When is the Right Time for Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) for Kids?  

Parenthood is about constantly balancing options with their costs and benefits–all in the best interest of your child. When you have to make a decision about if and when to select otoplasty for your son or daughter, having more information will help you make the right choice at the right time. The timing of this procedure can greatly affect the outcome, and while some plastic surgeons will take children as young as 4 years old, Lubbock plastic surgery specialist Dr. Jane Rowley recommends waiting until the child is at least 6 for the following reasons.

Maturity Aids in Healing

An older child will be more likely to understand the implications about the healing process. They will also be less likely to play with the bandage that’s necessary for several days post surgery, which will mean better results from the procedure.

Desire Begets Investment

Lubbock plastic surgery specialist Dr. Jane Rowley also recommends waiting until the child asks for the surgery. This way the child will be invested in the surgery being successful and will likely be more compliant in the healing process and post-operative instructions. It’s important the child understands that the healing process and aftercare instructions are both vital to the success of the procedure.

Reduced Complications

While rare, complications from otoplasty do exist. Lubbock plastic surgery patients should be aware of these complications, and more importantly how to avoid them, no matter what the age. The most common risks are blood clot, infection, and scarring. With proper wound care, as well as a skilled surgeon, these risks can be avoided or mitigated.

If you have questions about otoplasty or any other plastic surgery, please call to schedule a no-obligation consultation with Rowley Plastic Surgery in Lubbock. Plastic surgery can be life changing, and you deserve to have an experienced surgeon on your side, especially when it comes to surgery for your child. Have peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen the best plastic surgeon Lubbock has to offer. Call today.

How do I Reduce the Appearance of Scars Following Plastic Surgery?

Have you always wanted plastic surgery but are worried about the resulting scars? While some scarring depends on genetics, type of surgery, and other factors outside of your control, there are many things you can do to mitigate scarring post surgery. Don’t let a fear of scarring keep you from pursuing your goals of plastic surgery. Lubbock patients can rely on Dr. Jane Rowley of Rowley Plastic Surgery and  her extensive expertise during the procedure to keep scars minimal from the start. Here are a few things you can do after surgery.

1. Natural Remedies

Remedies such as St. John’s wort, aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea or cocoa butter may all reduce scarring and promote healthy skin. Massage can also help by stimulating healthy blood flow to the healing area and reducing the build-up of scar tissue below the surface of the skin. Be sure, however, to check with your doctor to learn when you can begin massaging topical ointment after plastic surgery. Lubbock patients can rely on Dr. Rowley for expert advice and aftercare.

2. Over The Counter (OTC) Remedies

There are many OTC remedies for scarring. Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher should be your first line of defense against scarring. Creams, lotions, oils, and silicone sheets can help reduce scarring and help keep your skin healthy and moisturized, though some should be used during healing and some shouldn’t be used until the wound has closed. Check with your surgeon on timing.

3. Procedures

Lastly, there are in-office procedures you can pursue to reduce scarring from plastic surgery. Lubbock patients can ask Dr. Jane Rowley for more information on these procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing, Kenalog injections, IPL (intense pulsed light), microdermabrasion, surgical revision, or radiation.

If you have questions about scarring, contact Rowley Plastic Surgery today. You can schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your concerns with Dr. Rowley and put your mind at ease knowing you’ve chosen the best plastic surgery Lubbock has to offer. Call now.

How do I Recover Faster from Plastic Surgery?

It’s a law of the universe most of us could do without: surgeries typically require some sort of recovery. Most plastic surgery procedures are no exception, but you can increase the speed and quality of your recovery if you take care of yourself. Rowley Plastic Surgery, based in Lubbock, recommends you add the following three steps to your personalized recovery plan.

1. Take it Easy

For the first few days, give yourself permission to rest and relax. Your body needs time to heal, whether you’ve had breast implants, a tummy tuck, or other procedure done. Make arrangements before-hand to take days off work if needed, pay any bills, arrange child-care and meals, and schedule yourself for some good old-fashioned R and R. Talk to your surgeon about the amount of time that may be needed. Ask what is typical and recommended. If you plan to differ from this, talk about your reasons and concerns before the surgery.

2. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Don’t light up that cigarette or skip wearing your compression garments. Remember that whatever the inconvenience, it’s only temporary. It’s also in your best interest to take any medications such as painkillers or antibiotics if prescribed. Even if you want to tough it out, pain can raise your blood pressure or enhance bleeding.

3. Keep Calm and Heal On

Smiling may be easier if you’re recovering from breast implants rather than facelifts, but either way it’s helpful. Even smiling just on the inside counts. Research shows your frame of mind affects your rate of healing. Lubbock patients can expedite the recovery process by staying calm and positive.

Plastic surgery is a collaborative process with you and your plastic surgeon. If you look at it holistically to include planning, the procedure, and a healthy recovery time, you will be able to realistically look forward to your results. Selecting a surgeon you trust will also help set you up for success. Dr. Jane Rowley of Rowley Plastic Surgery offers unmatched experience for her Lubbock patients, whether you’re thinking of breast implants, a tummy tuck, or just a lift, she can help. Call today for your no-obligation consultation.

What’s the Difference Between Saline, Silicone, and Structured Breast Implants?

Aside from size, implant type may be the most important decision regarding breast augmentation. For years, patients had to choose between saline and silicone. Saline is often perceived as safer yet may not feel as natural. Silicone is better known for a realistic feel but puts some patients at risk of silent ruptures. Now there’s a third option – structured implants, also known as Ideal Implants. These offer natural feel of silicone with the peace of mind of saline.

Here’s a closer look at all three implant options for Lubbock patients seeking breast augmentation.

Saline

Typically cited benefits of saline implants in breast augmentation are safety and lower age restrictions. Saline implants are approved for patients 18 and older, and if a rupture does occur, the sterile saltwater solution simply absorbs into the body safely. The downside is that a saline implant is much like a water balloon. It lacks structure, and therefore can lack a natural look and feel.

Silicone

Silicone implants look and feel much more like natural breasts when used for breast augmentation. They are limited to patients 22 and older, however, and silicone is a sticky substance that the body can’t absorb. Instead, ruptured silicone can become trapped near the rupture site and eventually cause breast pain or a change in breast shape. This is called a silent rupture because it’s only detectable on an MRI. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration recommends patients who choose silicone implants with their breast augmentation surgery get an MRI every two years, which can add to the overall cost and aftercare of the surgery.

Structured

A newer option available now is structured implants. They combine a structured yet flexible shell with a saline solution filling, giving the look and feel of natural breasts from the structure and the peace of mind of silicone. Additionally, patients can tell if they’ve had a rupture just by looking in a mirror. This saves on the cost, inconvenience, and radiation exposure of MRIs.

Saline, silicone, and structured all have their place in the breast augmentation world.  Since each patient is different, it’s important to discuss the options with a trusted professional like Lubbock’s most experienced surgeon, Dr. Jane Rowley.  Dr. Rowley seeks to understand your preferences, needs, and body type. Together, you can discuss the best option for you. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today.