We all enjoy feeling good about our appearance. For most of us, the way we look matters much more than we would like to admit. Have you ever wondered why this is? People are visual creatures. We make quick judgments based on what we see and use first impressions to assess a person or situation. When you first meet someone, your brain will make assumptions in just a few seconds about their social status, attractiveness, and intelligence. While this instinct may have started out as a way to protect ourselves from danger, it has different consequences today. Now, it causes us to focus on our outward appearance so that we project the best image of ourselves to others. If you want to improve your self-image, Lubbock plastic surgery can help.   

Plastic Surgery for Men

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. According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, male patients represent 13 percent of the total surgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It’s a significant proportion, and there’s no sign of the trend slowing down any time soon. Here’s a look at some of the top cosmetic procedures for men.

Blepharoplasty

Women aren’t the only ones who want to slow down the signs of getting older. 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. In fact, blepharoplasty was the second most common plastic surgery for men in 2019. 

Excess skin or fat around the eyes can make men appear tired, old, or even angry. Wrinkles, droopy upper eyelids, as well as puffiness or bags under the eyes can be corrected with an eyelid lift. The upper and lower eyelids can be lifted at the same time, providing a dramatic rejuvenation of the face. Blepharoplasty typically takes about an hour if both eyelids are done together, or 30 minutes for either the upper or lower. Most patients have 2-3 days of downtime and can return to work after one week of recovery. 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 removes extra skin and fat around the midsection for a thinner, firmer look. Hitting the gym every day and sticking to your healthy diet don’t always yield the results you want, especially if your goal is to get rid of a muffin top. When diet and exercise just don’t cut it, a tummy tuck can help men and women finally get rid of their stubborn belly bulge.   

A tummy tuck can help men the same way it helps women in Lubbock. Plastic surgery of this type gives men a tighter, leaner midsection 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 dieting just don’t get the results they want. Like a tummy tuck, liposuction is a body contouring procedure that creates a slimmer appearance by removing fat. But liposuction is unique in that it targets specific spots of stubborn fat to enhance different areas of the body. It is not a weight loss surgery for men or women, but it can help smooth out those problem areas. 

Not every part of the body with extra flab is a good place to have liposuction. Skin laxity plays an important role in the procedure’s final outcome. If fat is suctioned from an area with poor skin elasticity, the patient can be left with sagging skin. Plastic surgeons recommend the following areas because they typically respond best to liposuction:

• outer thighs
• hips 
• chin or submental region
• chest (especially for men with gynecomastia)
• love handles
• back

If you are having just a couple of small areas treated with liposuction, your procedure will require only the use of a local anesthetic. However, if there are multiple or larger areas that need attention, general anesthesia may be administered during your Lubbock plastic surgery. Recovery after liposuction is fairly rapid for most patients. After 2-3 days you should be ready to return to work, but keep in mind that you may need to wear compression garments for 2-4 weeks. Mild to moderate pain and swelling can last up to 4-6 weeks. For Dr. Rowley’s thoughts on liposuction, watch the video below: 

The #1 Procedure for Women

Women make up the vast majority of Lubbock plastic surgery patients. There are many cosmetic procedures from which to choose, but one has stood out in recent years as the most popular option. Breast augmentation is the top cosmetic surgical procedure for women in the U.S. and has been for many years. Options for size, shape, placement, and type of implant enable women to get results that are completely customized. 

Women seek breast enhancement for several reasons. Pregnancy and breastfeeding leaves many women with smaller, deflated looking breasts. Some women have asymmetrical breasts, and others have breasts that may have never fully matured. Breast augmentation solves all of these problems and helps patients feel more confident in their appearance. The procedure isn’t just about making the breasts larger; it’s about enhancing your femininity and creating more balance and proportion in your figure. If you are interested in enhancing your breasts with implants, check out the video below.

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

Your Most Important Decision

Choosing a well-qualified plastic surgeon is the best thing you can do to ensure you have a positive plastic surgery experience. But how do you know if your doctor is qualified or not? Here are a few things to consider as you search for the right plastic surgeon for your procedure:

Board-Certification

The first thing you should check is that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This means they have the training and knowledge necessary to safely perform Lubbock plastic surgery. Learn more about the importance of board-certification in the video below:

Experience

A plastic surgeon with substantial experience will have the ability to assess your needs and execute the procedure with skill. When you are making permanent changes to your appearance, it only makes sense to choose a doctor with plenty of practice with your specific procedure. 

Results

One way to learn about a plastic surgeon is to browse through their before and after photo gallery. Look for consistent positive results that match up with your own aesthetic sense. If you don’t like what you see, you may want to consider another surgeon.

Do your research on any plastic surgeon you are considering. Read online reviews and talk to friends and family who many have referrals based on their own Lubbock plastic surgery. But, most importantly, trust your gut. If you meet with a plastic surgeon and things just don’t feel right, move on and find a doctor with whom you are more comfortable. 

Call the Lubbock Plastic Surgery Expert

With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Jane Rowley is the plastic surgeon Lubbock trusts. She performs procedures for men and women who are ready to take the next step toward reaching their aesthetic goals. Whether you want to slow the signs of aging in your face, trim the excess fat on your abdomen, or brighten your eyes with a lift, Dr. Rowley is the surgeon that will help you reach your goals. For more information, contact Rowley Plastic Surgery today and schedule your no-obligation consultation.