Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

Exploring the Possibilities of Liposuction in Lubbock

So many of us have difficulty getting rid of belly pooches, flabby thighs, and love handles. Often, even diet and exercise just don’t give us the results we want. Dr. Jane Rowley tells her Lubbock liposuction patients that on the right person in the right areas, the procedure can have exceptional results. People who struggle with stubborn fat can finally see slimming results with body contouring liposuction. Although it is one of the most common plastic surgeries in the country, many people are still unclear about what the procedure actually does.

Eliminating the Fat

If you are having plastic surgery for fat removal, it’s most likely because you have not had success with traditional diet and exercise. Sticking to a diet isn’t easy, and neither is staying on top of a fitness routine. When you are dedicated to these habits and you don’t see the results you want in the mirror, it can be disheartening. Liposuction in Lubbock targets those specific areas on the body that resist even your best efforts to keep up a healthy lifestyle. While you will lose a good amount of noticeable fat, it is important to remember that it is not meant to be a weight loss surgery.

Shaping Up

When people are working to slim down, they often put too much emphasis on the numbers on the scale. Sometimes a person will even weigh more when they are toned and in shape versus when they are not exercising. For many of us, the figure we want can’t be achieved by losing a certain number of pounds. Liposuction is an effective way to cosmetically improve the contours of your body. It gets rid of the flab that does not respond to any amount of resisted cravings or time at the gym in Lubbock. Liposuction works well on parts of the body that have good skin tone and elasticity. If you struggle with fat in these areas, the procedure can be very beneficial.

  • Outer thighs
  • Flanks (love handles)
  • Hips
  • Back
  • Submental region (chin area)

Candidates for Liposuction

Not everyone who wants to slim down should pursue liposuction. A good candidate should be somewhat close to their ideal body weight and have good skin elasticity. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about which areas of your body would respond well to the procedure. Dr. Rowley’s decades of experience have given her insight into what works best for each of her patients. She says:

“While we can suction fat from almost anywhere on the body, the concern is what happens to the skin after the fat is suctioned. A lot of areas of the body have fairly poor skin elasticity, and this can be worse in some patients than others. Areas that do not do well are typically the inner thighs, the abdomen (especially after pregnancy), and the arms.”

Your surgeon may be able to recommend alternative treatments or procedures for these areas if liposuction doesn’t seem like the right fit. Although it is one of the more versatile plastic surgery options, it isn’t the answer for every person.

Walking Through Liposuction in Lubbock

If you and your doctor decide that you are a good candidate, you can move forward to target fatty trouble spots and achieve the look and feel you want with liposuction. Lubbock locals who are considering this procedure can expect a smooth and comfortable process with the expertise of Dr. Jane Rowley and the care of her staff. If you have considered liposuction but aren’t quite sure what to expect, a rundown of the process can relieve stress, help you be more informed, and get you ready to enjoy your new and improved look.

Before the Big Day

Think about your body goals. Will you be disappointed with anything short of perfection? Patients with more realistic expectations are usually much happier with their liposuction results than those who expect to look flawless. Motivations are also important. If you are pursuing plastic surgery to please someone else, it might be a good idea to wait a little while. Take a step back and evaluate your reasons for wanting liposuction. Lubbock patients with healthy motivations want to enhance their figures, do something for themselves, and supplement their efforts at the gym.

At your initial appointment, you and your doctor will consult about the exact areas on your body that will respond best to liposuction, and you will probably end up with (temporary) markings on your body to designate where you will be treated. Be ready to smile for the camera so you’ll have the all-important before and after photos!

You will need to prepare your body by stopping the use of nicotine. If you smoke, use nicotine patches or e-cigarettes, your surgeon will strongly advise that you quit for several weeks before and after your liposuction procedure. Nicotine can impair healing after plastic surgery and increases the risk for several complications in Lubbock liposuction patients. You  will also need to stop using aspirin and certain other drugs that can cause bleeding.

What Happens During Liposuction in Lubbock

Keep in mind that one patient’s experience with liposuction can be very different from that of another; it all depends on how much fat needs to be removed. Typically, either a local anesthetic or general anesthesia will be administered. Your surgeon will insert a tiny tube called a cannula into the area being treated and inject a sterile fluid. Next, the fat will be suctioned out, and your vitals and comfort level will be monitored. Your body will take on a lot of fluid at this time so you should expect to allow time for it to completely drain.

Recovering from Lubbock Liposuction

While the procedure itself is generally painless, you may experience some discomfort as you would with any other surgery. But rest assured, it’s all part of the healing process, and you shouldn’t miss more than a few days of your normal routine. More rigorous activities, such as working out, will have to wait a few weeks to be reintroduced. A compression garment is usually worn for two-to-four weeks to help achieve the desired contour and to help swelling go down. It’s important to stay positive and be patient with your body as it heals from plastic surgery. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and stay in contact with them if you have any questions or concerns.

When You Will See Results

You will be able to see immediate results after your liposuction in Lubbock; however, complete results could take several months as your body gradually continues to heal. Bruising, swelling, and fluid retention can mask your new enhanced body contour for quite a while. Maintaining a healthy weight and continuing to take care of yourself will help you get the most out of your plastic surgery.

The Trusted Leader for Lubbock Liposuction

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jane Rowley understands the needs of her patients and is always willing to discuss and answer any questions they may have. With over 20 years of experience with plastic surgery, she is committed to helping you achieve the look and feel you deserve. Dr. Rowley will be able to create a plan with you that will eliminate your stubborn fat and improve the shape of your body. Call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and learn more about your cosmetic possibilities.

Minimizing Scars With the Best Plastic Surgeon in Lubbock

You may be so excited about your upcoming plastic surgery procedure and your new look. That’s great! Feeling excitement and enthusiasm before surgery rather than anxiety and nervousness is a good thing. However, it is important to remember that your body will take time to heal and recover. Even with the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock, your full results will not be visible the moment your anesthesia wears off.

One aspect of plastic surgery that is often overlooked is the presence of post-surgery scars. If you choose to get multiple procedures done at the same time, (e.g., a mommy makeover) then you will have scars in multiple areas on your body. The skill and aesthetic eye of your surgeon play a significant role in the appearance of your scars, so you should spend the necessary time to find the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock for you. Before surgery, Dr. Jane Rowley always gives her patients the complete details on what kinds of incisions will be made, how long the scars will take to heal, and to what degree they may appear permanently.

Here are some plastic surgeries Dr. Rowley performs often and the scarring associated with each:

Tummy Tuck

With a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, your surgeon gets rid of excess skin and fat through a low horizontal abdominal incision. If you have more skin that needs to be removed, the incision will be longer, potentially stretching around the flanks to your back. Patients who have extended tummy tucks will end up with more scarring than those who receive the mini or standard version of the procedure. Most incisions are made at or below the bikini line, so the final scar is not obvious to others even in swimwear. For women who have delivered a baby via C-section, the surgeon may be able to cut along the existing scar to minimize total scarring. The best plastic surgeon in Lubbock will be able to use expert skill to hide scars even more.

Breast Augmentation

The first step you can take toward minimizing breast augmentation scars is to find the best plastic surgeon. Lubbock women can expect each incision to be about two inches long and they can be made in a couple of different locations. Some patients choose to have the incision underneath the breast. This is called an inframammary incision, and it is not visible unless the breast is lifted to reveal it. Even in a bikini top, no one else will be able to see the scar. You can also have the incision around the bottom half of the areola.

The incision under the armpit, or transaxillary incision, leaves the breasts completely without scars. However, some surgeons avoid this technique because it makes it more difficult to place breast implants with exactness. If you have a breast lift along with an augmentation, then your surgeon should outline the best place for the incisions to be located. Since this is a short incision, the result will be two short and small scars.

Liposuction

Incisions for liposuction are much smaller than for other procedures because what enters through the skin is a tiny tube called a cannula. This method results in much less noticeable scars that usually fade significantly over time. With the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock, your liposuction procedure will result in minimal scarring. Sometimes after liposuction a light or dark mark called a dyschromia is left on the skin. This is not a true scar and it usually does not last more than 6 months, but it can happen to some patients. These spots may appear more noticeable in people with darker skin pigmentation and for those whose liposuction treatments require the use of larger cannulas.

Reducing the Appearance of Scars After Plastic Surgery

If you want to have plastic surgery don’t let the potential for scars hold you back. The end result of your procedure will far outweigh the scars left behind, which can be well-hidden and usually fade with time. While some scarring is inevitable, the way it ends up looking depends largely on your genetics, the type of surgery, and other factors outside of your control. But even though you can’t do much about genetics, there are many things you can do to mitigate scarring after surgery. Don’t let a fear of scarring keep you from pursuing your aesthetic goals with the best plastic surgeon. Lubbock patients can rely on Dr. Jane Rowley and her extensive experience during the procedure to keep scars minimal from the start. Here are a few things you can do to help.

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 to check with your doctor to learn when you can begin massaging topical ointment after plastic surgery. Dr. Rowley’s patients can rest assured knowing they have the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock for expert advice and aftercare.

Over the Counter Remedies

There are many over the counter remedies for scarring, but don’t waste your money trying every concoction that claims to magically get rid of them. Sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher should be your first line of defense against scarring. Silicone sheets are one of the more popular remedies for surgical scars. They can protect the wound, hydrate the skin, ease itching, and promote the production of healthy collagen. Creams, lotions, and oils can also 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 the appropriate timing for each remedy.

Procedures

Technology offers other options you can pursue to reduce scarring from plastic surgery with the best plastic surgeon. Lubbock patients can ask Dr. Rowley for more information on these procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing, Kenalog injections, IPL (intense pulsed light), microdermabrasion, surgical revision, or radiation.

Don’t Be Afraid of Scars

Scarring should never be a reason not to pursue your aesthetic goals through plastic surgery. No matter which procedure interests you, there are options for reducing the appearance of plastic surgery scars. The best plastic surgeon in Lubbock can help give you increased confidence in your appearance, and the well-placed scars hidden beneath your swimsuit won’t be able to detract from your new look.    

Beautiful Results With the Best Plastic Surgeon in Lubbock

You don’t have to go far to find an expert, personable, educated plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Jane Rowley devotes her time and energy to her patients, making them feel instantly comfortable and secure in every part of their decision-making process. At your consultation, she will go over each procedure you choose step-by-step and explain the incisions and scars associated with each one. 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 surgeon in Lubbock. Contact us today!

Today’s Trends for Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

How do you feel about cosmetic surgery? Whether it’s something you have not yet considered or have already done, the fact is that our society as a whole is embracing it. Plastic surgery in Lubbock is becoming more popular than ever, and the latest numbers reveal what’s trending for all Americans. Each year the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) compiles statistics on both invasive and minimally invasive procedures, and nearly 18 million people underwent a cosmetic procedure of some kind. The data for 2018 shows an increase in cosmetic surgery by almost a quarter million from the previous year.

Of the 1.8 million performed in 2018, the top five most popular plastic surgeries were:

  1. Breast augmentation: 313,735 procedures
  2. Liposuction: 258,558 procedures
  3. Nose reshaping: 213,780 procedures
  4. Eyelid surgeries: 206,529 procedures
  5. Tummy Tuck: 130,081 procedures

What’s Driving the Numbers Up

Cosmetic procedures around the nation, including plastic surgery in Lubbock, are growing in popularity for a number of reasons. More young adults are having work done because of dramatic social changes that have taken place over the last several years. Living in a “selfie” world means always putting your best face forward, and that takes effort and sometimes a little extra professional help.

Lubbock plastic surgery is more accessible than ever. Procedures are safer and more affordable than they have been in the past, making them a realistic option for everyday people. The stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery is also fading. The generations entering adulthood share their lives on social media, and there is a general openness about they way they communicate. Posting before and after photos of a cosmetic procedure on the internet may have been taboo in the past, but now it can be the source of many “likes.”  

Who May be Likely to Have Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

Research done in the United Kingdom revealed more of the motivating factors that lead people to have cosmetic procedures. A study used 204 questionnaires to dive into the psychology behind the decision to have plastic surgery. Participants answered questions about their self-esteem, religious beliefs, media consumption, life satisfaction, attitude about plastic surgery, and self-rated attractiveness. According to the study, women “with low self-esteem, low life satisfaction, low self-rated attractiveness and little religious beliefs who were heavy television watchers reported a greater likelihood of undergoing cosmetic surgery.”

While the results of this study are interesting and may represent a significant portion of plastic surgery participants, each patient is unique and has very personal reasons for seeking cosmetic procedures. The important thing to remember when considering plastic surgery in Lubbock is to have realistic expectations and to do it for yourself.  

Breast Augmentation for the Win

According to the ASPS, breast augmentation surgery was the most popular plastic surgery performed nationwide last year. That comes as no surprise since it has topped the charts every year since 2006. Breast augmentations are just as popular for Lubbock plastic surgery patients as they are across the nation. Breast augmentations are intended to enlarge and enhance the shape of the breasts. Many women are pleasantly surprised to find how quickly they recover from this procedure. Within days they are showering and returning to normal activities with their new look, with more confidence than ever. The materials used in breast augmentations are safe, FDA-approved, and offer beautiful results.

What Else is Trending

Three of the top 5 procedures center around body enhancement. Breast augmentation procedures rose by 4 percent and liposuction went up by 5 percent. Plastic surgeons also performed more buttock augmentations, breast lifts, and thigh lifts in 2018 than in 2017.

More and more people are turning to liposuction to help them smooth out unwanted areas of fat. This plastic surgery in Lubbock continues to grow in popularity because it directly targets specific trouble spots, whether they are large or small, with results that last from a single procedure.

Alan Matarasso, MD., President of ASPS, said in an ASPS press release,

“Liposuction continues to be the gold standard in body contouring because of its versatility, efficiency and effectiveness. With liposuction, one treatment may be all you need to reshape problem areas. A plastic surgeon can treat more areas—and larger areas—in one procedure. Liposuction also provides a more consistent and predictable result than non-invasive treatments, but new non-surgical fat reduction machinery continues to evolve and play a role in reshaping areas of the body.”  

Facial Procedures

Although nose reshaping and eyelid surgeries are in the top 5 plastic surgeries for 2018, the number of people having those procedures actually fell slightly compared to the previous year. This may be because of the widening range of options available to achieve similar results without having to go under the knife. However, procedures like eyelid plastic surgery in Lubbock still get patients the most dramatic results, especially in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Jane Rowley.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

In recent years, options for minimally invasive procedures have expanded with the introduction of new technology and methods. 15.9 million of them were done in 2018, and the top 5 were:

  1. Botulinum Toxin Type A (including Botox): 7,437,378 procedures
  2. Soft Tissue Fillers: 2,676,970 procedures
  3. Chemical Peel: 1,384,327 procedures
  4. Laser Hair Removal: 1,077,490 procedures
  5. Microdermabrasion: 709,413 procedures

Many non-invasive procedures can be combined with Lubbock plastic surgery to achieve dramatic results. For example, facelift patients can benefit from the use of soft tissue fillers to create the perfect finishing touches. And if you had liposuction to help boost your confidence in that cute new swimsuit this summer, laser hair removal can complement your sleek new body contour. Nonsurgical procedures are not expected to replace traditional plastic surgery, but they can help patients polish the final look they are hoping to achieve.

What Does America Spend on Cosmetic Procedures?

Last year, $16.5 billion was spent on both non-invasive and surgical cosmetic procedures. The industry is big because people are willing to pay to make sure they look as good as they feel, and that the job is done right. Dr. Matarasso said, “Cost is always a consideration when considering an elective surgery. However, the least expensive procedure is the one done correctly the first time.” The top 3 most affordable surgical procedures in 2018 were:

  1. Breast Augmentation: $3,824 average surgeon fee
  2. Liposuction: $3,518 average surgeon fee
  3. Eyelid Surgery: $3,156 average surgeon fee

While cost is important, finding the right surgeon is even more crucial. Bargain shopping for plastic surgery is never a good idea. Always be certain your surgeon has the right training, credentials, and experience to give you the safest and best possible Lubbock plastic surgery experience.

Love Your New Look with Lubbock’s Trusted Plastic Surgeon

Whether you are interested in anything from breast augmentation to soft tissue fillers, cosmetic improvements can help you feel more satisfaction in your appearance. If you are ready to increase your confidence with the help of either surgical or nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, visit Dr. Jane Rowley. She and her office staff provide excellent care and achieve exceptional results for patients seeking plastic surgery in Lubbock. Make sure your body is in trusted hands as you choose one of these popular procedures by contacting Dr. Rowley’s office. Give us a call today for your no-obligation consultation.