The birds, bees and plastic surgery, too

Attention parents and future parents: If you're dreading talking with your children about the birds and the bees, how do you feel about talking with them about your pending plastic surgery?

Miami-based plastic surgeon Michael Alexander Salzhauer wants you to have an open dialogue with the kiddies about your nose job, breast lift or mommy make-over (the full body work up moms get after giving birth). In his new book, "My Beautiful Mommy," he explains the best way to talk with your children about why you will come home black, blue and wrapped in bandages. The book is illustrated with age appropriate before and after pictures.

The book, which is sold for $19.99 at http://mybeautifulmommy.com/, is stirring up a lot of controversy. Those against it say it sends the wrong message to little girls - that mommy can't be beautiful without going under the knife. But those who support it, say it was a lifesaver when they needed a resource in explaining their upcoming surgery.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of people getting tummy tucks jumped 137% percent 2000 to 2007 and breast augmentations increased 64% during that same time period. So, it's not like people aren't having these procedures, however, there's no data to show what percentage are mothers.

But Salzhauer, who keeps candy in his office for kids who tag along to mom's appointments, said he printed 400 copies for his patients and they sold like string bikinis for a newly-constructed body. Two thousand more books have been ordered.

I think Salzhauer is onto something. There are tons of books for parents who have to explain when a new baby comes home, books to explain grandma's death and what to expect when dad's an alcoholic, so why not plastic surgery?

I'm all for plastic surgery. Most people are more confident after surgery and their children will notice when mom walks into a room with high self esteem. The message sent could be the importance of feeling good about yourself, no matter what it took to get you there. So, if you want to change a part of your body, go for it - from the knockers to the nose. And if you need a little help explaining the procedure and aftermath, you now have a book that will offer some guidance.