Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery Time and Other FAQs

Life is too short to allow anything to hold you back from making the most of each day. Freedom from pain, ease of mobility, and healthy self-confidence are all things that can easily be taken for granted. For women with large breasts, each of those things can be a daily struggle. If you are uncomfortable because of your oversized breasts, plastic surgery can help you get your life back. It is important to ask the right questions before your breast reduction surgery procedure, so you will know what to expect and be well informed throughout the entire process.

What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?

Imagine your life without the burden of a heavy chest. Virtually everything you do would be easier, including sleeping, breathing, and moving. The heavy weight of large breasts can cause strain on the back, neck, and shoulders that develops into chronic pain. A breast reduction reduces the weight on your chest and alleviates the related pain.

Any breast reduction patient will tell you the benefits are worth the breast reduction surgery recovery time. Women enjoy increased confidence as their breasts are no longer an unwanted focal point. With their breasts no longer a hindrance to their movement, they also find it easier to be active and exercise.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Breast reductions aren’t just for women with extremely large cup sizes. A woman who feels her bust is out of proportion with the rest of her body would also benefit from the procedure. You are a good candidate if you:

  • Do not smoke
  • Are in good health
  • Would like your breasts to be smaller
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Have back, shoulder, or neck pain because of your breasts
  • Have skin irritation on the underside of your breasts

What Does the Surgery Involve?

Women considering breast reduction plastic surgery in Lubbock are in luck because Dr. Jane Rowley has over 20 years of experience performing this procedure. A breast reduction is always paired with a lift, and the nipple is moved to a higher, more natural position. The size of the areola is usually decreased. You will see breast reduction surgery scars around the areolas, vertical ones to the bottom of the breasts, as well as on the undersides in the creases.

Are There Any Risks?

Every surgical procedure comes with the potential for risks. Breast reduction surgery is a safe and routine procedure when performed by a trustworthy, board-certified plastic surgeon. Women who choose to undergo a reduction should be in good health and not be significantly overweight as these factors contribute to the potential for risks.

When Will I See Results?

Relief from the pain and burden of your breasts is immediate. Even with your surgical garments on, you should be able to notice the smaller size of your bust. After a week the swelling will have gone down enough to reveal significant results. Your breasts will sit higher and look more youthful, but the full results will take a few weeks to present themselves.

How Long is Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery Time?

Each woman’s breast reduction surgery recovery time will vary depending on the size of her breasts. Most women will be able to walk around and take a shower the day following surgery. Some soreness may occur, but the discomfort usually consists of a tight, engorged sensation. The patient will typically need to take 10 to 14 days off work; some women may need to take up to three weeks. Give yourself about six weeks before returning to your full level of activity.

Will Insurance Pay for My Breast Reduction?

Because of the negative effects large breasts can have on your health, insurance companies will often cover the cost of breast reduction plastic surgery in Lubbock. Different companies will have different requirements, but some of the factors they consider include:

  • Symptoms (breast crease rashes, bra strap skin grooves, back pain, etc.)
  • Documentation of other methods to alleviate symptoms caused by breasts
  • Difficulty with mobility or physical activity

Ask your plastic surgeon for tips on how to properly document your health problems related to the size of your breasts.

Breast reduction patients are among the most satisfied plastic surgery recipients because of the significant life changes they experience. Cosmetic surgery is not right for everyone, but it might be if you are unhappy with the size of your breasts and are a generally healthy person. Discuss with your board-certified plastic surgeon your questions about breast reduction surgery recovery time and other important concerns.

Dr. Jane Rowley has performed hundreds of breast reductions during her two decades of plastic surgery experience. She enjoys helping her patients find relief from chronic pain and satisfaction with their physical appearance. If you are ready to let go of the burden on your chest or even if you would like your breasts to look more proportionate with your body, call our office today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Thinking About a Mommy Makeover? Lubbock Patients Should Ask These Questions First.

Motherhood is a privilege many women get to enjoy, but it can take a definite toll on the body. Women who have had children sometimes struggle to find the confidence they had before they became mothers. We teach our children to love themselves and be confident in who they are, and we can set a powerful example if we exude confidence in our own skin. A mommy makeover can help you get your pre-baby body back which will help you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the next challenge motherhood brings. If you are thinking about having plastic surgery to get the body you had before children, consider talking to your surgeon about some of the following points.

Your Doctor’s Qualifications and Experience

Lubbock plastic surgery reviews and referrals from family and friends are always a good place to start when looking for a doctor you can trust for your mommy makeover. Lubbock patients should remember that everyone has different needs and your friend’s beloved plastic surgeon may not be the one who can give you what you want. When it comes to plastic surgery, your standards should be high because you want the best possible outcome from your overall experience. Limit your search to surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who have had plenty of experience related to the procedure that interests you.

Personal Expectations

Clear communication is key if you want your plastic surgeon to give you the look you desire. It is important to have realistic expectations for your results because no surgery can make your body look perfect. It can be helpful to bring photos to show your surgeon examples of how you would like to look after your procedure.

Recovery Outlook

You’ll need to plan carefully for your recovery period so you can take time off work and arrange for any help you may need. If you are planning for a mommy makeover, your body may need more recovery time since your body takes longer to heal from having multiple surgeries at once. Expect some bruising and swelling at the surgical site after your procedure. Compression garments may be required depending on the procedure and the patient. Talk to your plastic surgeon to get a clear picture of what to expect for your recovery.

The Mommy Makeover: Lubbock Has Options

A mommy makeover can be comprised of several different surgeries. Some women experience drastic changes in their breasts after having children, others have more trouble with loose tummy skin and weakened abdominal muscles, and many women suffer from both problems. Some of the common procedures for the mommy makeover include:

  • Tummy tuck: Lubbock women know that losing all the baby weight doesn’t always mean you are back to looking like yourself again. Tummy tuck plastic surgery in Lubbock will firm up your midsection and get rid of flabby skin that does not respond to diet and exercise. Your surgeon will even tighten up ab muscles that have been weakened from pregnancy.
  • Liposuction: Stubborn areas of fat are a common problem for moms. Liposuction helps smooth out those bulging parts to give the body a sleeker, more contoured look. Some areas that respond well to liposuction include the thighs, love handles, back, belly, and submental (chin and neck) region.
  • Breast Augmentation: The breasts can lose significant volume from pregnancy and nursing. Women who want to restore their bust to its pre-baby size (or even amplify it beyond that) have options for their breast implants. Saline, silicone, and the new IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants each meet the individual needs different women have.
  • Breast Reduction: If you feel weighed down by your heavy breasts, a reduction surgery can ease the burden. Although it may not be the first procedure that comes to mind when you think of a mommy makeover, Lubbock women often find this procedure to be life-changing. Improved mobility and the elimination of neck, back, and shoulder pain make it easier for moms to do everything they need to do.

Get Your Confidence Back

Motherhood is hard enough even when you look and feel your best. If you are unhappy with the effects pregnancy has had on your physical appearance, it might be time to consider a mommy makeover. Lubbock moms deserve to feel confident in their own skin.

Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon the hard questions before your procedure. Express your questions and concerns, describe your expectations, and get a clear picture of what your recovery will be like. Combining procedures for tummy tuck plastic surgery in Lubbock, liposuction, or breast improvements can be a convenient way to correct many problems at once. Talk to your board-certified plastic surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedures that would most benefit you.

Dr. Jane Rowley has over 20 years of experience helping her patients regain their confidence by achieving their cosmetic goals. She has her patients’ best interests at heart and is always willing to honestly discuss questions and concerns. Call our office today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

A Closer Look at the Different Types of Breast Implants and Procedures

One of the beautiful things about women is that each one is different. From hopes and dreams to your tastes and your body, your uniqueness is what makes you who you are. With individuality comes varying needs, especially when it comes to plastic surgery. Women who are unhappy with the effects of age, pregnancy, and weight on their bust have many options to consider as they look into breast enhancement surgery. Here’s a look at the different types of breast implants and procedures that cater to different women based on personal preference and body types.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants result in the most natural look and feel for women who choose this option for breast enhancement. Because of the way the silicone gel flows in its shell, it closely resembles real breast tissue. The FDA has approved silicone implants for breast augmentation in women age 22 and up, as well as for breast reconstruction in women of any age.

Silicone is a sticky substance that is not easily absorbed into the body. When a silicone implant leaks, the gel can get trapped inside the breast and cause pain and changes in the breast’s appearance. It is often referred to as a ‘silent rupture,’ because it is hard to detect from the outside. To remedy this, the FDA recommends women with these types of breast implants get an MRI three years after their initial augmentation surgery, and then every two years after that.

Saline Breast Implants

This option is often thought of as the safest choice for breast augmentation because saline is simply sterile salt water. If any leakage were to happen, the body would easily absorb the saltwater solution, and there would be no cause for concern. The FDA has approved saline breast implants for women as young as 18.

While they do provide peace of mind, saline implants do not offer quite as natural of a look as silicone. The implant resembles a water balloon in that it does not have a definite structure. For women with areas of very thin skin, a rippling effect may be visible due to the implant’s own tendency to wrinkle.

IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants

If you want the safety and security of saline without sacrificing the natural feel of your breasts, the new IDEAL IMPLANT may be right for you. The IDEAL IMPLANT is unique in its design. Although it is filled with saline, it has multiple inner chambers and shells to give it the structure that regular saline implants lack. The body-friendly saline solution makes the IDEAL IMPLANT a worry-free option that still allows women to achieve the natural look and feel they desire for their breasts.

If you are thinking about getting breast implants in Lubbock, consider yourself lucky to have one of the nation’s best plastic surgeons in your own backyard. Dr. Jane Rowley is the only plastic surgeon in Lubbock to offer the IDEAL IMPLANT and is one of the top three in the country.

If These Types of Breast Implants Don’t Work for You, Consider a Breast Lift

If breast implant surgery does not feel like the right fit for your needs, a breast lift might be able to provide the results you want. A lift restores the breasts’ youthful appearance by repositioning the breast tissue, tightening the skin, and moving the nipple to a more natural looking location. Women who experience unwanted flattening or elongating of the bust are good candidates for this procedure. Breastfeeding, age, gravity, and weight loss can all take a toll on the breasts, but it does not have to be permanent. This surgery can also have beneficial results for some patients when it is combined with a breast augmentation. Dr. Rowley wants all of her patients to be happy with their plastic surgery results, so she takes the time to thoroughly discuss and set clear expectations for each patient.

Breast Reduction

Not every woman wants a bigger bust. For those who experience back, neck, and shoulder pain because of their large breasts, a breast reduction can relieve discomfort. Other benefits of the procedure include improved mobility and increased confidence. Breast reduction patients are some of Dr. Rowley’s most satisfied clients because of the dramatic, instant life changes they enjoy after surgery.

Women interested in breast implants in Lubbock have several options to consider. The different types of breast implants include saline-filled, silicone-filled, and the new IDEAL IMPLANT. Saline implants have a water balloon-like shape but are safe if a rupture occurs. Silicone implants make the enhanced breasts look more realistic, but put the patient at risk for a silent rupture. The IDEAL IMPLANT combines the best of both options by providing a natural look with the security of saline.

Dr. Jane Rowley offers other breast procedures, including breast lifts and reductions. She is the leading board-certified plastic surgeon in Lubbock with over 20 years of experience. Call our office today to schedule a no-obligation consultation so we can help you achieve the cosmetic results you want.