Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

Why Breast Augmentation in Lubbock is Better than Ever

Science and technology are constantly evolving at a rapid pace. Our expectations for cell phones, the internet, our cars, and even medicine are on the rise because of the amazing advancements that happen all the time. This is good news for plastic surgery patients, as progress in surgical techniques and technology are also bringing better and safer results. Women considering breast augmentation in Lubbock can benefit from these trends in several different ways. Whether your breasts have lost volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, are asymmetrical, or are just smaller than you’d like them to be, you can choose from a variety of options to tailor your procedure to meet your individual goals.

Implant Options

Women’s breasts are all unique, as are our tastes and preferences. An implant that appeals to one woman may not be well-suited for the next. Saline, silicone gel, and the new IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants each offer a different choice for women considering their implant options for breast augmentation in Lubbock.

  • Saline – Breast implants filled with a sterile saltwater solution called saline have been used for breast enhancement since 1964. They are approved by the FDA for women 18 and older. Saline implants have long been considered the “safe” choice for breast implants since saline is harmless to the body and can be absorbed in the event of implant leakage. The major drawback to these implants lies in their viscosity. Saline implants are similar to a water balloon in the way they feel. Many women dislike the resulting unnatural look of their surgical results, but are willing to compromise so they don’t have to worry about the concerns that come with silicone gel.
  • Silicone Gel – Silicone gel breast implants come in many shapes and sizes and are FDA-approved for women 22 and up. Patients undergoing breast augmentation in Lubbock often prefer them over saline implants because they look and feel more natural. The silicone gel inside the implant has a softer touch that resembles real breast tissue. While many women choose these implants, they do so with the risk of silent rupture. When a silicone gel implant breaks or leaks, there are no visible signs. The only way to know whether a silicone gel implant is fully intact is through routine MRI screenings. If silent rupture occurs, silicone gel can leak out into other areas of the body where it can be difficult to remove.
  • IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants – The IDEAL IMPLANT is a new alternative to saline and silicone gel breast implants. It combines the best of both implant types by offering the soft, natural feel and look of silicone gel with the peace of mind of saline. The IDEAL IMPLANT is filled with saline and has a structure made of chambers and shells inside to give it the firm shape that women can’t get with regular saline implants. The structure prevents the implant from buckling, rippling, and wrinkling, which are common problems associated with saline implants.  

The risk of rupture is lower with the IDEAL IMPLANT than with silicone gel implants, but if it were to happen, you would be able to tell right away. The outer chamber would deflate, and you could look in the mirror and know immediately that your implant was not intact. The issue would be purely aesthetic, however, as the saline that could escape is completely harmless.

Getting the Size Just Right

Women considering breast augmentation in Lubbock know that one of their most important decisions is about size. You might start out thinking you want a certain cup size, but that could differ greatly from what you want your actual breasts to look like. Breast volume does not necessarily equal cup size. Your doctor can help you decide which final size would look best on you.

  • 3D Imaging – This new technology is helpful for patients who want to virtually “try on” different breast implant types and sizes. The software uses photos from different angles of the patient’s body to create a computer generated model. This method allows you to see what you might look like post-surgery, but does not give you an accurate idea of what your new breasts might feel like.
  • Rice Bags – Many plastic surgeons recommend their breast augmentation patients try on bags of rice inside their bra to get a good idea of what bigger breasts might feel like. Buy a bra in a size you think you might like to wear after surgery and use bags of rice to fill out the extra room in the bra. Wear the rice bra around for a day or so to get a realistic feel for augmented breasts.
  • Before and After Photos – Plastic surgery websites have plenty of before and after images of breast augmentation patients. Browsing these photos can help you decide what size and shape you prefer for the outcome of your breast augmentation in Lubbock. You will get a more realistic expectation of your results if you look at women whose build is similar to yours; even with the same size implants, a woman with a slender frame and narrow chest will look very different than one who is more stocky with a wider chest.

Visit Dr. Jane Rowley for Your Breast Augmentation in Lubbock

With modern advancements in technology, it is easier than ever to get the results you want from your breast augmentation procedure. Choosing the right plastic surgeon will also greatly impact your satisfaction with not just your outcome, but your entire experience. Dr. Jane Rowley is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been performing breast augmentation for more than 20 years. She has the experience and expertise her patients need to achieve exceptional results. If you are ready to explore your options for breast augmentation in Lubbock, call our office today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Tone Up Your Arms With an Arm Lift in Lubbock

Americans seem to be increasingly interested in looking younger and more beautiful all the time. Popular diets, fitness trends, and plastic surgery play a huge role in what we see on social media as well as everyday lifestyles. In Lubbock, you can also see a growing emphasis on losing weight and being healthy.

The extreme at the other end of the spectrum is the growing rate of obesity in America. When weight gain gets out of control and is beyond the aid of diet and exercise, some people turn to more drastic measures for help. When weight has been high and is then quickly lost, the body ends up with stretched out loose skin. But weight loss isn’t the only culprit behind saggy skin. Excess skin can become loose as a result of age or heredity. An arm lift in Lubbock—or brachioplasty—can have a dramatic effect on the right patient to tone and reshape the upper arms.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Do you avoid wearing arm revealing clothing because you don’t like the way your upper arms look? Do you refuse to wave your arms because you’re self-conscious of the skin that hangs down? If the answer is yes, brachioplasty could be of great benefit to you. If you meet the criteria below, you may be a good candidate for the procedure.

  • You have excess arm skin due to significant weight loss or aging
  • You do not smoke or are willing to commit to a nicotine-free lifestyle before and after surgery
  • You are committed to a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet
  • Your general health is good, and you have no medical conditions that would increase risks
  • Your weight is relatively stable and in a healthy range

Brachioplasty does leave a scar running down the underside of the arm which will be visible when the arms are lifted or exposed. A good candidate for the procedure will have a significant amount of extra skin hanging down. Your surgeon will be able to tell you if your arms would benefit from an arm lift in Lubbock. It is important to remember that any plastic surgery is not a substitute for a healthy diet or routine exercise. Instead it provides a supplement to achieve your desired body shape when  you already maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What Happens During Surgery?

On the day of your surgery, you will be administered general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Your surgeon will remove excess fat and skin from the underside of your arms through an incision that runs from the elbow to the underarm. The length of the resulting scar will depend on how much skin and fat had to be removed.

Often the process of tightening the arm skin is paired with liposuction to remove fat deposits in the same area. Consult with your doctor to decide if adding liposuction to your arm lift will help you achieve your desired results. There are no drains for brachioplasty patients and the sutures are absorbable.

The Results

For the best possible results, you will want the best plastic surgeon. Lubbock patients should seek for a doctor who is highly skilled, board-certified, and has plenty of experience. After an arm lift, your arms will look smoother and more toned. The results will be evident immediately following your procedure, but may take 6-8 weeks to be completely visible. Some patients express concern about the extent of scarring from an arm lift. The placement of the incision, the skill of your doctor, and the neatness of the closure will all have an effect on the appearance of scarring.  The changes in your arms may seem subtle on their own, but your body will look more youthful and slender overall after your brachioplasty procedure.

Recovering From an Arm Lift in Lubbock

Arm lifts typically take less time in the operating room than more extensive surgeries like breast augmentation. The procedure takes about one hour on an outpatient basis. Patients usually have compression bandages on for about two weeks to help minimize swelling. Most people can expect to resume regular activities in about five to seven days.

Discover Greater Confidence

If age or weight loss has not been kind to your arms, you don’t have to live in long sleeves forever. When considering an arm lift in Lubbock, be sure to do your research so you can find the best plastic surgeon. Lubbock is home to Dr. Jane Rowley, a board-certified plastic surgeon who carefully listens to the concerns and expectations of her patients. At Rowley Plastic Surgery, our goal is to educate and work with each patient so they can have the best results possible. Call our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your options in discovering greater confidence in your physical appearance.

A Complete Guide to Getting a Tummy Tuck in Lubbock

There is no substitute for feeling great about the way you look. It’s human nature to want to look your best, and more often than not, it’s not about vanity. It’s about confidence. When you feel confident about your outward appearance, it has positive effects on your inner self. As we age or experience pregnancies or weight loss, our bodies are changed in permanent ways. And, flabby excess skin will not go away not matter how much you diet or exercise.

When you carry around an extra load of saggy skin, it can affect your self-esteem as you become increasingly unhappy about the contour of your body. If you feel frustrated when your best efforts don’t yield the results you want, it might be time to consider a tummy tuck in Lubbock. A tummy tuck isn’t a weight loss surgery but rather a procedure to remove excess skin and improve your quality of life. It is a great support to your weight loss goals and healthy habits.  

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure for removing up to 10 pounds of skin from a patient’s abdominal area. Weakened and separated abdominal muscles are tightened and repaired during surgery as well. Tummy tucks are also often paired with liposuction to further enhance the contouring effects.

Things To Consider Before Your Surgery

A Tummy tuck is a major surgery and should be considered carefully with plenty of education and counsel from Dr. Jane Rowley. During your preliminary evaluation with Dr. Rowley, she will prepare you for what to expect, and ensure your health and body are right for plastic surgery in Lubbock. Plan to discuss the following topics:

  • Your weight – Tummy tucks don’t require a certain number on the scale, but you should be close to your goal weight. It is important that you are able to maintain a stable weight to keep your surgical results intact.
  • Your eating habits – A healthy and sustainable diet is essential for a healthy recovery and lasting results.
  • Whether you smoke – If you do, consider quitting or make a plan to stop for a while because nicotine can interfere with the healing process. Expect to refrain from smoking, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum for several weeks before and after the surgery.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?

Surgery is performed with the use of general anesthetics. A standard tummy tuck in Lubbock begins with a horizontal incision running between the hip bones. The plastic surgeon lifts the skin and tightens the abdominal muscles underneath. The extra skin is removed and the navel is repositioned to match the new shape of your tummy. Surgery is wrapped up with the closure of incisions.

Tummy tucks can address varying degrees of hanging skin; some people’s excess skin is only beneath the belly button and others have flab that extends all the way around their back. Depending on how extensive your surgery is, it can take anywhere from one to five hours. You will need a driver to take you home.

Planning For Recovery

You should not spend your first night alone, make sure you have someone to help you throughout the night. Your incision will be stitched and bandaged. It is important that you follow Dr. Rowley’s specific care instructions to ensure a healthy recovery. Moving will be tough during your recovery. Plan on wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Make sure your phone is in reach if you need it. A hand-held shower head and bathroom chair are ideal.

Plan for several weeks of recovery, and take off plenty of time from work for an uninterrupted recovery time. Too much activity following the surgery before you are completely healed can complicate your recovery. Give you body the time it needs to rest and heal.

Look and Feel Better With a Tummy Tuck in Lubbock

Patients who have lost significant amounts of weight can feel happy about the weight loss but discouraged about the saggy stomach skin that is left behind. Getting rid of that extra skin gives your body the flatter tummy you had hoped to have after your weight loss. A tummy tuck will strengthen your body’s core and improve your posture. Extreme weight loss or c-section surgeries can lead to a lapse in muscle control that can lead to hernias. A tummy tuck in Lubbock can also repair ventral hernias and improve bladder control. The procedure is about more than just flattening your belly – it’s a surgery for repair and healing.

The Gift of Confidence

Excess belly skin can be an emotional and physical annoyance that can damage self-confidence. As this holiday season approaches, give yourself the gift of confidence as you move forward in your health, wellness, and appearance efforts. Dr. Jane Rowley is the leading plastic surgeon in Lubbock who carefully discusses the options that best match the cosmetic goals of her patients. Meet with Dr. Rowley to learn about options for plastic surgery in Lubbock that are right for your needs. At Rowley Plastic Surgery, you can feel confident knowing you are in good hands. Contact our office today for a no-obligation consultation.