In Lubbock, Plastic Surgery Can Benefit Anyone

We all enjoy feeling good about our appearance. While it is true that most plastic surgery patients are women, more and more men are seeking out cosmetic procedures now. Men and women will always be different and strive for attractiveness in different ways. It is human nature to gain confidence when we are happy with the way we look, and men are realizing the benefits of plastic surgery that women have been enjoying for a long time.  Here’s a look at some of the top cosmetic procedures for men.

Blepharoplasty

A lift for the eyelids can take years off a man’s aging face. In Lubbock, plastic surgery for the eyes is popular with men because it makes them look young and fresh without the appearance of obvious scars. Droopy upper eyelids, as well as puffiness or bags under the eyes can be corrected. If the patient experiences difficulty with vision because of the sagging skin around the eyes, insurance may cover the cost of surgery.

Tummy Tuck

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck can help men the same way it helps women in Lubbock. Plastic surgery of this type gives men a tighter, leaner mid-section by getting rid of any sagging skin or fat around the belly. Abdominal muscles tend to be a focal point for many men, and a tummy tuck benefits the abs by tightening them from within. Women often seek this option after having children, but they are not the only ones who struggle with flabby stomachs. Whether a man feels he has a “dad” body, has lost a dramatic amount of weight, or is just fighting the aging process, a tummy tuck can provide the lean, athletic look he wants.

Liposuction

Men pinch and dislike the fat on their love handles just like women do. It is frustrating for men and women alike when their efforts at the gym and dedication to diet just don’t get the results they want. Liposuction targets specific areas of stubborn fat to improve body contour and create a slimmer look. It is not a weight loss surgery for men or women, but it can help smooth out those problem areas.

Male Breast Reduction

Many men feel self-conscious of their chest when it begins to droop with fat because of weight gain. A hormonal condition called gynecomastia also causes the male chest to resemble the female breast as breast tissue begins to swell. This problem cannot be resolved through diet or exercise because it is not related to excess weight. For men experiencing these issues in Lubbock, plastic surgery provides a way to get their ideal male physique back.

Rhinoplasty

Women often seek nose jobs to reduce the size of their noses and remove imperfections. It is more typical of men to want nose reshaping to fix problems caused by past injuries or to address breathing problems associated with snoring.

A nose job can give a man the shape and size of nose he wants to feel more confident in the face he puts forward in the workplace and social settings.

Plastic Surgery for Children?

Most people recognize the benefits of plastic surgery for men and women, but what about for our youth? When we are young, our bodies are still developing, and we are not mature enough to make decisions about making permanent elective changes to our appearance. Many procedures are not suitable for children, but otoplasty is one exception. Also known as ear pinning, this procedure is for people with any of the problems below:

  • Protruding ears
  • Large ears that are out of proportion to the size of the head
  • Drooping ears
  • Asymmetrical ears
  • Unhappiness with results from previous ear surgery

Children who have prominent ears are often subject to teasing and bullying by their peers. The playground can be a ruthless place. This type of interaction can have a negative impact on a child’s self-esteem, which can be difficult to rebuild. Children as young as age six can have the operation, but it is advisable to wait until they are mature enough to request the procedure themselves.

The desire to appear attractive to others is part of human nature. It motivates us to take care of our bodies by eating healthy, exercising, and grooming daily. Although it presents itself in different ways, this instinct is present in men, women, and children in Lubbock. Plastic surgery is a tool that can be used to enhance the beauty, physique, and confidence of people who wish to improve a certain aspect of their appearance. We are used to seeing women dominate the plastic surgery demographics, but men and even children can benefit from it as well. Some of the most popular procedures for men include:

  • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
  • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
  • Liposuction
  • Male Breast Reduction
  • Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

For more information, contact Rowley Plastic Surgery today and schedule your no-obligation consultation.

What You Should Consider Before Your Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

The way we shop for things has changed a lot in the last several years. With online reviews and free shipping, you can easily buy just about anything without getting off your couch. “Shopping” for a doctor should require more effort. If you want the person responsible for your plastic surgery to be top of the line, you will have to do more than just click to add to your cart. Online reviews are a good starting point, but meeting with a few doctors, talking to friends and family, and doing research of your own will increase the likelihood of finding the right plastic surgeon.

Do Your Homework

Patients planning on having plastic surgery in Lubbock have several important decisions to make. Your results, safety, and care depend on the doctor you choose. You may have a handful of doctors in mind as you begin your research. Check out their websites, talk to anyone you know who recommends them (or doesn’t!), and then check up on them yourself.

You can review the doctor’s background by contacting the medical board of the state in which they practice. They should have a license in that state, and the medical board carries information on any disciplinary history as well as complaints against them. Keep in mind that if the surgeon has practiced in more than one state, you will need to look up their medical board history with each of those locations.  

The Importance of Board Certification

Anyone with a medical license can claim to be a cosmetic surgeon. For this and other reasons, it is essential that your doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). You can make sure your doctor is board-certified in plastic surgery by visiting the American Board of Medical Specialties’ website.

But what exactly does this certification mean? It means your surgeon has the credentials and training necessary to be qualified to perform plastic surgery in Lubbock safely. ABPS board-certification requires plastic surgeons to complete the following:

  • Three to five years of general surgery training
  • Two to three additional years of plastic surgery training
  • Oral and written exams
  • Continuing education each year in the medical field
  • Written test every ten years

Questions to Ask about Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

Write down your questions and bring them with you to your consultation. This is your chance to get a real feel for the person you will be trusting with your appearance and your safety. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor about anything that concerns you; there are no wrong questions! Consider the following for starters:

  1. How much experience do you have with my procedure? If you want to get a tummy tuck, you will be able to have more confidence in a surgeon who performs them on a regular basis, rather than one who specializes in another area but is willing to do the surgery for you this time. A good follow-up to this question is finding out just how many times they have performed your procedure.
  2. Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Do not be offended if your plastic surgeon’s answer is no. They are trying to protect you from something that would either not get you the results you want or would be unsafe. They may suggest an alternative or recommend waiting for a period of time.
  3. How do I prepare for my surgery? Most plastic surgery requires patients to quit smoking before and after their operation; your doctor will advise you on the exact timetable. Be sure to reveal any and all medications, vitamins, and supplements you may be taking as some may interfere with the procedure.
  4. What happens if complications arise? Find out who to contact should anything out of the ordinary happen. You will need to know what to do if certain side effects take place and if there will be additional costs for their treatment.

If you care about the safety and final results of your plastic surgery, you need to put in the time to find the right doctor. Cosmetic surgery gone wrong is not an easy thing to fix. Doing your homework now will save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Remember the following when planning your plastic surgery in Lubbock:

  • Get referrals from family and friends
  • Review your plastic surgeon’s background history
  • Double check that your doctor is board-certified by the ABPS
  • Go over questions you want to address during your consultation

During your consultation, don’t ignore your gut feeling. Even if everything checks out on paper, but you do not feel right about the surgeon, don’t hesitate to move on. Plastic surgery is an investment in yourself. When you put forth the effort and do your due diligence, you can have a positive experience with excellent results.

For more information, contact Rowley Plastic Surgery today and schedule your no-obligation consultation.

Rejuvenate Your Feminine Side With a Breast Lift

Do you remember the last time you looked in the mirror and thought how great and perky your breasts looked? Maybe it was before you had children. Perhaps it was before you lost weight. Or perhaps you have never felt that way about your breasts. Your breasts should help you feel beautiful and feminine, not embarrassed or self-conscious. Many women deal with too little or too much volume, sagging, and other breast issues. With the help of a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon, you can have the breasts that help you feel more confident when you look in the mirror.

What Is Mastopexy?

Mastopexy, more often called a breast lift, is a surgical procedure that corrects sagging and drooping of the breasts. The removal of extra skin and breast tissue allows your breasts to sit in a higher position. The nipple is also moved up to sit higher on the breast to help with forward projection and give you a perkier bust.

If you are unsure if mastopexy is right for you, a simple test you can do at home can offer more insight. Place a pencil horizontally under the crease of your breast. If the pencil stays put when you let go, you may have enough sagging for a lift. If your answer is yes to any of the following questions, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a lift for your breasts.

  • Do your nipples point down instead of forward?
  • Are you unhappy with how much your breasts sag or droop?
  • Do your nipples sit below the crease of your breasts?
  • Are your breasts different sizes?
  • Are your breasts long, flat, or pendulous?

Pairing a Breast Lift With Other Procedures

Sometimes a lift is all that is needed to fix what bothers women about their breasts. But, if you want to add volume or reduce your bust size, you should consider having breast augmentation or a reduction to achieve those results. A lift alone will not change the size of your breasts by much.

  • Breast Augmentation – Breasts that sag and lack the volume you want can be transformed by combining mastopexy with implants. After having these two procedures done together, your breasts will be fuller, perkier, and have more forward projection.
  • Breast Reduction – If your breasts are too big for your liking or cause your upper body pain, reducing their size can bring much-needed relief. A breast reduction is almost always done with a lift because the surgeries complement each other to provide a more proportionate and shapely bust.

Options For a Mommy Makeover

We love our babies and would do anything for them, but that does not mean we love all the effects childbearing has on our bodies. The breasts begin to sag, deflate, or balloon up. The tummy, after being stretched to the limit, often has a hard time recovering. Loose skin, separated abdominal muscles, and stubborn fat are common problems for women who have gone through pregnancy and childbirth. A breast lift is a popular procedure for mothers to choose when they are finished having children. Other procedures often included in a mommy makeover are:

  • Liposuction – Even when you see your pre-baby weight on the scale, your body still may carry areas of fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction targets these specific spots and gets rid of the fat to reveal and enhance the natural beauty of your
  • Tummy tuck – Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, has dramatic effects on the abdominal area. Loose skin and fat are removed, and ab muscles are tightened to give you a flat, lean stomach. Although it is not a substitute for healthy eating and exercise, a tummy tuck removes the flabby skin, so many of us seem to gain after pregnancy.

It is not easy to feel confident in your appearance when you no longer fill out the bras you wore before you had children. It is not fun to carry around heavy, attention-getting breasts around all the time. Sagging breasts do not often help us feel beautiful or feminine. A breast lift can restore a youthful, perky look to your breasts and make your confidence soar. Remember to consider the following when deciding to undergo mastopexy:

  • Decide if you need the procedure. Ask yourself the right questions and even do the pencil test at home to see just how much sagging you have.
  • A lift will not make your cup size go up or down. If you want to add or take away breast volume, talk to your doctor about breast augmentation or reduction in conjunction with mastopexy.
  • You may be correcting problems with your breasts caused by having children. If you have other areas that would benefit from cosmetic surgery, a mommy makeover might be a convenient way to achieve your results.

For more information about which procedure is best for you, call Rowley Plastic Surgery today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Achieving a Naturally Beautiful Look With Breast Implants

If you are serious about breast augmentation surgery, you have probably spent some time imagining what your life will be like with your new breasts. It’s exciting to think of the flattering new clothes you’ll wear and the confidence you will feel wearing them. There is no doubt you will look great, but many women still want to preserve the natural feel of their real breasts. Your breast augmentation outcome depends on several variables. By clearly communicating your expectations with your plastic surgeon, you can achieve the look and feel you desire.

Will They Feel Fake?

Breasts with implants feel different than those without. But “different” does not have to mean the same thing as fake. In the past, some breast implants did look and feel fake because they were too big and perfectly round. Progress in technology and surgical techniques have made achieving a more natural, feminine look much more of a reality. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can help you select the right options for your implants that will create a tailored fit for your body.

Variables That Matter

At your breast augmentation consultation, you should explore in depth all the factors that contribute to the results of your breast implants. Here’s a look at some of the variables that impact your outcome.

    • Your Plastic Surgeon: choosing an experienced plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery makes all the difference in your breast augmentation results. These top-tier surgeons have been through the proper training and had the education they need to perform your procedure safely.
    • Implant Type: your implants will be filled with either saline or silicone gel. Silicone gel implants usually feel softer, like a real breast, because of the viscosity of the gel. Saline-filled implants lack the structure and firmness necessary to make them feel natural and are susceptible to wrinkling and rippling.
    • Implant Location: implants can be placed over or under the chest muscles. Sub-muscular placement tends to look more realistic because the overlying tissue creates a more natural slope to the breast. However, if you lack sufficient breast tissue to support the implants, they may need to go over the muscle (which isn’t a bad thing).
    • Implant Size: choosing the right size for the unique shape of your body is critical when a natural look is important to you. Thinner women with small breasts may want to opt for medium-sized implants. Trying on different implants at your consultation will help you get a feel for what size suits your needs.

What You Can Do

Everyone loves a good DIY solution, but before you try anything on your own, make sure to get the OK from your doctor. One thing some surgeons recommend to do at home to make your breast implants feel softer and more natural is to massage them. Gently rubbing the implants will help create a soft capsule of scar tissue around them. This allows the breasts to move in a more naturally, aids in the healing of the incision, and prevents the formation of a hard capsule around the implant. Two to three times a day, gently massage the breast in a circular motion to soften and stretch the area of the breast implant. Talk to your doctor about the specifics to get a better idea of what to do and how massage helps.

How Breast Implants Affect Men

The jury is out on whether most men like breast implants; preferences vary widely. But if we are to take any hint from the way women are portrayed in the media, we can assume a good portion of men do like them. It is not uncommon for men to be pleased with their partner’s new breasts because of the way it boosts her self-image. When a woman is happy with the way she looks, it builds her confidence in almost every aspect of her life. The important thing is not to dwell on what others will think about the choices we make with our bodies. While it is healthy to include your partner in your plastic surgery journey, the ultimate decision is up to you.

Advancements in breast augmentation techniques and technology have made it possible for women to enjoy enhanced breasts that do not feel fake. If you want your breast implants to have that natural look and feel, you should consider these important factors:

    • Your plastic surgeon’s training and experience – make sure they are board-certified.
    • Implant type, location, and size – spend time discussing these options with your doctor.
    • Implant massage – massage could help soften the feel of your implants. Make sure to clear this with your doctor first.
    • Include your partner – talking through decisions together can help, but the final say should be yours.

Call Rowley Plastic Surgery today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.