Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

How to Choose the Right Type of Tummy Tuck in Lubbock

We are all familiar with the health benefits of exercise, but the main reason many of us work out is because of its effect on our appearance. There is something deeply satisfying about seeing visible results from our hard work at the gym. Yet for some, those desired body changes just don’t happen, even after much diligence and patience. If you feel like you have tried everything from crunches to no-sugar diets and still can’t get rid of that flabby belly, you may want to consider a cosmetic procedure. But how do you decide on the right procedure for you?

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Tummy Procedures

You’ve seen the advertisements telling you how much you need the latest non-surgical treatment to tighten your skin and get rid of that stubborn belly fat. And, they say you can have it all without any surgery. Cities across the country that have clinics offering radiofrequency, ultrasound, and cryolipolysis treatments to tighten your skin or help you lose fat. Non-surgical options can seem attractive at first glance. But things that seem too good to be true usually are. For the perfect candidate, non-surgical treatments might be able to give the results they advertise, but there are a few things you should think about before you make the final decision between one of those options and a tummy tuck in Lubbock.

Tummy Tuck in Lubbock: The Only Complete Treatment for Sagging Belly Skin

Excess skin around the abdomen can be the result of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or genetics. Non-surgical procedures can reduce fat and help firm the skin. But even with multiple treatments, moderate or severe sagging cannot be corrected. A traditional tummy tuck is still the tried and true option to remove sagging, excess skin from around your abdomen.

Non-surgical treatments are not patient-specific options. Results from these treatments can be unpredictable as each person responds to the procedure differently. A highly trained surgeon will carefully tailor a tummy tuck in Lubbock to address the specific needs of the patient. Surgical results are more predictable, and patient satisfaction is higher with a traditional tummy tuck. The advertisements with perfect models do not give the full story on non-surgical tummy tuck alternatives.

Not All Tummy Tucks are Created Equal

A tummy tuck is the plastic surgery procedure that removes saggy, excessive skin around your tummy area. While it can be combined with liposuction, this procedure is not a weight loss treatment. Patients need to have realistic expectations and have clear communication with their board-certified surgeon about the procedure, recovery, and expected results. A tummy tuck is not a one-size-fits all procedure: talk to your doctor about which of the three forms of tummy tuck surgery will work best for you.

Mini Tummy Tuck

This type of tummy tuck in Lubbock is often referred to as the “scarless tummy tuck.” The incision for this procedure is relatively small compared to a standard tummy tuck because it removes less skin. This procedure is the best choice for individuals with that small pooch below the belly button that resists diet and exercise. The surgery is done with an incision in the lower abdominal wall that reaches the navel. Unlike other versions of tummy tucks, the navel itself typically does not need to be repositioned during a mini tummy tuck. After making the incisions, the surgeon will remove extra skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. Because this procedure is a less invasive plastic surgery, patients typically experience a quick recovery. Patients are usually back to their everyday activities within a week’s time and can manage their pain with over-the-counter pain medications.

Standard Tummy Tuck

Like the mini tummy tuck, the traditional tummy tuck is recommended for men and women in good physical health. Unlike the mini tuck, however, individuals seeking this surgery have a more sizable amount of skin to remove. Patients with weakened abdominal muscles due to past pregnancies or who have experienced significant weight loss will benefit from a standard tummy tuck in Lubbock. This surgery requires a larger incision, which runs in a straight line between the hip bones. Your doctor can suggest if you liposuction would be a beneficial addition to remove extra fat.

With a larger portion of the skin removed during this procedure, the belly button is repositioned. Patients get back on their feet and into regular routines by 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. It’s important to rest as much as possible in the first few weeks and not try to jump right back into your life’s activities too quickly.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck addresses surgical needs beyond that of the standard tummy tuck. A patient with excess fat and skin around the abdomen as well as their hips and the sides of their lower back, would benefit from the extended tummy tuck approach. The incision for this procedure is longer than for the traditional tummy tuck in Lubbock, covering all the areas being addressed – the abdomen, hips, and lower back. This procedure is nearly always paired with liposuction for better contouring results. Again, the abdominal muscles are tightened, targeted skin is excised, and the navel is repositioned. The more extensive your surgery, the longer your recovery time will be. Always give yourself plenty of time to allow your body to heal properly.

Have Confidence in Your Tummy Tuck With Dr. Jane Rowley

The more information you have about your plastic surgery options, the better decisions you can make for your body. Dr. Jane Rowley is the leading plastic surgeon in Lubbock who takes the time to explain your options for a tummy tuck in Lubbock along with recovery and result expectations thoroughly. If you are tired of carrying around that extra pooch of saggy skin in your abdominal area, call our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Rowley today.

Finding Your Ideal Breast Size With a Breast Reduction in Lubbock

Did you know that your breasts are as individual as your personality? No two women have the same breasts, but many of us share the same complaints when it comes to certain breast issues. Our breasts can have an effect our confidence, posture, body image, and even our sleep. For women with very large breasts, everyday living can be a struggle because of chronic pain and discomfort. With the help of modern medicine and the artistic ability of Dr. Jane Rowley, women can take matters into their own hands and do something to help improve their quality of life. If your large breasts are getting in the way of your lifestyle, it may be the right time to consider a breast reduction in Lubbock.  

Is There an Ideal Breast Size?

Women see the world through individual preferences and tastes. What one woman thinks is perfect doesn’t accurately reflect what the next person likes. When you are trying to figure out your ideal breast size, it might be helpful to consider a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery that found most people prefer breasts with 45% of their fullness above the nipple line and 55% below the it. Participants of the study also said they like breasts to have a more natural, teardrop shape.

What Affects Your Breast Size and Shape?

  • Genetics are the biggest factor in determining your breast size and shape. Genes from both your parents influence your breasts’ hormone levels, tissue density, shape, and skin tone.
  • The aging process happens whether we like it or not. You can’t fight the ticking of the clock or the effect of gravity over time. The Cooper ligaments in your breasts are bands of tissue that hold your breast structure and tissue in place. These aren’t true ligaments that are connected to bone so over time they can become stretched like overworked rubber bands. This stretching will eventually cause breasts to have a saggy or droopy appearance.
  • Weight can affect your breasts. Since a portion of your breast tissue is fat, your breasts will either grow or shrink depending on how your weight changes. If your breast composition has large amounts of fat, your breasts will sag when you lose significant amounts of weight. A breast reduction in Lubbock can get rid of this extra fat and give your breasts a more desirable size and shape.

Some life changes have a greater influence on our breasts’ appearance than others. Pregnancy and breastfeeding have a much more significant effect on our bust than exercise does. A healthier lifestyle supports your skin elasticity, muscle tone, and weight consistency, which will in turn help your breasts look their best.

Achieve Your Ideal Size With a Breast Reduction in Lubbock

You may not feel like you have much control over the natural size or shape of your breasts. Ultimately the perfect breast size is the one you feel the most comfortable and confident with. If your breasts are too large for your liking, a breast reduction can give you a more proportionate look. With a breast reduction in Lubbock, patients feel beautiful not because of the size of their breasts alone, but because their entire body feels more balanced and less top-heavy.

The Many Benefits of Breast Reduction

Some of the happiest plastic surgery patients are those who have undergone breast reduction in Lubbock. Women with large breasts become used to dealing with issues that can be eliminated by the procedure. Imagine living a life free from:

  • Unwanted Attention – If your breasts are big, it’s likely you have felt more than a few stares directed at your chest. This type of attention can make women feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about their appearance. Removing breast tissue with a breast reduction can help by making your chest less of a focal point on your body. When you don’t have to worry about the number of looks you’re getting for the wrong reasons, you can have more confidence and comfort in social settings.
  • Chronic Pain – One of the most common complaints among large-breasted women is the strain on their neck, back, and shoulder area. Heavy breasts often pull on the upper body, causing pain in the regions that support them. When the weight of the breasts is reduced with surgery, patients enjoy almost instantaneous relief from these symptoms.
  • Difficulty exercising – It can be hard enough to find a sports bra that fits your large breasts, much less actually getting through a workout with that extra weight. After a breast reduction in Lubbock, women have an increased ability to move freely during exercise. They tend to get more out of their time at the gym and are more motivated to keep up with a healthy fitness routine.

If you feel your breasts are too large, a breast reduction can improve your quality of life in many ways. There is no reason to put up with awkward stares, everyday pain, decreased mobility or any other downsides that come with a big cup size. Women who want to have greater control over their appearance visit Dr. Jane Rowley. She has more than 20 years of experience performing breast reductions. She is willing to discuss your questions and expectations for your plastic surgery experience. Your breast size is a personal choice. For the most caring and experienced plastic surgery for breast reduction in Lubbock, patients come to Rowley Plastic Surgery. Call our office today to schedule a no-obligation and to learn more about your aesthetic options.

Boost Your Confidence With a Breast Lift in Lubbock

With the holiday season upon us, it is gratifying to spend our time buying gifts and serving others. But it is also important to make sure we feel personally fulfilled as well. Like the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. We must first love and feel confident in ourselves before we can help others feel the same. If you feel unhappy with the appearance of your breasts because they sag and droop, you can lift your spirits with a breast lift in Lubbock. Many women struggle to accept the toll life can take on the youthful appearance of their breasts. Age, gravity, pregnancies, and fluctuations in weight can cause the breasts to take on a saggy or elongated shape. Whether a breast lift is a procedure you never thought you would want or something you have wanted to do for a long time, a breast lift can rejuvenate your bust and improve your confidence.

How Can a Breast Lift Help Me?

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, restores sagging breasts to give them a more youthful, perky shape. The surgery helps to raise the breasts by removing extra skin and tightening the skin around the surrounding tissue to support the new shape of the breast. The nipple and areola are moved to a more upward position. Unwanted stretch marks can also be eliminated during your procedure if they are part of the extra skin that is removed.

Patients undergoing a breast lift in Lubbock will not see noticeable changes in the size of their breasts, but the procedure can provide symmetry and more forward projection. If you want to change the size of your breasts, a breast augmentation or reduction can be done in combination with a lift to achieve your desired look. For women who want to add volume at the same time as their mastopexy, breast augmentation can help. Talk to your doctor about what you want in terms of size, because choosing an implant that is too big can work against the effects of your breast lift. When the right balance is achieved, patients enjoy beautiful results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift in Lubbock?

Many women are unhappy with their breasts but do not know which procedure would help their specific problems. If your breasts sag but you are unsure whether you might be a good candidate for a breast lift, you can do a simple test at home. Place a pencil under the fold of your breast and see if the pencil stays in place when you let go of it. If the pencil stays put, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift in Lubbock. You should also ask yourself a few questions about how you feel about your breasts.

  • Do your breasts sag?
  • Do your nipples point downward?
  • Do you have tubular or pendulous breasts?
  • Do you have larger areolas?
  • Are you satisfied with your breast symmetry?

It is also important to think about your general health and lifestyle. Because your breasts are affected by life changes, you should consider whether it’s the right time in your life for a breast lift. It is best to plan this procedure after you are finished having children and nursing babies so that you do not risk jeopardizing the results of your surgery. Women planning for a breast lift in Lubbock should maintain a stable weight and be in good health. If you smoke or use nicotine, you will need to quit for several weeks leading up to and following your surgery.  

Life After a Breast Lift in Lubbock

You can expect to experience some discomfort, swelling, and some draining initially after your breast lift. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-surgery instructions carefully. Plan on taking about five to seven days off work as your breasts begin the healing process. You can expect to return to regular exercise after about four to six weeks of recovery. There will be some scarring but it will be hidden under clothing and swimwear and will continue to fade over time. Your new, perkier breasts will give you the freedom of going braless when you want to and boost your confidence overall.

Get the Results You Want With the Surgeon You Trust

A breast lift in Lubbock is an excellent way to lift your spirits this holiday season as you bring life back to your sagging breasts. Patients who take good care of themselves can expect to enjoy the results of your surgery for many years to come. Dr. Jane Rowley is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience helping her patients achieve their cosmetic goals. If you are are unsatisfied with your breasts and want to learn how a breast lift can benefit you, call our office for a no-obligation consultation today.