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WORRIED ABOUT PAIN? HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POST-SURGICAL PAIN PUMPS

Friday, October 26th, 2018

A common reasons patients put off having the cosmetic surgery they have always dreams of is their concern about post-surgical pain. While pain is a valid concern, it doesn’t have to be. Today, we offer our patients a simple way to manage pain without pills (narcotics).

This technology is called a pain pump. While the majority of the surgeries we perform at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery do not results in much post-surgical pain, utilization of a pain pump can offer a more comfortable recovery period for those procedures that do or for those individuals who have a low pain threshold.

A pain pump is a simple, non-electrical device that delivers local anesthetic (numbing

medication) such as Marcaine, directly to the surgical site after your surgery, allowing you to recover from surgery without the typically discomfort.

The pain pump looks like a small ball or balloon and comes in it’s own strapped carrying case. Dr. Castillo connects the pain pump at the surgical site at the time of surgery. It will deliver medication to the surgical area slowly and continuously through tiny catheters for 3-4 days. As the patient, you do not have to do anything with the pain pump. It is automatically regulated; you just get to reap the rewards of steady relief!

The pain pump offers pain management without the side effects of traditional methods of pain control like oral pain medications. This means you can avoid the potential side effect that oral pain medications often cause such as:

      •mental fogginess             •drowsiness              •nausea             •vomiting             •dizziness            •constipation

For patients who are narcotic sensitive or allergic, this can be a first-rate alternative for pain management. Patients who elect to use pain pumps are typically moving, driving and functioning and return to normal life activities more quickly since the affects are limited to the surgical area, the rest of your body & mind remain unaffected and have normal function.

While it does add about $350.00 to the cost of your surgery, the feedback we receive from our patients is that use of the pain pump provided them with a much smoother and quicker recovery than they had originally anticipated.

 

Yours Truly,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

 

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)



800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)    /

 

 

 

Post-Tummy Tuck: A Case of the Missing Navel!

Friday, February 3rd, 2017

While all cosmetic or plastic surgeons have their own style and artist preferences, there is certain criteria that needs to be met to say you have delivered a good surgical result for your patient. We have been seeing a very strange occurrence with tummy tuck results from other practices who visit our Champaign, IL, offices lately, one that I believe warrants discussion.

Over the past 1 ½ -2 years, Dr. Castillo has seen a number of patients from other practices who are seeking a second opinion on their tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) results. These patients share that they are unhappy with the results. “Something just doesn’t look right,” they say. While they may not know exactly what they are unhappy with, they KNOW something isn’t as expected.

With one professional peek at their tummies, it’s shockingly obvious. They are missing the “crown jewel” of any good tummy tuck – the navel!! We have also seen a few patients with poorly re-constructed, misshapen, or poorly placed navels as well. Either way, it would make it difficult for a person to feel good about the new look of her/his tummy.

Technically called the umbilicus, the navel or belly button is the focal point of any abdomen. It is the single most important anatomical component and without one, an abdomen can look like something straight out of the movie Alien! Acute attention to the details of placement, size, shape and depth are paramount in the final appearance of an abdomen. That deserves repeating… Acute attention to the details of placement, size, shape and depth are paramount in the final appearance of an abdomen. The navel immediately reveals the age of an individual by its location, shape and size. Compare your current navel to the one in a picture of your navel as a teen. You are likely to notice some changes.

As you can imagine, undergoing a tummy tuck only to find that your navel does not look natural or worse yet, it is missing all together, can be disappointing to say the least. As a patient, you have spent upwards of ten grand, you have taken time off work, you went through the recovery process and are full of excitement… all with the goal of having a beautiful, sexy, more youthful abdomen, only to find that while you were sleeping, somebody has swiped your crown jewel!

slim-1391235_640As part of Dr. Castillo’s surgical team, I observe the delicacy and care in which he handles the re-creation of the umbilicus. It was surprising to me that there are surgeons (though small in number) who do not place proper importance on the re-construction of a natural looking navel. There are many wonderful, dedicated cosmetic surgeons around the world who can deliver a proper, natural-looking, youthful new tummy for you. It’s up to you to choose one who is knowledgeable, experienced and determined to deliver the look you desire!

So my best advice to anyone considering a tummy tuck is to ask lots of questions about what you are getting and what your surgeon’s vision of a proper abdominoplasty is. Look closely at his/her before and after photos. Carefully examine the position, shape, size, depth and proportion of the patients’ navels. This is not the time ignore the proverbial “elephant in the room.” Demand a proper navel!

To see Dr. Castillo’s beautiful, natural-looking tummy tuck results, view his photo gallery. Request a consultation to meet with him and discuss your options.

 

Yours Truly,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

NOT SURE HOW TO HANDLE THE MIDDLE AGE MUFFIN TOP? LOOK TO BODY SCULPTING

Monday, February 23rd, 2015

Middle-age for most of us brings about change in one way or another. It typically shows up on your doorstep with an under-handed series of hits to the ego that completely blind-side you.   Suddenly, you find yourself in the “it’s time for your colonoscopy” category, which let’s face it, I’ve yet to meet another human who is excited about that promotion.  You trade in sinusitis for arthritis, begin to complain about lack of wholesome television programming today.  You find yourself searching for the nearest teenager to explain this modern social technology, wondering “why anyone with any good sense would waste their time with “Tweeter, Snaptrist” 😉  and the rest of them. Doesn’t anyone protect their privacy anymore?”

Along with these delightful changes, middle-age often brings about some physical changes too.  It’s like you wake up one morning to find that your abs of steel or lady curves have been replaced with a bulging, muffin top. There are several factors that contribute to the development of the muffin top that moves in and obliterates what was once an hour-glass waistline or fit male physique.

  • Heredity
  • Hormonal changes (that topic deserves it’s own blog post, maybe two or three!)
  • Lifestyle or life choices.

Many of Dr. Castillo’s patients arrive for consultation at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center in Champaign, asking if liposuction can help reduce their “middle-age muffin tops.”  Liposuction, also called liposculpture, is often the solution to many muffin top issues without the need for more extensive surgery such as a tummy tuck.  (For more information about choosing between the two procedures, read my Liposculpture vs. Abdominoplasty blog post.) However, in most cases, it is important to understand that removing fat only from the abdomen and ignoring the bulk of the surrounding torso will not give you the results you envision.

Excess fatty tissue in the abdominal area is most often accompanied by excess fatty tissue (even if at a lesser degree) of the hips (love handles), back, waist and the lateral thighs.  As Dr. Castillo once told me, “During liposuction, it’s not the fat you take out that counts, it’s what you leave behind.” I think that principle applies here.  In order to sculpt out the sensuous, proportionate curves of an hour-glass shape, you must also address any bulk of the hips, back and waist that exist. For our male patients, the same applies.  It is difficult to create the fit, well-proportioned contour of a male physique when excess fatty tissue in surrounding areas is left untreated.

Patients who choose body contouring through liposculpture to restore and define a slim waist of youth often report not only being happy with their new body shape but find that it is a great source of motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle with better exercise and diet choices, increasing their overall quality of life.

To meet with Dr. Castillo and learn more about body contouring options, request a consultation or call us at 217-359-7508.

Roxanne Grace

Skincare and Laser Specialist

G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Feel Sensational At Any Age – Mommy Make-Overs Are For Empty Nesters Too!

Sunday, May 12th, 2013

 

I had dinner with one of my dearest girlfriends recently.  By the start of our second glass of wine we got right down to the nitty gritty – “L.A.C. of purpose” (Life After Children).  She is now an empty nester and life without her children in her home has been a serious adjustment  as life as she has known it, is now changed forever. She is a bright, beautiful, enthusiastic woman who runs a multimillion dollar company yet she found she is lacking something…a passion or purpose in this new empty nesting stage of her life. She isn’t sure how to fill all of the evening time that used to be absorbed by the kid’s activities and shared that home just doesn’t feel the same.  The idea of focusing on herself is new territory and the process is a slow one. She has been the ultimate caregiving for years. It is what she does, part of her identity.  I have spoken to many of my mom friends who have also been deflated by this life changing event. It is indeed a lot to take in.

As I have one child down and one to go, I am listening to them carefully and taking notes. I’m preparing myself for that same empty nester syndrome as we speak. I have been told that I was a little crazy for about a year before my oldest daughter left me behind to further her education.  As the days rush closer and closer to senior year for my youngest, I can feel a pinch of sadness each morning as I flash her a smile and wish her a good day at school, knowing there are only 191 more opportunities to say that ever. I’m already starting to morn her absence and she hasn’t even left yet!

It seems to me that no matter how we try, moms just can’t emotionally prepare for this event, we just can’t. It just leaves a hole in the middle of our chest. And there is no one who can fill it but us. As little girls we prepare for adult life by pretending to get married on the school playground and spending countless hours mothering our dollies.  But in all those years, I don’t ever remember pretending that the kids actually grew up and left home!  My dolls never got too old to sit on my lap and listen to their favorite bedtime story or too old to be seen being dropped off at the movies by their mommy.  I don’t ever remember walking into the red, white and blue playhouse my dad built for me, pretending to return home from work to be over- come by the sadness my homes new silence brings when the kids aren’t there to greet me… no more banquets or ballgames to rush off to…just a perfectly clean, perfectly silent, perfectly empty, nest.

Being a mom is like a continual series of small demotions until one day when we finally get fired or retired – I’m not really sure which it is…

As a mom you have dedicated your life to attending ballet recitals, baseball games, band concerts, weekend volleyball tournaments, school plays and talent shows (where of course your child was the best, oh wait, no, that was mine  lol).  You have played Pokémon, Barbie’s, and settled fights over who gets to be the RED Power Ranger. You taught your child to ride a bike and master the multiplication tables.  You have watched endless hours of Bugs Bunny, Banana’s In Pajamas, and Boy Meets World.  You know you’ve caught yourself singing Barney songs in the car even when you kids weren’t with you!  You’ve kissed boo boos, dried the tears of a bad haircut and had uncomfortable but necessary sex talks. You’ve cured everything from colds to crushed hearts.  You’ve dragged your entire family’s luggage from one side of the airport to another all because your little princess wanted a Cinnibon. You have thrown school holiday parties, picked out prom dresses and first cars, spent hundreds of hours worrying about facebook, dating, drugs, alcohol, and college degrees.

You have planned carefully to teach them all of the lessons they would need to successfully go out into the world as a responsible, respectful citizen and then at some point they actually have the audacity put those tools work.  They have left your nest.  Now what?

Now what?  That is the question many empty nesters are asking. Well you can spend day after day curled up under the covers of their empty bed looking at photographs from years past or you can decide that it’s finally time to focus on you and find your next adventure in life.

I see this same empty nester syndrome in many of our patients at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic.  The ones I see are the take charge empty nesters who aren’t sitting back in their rocking chairs though.  They have been through the dark side of empty nesting and came out swinging.  That is the path I hope to take.  They are finding new careers, new passions, new hobbies. They are taking time to eat better, exercise more, and try new things.  They are acknowledging and take care of the issues that bother them and embracing the things they enjoy.

After

Before

 

 

 

 

 

Mommy Make-Overs are gaining significant popularity not only in Dr. Castillo’s practice but world-wide.  According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, “in 2011, female patients sought to get their pre-baby” form back by requesting 320,000 breast augmentations, 290,000 liposuctions and 144,000 tummy tucks.”  Today, most women would like to remain as youthful as possible.  The body changes that occur during and after pregnancy or during and after menopause can make that near impossible.

“Mommy Make-Overs” aren’t just for new moms. More often, “Mommy Make-Over” procedures are very appealing to women who have recently found themselves to be an empty nester.  In talking with one of our Mommy Make-over patients she shared “For years I’ve dreamed of having my body back.  Now that my kids

are gone, I finally have time to focus of me.“

Being a mom, though irreplaceably rewarding, is also the most demanding job you will have. It takes a toll on both your body and your spirit.  Too many nights sitting up polishing off the last of the Ben & Jerry’s while waiting for your new driver to arrive home safely has earned you a thick mid-section to match the already present muffin top, sagging skin and weak abdominal muscles you earned with the birthing of your children. You have lived far too long with elongated, deflated sacks that you used to recognize as breasts before breast feeding your little darlings.

It seems like society has placed mothers in a role that is much like a super-hero of sorts.  More than in years past, today’s moms are BUSY! We do it all! We are educated, over-scheduled, over-worked, under-rested creatures who find time to affectionately care for everyone but ourselves. I often here from mommy make-over candidates that they have been bothered by the appearance of their post-pregnancy breasts and body for years but just never had the time or left over energy to do something about it while they were still raising children.

Samuel Ullman once said “Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up on enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.   So this Mother’s Day wish for all the empty-nest mommy’s out there is to take this opportunity to give yourself a mommy makeover, whatever that may be to you.  You have done your job.  You have introduced kind, successful, respectful citizens into society.  Take a breath, pat yourself on the back.  Now focus on you! Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to do and get started!  Discover new books, old passions, take better care of your health and your skin, take an adventure with a good friend, or maybe even get your body back with a Mommy Make-Over by Dr. Castillo.  You have certainly earned it!  With any luck you will re-discover yourself and your adult children will discover that their confident, interesting, evolving mom is someone they really enjoy spending time with.

Congratulations on a job well-done ladies!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Roxanne

Skincare & Laser Specialist

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

 

 

 

Ask Our Expert – Why Do I Have To Stop Smoking Before My Facelift?

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Q:  Why do I have to stop smoking before Dr. Castillo will perform my facelift?

A:  I recongnise that the thought of breaking the habit of smoking can be an overwhelming one.  It is a difficult process but Dr. Castillo asks this of you to assure you have an uneventful surgical experience. Dr. Castillo does not perform certain cosmetic surgery procedures on smokers (facelift, abdominoplasty /tummy tuck, breast reduction or breast lift) because smoking will put you at risk for some serious complications.  Because smoking obstructs the healing process, it is immensely damaging to your skin, particularly that of the face. Smoking can cut off the blood supply to the skin which will result in necrosis or tissue death. This means that the surface skin dies, creating an open wound instead of adhering together to form a closure. Through extended post-surgical care, these wounds eventually re-adhere but it may result in unpleasant scarring and stress.

We see transformations at the office on a daily basis. By that, I am not just referring to physical transformations.  Cosmetic surgery frequently empowers our patients to improve all aspects of their lives.  They often discover a new excitement for life.  They laugh more, make healthier food choices, work out and best of all kick those health hazardous habits like smoking.  At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, we are here to support you, encourage you and cheer you on but the decision to welcome changes and take charge of what you want your future to look like is up to you.

Best Wishes!

 

Ask Our Cosmetic Surgery Expert

Roxanne, Skincare & Laser Specialist

Roxanne Grace

Skincare and Laser Specialist

G. D. Castillo, M.D.

COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)

217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

The Secrets of Permanent Weight Loss

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

In the Savoy location Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, we receive a lot of questions about how to lose weight and keep it off from patients who are concerned about their increasing weight and those who want to maintain their results after procedures such as liposuction or abdominoplasty.  What follows are the basics – that is, bringing a complex subject to a minimum denominator; knowledge and good lifestyle eating and exercise ethics are what it takes to loose weight and stay thin.

Though it can feel like one hardly eats anything but still gains weight,  the reality is quite different.  The very basic principle  of weight control is that you will gain weight if you consume more calories than you burn – period, no exceptions.

Have you ever heard people say that if  you exercise enough you will lose weight?  While that is true, the basic principle here is that you absolutely cannot depend on exercise alone to bring your weight down.  It has to be proportional with a decrease in the amount of food you eat, how that food is consumed and which foods you are consuming.

How To Loose Weight And Keep It Off Concepts:

1.     Water intake: The basic principle of a good lifestyle eating ethic is to consume water.  Here, you must read exactly what it says – water.  Water is not soda, or tea, or any other form of liquid.  Water is water.  Basic research shows that if you drink a minimum of one glass but better yet two glasses of water prior to your meal, you will consume less food and you will lose weight.  There are many reasons for this to happen, but suffice it to say that basic research has proven this without a doubt.  It is also important to drink water during the day.  In fact, often our bodies confuse hunger with dehydration.  If you have already eaten and are searching for a snack, replace that snack with a glass of water.  Wait 20 minutes.  You may find that your desire for a snack is gone.  Again, I must remark how important it is that it be water – not sweetened water, not flavored water, not anything else other than simple water.  Look around you and you will find that trim, thin, fit people drink only water.

2.     Reduce your portion sizes: Living in a nation where restaurants serve such large portions has been a big injustice to our health and over-all lifestyle.  Over the past few decades, we have begun to consume much larger portions than in the past.  As a result, we have become an obese nation with many weight related health problems. The more unhealthy food we consume, the more our bodies crave them. The truth is, the older we get, the less caloric intake our body requires.  Simply put, we must consume less calories in our 40’s than we did in our 30’s, and less in our 50”s than in our 40”s, and less in our 60”s than we consumed in our 50’s and so on.  I suggest beginning to decrease you portion sizes by eating until you are no longer hungry instead of eating until you are full. Decreasing portion sizes can be difficult when you are enjoying your meal, however if you consistently stick to this rule, you may find it much easier to accomplish.

3.     Restrict or avoid salt, sugar, fat and preservatives: Remember that there are enemies in food that you must restrict or avoid.  Those are salt, sugar, fat and preservatives.  All of the above are contained in most fast foods, prepared foods, canned foods (even canned vegetables), deli prepared foods, packaged foods, etc. While busy schedules may make it difficult for some people to prepare their own meals and go back to a primarily natural source of foods, you must maintain a high alert state for foods that are high in salt, sugar, fat and preservatives.  Remove those enemies from your diet.  One way to avoid these types of foods, even with a busy schedule, is to prepare foods in advance.  Prepare healthy meats and meals in advance, refrigerate or freeze them until needed.  Cook enough brown rice for a few days. Consider adding a fresh veggie, or cilantro, pepper, or a small amount of white raisins and almonds to your brown rice to vary the flavor.  Retrieve it from the refrigerator as needed.  Prepare large quantities of low-sodium soups with fresh veggies, adding fish or chicken protein if you choose.  Freeze it in portion size containers.  Not only will this method reduce the amount of food enemies in your diet, it will allow you to prepare healthy meals in no time.

4.     Avoid simple carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are not necessarily bad foods; however, simple carbohydrates create a high glycemic state; that is, they increase your blood sugar rapidly which is damaging to many tissues in your body.  It is important to avoid simple carbohydrates and that means sugar and refined grains (reduce the amount of bread and pasta to a minimum and make sure that when you eat these items they are prepared from whole grains).  Glycemic states not only create an easy avenue for your body to store fat, they are also highly damaging to tissues that contain a large number of blood vessels (for example, the retina).

5.     Vegetable proteins :  Increase the amount of vegetable proteins in your diet.  Vegetable proteins offer a great advantage as a food source. They burn slowly, which will keep you from becoming hungry.  You will go for longer periods of time with less hunger.  Vegetable proteins are contained in all legumes (foods that come from a pod) like any kind of bean, lentils, garbanzo (chick peas), etc.  Again you can easily prepare these vegetable proteins in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until needed.

6.     Exercise: Remember to maintain a program of exercise that fits your lifestyle.  That is, don’t create an exercise schedule that requires you to give more time than your schedule allows, it will set you up for failure. It should still allow for the normal routine of your life. That is; work, kids, food preparation, recreation, etc.  The amount of time spent exercising will vary from individual to individual, but it will require anywhere between 30-60 minutes three to five times per week.

7.     Honor the food that you eat: When you are ready to eat, do not eat on the go.  Break habits of eating while driving, eating while watching TV, eating while studying, etc.  When you are ready to eat, drink 1-2 glasses of water then sit down, preferably with family and friends and eat your food slowly.  If you are spending less than five minutes eating your food – you are definitely eating too fast.  When you eat food in small bites it takes you longer to consume your food and you will give time for your body to register that food has been added to your system.  The mechanism of satiation (the feeling of being satisfied or full) takes some time to develop after food has been added to your stomach.  To honor and value the food that you eat means making it an event of importance.  It is one that deserves your full attention.

Co- Author, G.D. Castillo M.D.

This blog entry was co-authored by G.D. Castillo, M.D. FACS  Director of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic and Roxanne Hammond, Skincare and Laser Specialist, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic

Co – Author, Roxanne Hammond, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic

Mommy Make-Over

Monday, July 27th, 2009
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
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217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)