Telling Your Children You're Getting Breast Implants

It is very common for mothers to desire breast implants after one or more pregnancies. Not only can breast tissue be lost and the skin stretched following nursing, but the shape is altered and the weight will begin to pull down on the chest causing visible sag. While making the decision to undergo an augmentation or a lift may be easy, it probably won't be as simple if you have to explain your choice to your children.

If you have toddlers, they will likely want to know why mommy is going to the hospital and why she needs to rest for a few days in bed following her surgery. For very young children, an explanation might not be necessary if you can find a sitter or family member to take care of them while you have a few days bed rest to get through the most difficult parts of healing. You may have some bruising surrounding your chest and will likely have a bandage in place for several days. This can be covered up if necessary. Younger children won't likely notice much of a change if any at all. If slightly older, the details of the surgery are unnecessary and can be left vague but positive so as not to incite any anxiety.

Older children and up to teenagers will likely require more honesty and candor when revealing cosmetic surgery plans. Firstly, if you have daughters, you have to think about how having breast implants will affect their perceptions of their own body. If they are closely bonded with their mother, the chances are good that they will want to emulate her in the future. They may have already considered plastic surgery as it is becoming more common among the younger generations. It is important to explain your reasons for undergoing surgery and that they understand how the body can change following pregnancy and birth. You should also discuss the potential risks you are undertaking by volunteering for surgery so they fully understand the reality behind breast implants.

Allowing children to ask questions can greatly help their understanding as well as ease their minds. At first it may seem awkward to have them candidly questioning your motivations and body image, but the more they know the better able they will be to make their own decisions on cosmetic surgery and explore their own feelings about their own bodies. There are also several books and websites that you can use to help explain the procedure and give them a visual of reasons why a woman post-pregnancy would consider having breast implants.

While you don't have to tell your children anything, the odds are very good that most over the age of six will notice that something significant has changed about your appearance, and may even be confused. If you want to speak with them but are having trouble, a counselor may be able to give you some advice or assist you with leading a discussion about the situation.