Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

Getting the Most Out of Your Lubbock Tummy Tuck

One of the areas of their bodies that people tend to be most self-conscious about is their midsection. High-waisted swimsuits and pants are back in style again because they are a great way to hide anything from stretch marks to loose skin. But what if you are tired of hiding the problem? Working out and eating right are supposed to help you stay lean and toned, but sometimes even our best efforts don’t pay off. If you stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise and your tummy still doesn’t look the way you want, a Lubbock tummy tuck can help.  

More and more people are turning to plastic surgery to help them get rid of the unwanted fat and extra skin on their stomachs. Some have achieved major weight loss, but are still left with flabby skin. Others have had multiple pregnancies and want their stretched out bellies to look taut again. Whatever your reasons are for considering the procedure, it is natural to wonder whether it is really worth doing. So how can you know if a tummy tuck in Lubbock is right for you?

Ask Around

The decision to have plastic surgery is a personal one that is between you and your doctor; however, it still helps to hear what other people have to say. 97 percent of abdominoplasty recipients on RealSelf reported that the procedure was in fact worth it. Reading reviews and testimonials from others who have already had the surgery is a helpful way to learn whether it might be right for you. 

Do you know someone who recently had a Lubbock tummy tuck? Talking with a friend who has gone through it themselves can provide great insight that can help you make the right decision. They can also be a good source of support if you do decide to go through with your tummy tuck in Lubbock. Just be sure to keep in mind that everyone’s experience with plastic surgery is different. Things like pain tolerance, recovery, and results will vary from person to person, so just because your friend felt a certain way about her surgery doesn’t mean you will too.  

Find the Right Surgeon

If you are worried about the scar, discomfort, or the recovery that comes with getting a tummy tuck in Lubbock, selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon you trust will give you peace of mind. The surgeon you choose can make a world of difference in your overall satisfaction with your procedure. Plastic surgeons who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have gone through rigorous training, passed all necessary exams and evaluations, and are committed to safe and ethical medical practices. A skilled and experienced surgeon like Dr. Jane Rowley will be able to make your tummy tuck incision easy to hide under a bikini bottom. Your doctor will create a plan to help you manage any potential pain you may feel during your Lubbock tummy tuck recovery.

It’s also important to feel a certain degree of chemistry with your plastic surgeon. If you don’t feel at ease during your consultation or if something just doesn’t feel quite right, it’s ok to move on. Follow your gut and choose someone with whom you feel comfortable and who will listen intently to your concerns. After all, you are placing your trust in them to take care of your health, safety, and appearance. 

Think Big Picture

If we could all snap our fingers and transform our bodies to look exactly how we wanted, we would. The reality is we have to invest a little bit of effort in the process. A tummy tuck in Lubbock is an investment that will keep paying off for years to come. Your tummy tuck will give you a flat, smooth stomach that will last a long time if you take care of yourself. The temporary drawbacks to the procedure pale in comparison to the lasting confidence it can give you in your new figure. 

Lubbock Tummy Tuck Options 

Abdominoplasty can get rid of stubborn fat and saggy skin that does not respond to diet and exercise. If you have thoughtfully considered the procedure and are ready to move forward, now it is time to think about the choices you will need to make for your surgery. Did you know that abdominoplasty is not a one-size-fits-all procedure? Every patient has different issues to be addressed and an experienced surgeon can tailor your tummy tuck for your unique body. Understanding your options will help you decide which type of tummy tuck will best fit your needs.

  • The Mini Tuck: This option is ideal for fit people whose main problem area is below the belly button. The incision is smaller than that of a regular tummy tuck in Lubbock and is similar in size to the incision of a c-section. Your surgeon will tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin that will leave a short scar at the bikini line. Unlike the standard procedure, the mini does not typically require the navel to move. This less-involved option also comes with a shorter recovery time and patients are usually back to their regular routines after about a week of healing.
  • Standard Tummy Tuck: The traditional procedure is for people who struggle with a more substantial amount of abdominal fat and sagging skin. The incision runs from one hip to the other, but can still be hidden under a swimsuit. Since more skin and fat are being removed, the belly button is repositioned to maintain the tummy’s natural appearance. Lubbock tummy tuck patients should plan for between 2 to 4 weeks for recovery.
  • Extended Version: The extended tummy tuck is like the traditional one, but it also involves a longer incision to continue the fat and skin removal to the flanks, or sides of the abdomen. Your board-certified plastic surgeon can recommend whether this version is best for you. Liposuction is almost always paired with the extended tuck to achieve better contouring effects.

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck in Lubbock

A tummy tuck isn’t always the right solution for everyone with belly flab. On the right patient, it can have dramatic results, but for others, a different route might be better suited. People who struggle with their health or those with certain medical conditions should not undergo plastic surgery. If you smoke or use nicotine, your doctor will recommend that you either quit altogether or stop for a period of time before and after your procedure. 

If you have a positive outlook, realistic expectations, and are generally a healthy person, a tummy tuck may be a good option for you to pursue. An in-depth consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will provide you the answers you need to make your decision.  

Come See Why Patients Trust Dr. Rowley

If you are tired of trying to cover up loose skin and flab around your midsection and want to feel more confident in your appearance, a Lubbock tummy tuck can help. Dr. Jane Rowley is a leading plastic surgeon in Lubbock who will take the time to talk with you about your individual needs. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Rowley is the board-certified plastic surgeon patients trust to achieve their cosmetic goals. Call today for a no-obligation consultation to have all your questions answered.

Why Lubbock Plastic Surgery Could Be Right for You

For those who dislike the effects of aging, childbearing, or drastic weight loss on their bodies, there is help. Cosmetic surgery can give you a more youthful and attractive look, which in turn boosts your confidence by helping you feel better about yourself. Plastic surgery also works wonders for people who were born with certain defects, or who need reconstructive procedures. The decision to permanently change your appearance is a very personal one. Everyone has different reasons for wanting Lubbock plastic surgery, unique problem areas that need to be fixed, and varying expectations for results.The decision might take you some time and require some research, but Rowley Plastic Surgery is here to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Finding Your Plastic Surgeon

If you were buying a new car, you wouldn’t just go out and buy the same one your friend bought just because they liked it. You would spend time doing research to make sure you were getting a safe, reliable vehicle that gave you good value for your money. You would probably even test drive a few different models to make sure it was the right fit for you. If you’d put this much effort into purchasing a car, wouldn’t you do the same thing when searching for a plastic surgeon?

Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make during your journey through plastic surgery. Lubbock patients should make sure to choose one who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They will have the education, ethics, rigorous training, and surgical skill, necessary in a surgeon who you can trust. Be wary of doctors who call themselves ‘cosmetic surgeons’ and those who are not board-certified. Plastic surgery is no time to do your bargain hunting; when your appearance, health, and safety are on the line, choosing a fully qualified surgeon is worth every penny.   

Think it Through

Your decision to have Lubbock plastic surgery should be well-thought out. Try to imagine your life after the operation so you can anticipate any drawbacks or advantages. If you just decided you wanted breast implants on a whim because you saw a friend’s beach photos flaunting her new look, take some time before you schedule your consultation. 

Eileen Bradbury is a consultant psychologist who has been working with plastic surgery candidates for two decades. She advises taking the decision very seriously. “You’re the one who has to live with the outcome,” she says. “If you rush into the surgery without properly thinking about it, it might be the wrong result, even if the surgery goes well.”

Ask the Hard Questions

Plastic surgery can change your life in many positive ways. It has the ability to enhance your body and your self-confidence. The key to maximizing its benefits is doing it at the right time and with the right mindset. When thinking about having plastic surgery, Lubbock candidates would benefit by asking themselves these questions first:

  • Why do I want cosmetic surgery?
  • What do I want to change about my appearance?
  • Is this something I really want or is it for someone else?
  • Am I in good health, generally speaking?
  • What are my goals for the outcome of the surgery?

These questions will only help if you are honest with yourself about the answers. Explore your true motives for wanting the procedure to see if it is really something you will be happy with long-term. Keeping realistic expectations is also key because it helps to understand that plastic surgery in Lubbock will not magically give you a flawless body.

Realistic Expectations

Plastic surgery can make your tummy flatter or your bust larger, but it will not give you the perfect body. It will not solve your problems, make people like you, or turn you into someone else. If you have realistic expectations for your Lubbock plastic surgery, and are not constantly obsessed with small imperfections in your appearance, you might be ready to take the next step.

Do Your Part

Are you prepared to take good care of your body from now on to make the most of your Lubbock plastic surgery results? Eating right and getting regular exercise should become a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle after you have work done. Eileen Bradbury says, “It’s like having a personal trainer. You have to do most of the work yourself. Your well-being includes your lifestyle, nutrition, work and social life.” For the benefits of cosmetic surgery to last, it is important to take care of yourself by maintaining a healthy weight and keeping a positive mental outlook.

Not only is it important to practice healthy habits after plastic surgery in Lubbock, it should be something you try to do beforehand as well. If you are considering liposuction because you have some unwanted fat, you doctor will ask what efforts you have made to try to eliminate it on your own. If you have tried diet and exercise without success, then liposuction could be the right choice. Many patients even try working with a personal trainer or dietician before turning to plastic surgery. 

The Right Motivations

You will be a good candidate for Lubbock plastic surgery if you are doing it to boost your self-esteem and feel better in your own skin. You are the one who will have to undergo the operation and live with the changes, so it should not be something you do to please someone else. If you need a pick-me-up after a break up or are trying to get even with someone, plastic surgery is not the answer.

Healthy Lifestyle

Your doctor will spend time going over your medical history with you, but generally taking good care of yourself can open the door to plastic surgery in Lubbock. It is important that you:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat right and exercise
  • Are mentally and emotionally stable

These factors play a big role in lowering the risks of surgery, as well as maximizing your results. Be sure to let your doctor know about any medications you regularly take as some of them may not mix well with your procedure.

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

There are a lot of factors that play into your decision about having Lubbock plastic surgery, but many people have found it to be just the thing they needed to reach their cosmetic goals. For the right patient, it can have a dramatic effect on self-confidence. Modern technology and techniques have made it very safe. Whether you want a big change or a subtle adjustment, your results can last for years to come. 

At Rowley Plastic Surgery, we want to help you reach your aesthetic goals so you can look and feel your best. If you feel that you are ready for plastic surgery, Lubbock board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jane Rowley can work with you to help you understand your options. She has over 20 years of experience helping her patients reach their goals and feel happier with their appearance. Dr. Rowley is committed to working with her patients on an individual basis to determine their specific needs. Call today for an obligation-free consultation to see how you can gain the confidence that comes with loving how you look.

Expert Answers to Your Lubbock Liposuction FAQs

Most people have heard of liposuction, but not all of them have a full understanding of the procedure. If you’re thinking about having liposuction in Lubbock, it’s important to learn everything you can about it. Having false information or not knowing what to expect on the day of your surgery can be detrimental to your experience and even your results. Dr. Jane Rowley wants all of her patients to be well-informed about their procedure so they can feel comfortable making decisions and be satisfied with their outcome. Here are some of the most common questions we hear about Lubbock liposuction.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction (also called lipo or lipoplasty) is a very popular procedure that has helped many men and women finally defeat stubborn areas of fat on their bodies. It is a minimally invasive plastic surgery procedure that slims and reshapes the body. Liposuction uses suction to remove fat and enhance body contour. In 2018, the procedure was second in popularity only to breast augmentation. Over a quarter of a million Americans had liposuction last year – up 5 percent from the previous year.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

If you want to have any type of plastic surgery, you must be in good health. This means you should not have any major health problems such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, or any other life-threatening diseases. It is also important that you do not smoke. The nicotine in cigarettes and other products can increase your risk for serious complications with surgery and healing. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about creating a plan to help you quit smoking for at least a few weeks before and after your procedure. 

The best candidates for liposuction in Lubbock are people who are within about 30 percent of their ideal weight. If you have already tried to eliminate your fat with diet and exercise with no success, liposuction may be the next step for you. Men and women who are obese do not make good candidates for the procedure. Patients with good skin elasticity and firm muscle tone will see the most positive results from liposuction.

The right candidate will also have realistic expectations and reasonable goals for the outcome of liposuction. No plastic surgery procedure will make your body flawless or solve all your problems. Communicate your hopes clearly to your doctor so they can help you determine whether liposuction can help you achieve them.

What Happens During Liposuction in Lubbock?

If you and your doctor decide that liposuction is right for you, you can start preparing for your procedure. On the big day, you will either receive a local anesthetic or general anesthesia depending on the number and size of the areas being treated. The surgeon then makes small incisions in the fatty tissue and suctions the fat out with a small tube called a cannula. To help minimize blood loss, Dr. Rowley uses the tumescent technique, in which fluid is injected into the incision sites. The fluid also acts as a local anesthetic. When your Lubbock liposuction surgery is complete, you will be dressed in a compression garment that you will need to wear for 2 to 4 weeks as your body heals. 

Where Does Liposuction Work Best?

Some areas of the body respond better than others. Liposuction on the outer thighs, hips and chin (or submental region) can have great results on the right patient. However, the arms, inner thighs, and belly typically do not do as well. The abdomen, especially after pregnancy, is often better treated with a tummy tuck. If you have unwanted skin and fat on your arms, consider having an arm lift instead. Other common locations that can be improved with Lubbock liposuction include the buttocks, back, chest area, and neck. With a thorough evaluation at your consultation, your doctor will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for the specific areas of your body you would like to see contoured. 

Will Liposuction Make Me Lose Weight?

If there’s one thing you should remember about liposuction, it’s this: it is not a weight-loss procedure. It is best to be somewhat close to your goal weight before undergoing liposuction. Lubbock men and women can even be at their ideal weight, but still be unhappy with areas of stubborn fat. Sometimes the number on the scale doesn’t reflect what we would like to see in the mirror. If you are more interested in shedding pounds than in enhancing your body contour, it may not be the right time for liposuction. It’s also important to note that this plastic surgery does not get rid of cellulite. 

What liposuction can do is enhance your figure. It is a powerful body contouring tool that smooths out areas of fat that resist your diet and exercise regimen in Lubbock. Liposuction can give you a slimmer appearance and better overall body proportion.  

Will the Fat Return?

No. Liposuction permanently eliminates fat cells from the body. Your plastic surgeon literally sucks them out through a tube, so they cannot return. However, if you gain weight after having liposuction, new fat can accumulate and decrease the look of your plastic surgery results. Staying dedicated to drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, and getting regular exercise will help you maintain your liposuction results for as long as possible. 

Does Lubbock Liposuction Leave Scars?

People who are considering this type of plastic surgery are often concerned about scars that will be left after it is all said and done. Lipo requires cutting of the skin, which results in scars. However, the incisions made during the procedure are only a few millimeters long. The tubes used to suction out the fat are so small that they do not require a large opening in the skin to do their job. 

The tiny scars left behind after your surgery will fade with time. An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to further conceal the incisions by placing them in discrete areas of the body. The only things that people will be able to notice are your new and improved figure and your soaring self-confidence. 

What Can I Do to Reduce Scarring?

Your cosmetic surgery journey does not end when you go home after your procedure. It is important that you continue to take care of yourself if you want to make the most of the work you had done. Scars are a necessary part of plastic surgery, but there are things you can do to minimize them. Drinking plenty of water, keeping your incisions clean and dry, and protecting them from the sun will help minimize the scars caused by liposuction. Lubbock stores sell over-the-counter creams and lotions that can also aid in the skin’s healing process by keeping it hydrated.

Have More Questions?

Come see the Lubbock liposuction expert, Dr. Jane Rowley. She will answer all of your plastic surgery questions and give you an honest recommendation for your treatment. Dr. Rowley has over 20 years of plastic surgery experience and has seen exceptional results with liposuction in Lubbock on the right patients. If you are ready to pursue your cosmetic goals, Rowley Plastic Surgery is the place for unsurpassed confidence, competence, and communication – the keys to a successful plastic surgery journey. Call Rowley Plastic Surgery in Lubbock today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.