Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

Exploring Your Options for Breast Reconstruction in Lubbock

About one in every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The good news is, it is treatable if detected early. Each individual patient will need to discuss treatment and recovery with her doctor. Breast reconstruction is an option that many patients consider to rebuild their breasts and help them feel like themselves again. The procedure consists of more than just a breast augmentation and it usually requires more than one surgery. With breast reconstruction, Lubbock patients can help restore their body physically and take significant steps toward emotional healing after mastectomy.

Restoring the Breasts With Implants

Women who have undergone mastectomy can choose to have their breasts reconstructed with implants. Implants are put into place immediately after the mastectomy procedure. Patients may have tissue expanders put in place to increase the space for future breast reconstruction. Lubbock women in need of mastectomy also have other options for a more natural breast reconstruction. Patients will need to consider their options carefully with the help of a board-certified plastic surgeon as part of the their full recovery from cancer.

Natural Breast Reconstruction Techniques

For a more natural breast reconstruction, Lubbock doctors perform a technique that uses a flap of the patient’s own tissue. The tissue has blood vessels, fat, and skin and sometimes muscle that is moved from elsewhere on the body to rebuild the breast. This can give a more natural feel and look to the reconstructed breast area. These flaps can be taken from different areas, including the stomach, inner thigh, buttocks, or the back of your body, depending on where your doctor feels is best. These flaps make breast reconstruction appear more natural and will even respond like the rest of your body, enlarging and shrinking if weight is gained or lost. Before this type of plastic surgery, your doctors will advise you of the risks and what to expect so you can know if this is the right type of breast reconstruction for you.

Immediate Reconstruction

Rebuilding the breasts at the time of the mastectomy is called immediate breast reconstruction. Lubbock patients benefit from this approach because it allows all of the surgical work to be performed at once as the plastic surgeon and the breast cancer surgeon coordinate their efforts. You may be a candidate for immediate reconstruction if you do not need additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy; if you are having a mastectomy as a preventative measure due to a high risk of breast cancer (a prophylactic mastectomy); and if you do not have diabetes, circulatory problems, or a bleeding disorder.

Delayed Reconstruction

If a reconstructive surgery is postponed until you have had time for a full recovery of your mastectomy, it is referred to as a delayed reconstruction. If some reconstructive surgery is performed at the time of the mastectomy but is completed later with plastic surgery, it is called a delayed-immediate reconstruction. Unlike a breast reduction or implant independent of a mastectomy, the priority for your body is ensuring the cancer is completely treated. If a delay in reconstruction is necessary, take comfort in knowing that the health of your body is the top priority of your health care providers.

Is Breast Reconstruction in Lubbock Covered?

Breast reconstruction is considered to be part of the medical treatment of breast cancer patients. The law requires insurance companies to cover the costs of breast reconstruction even if you decide to have the procedure years after your mastectomy. While this is great news for patients, there are some exceptions. Health plans sponsored by the government or some churches may not cover breast reconstruction. Lubbock patients should always check with their insurance carrier to get a full understanding of their benefits.   

Choosing What’s Best For You

Ultimately the choice of whether to get reconstructive plastic surgery is a decision you should make based on how you feel about your body and what helps you heal completely. It is something you can choose much later after your mastectomy, so there is no need to rush into it. Healing emotionally after breast cancer is just as important as healing physically, and breast reconstruction in Lubbock may be part of that healing or may need to come after other cancer treatments. Your health care providers will be able to guide you in knowing what your options are for reconstruction and support you through the process.

Whatever options you choose for your breasts after your recovery, reconstructive breast surgery is a personal choice between a patient and her doctor. Plastic surgery could be just what you need to feel completely recovered from the experience of breast cancer. Dr. Jane Rowley and her staff have the compassion and the experience patients deserve when they need help with difficult choices. At Rowley Plastic Surgery, you can trust that you are in the best possible care. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today to explore your breast reconstruction options.

Your FAQs Answered by the Best Plastic Surgeon in Lubbock

Each plastic surgery candidate is unique and has different needs, goals, and expectations. But patients considering cosmetic procedures often have the same types of questions. There is no harm in doing research online, but it is important to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon you trust to get the accurate information you need. Banking on unreliable sources could lead you in the wrong direction and can end up being detrimental to your surgical experience.

Your decision whether or not to have a surgical procedure requires good information and knowledge. The more you know about a procedure and its expected outcome and recovery, the better your experience will be. The first key to having a positive experience with plastic surgery is finding the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock for you, and asking them the questions you feel are important for your understanding. Some of the most commonly asked questions include the following:

Is Plastic Surgery Safe?

All surgery has risks. Always discuss with your doctor your medical history and ask about the specific risk factors of the procedure you are planning. For patients in good overall health and who follow their doctor’s instructions, plastic surgery does not have any unique risks over other surgeries. Complete disclosure to your doctor of your previous or current medical conditions and any prescription or non-prescription drugs or supplements you may be taking is a crucial part of ensuring your safety.

Another important element for your safety is the qualification of your plastic surgeon. Board-certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a must. When looking for the best plastic surgeon, Lubbock patients should make sure their doctor has the experience and training necessary to perform their specific procedure. Positive referrals from trustworthy sources can be very helpful in finding a surgeon who can provide you with high quality care.

What Makes a Good Plastic Surgery Candidate?

With any plastic surgery, a patient should be in good health, not smoke, and carefully consult with his or her doctor. Your plastic surgery candidacy will also depend on specific factors associated with the procedure you are planning. If you are interested in breast augmentation, you will need to discuss your body size, breast tissue, and breast skin with your doctor. Patients who want procedures like liposuction will have their skin elasticity and muscle tone evaluated to determine their candidacy. Having a positive outlook and realistic goals and expectations are important for any patient considering plastic surgery.

Will My Insurance Cover the Costs?

Most plastic surgeries are considered elective, and even great insurance does not usually pay for procedures that are not considered medically necessary. Check with your insurance policy to know what your payment options are. Some plastic surgery procedures are covered by insurances. If you are interested in a nose job, breast reduction, or eyelid surgery, you may be covered by insurance if the procedure is needed for medical reasons. It is always important to check with your insurance company before having any medical treatment or procedure to clearly understand what your benefits are. Always discuss with your doctor expected expenses and payment options and expectations before treatment.

What are My Payment Options?

If an out of pocket payment sounds scary, then consider a credit option. The cosmetic boost you are wanting just might be more than the budget can handle with an all at once, one time payment. Most doctors have policies that require payment to be made in full at or before the time of service. Even the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock is not set up to keep track of payments and balances like a credit company would.

Many patients find their plastic surgery payment to be more manageable with CareCredit. CareCredit is a credit card that is specifically designed for procedures and treatments that are not generally covered under a medical insurance plan. This card is a little different than a regular credit card, as it has no-interest payment plans and a variety of payoff options. CareCredit offers short repayment times giving you the ability to manage your healthcare costs better. Visit their site for more information.

What Factors Impact the Success of My Surgery?

Each patient is an individual case for plastic surgery. There are a wide variety of factors that play into the outcome of your procedure. The best plastic surgeons in Lubbock will be happy to answer all of your questions, and they should thoroughly cover all aspects of your surgery, including recovery. A key factor to a successful plastic surgery experience is starting with an experienced, board-certified surgeon. Dr. Jane Rowley is the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock and is dedicated to providing her patients with a superior experience.

The Trusted Source for Your Plastic Surgery Needs

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Rowley has the skills and expertise to restore your confidence in your appearance. She will spend the time needed for you to understand your plastic surgery options. Schedule your no-obligation consultation today with the best plastic surgeon Lubbock has to offer to find all the answers to your plastic surgery questions.

The Best Plastic Surgeon in Lubbock: A “Mommy Makeover” with Dr. Rowley

Are you ready for a change? Do you want to feel more confident? Are there aspects of your physical appearance you wish looked different? Many women find their bodies simply aren’t what they used to be. Whether from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain, or weight loss, regaining the physique you once had can be difficult. A “mommy makeover” with Lubbock’s best plastic surgeon, Dr. Jane Rowley, could be the solution.

What is a “Mommy Makeover”?

Combining various surgical and non-surgical procedures is one way to achieve multiple desired results all at once. Dr. Rowley explains:

“A ‘mommy makeover’ technically is a combination of a tummy procedure and a breast procedure. Most often a tummy tuck, and a breast lift or augmentation, but sometimes even a breast reduction. Often times, liposuction is in the mix. But regardless, it’s a bigger procedure. Almost always a little longer operative time, and you need to be realistic about what we can accomplish. But you also need to know that the term ‘mommy makeover’ sounds really cute, but it’s always more than one surgery. It’s going to be more than one recovery. A little more recovery time, a little more down time. There’s lots of people that are excellent candidates for a ‘mommy makeover’, but there are some that there’s just too much to do in one setting, so it’s about the pros and cons, deciding for that person what’s going to be best for them.”

The Best Plastic Surgeon In Lubbock

When choosing a plastic surgeon, there is a lot to consider. As the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Rowley understands that every woman seeking a “mommy makeover” has unique needs and personal goals. This is why she makes patient education her top priority. She works directly with each one of her patients to make sure they feel comfortable with combining procedures and what that entails. Through an in-depth consultation process, Dr. Rowley takes the time to learn the individual desires and expectations of her patients. If you have concerns, she listens. If you have questions, she provides answers. You will work as a team to develop a customized treatment plan designed just for you. Watch the video below to understand more of Dr. Rowley’s approach to plastic surgery.

What to Consider

Before undergoing plastic surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) offers a few suggestions:

“A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single stage procedure. There are many techniques used to perform a mommy makeover, and many factors should be taken into consideration when choosing which techniques are best:

  • Desired amount of restoration
  • Placement of the incisions
  • Type of implant used

… The mommy makeover is one of today’s most popular combination plastic surgery techniques, designed specifically to address common issues faced by women who have been through pregnancy and breastfeeding.”

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

You have many choices to make when planning out a “mommy makeover”. Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of them. Dr. Rowley comes highly qualified as a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and an IDEAL IMPLANT® Premier Surgeon. A 2016 patient testimonial on Realself by hivalerie1 states:

“I’m not overstating when I say Dr. Rowley is a miracle worker. Eight weeks ago I flew to Lubbock because I felt she was the only plastic surgeon I could trust. She did a combined procedure (tummy/hips/arms/chin). I expected an improvement, but I was completely shocked at what she was able to accomplish. I feel like I got a full ‘hardware upgrade’ and still can’t believe it when I look in the mirror. Before I knew Jane, I really never considered plastic surgery and had a lot of preconceptions about why people do it. It has made such a difference in my personal comfort and confidence, and it frees up so much mental energy for the rest of my life to just not worry about body issues. Her staff just adds to that, they are stellar, super on the ball and experienced, and really do treat you like family—they made me feel right at home while staying in an unknown city on my own for two weeks. They just went above and beyond throughout the recovery process. Even after I came home, there has been continual follow up. I trusted Dr. Jane because of her intensive, high-level training, deep experience, and that she sets clear expectations with straightforward honesty … Based on my experience, I can’t recommend her highly enough, even if you don’t live in Lubbock, it’s worth travelling to know you are in the best hands. I wouldn’t go anywhere else, even though it means a flight. Thank you so much, Dr. Rowley & team, you’ve really changed my life.”

Is a “mommy makeover” right for you? Don’t let choosing a plastic surgeon be a stressful task. Contact Dr. Rowley, Lubbock’s best plastic surgeon, to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Call 806-792-3715 today, or visit www.rowleyplasticsurgery.com to learn more.