I am a mother of 2. I love my kids more than life itself, but I would LOVE to be able to get my body back the way it was before I had kids. The term "Mommy Makeover" does NOT offend me at all. You here this term all the time, especially in Hollywood. I believe women have the right to decide what to do with their OWN bodies and should not be judged!!!

I see nothing wrong with the advertising of plastic surgery ,and as far as death more people die in car accidents than on a surgery table every day . Maybe car ads should be taken off the air .

Such a great topic. Even after having had 4 children (and the jiggle to prove it), at the end of the day, I'd rather be thought of as wise or kind than beautiful or "hot". But I definitely GET the desire to want to feel better about oneself after children. It disturbs me the amount of pressure out there for women to look like they are in their 20's for the rest for their lives. I agree that targeting Mothers specifically for cosmetic surgery can seem presumptuous and I imagine if I heard this while driving my daughter to school it would irk me too. And the name they give the procedures they are offering should convey the seriousness of the surgeries. For example, I would never go to a hospital that offered a heart surgery procedure under the name "Ticker Fixer" or something.
Anyway, that being said, I have had friends who have had "work" done and I totally respect their choice to do so.
I think your article brings good light to a subject that we should all discuss.

For those readers who would like to hear the ad for themselves, you can find it at www.parkerplasticsurgery.com/radio.

Yeah what's next protesting car dealers cause some people want to drive nice cars to keep up with the neighbors

"...especially in Hollywood." A perfect example of of society's influence on our body image. No one in this article is being judgemental about plastic surgery. Only lamenting the pressure placed on women to have these impossibly amazing (Hollywood) bodies and to not embrace their own beautiful bodies. If someone wants to lose weight, gain weight, work out, not work out, have surgery, not have surgery - it is all okay. It is NOT okay however to send the message that we NEED to have this done in order to (re)build self-image after having children.

I am a mother of 3 children of whom I breastfed a total of 5 1/2 years. Everyone knows that your body is not the same after pregnancy or breastfeeding. I sought out Dr Parker after my 3rd child weaned himself . What he has done for me has increased my self confidence.I am very pleased with my results . He is a WONDERFUL surgeon that I would recommend to anyone! To each their own in this case....

If anyone that is offended at the ad actually meets Dr. Parker they would realize that he is an extremly compassionate and wonderful doctor! It is every woman's choice to make decisions about their own bodies. Ads are just a way to let people know you are there. If you feel it does not apply to you then disregard it. I have had 3 children and would love a mommy makeover at some point!

I have heard the ad on the radio, and for those who are offended should change the channel...I don't feel the ad is saying that women have to have cosmetic surgery to rebuild self image. It simply states that there is an option for those of us whose bodies have changed after birth. Not everyone's body bouncing back after childbirth, So it is nice to know that we DO have the option if we choose.

Having worked for Dr. Parker in the past, I know that he is one of the most kind, caring and compassionate doctors around. I feel it's ridiculous to be up in arms about an ad that is geared towards mothers. He has every right to promote his business in a way that is tailored to his customers. That's fine if this mother doesn't feel she needs surgery to make herself feel better but a lot of mothers do and I believe she's offending those who make that decision. All she needs to do is turn the station and elect not to have surgery!

I love that this woman is happy with her body but in America we have the right not to be happy with ours and to do something about it. This country was built on the foundation of individual rights... This woman has the right to free speech but attempting to damage an upstanding businessman or business woman is not acceptable in America. I've heard these ads on Magic 102.1 and they are tastefully done and I would consider it an honor to be cared for by such an outstanding practice as Dr. Parker's.

What really offends me is this woman is protesting something that doesn't concern her! If she doesn't like the whole mommy makeover deal then don't have it done. Turn the station when the ad comes on the radio. This doctor has done nothing to hurt anyone. He has a right just as much as anyone else to advertise his or her services. Why is it okay for her to protest a private practice? I think she must have absolutely nothing to do with her life if she is making this big of a deal out of an advertisement! She should use her energy and time for something more important. Get a life perhaps? Women have the right to choose what they do with their bodies. If it's not something she wants to do, don't do it.
Patch- I enjoy your website but it's the day after the elections... why not do more stories on the elections instead of superficial subjects like this?

Normally I wouldn't even get involved in this type of discussion since I am a Mom and I have no desire to have plastic surgery - and don't care if others do. However, when I listened to the ad, I was a bit shocked at the beginning where she states "you love and cherish every moment of motherhood EXCEPT when you look in the mirror..." WHAT? The procedures Dr. Parker are advertising aren't offensive to me - it's the way it is worded & using that woman's voice like she was laughing while talking, that hit a sore spot. Maybe a more mature voice and different wording would make this sound better and not as insulting.

Well, my body has definitely changed...completely, even! So I guess my body image has, too. Having said that, recapturing a more youthful look isn't important enough to me for surgery. I don't put myself at risk unless it's absolutely necessary. JMHO, of course.

Here's a novel idea,

If you dont want a Mommy Makeover DONT GET ONE!!! If you dont like a radio ad CHANGE THE CHANNEL..
Seems such a foreign concept...

Love all the free publicity this woman is giving to the business she purports to be against.

I'll admit that when I listened to the add, it brought up some uncomfortable feelings for me. Personally, I want to feel that I should love and cherish my body--I want to feel like all I need to feel good about myself is to feel healthy and strong. The add is no different than reading magazines full of pictures of women or girls who look slim and toned and all done up. It's our culture that suggests that we "need" perfecting. The voice in the radio add didn't really bother me. I don't like hearing the add because it does make me pause and, I'll admit, I felt less than beautiful when I heard it, but this is all over our culture. And it's the power of suggestion. I would like to see this idea that women need to have a certain shape and size change. But this add is just a tiny reflection of a larger social issue. I don't think that there is something wrong with the doctor or even the practice of plastic surgery. But I do wish our society didn't have so many pressures on women to look like we have personal trainers and stylists.

The Dr didn't make the ad. The radio station makes the ad they were the laughing not the Dr

The doctor buys the ad - I heard it (link above) and I don't hear any insulting laughing. It's just an ad!

I thought of these things before I suggested a picket. I understand that Mr. Parker is in business to help people.....and to make money. People in our society are hard selling things that play on women's poor self esteem. I disagree with it, especially considering that there are no public interest ads paid for that run at 8 am, announcing the dangers of unnecessary surgery. I am a Mother, and I have exercised and tried to eat healthy foods in order to stay active. I am a part of this community, and if I decide to speak out against a public announcement that I feel is damaging to our community, I reserve the right to do so as a part of our community. I do not mean to damage Mr. Parker's business any more than Mr. Parker means to damage Mothers' self esteem. I agree with the comments that assert that "plastic" surgery is a personal choice. I do feel that the unnecessary surgeries performed in the name of beauty should be called something that reflects a more accurate image. Surgeries involved blood, knives, and risks.

It's an ad! Paid for! That is not a "public announcement". Contact the J-School about that - you are confused!

A Picket....really. Wow ! All this article has done is to draw support for Dr Parker.He is a very well liked,respected ,caring Surgeon in Athens. I am glad you decided not to picket as it would make you look foolish.Different strokes for different Folks! If it is not for you then don't do it!

A paid ad is not a public service announcement, but it is a public announcement. Think about it. I never said I decided not to picket. If it draws attention to the business by bringing in more business, so be it. Hopefully it will incite discussion amongst women in our community.

And what else are you going to decide is wrong for women? Maybe women just want to be left alone to decide for themselves!

Wow...I am not moved to picket Mr. Parker but I do see what Ryan is offended about. Our society does prey on women in many ways when it comes to the beauty standard. It doesn't seem to me that Ryan wants to stop all plastic surgery and take away a woman's right to plastic surgery, it seems to me that she just doesn't want to be bombarded with the notion that somehow women who give birth are flawed and that these these are easy procedures. Where are the women that claimed to be offended by the ad as well that said they would picket? I see a lot of Dr. Parker supporters commenting, I'd like to hear how the other women feel.

I've heard the ad on the radio and gotten annoyed while listening to it too. Good for Ryan for following her gut and standing up for something that she feels strongly about. Too many people sit idly by and let issues lie dormant. This is a conversation that needs to happen. Thanks for yet another interesting article, Leigh. Thank you Ryan for standing up for natural mamas!!!

Thanks for writing a balanced report on the two sides of the issue. Those who want it (or need it and can afford it) will opt for a body mommy makeover. Those who are offended (or don't want it, don't need it) will opt out for a body mommy makeover. I wonder if Daddys who have gained some weight around their middles would go under the knife for a Happy Daddy Makeover? Just wondering?;)

All I can say to what Ryan Griffin has certainly stirred up is.....GET A LIFE! There are better ways to use your time than to make a complete idiot of yourself! If you didnt like the ad then change the station. Simple as that! It's people like you that make the rest of us laugh. If you found that ad offensive then you really need to get a backbone, put your big girl panties on, and woman up!

I have been a patient of Dr. Parkers for 5 years now..He is a wonderful doctor, surgeon and person...I've had several procedures done and would do it again..I didn't have them done because society or ads or magazines made me feel bad about myself, I had them done because I wanted to. He did a wonderful job and I would highly recommend him to anyone. I agree with what some other people have said, if the ad offends you, turn the station. If something offends me I turn the station, the channel, or delete it off my facebook..it is as simple as that..Why try to damage a fine man's reputation and business because of your opinion. I am not being ugly by no means because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And just as you are entitled to how you feel about plastic surgery, Dr. Parker has the right to advertise his business. Dr. Parker did surgery on my son several years ago. He had cancer and Dr. Parker reconstructed his hand and got all the cancer and saved his hand when every other doctor my son went to wanted to remove his hand..He won my allegiance then..And knowing him as I do, I can't imagine him ever doing or saying anything that would intentionally offend anyone. There are just so many more important issues to be concerned about than what this man does for a living and if he advertises about a mommy makeover or not..He is a fine, decent and moral man. A man of character. Thanks Dr. Parker for all you have done for me...Debbie

I don’t get the appeal of plastic surgery, but whatever, people are into different things. The issue here is the ad itself, so let’s talk about that. It tells you to “improve those areas affected most by having a child.” (Sleep deprivation? You’re offering me a nap? Awesome! Oh, wait.) It talks about “the moment you look in the mirror and realize how much motherhood has changed your body.” (Made it capable of building a human being and then completely sustaining it post-birth? That’s some crazy alien stuff right there, but pretty cool. Oh, wait.) It suggests that you “see yourself as your child sees you—the most beautiful mommy in the world!” (Because you are actually terrible looking.) It encourages you “make every moment of motherhood wonderful, especially when you look in the mirror.” (Because the state of motherhood hinges on your physical appearance, which, by the way, is hideous.) As far as I can tell, the underlying message is this: women, especially mothers, have to look a certain way to feel good about both themselves and their capabilities of being parents, and bringing a child into this world totally destroys that ideal, so GOOD LUCK feeling good about yourselves, ladies! Your little girls (who are listening to this ad and taking notes, by the way) may think you are as pretty as a unicorn on a glittery pink cloud in the Lollipop Forest, but in reality you are little more than a haggard troll guarding the bridge to Pretty Town.

I re-read Debbie Seagraves' comment and would like to add that I understand there's a lot of love for this man and clearly he does good work for people who want or need it (thinking especially of post-cancer reconstructive surgery). But I think that ad needs a makeover. Ha, ha, see what I did there.

My sister opted to have a tummy tuck, because she had twins and she had so much extra skin on her abdomen that she had to wear a special brace to keep her organs from slipping. She can't buy clothes and her stomach hurts all the time. For her, it was a little bit about vanity and self-esteem, but it was also about health. She knows she's done having kids, so her stomach won't be stretched out again, and I FULLY support her decision to go through surgery. She waited until the twins were one year old so she could see how far diet and exercise would get her, but there was just too much excess skin. Not fat, skin. Sometimes it's unnecessary and all about vanity, but sometimes it's acceptable. In my humble opinion.

To those who keep suggesting that I have no life.....ahhh, the yesteryears of freedom.....I won't even suggest that there are many still moments from 6 am until 11 pm between raising 2 children and a myriad of pets. I work to create those still moments. Boredom is not what gave way to my social action in this situation. Truthfully, I took some Women's Studies classes during my undergraduate at FSU, learned a whole lot from a woman named Sue Sturgeon, a professor who taught me to understand the social undertones in the messages being sent to women in contemporary society. I get it that not everyone wants to get that deep. I also get that Mr. Parker does genuinely help people. Plastic surgeons help people who need reconstructive surgeries, children with cleft palattes or who have been attacked by dogs, people who suffer disfigurement after childbearing or nursing. I appreciate that our society is advanced enough to have board certified, trained professionals to provide these valuable services. What I don't appreciate is hearing that ad targeting Mothers for unnecessary surgery at 8 am. Yes, I have the option to turn the channel. Regardless of what I look like, I consider myself one woman as part of a community of women, and when I think about all women hearing that ad, including my daughter, I feel like making it an issue.

It appears by these testimonials that Dr. Parker is one of the best, and that is great. His practice and expertise do not seem to be in dispute. However, the women commenting that are against the ad, are not against HIM per se, but what, and how, he is advertising a particular procedure. There are two differnent discussions going on here.
He must have approved that ad, whether he wrote it, the radio station wrote it, or a media company wrote it (it doesn't matter who). So he should know what it sounds like and now he knows how it was perceived by various women in the community.

I hear both sides of this argument, what bothers me is the notion that because one person didn't like an ad, the doctor should be harrassed at his office in front of his patients who have already made the choice to be there. How did you expect someone to advertise for a body alteration procedure - by telling you that you're beautiful just the way you are? You don't advertise a restaurant by saying you could cook just as well at home. We all have our own issues with our bodies and yes, no one is denying that there is a body issue problem in our society and that you don't have to be twig thin to be healthy. But at the same time there are too many people who are so worried about being offended that real discussions about real issues of body and health can't take place.

Whitney writes

"I hear both sides of this argument, what bothers me is the notion that because one person didn't like an ad, the doctor should be harrassed at his office in front of his patients who have already made the choice to be there. "

+ELEVENTY!!
Ryan if you dont like it DON T GO there are people that DO like the service this doc might offer and you dont get to make that choice for them

.. Or pitch a hissy fit if you prefer, generate business for the guy and give the rest of us cause to point and laugh at you .. Works either way for me .
You have no right not to be offended . I'm reminded of that bugnutty woman who was trying to save the world from Harry Potter books she had never even read.

Right... because suggesting that if one doesnt like a particular business they should just not go there is plainly ridiculous ..Seriously I see and hear things I dont like every day, I have a cool little know on my radio though so when I hear something that doesnt burp my turtle I reach down there and TURN THE KNOB!

I'm pointing and laughing Anon,

I'm really grateful for Ryan and Leigh for bringing up the issue of women and body image for discussion. I think that a lot of the supporters of the Dr.Parker are missing the point here. I imagine that most of us would agree that women have the right and choice to do what they want with their bodies. But, I think this advertising campaign speaks to a bigger problem in our society--that women's bodies are held to an impossible ideal. Even after birthing our children, I think it's sad that society expects us to look like airbrushed Hollywood starlets. I thank Ryan for having the courage to stand up for what she believes in and to encourage all of us (myself included) to imagine what it would take for all of us to love and appreciate our bodies as is--wrinkles, and stretch marks and all.

I would like to thank everyone that took the time voice their support for me and our ad campaign. Your comments are greatly appreciated. I would also ask that everyone keep their comments positive. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and even though you may not agree with some comments, there is no need for any disparaging remarks. For those of you who are offended, this was obviously not our intention. Again, thanks to everyone for weighing in on this issue.

What it will take for me to love my body again is a "Mommy Makeover". After having kids, my tummy is covered in stretch marks. I would LOVE to be able to wear a bikini again, but until these UGLY stretch marks are gone...that will NEVER happen (just my opinion). It's people like Dr. Parker not Mr. Parker who can help us (MOTHERS or NOT) feel better about ourselves. I don't understand what the big deal is, there is more to worry about in the world right now than an ad on a radio station. Last time I checked, this is still America with freedom of speech. It offends me that a few people want to pull the ad. I like when the ad comes on the radio, it makes me feel good to know I have someone to turn to if I choose. Not everyone can love their body no matter what. There is always something that people would love to change about their bodies, whether it is losing weight or plastic surgery, etc...The pressure to look good is everywhere, but is it a crime to want to better yourself. If you choose NOT to have plastic surgery then that is fine, just leave it at that and let people go about their business and do as they please with their OWN bodies. If you want to picket somewhere, go picket at a gas station where it really counts(because gas prices are ridiculous). But for those of us who would love to have plastic surgery, it would be an honor to have a someone as talented as Dr. Parker to be our Plastic Surgeon...keep on rocking Dr. Parker!!

I agree that the ad is offensive and sends a negative message to our community about what a woman should(not) look like, while I also agree that everyone has a right to choose what they want to do with their own body, be it a tattoo, plastic surgery, piercing, eating copious amounts of junk food, smoking, being vegetarian, exercising, etc....to each her own! But whatever our beliefs, we cannot deny that Dr. Parker's ad reflects some underlying, basic issues within our society and the way we regard women, especially after childbirth. If everyone were to "turn the knob" rather than incite much-needed discourse, what would become of us?

I'm much happier with my body now than before I had kids. I no longer feel required to fit in with some sort of societal mold. As long as I feel healthy and fit, I don't worry about my soft tummy or saggy breasts. My body grew two fabulous little people, and I cherish that more than I would having firm abs. I am not inclined to picket the plastic surgeon's office, however, since I know that not every woman feels the way I do. I am just not convinced that plastic surgery is the answer for body image problems.

Every business that runs an ad on radio or TV or a print ad tries to target their audience. 8AM is a perfect time to run an ad of this type since the target audience is potentially listening to their radio on the way to work or taking kids to school or...heaven forbid...day care. Personally, I've never heard an ad for anything that offended me. I've heard many that didn't cause me to consider the product but never offended. Can I understand how some women would be offended when being reminded their bodies are not as perfect as the airbrushed models in ads? Sure I can. And the discussion is enlightening. But being driven to a picket...that just doesn't seem to be a reasonable response to me. Protest should be for bringing attention to societal wrongs, not radio ads we don't like. Maybe you should redirect your energy toward Penn State or the handful of Catholic priests that have abused minors. I might even join your picket line for something as useful as that.

Why isn't she picketing the grocery stores that put the magazines at the checkout lines with all the "Hollywood Beauties" on the cover? I mean, you're "forced" to stand there and look at them while waiting for your groceries to be ran through the scanner. That has to be offensive to you. What about picketing Victoria Secrets. All those large pictures of beautiful women and skimpy outfits in the windows that you have to be "forced" to see as you walk down to the pretzel place. How dare they degrade women by having them show skin? Even worse, what if your young daughter sees these things? This might cause her mental anguish that will follow her all through her developmental years. I mean, we couldn't teach her to feel great about herself or anything, but rather we should hide all these "terrible" things from young girls so they won't "feel" bad. Way to set them up for failure as they grow up.

TheLaw - you need to go back to high school Language Arts for a lesson on analogies. Such a monumental difference between seeing ads that are selling sex versus ads that demean the bodies of, specifically, Mothers. I tolerate living in a society that objectifies women, but I do not tolerate living in a society that lowers itself to tolerating public announcements that criticize the bodies of Mothers. I pity all of you who don't get the tragedy in this, but I have to ask myself, really, did I really expect a whole lot more higher thinking? In regards to the Penn State and Catholic Church headlines, I have acted as a social activist on these issues as well. In addition, I have acted as a social activist regarding the recent attack on students and professsors protesting over 70% tuition hikes at Berkeley last week. All those who have been aggressive towards my stance on this issue, you can go back to watching The Bachelor and The Kardashians on tv now. Would hate to bother you with any sort of issue that might raise your consciousness. Athens, I thought a lot more of you.

So Ryan,
You're right and everyone else is wrong. Your opinion is the only valid one and anyone who disagrees with you is wrong... Gotcha, What church do you go to again?
For the record this wasnt a "public announcement" it was / is ADVERTISING... You dont have to like it, you dont have to buy the product being sold , you could even CHANGE THE STATION like a big girl but you choose instead to whine about it.
I dunno if I'd chastise people for their lack of "higher thinking" when you arent capable of operating a radio but you go right ahead, the world needs clowns..

I'm not right, just vibrating on a different frequency. Advertising is a public announcement, and if you have the fancy, you can take classes at a local school and learn about the effects of the media on our society. This will be my last comment on this blog ~ from the original Hippocratic Oath ~

I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.

Maybe I'm just a clown, but permanent scarring, disfigurement, and death seem to constitute harm in my book. I've seen first hand quarter inch scars that result from plastic surgery, permanent scars that the patient did not anticipate.

So you are the arbiter of "good" now?

Mighty high opinion of yourself there Ryan, so glad we have people like you to foist their judgement and opinions on all of us.

It would have been totally awesome if people had stuck to the actual argument.

OK, let's play nice here. No personal attacks please. Constructive debate is encouraged. We don't want anybody to be intimidated into believing it's better not to join the conversation. We value all opinions.

Rebecca writes

"If you don't like what Ryan is saying, perhaps you shouldn't read what she is saying. "

Hmmm sounds amazingly similar to my first post in this thread. Excellent point "To each his own"... Unless of course it's something that Ryan doesnt like in which case it's full on angry rant and attack against a local business owner..
Gotcha!