Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

Procedures for Adolescents With the Best Plastic Surgeon in Lubbock

Not everyone has the same reason for choosing to undergo plastic surgery. Dr. Jane Rowley wants her patients to decide on the procedure that will improve their self-confidence, and also make sense for their lifestyle. As the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock, Dr. Rowley wants her patients to choose plastic surgery for themselves, and not to please other people. With that being said, the opinions of others can have an impact on the way we feel about ourselves, especially in adolescence. Whether it is online or on the playground, teasing and bullying still happen in the everyday lives of our children, and it is our job as parents to help them navigate those situations. 

Adolescent Bullying and Plastic Surgery: What the Research Says

When a child has an abnormal appearance, peers sometimes respond in ways that make the child feel isolated or bullied. A recent study published in the May 2017 issue of “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” found a link between preteens and teens who were involved in bullying and a greater desire for plastic surgery. A group of 750 kids, from 11 to 16 years old, were asked by researchers if they would want plastic surgery to appear different or to alter their physical appearance in some way.

Victimized by Bullying

Those who were victims of bullying were more likely to say they had thought about plastic surgery or considered it as an option than those who were not bullied. Some of these victims felt that if they changed their physical appearance in some way, then the bullying might stop. Those who were bullied were also shown to have reduced psychological functioning. While enduring playground teasing may have been viewed as a type of right of passage for kids in years past, these studies have revealed that it may in fact have more detrimental long-term effects. Teasing can turn into more aggressive bullying and even discrimination. 

The Bullies

Within the group that was studied, the bullies themselves also said they had thought about plastic surgery. According to the research, this may be because, “. . . for bullies, cosmetic surgery may simply be another tactic to increase social status…to look good and achieve dominance.” Dr. Rowley is the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock and she will take the time to make sure her patients young and old are mentally and emotionally stable enough to handle plastic surgery. 

What This Means for You

Three to five percent of adolescents and young adults have had plastic surgery to improve their appearance. Other studies performed in the past have reported that about half of adults who want plastic surgery have been bullied in the past. This current article sheds light on the fact that sometimes that desire to change is present at a much younger age, and especially around the time a kid is bullied. 

If you’re considering plastic surgery with the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock, it’s important to do it for the right reasons. It should be because YOU want the procedure. Not because someone made you feel bad in the past about some aspect of your physical appearance. Plastic surgery is about helping you find greater confidence by enhancing your body in ways that you believe will achieve your goals.  

When Is the Right Time for Young People to Have Plastic Surgery?   

Parenthood is about constantly balancing options with their costs and benefits–all in the best interest of your child. You may have never imagined you would be faced with the choice of letting your child have a cosmetic procedure, but when their self-esteem is at stake, it can be a helpful option to consider. When you have to make a decision about if and when to allow plastic surgery for your son or daughter, having more information will help you make the right choice at the right time. 

Otoplasty for Children With the Best Plastic Surgeon in Lubbock

One of the most common reasons that parents decide on plastic surgery for their kids is because they have protruding or abnormal ears. Teasing and bullying can start at a very early age for children with ear issues, but how do you know when the time is right to pursue otoplasty? 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 of taking the healing process seriously. They will also be less likely to play with or take off the bandage that’s necessary for them to wear for several days post surgery. This means better results from the procedure and greater chances for proper healing. Even the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock needs patients to follow post-operative instructions to help the surgery be a success.

Desire Begets Investment

When considering plastic surgery for your child, you want to follow the advice of the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock. Dr. Jane Rowley recommends that parents wait to pursue otoplasty until the child is old enough to ask for the surgery. This way the child will be invested in the procedure being successful and will likely be more compliant in the healing process and post-operative instructions. It’s important that the child understands that the healing process and aftercare instructions are both vital to the success of the procedure.

Reduced Complications

While they are rare, complications from otoplasty can happen. Lubbock plastic surgery patients should be aware of these complications, and more importantly how to avoid them, no matter what their age. The most common risks are blood clots, infection, and scarring. With proper wound care, as well as having the best plastic surgeon Lubbock has to offer, these risks can be avoided or mitigated.

How Does Otoplasty Work?

Children who undergo otoplasty with Dr. Rowley are usually administered a general anesthetic. An incision is made behind the ear so that visible scarring is minimal. The ear is brought closer to the head and its shape is recreated using internal sutures. Recovery is fairly straightforward, but it is important that the patient keeps the head dressing bandage on for 5 to 7 days following surgery. Patients may need to wear a headband to keep pressure on their ears at night for up to 3 weeks. Normal activities can be resumed quickly but all of the swelling may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to fully resolve. 

Put Your Trust in the Best Plastic Surgeon Lubbock Has to Offer 

You can put your trust in the experts at Rowley Plastic Surgery. Before making any final decisions about plastic surgery for your child, Dr. Rowley will have a thorough consultation with you and your child. She will determine the reasons you want to pursue the surgery, explain the procedure and tell you what kind of results you can expect. Dr. Rowley dedicates her time and attention to making sure you are comfortable with your choices and have realistic expectations about what to expect post-plastic surgery. 

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

Why Women Love Mommy Makeover Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

It’s easy for moms to lose themselves in the years spent raising their children. Mothers do it all—from pregnancy to cheering on kids at soccer games and everything in between. Sometimes it can be hard enough to find the time to shower daily and get enough sleep, let alone work towards personal goals for your appearance. But the tolls on your body from pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding do not have to be permanent. Those battle scars, stretch marks, and sad-looking breasts can all be rejuvenated. Rather than having multiple surgery days and recovery periods, combining Lubbock plastic surgery procedures is a convenient way to improve your look after having children. 

Combining Procedures: The Mommy Makeover 

When multiple plastic surgeries are performed together to rejuvenate a woman’s body after she’s had children, it is commonly referred to as a mommy makeover. A mommy makeover can help women return to the physical look similar to or even better than the one they had before pregnancy. 

It is important to remember as you set goals to improve your physical health and appearance that a mommy makeover is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are many different types of plastic surgery Lubbock women can consider. Various combinations of those procedures can be applied to achieve your ideal look. Choosing the best combination should be done in partnership with your surgeon to ensure the perfect fit for you and your body goals. 

The Post-Pregnancy Body

We love our children, but we don’t always love what they have done to our bodies. The demands placed on a woman’s body by pregnancy can cause irreversible stretching and scarring of the skin. The abdominal muscles often drop and separate. This results in a loss of muscle tone that can create the infamous mommy muffin-top pooch. Mothers also frequently experience drastic changes to their breasts, whether they breastfeed their babies or not. These types of physical changes are the most frustrating because they do not respond to healthy diet or exercise habits.

What Can You Do?

Taking good care of others requires us to first take care of our own needs. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you are unhappy with the way your body looks and you feel discouraged because your efforts at the gym aren’t paying off, plastic surgery in Lubbock can help. Renewed confidence in your appearance can radiate into other areas of your life and allow you to focus on the things that are important to you. 

A thorough consultation with your board-certified surgeon will help you to know which Lubbock plastic surgery procedures are best for your body type and cosmetic goals. If you are ready to take the next steps to getting your pre-baby body back, a combination of the following surgeries might work for you.

Firm Up With a Tummy Tuck

You can get back into shape after having a baby, but getting your tummy to look the way it used to may prove to be more of a challenge. Many moms end up with a condition called diatasis recti which occurs when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. Diatasis recti can be severe enough to cause you to still look pregnant long after the baby has arrived. Crunches and other ab workouts cannot fix this problem; in fact, they may exacerbate it even further. A tummy tuck is the plastic surgery Lubbock women seek to tighten abdominal muscles that have been weakened, stretched, or separated by pregnancy.  

Loose, hanging skin around the midsection can also be a real issue after you have had children. Once the belly skin has stretched to fit a full-term baby, it rarely shrinks back to look the way it did before. A tummy tuck will eliminate the extra skin, reduce stretch marks, and flatten your tummy. The overall effect of this Lubbock plastic surgery is a much firmer looking torso and more confidence in your appearance.

Lose Fat with Liposuction

Even after you have been able to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight, you may have areas of fat that seem to stick around no matter what you do. Liposuction will rid your body of these stubborn fat deposits. The back, outer thighs, and love handles are all places that respond well to this plastic surgery in Lubbock. When combined with a tummy tuck, liposuction can help give you a sleek silhouette. 

Breast Augmentation: Restoring Breasts after Baby 

Pregnancy and nursing can leave the breasts looking saggy, deflated, or aged. If you no longer fill out the bras you wore before you became a mother, adding volume with implants can help. Breast augmentation can either restore your bust to the shape and size you enjoyed before having children, or enhance it even more. 

With the right set of implants, your breasts can feel fuller and enhance the proportion of your entire body. Different types of breast implants come with their own unique advantages. Your doctor can help guide your decision about whether saline, silicone gel, or the new IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants can give you the look and feel you desire.  

Breast Lift or Breast Reduction

Having babies can also make a woman’s breasts larger than ever. While it may sound appealing at first, having overly large breasts can become a curse to the women who have to carry them around. These women can pursue breast reduction as part of their Lubbock plastic surgery plan to decrease their size and relieve chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders. Breast reduction patients are some of our most satisfied clients because their procedure not only frees them from discomfort, it also makes clothing fit better and it improves their figure.  

A breast lift restores youthfulness to sagging breasts by lifting the nipple and getting rid of excess skin. Dr. Rowley always performs a breast lift as part of her breast reduction patients’ procedure, but you can also opt for just a lift on its own. Ask your doctor to help you decide whether one or both of these procedures can help you achieve the end result you want. 

Achieving Your Cosmetic Goals

Even though good health practices can’t fix some of the unwanted changes caused by pregnancy, it is a good idea to continue with them because they are important for the success of any plastic surgery procedure. Your safety and health are our first priority and before you move forward with any cosmetic work, Dr. Jane Rowley will evaluate you to be sure you are healthy enough for Lubbock plastic surgery. During your personal consultation you will be able to discuss your goals with her so she can offer her professional recommendations tailored to your needs.

Lubbock Plastic Surgery: Endless Potential for Your Mommy Makeover 

Moms are devoted to caring for others, but it is important that they care for themselves as well. If you have areas on your body you’d like to improve after having children, combining surgeries can transform your breasts, tummy, and overall figure all at once. Whether you are looking for a classic mommy makeover combination for the breasts and belly or you would like to talk about other areas of concern, the possibilities are endless. Call for a personal, no-obligation consultation today to explore your cosmetic potential with Rowley Plastic Surgery in Lubbock.

The Benefits of Breast Reduction in Lubbock

The women who have breast reduction in Lubbock are some of our happiest clients. That’s because they can literally move, sleep, and breathe easier after their procedure is complete. Women who have uncomfortably large breasts often suffer from chronic pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. As soon as they wake up from breast reduction surgery, that discomfort is relieved. Not only do these women find relief from the symptoms caused by their large breasts, they also enjoy the enhanced contour of their figure. With decreased pain, improved appearance, and increased confidence, it’s no wonder breast reduction has one of the highest rates of satisfaction among plastic surgery patients. If you are thinking about having surgery to make your breasts more manageable, it may be helpful to consider the following benefits of breast reduction to help you make the right decision.

Find Relief from Chronic Pain

Women with overly large breasts are no strangers to health problems including neck, back, and shoulder pain. Heavy breasts can cause women to have poor posture as the weight on their front side pulls them forward. When the load of the bust is lightened with breast reduction, Lubbock women find that the strain on their upper body disappears. 

Even the most comfortable and supportive bras can cause discomfort for large-breasted women. Straps that are weighed down by heavy breasts often dig into the shoulders and create painful grooves that irritate the skin. The skin underneath the breasts can also become a problem area for these women. With their breasts constantly resting on the underlying skin, women can experience rash and irritation, especially with exercise or during the warmer months. 

Large breasts have even been connected to pain, tingling, and numbness in the arms and hands. The weight of the breasts pressing on nerve pathways can cause disabling symptoms like weakness in the muscles that control the use of the hands and fingers.   

All of these issues are resolved with breast reduction. Smaller, more manageable breasts provide freedom from chronic pain that is a daily struggle for patients considering breast reduction in Lubbock. 

Enhance Your Look and Your Confidence

Women who would benefit from a breast reduction in Lubbock tend to feel self-conscious about their breasts. A woman can tell when people’s eyes are drawn to her chest and it is hard to feel confident when you feel like that’s the only thing being noticed about you. Flattering clothes can be very difficult to find and many large-breasted women can appear like they are flaunting their breasts no matter what they wear. Many of these women lack confidence because they feel their bra size puts them in a no-win situation.   

Breast reduction allows women to avoid the unwanted attention directed at their chest and gives their figure more balance and proportion. Bras, swimwear, and clothing all fit better and will likely be worn in smaller sizes after recovery from breast reduction. Lubbock women know that when you look better, you can’t help but feel better about yourself. With freedom from worry about the unwanted stares of strangers, breast reduction patients enjoy more satisfaction and confidence in their appearance.

Improve Your Physical Abilities

Think about putting in some hard work at the gym. Now imagine adding a heavy chest that makes every movement harder while you sweat it out. Some women with large breasts simply can’t do some of the workouts that require any kind of jumping, bouncing, or other repetitive motion. Repetitive stress injuries, otherwise known as jogger’s breast, can damage or cause pain to the muscles and ligaments in the breasts. And, if you think it is tough to find regular clothing for a top-heavy figure, try shopping for workout clothes. All of these issues combine to discourage these women from even trying to exercise, which can end up causing bigger health problems down the line.  

Breast reduction in Lubbock can eliminate these roadblocks and free women up to exercise and move much more easily. Sticking to a good fitness routine is important for your health and if your breasts are keeping you from doing so, it may be time to talk to your doctor about plastic surgery.

What is the Surgery Like?

Breast reduction surgery usually takes about two hours under general anesthesia. The excess breast tissue, skin, and fat are removed and the nipple is moved to a higher position. The areola can be resized to achieve a more proportionate look with the new smaller size of the rest of the breast. Because several incisions are required for breast reduction, Lubbock patients typically have scars that run around the areola, down the bottom half of the breast, and in the breast crease. Most patients need to take 10 to 14 days off work and can resume all of their normal activities after about 6 weeks. 

Will Insurance Pay for Plastic Surgery?

The price of breast reduction has a wide range that depends on where you live and how complex your procedure is. If you’ve wanted or needed this plastic surgery but felt you couldn’t afford it, give your health insurance company a call to discuss their requirements for coverage. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of breast reduction in Lubbock if the patient can show that their breast size causes chronic pain for which they need medical care. 

Breast reduction can be considered a reconstructive surgery, because it involves addressing functional disabilities and deformities. Women who suffer from back pain because of their excessively large breasts may pursue a breast reduction in Lubbock and have it paid for through their insurance. If you have had appointments with other doctors like dermatologists or chiropractors, you will want to provide documentation to your insurance carrier. Write down and keep track of your symptoms, doctor visits, and prescriptions. The more solid proof you have of the health problems your large breasts have caused, the better your chances for insurance coverage will be.   

Other Things to Consider

While all those plastic surgery before and after photos you see online can lead you to believe otherwise, breast reduction is not a magic process that happens in the blink of an eye. There are incisions that have to be made, and they take some time to heal. Just remember that if you are wearing clothes or even just a swimsuit, no one else can see those scars. All types of surgery involve risks, but the risks associated with breast reduction in Lubbock are fairly minor. Patients who are healthy and are not overweight have a lower rate of complications from the procedure.

For Breast Reduction, Lubbock Trusts Dr. Rowley

At Rowley Plastic Surgery, breast reduction patients are some of our most satisfied clients. We love seeing the happiness they get from knowing they will never have to deal with the problems caused by heavy breasts again. When these women go from suffering in daily discomfort to living pain-free, that alone makes the procedure worthwhile. Increased confidence combined with the freedom to move and exercise as you please can also greatly enhance your quality of life.  

Dr. Jane Rowley has more than 20 years of breast reduction experience and will thoroughly discuss your plastic surgery options with you. She and her caring staff are committed to helping their patients have the best possible plastic surgery journey. Call today to schedule your no-obligation consultation to learn more about how you can find relief from your overly large breasts.