage, age and heredity hovering over us, our own well being and self development can get lost in the shuffle. We are so busy that we don’t even notice until someday, a friend or even a complete stranger makes a comment that really sticks.
Perception is reality. How we view ourselves and how we think others view us determines much of how interactive we are with those around us. All of the changes we see on the outside can have some damaging effects on the inside as well. We lose self-respect, confidence and spirit. We become less socially active. Sound familiar?
Since you are reading this blog, I am going to assume there is something about your body that makes you wish you could change. What is it that bothers you? Do you find yourself repeatedly thinking about a particular area of your face or body? How many times have you thought about it today? In the last 6 hours?
Maybe it’s your abdomen. Maybe it just hasn’t recovered after the birth of your second child. Often, it doesn’t matter how health conscious and physically fit you are. You cannot exercise away the stretched out, saggy skin hanging from your abdomen that once provided a safe place for your precious bundles of joy to develop. Maybe you find yourself so self-conscious that it is becoming more and more difficult for you to expose your body to your partner. You’ve traded in your bikini for a one piece with a skirt. You find yourself selecting styles of clothing that attempt to hide your body instead of ones that say you are vibrant, assured women.
Maybe you are a single mom who has a strong desire to begin the search for your prince charming. But, saying yes to that first date has you terrified. You don’t feel good about the changes that have occurred in your body. That stops you from coming across as the fun, outgoing, intellectual that you are. Maybe it’s the uncontrollable, extended greeting your arm gives; you know, when the underside of your arm continues to wave to your friend long after you’ve stopped. Maybe you’re an empty nester now and you would like to finally do something for yourself.
Many women are no longer waiting for their fairy godmother to wave her magic wand. They are taking charge, no longer accepting that their distorted bodies are the price they have to pay for having a family. I guess you could say that they are asking G.D. Castillo, M.D., to wave his magic instead.
Often, mothers walk into our office for the first time with their shoulders hanging low. They are reserved, tired, insecure. By the day of their surgery, a change has already begun. It takes courage to take charge and force a change. Of course they are a little nervous. But they are so excited! How many people do you know who head off to surgery with a big smile on their face? After their “Mommy Make-Over,” they become renewed. They are suddenly reunited with the person they used to be. Their families have miraculously survived during the recovery period. They have a new brand new attitude. They are energetic. They laugh more. They smile more. They walk straight up, looking out at what the world has to offer.
Cosmetic surgery is not the right choice for everyone. If you are considering it, do your homework. Ask lots of questions at your consultation. If you do not feel comfortable during the consultation, seek out other doctor. You need to develop realistic goals. Having cosmetic surgery will not fix your problems. However, substantial changes can occur in patients who choose cosmetic surgery for the right reasons. It often changes their quality of life. In many cases, patients become motivated to live a more health conscious, socially active lifestyle.
As mothers it’s important to remember that we are also individuals. It’s okay to be a mom and still want to be sexy, current and confident. In fact, who could possibly be a better role model for your children than a self-assured, strong, healthy, enthusiastic mommy?

Roxanne Grace, Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
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https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)