Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

All You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation in Lubbock

If you’re considering plastic surgery, there is a good chance you have a lot of questions. Instead of heading straight to your favorite search engine with all your concerns, find your answers from credible sources.You can count on information provided by your board-certified plastic surgeon and websites of organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Choose a plastic surgeon who will take the time to answer your questions and talk you through every concern you may have about your procedure. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about breast augmentation in Lubbock that you may want to address further with your doctor:

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

If you are unsatisfied with the size or appearance of your breasts and are in good overall health, you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. Breast implants are no longer only for the rich and famous; they are a common choice for everyday women who simply want to enhance their breasts. Breast augmentation helps women with many different breast issues, including:

  • Asymmetry
  • Underdeveloped breasts
  • Loss of volume or “deflation” after pregnancy
  • Low self-esteem
  • Mastectomy
  • Breast changes with drastic weight loss

The mark of a good candidate also lies in her reasons for choosing plastic surgery in Lubbock. Are you doing it to conform to someone else’s wishes or are you doing it for yourself? Women who have plastic surgery to fulfill their own goals end up happier with their results in the long run.

Should I Choose Saline or Silicone Implants?

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the type of implant you choose for your breast augmentation in Lubbock. Based on your desired results and your breast anatomy, your plastic surgeon may be able to recommend which type might best suit your needs. The most important thing is that you are well-informed about the pros and cons of each type and that you feel comfortable with the decision you and your doctor reach together.

  • Saline – Implants filled with saline—a sterile saltwater solution—have the feel of a water balloon. The FDA has approved them for breast augmentations in women as young as 18. If a rupture occurs, it is immediately obvious and the saline is safely absorbed into the body. The main disadvantage of saline implants is their tendency to have noticeable rippling under very thin skin.
  • Silicone Gel – The FDA approves silicone gel breast implants in women aged 22 and older. The gel inside the implant is a cohesive substance that is more viscous than saline. The result is a more natural feeling augmented breast with no wrinkles or rippling. Because of the risk of silent rupture (leakage that is invisible from the outside), the FDA recommends an MRI every 2 years for women with silicone gel implants.
  • IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants – The new IDEAL IMPLANT is a worry-free option for women who want the natural feel of silicone gel but don’t like the idea of getting an MRI every other year. These implants are filled with saline but have internal chambers that give them more structure than a regular saline implant. Dr. Rowley is the only plastic surgeon in Lubbock to offer the IDEAL IMPLANT and is one of the top three providers in the country.

Which is Better: Under or Over the Muscle?

Most plastic surgeons choose submuscular placement (under the chest muscle) when performing breast augmentation. This option provides a sloped contour to the upper part of the breast giving them a natural look. It is also beneficial because it makes post-breast augmentation mammography easier and more effective. Capsular contracture is also less likely to occur with submuscular implants.

Subglandular placement, over the chest muscle, results in rounder breasts with the implants sitting higher. One benefit of this method is that healing and recovery are easier and less painful. Going over the muscle lifts the breast and can sometimes achieve results similar to breast lift surgery. Some patients avoid subglandular placement because the implants tend to be more noticeable.  

What is the Recovery Like for Breast Augmentation in Lubbock?

After your breast augmentation procedure, you will be allowed to return home after your nurses monitor you for a short period of time. You will need to wear a surgical bra after your surgery and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the care of your incision site. Expect a couple of days of downtime as you rest and heal. For women with children, extra help around the house will be necessary for the first several days. Most patients can return to work after 2-3 days, as long as the job does not involve heavy lifting. Allow 4-6 weeks and be sure to get your doctor’s approval before returning to your full normal activities.

Take the Next Step

Dr. Rowley has over two decades of experience performing breast augmentation, making her the leading plastic surgeon in Lubbock. If you are unhappy with the small or disproportionate size of your breasts, talk to your doctor about your options for breast augmentation in Lubbock and your questions about:

  • Whether you are a good candidate for the procedure
  • Which type of implant would work best for you
  • How the implants should be placed to achieve your desired look
  • A plan for your recovery

At Rowley Plastic Surgery, our patients are our top priority. We make the extra effort to talk you through everything and make sure you are comfortable throughout your entire journey through plastic surgery in Lubbock. Contact us today to set up your no-obligation consultation.

Lubbock Plastic Surgery Can Give You the Tummy You Want

Having confidence in the way we look can feel like an uphill battle, especially when it comes to our midsections. Pregnancy, age, and significant weight loss can all contribute to belly flab that can be hard to erase. An active lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to control weight; however, it does not always get rid of the extra fat and skin on the stomach. Don’t give up on those healthy habits, but try not to get down when they don’t do much for your tummy. A tummy tuck (otherwise known as abdominoplasty) is the Lubbock plastic surgery that helps men and women overcome their belly bulge and gain renewed confidence in their appearance.

The best patient is a well-informed one. Learning all you can about the procedure will help you understand the process as well as what to expect for your recovery and results. Here is our list of things you need to know about tummy tucks before you commit to plastic surgery.

The Right Candidate

Just because you struggle with belly flab does not mean a tummy tuck is right for you. Generally healthy men and women with realistic expectations make the best candidates. Women who may still want to have children in the future should wait to have the surgery until they are past their childbearing years. It is also important that you are able to maintain a stable weight, as fluctuations on the scale can undo the results of your tummy tuck.

Tummy Tucks are Not for Weight Loss

If you are looking into a tummy tuck as a means to help you drop a lot of weight, you should consider other options. Abdominoplasty is all about improving the contour of your body; it sculpts the abdomen, tightens the ab muscles, and flattens the tummy. Although you may lose a few pounds after the procedure, shedding weight is not the main goal. You should be within 10-15 pounds of your ideal weight to get the best outcome out of your tummy tuck in Lubbock.

You Will Have to Stop Smoking

Smoking poses a threat to our general health and it increases risks for Lubbock plastic surgery as well. You won’t have to quit smoking forever; Dr. Jane Rowley requires her patients to refrain from using nicotine for six weeks before surgery and two to three weeks afterwards. Nicotine restricts blood flow, and good circulation is crucial for proper wound and scar healing. Smoking also depletes the body’s oxygen levels and can put you at risk for developing blood clots and infections. It’s easier said than done, but staying away from cigarettes before and after a tummy tuck in Lubbock will be well worth the sacrifice for the sake of your health, safety, and surgical results.

Not All Tummy Tucks are Created Equal

There are several variations on the tummy tuck procedure. After your consultation, your plastic surgeon will be able to tell you which type of tummy tuck would best suit your needs based on the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed.

  • Mini Tummy Tuck – This version of abdominoplasty is for people whose trouble spots are located mostly below the belly button. Since less tissue needs to be removed, the incision can be considerably smaller than that of a normal tummy tuck.
  • Regular Tummy Tuck – A standard tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin located above and below the belly button. The scar runs between the hip bones and is longer than that of a mini tuck. The navel will be repositioned to match the new look of your flatter tummy.
  • Extended Tummy Tuck – The extended tummy tuck is for people with hanging skin and fat that reaches beyond the front of the abdomen to the sides or back. It is the same procedure as a regular tummy tuck; the main difference is in the length of the incision.

Combining Lubbock Plastic Surgery Procedures

Liposuction is often paired with abdominoplasty to achieve dramatic results. Suctioning fat from the abdomen can exaggerate the look of droopy skin. A tummy tuck eliminates the sagging skin and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a more beautiful body contour. Women looking to regain their pre-baby figures often combine a tummy tuck with a breast procedure as part of a “mommy makeover.”

Things to Know About Recovery

You will need to rest and have lots of help with children and everyday chores for the first week or two after your surgery. Plan to take time off work for 2-3 weeks, and a return to full activity will need to wait at least 6-8 weeks. Swelling and bruising is normal for during tummy tuck recovery, so be patient with your body as it takes its time to heal. Scars will appear red during early stages of recovery but will fade and soften with time. The full results of your procedure will take months to be fully visible, but you will notice the positive change in your figure soon after surgery.

The best way to boost your odds of having a great Lubbock plastic surgery experience is to learn all you can about what to expect during and after your procedure. Clearly communicating with your doctor about the results you want will also help increase the chances of your satisfaction. Be sure to ask questions about these aspects of your experience:

  • Whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck in Lubbock
  • Creating a plan to help you stop smoking
  • What kind of tummy tuck procedure will meet your needs
  • Whether combining a tummy tuck with other procedure will benefit you
  • Your recovery time frame and how to care for your healing body

Dr. Jane Rowley is the leading board-certified plastic surgeon in Lubbock with over 20 years of experience. Call our office today to schedule your no-obligation consultation and begin your journey to greater confidence in your appearance.

Smart Planning for Your Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

Most plastic surgery patients end up healthy and happy with their results—but those aren’t the stories that make news headlines. Hearing about the less than ideal experience of some unfortunate patient should not deter you from pursuing plastic surgery in Lubbock. If you are willing to do your homework and can commit to being an informed patient, you can minimize your risk of having a negative experience. The most important factor for a successful outcome is to find the best doctor available for the surgery you are considering. We all want to know we are in good hands, but do you know how to go about selecting the right surgeon?

The Importance of Board Certification

Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is a must. The government doesn’t require doctors to be experienced or specifically trained in all of the procedures they may be offering. Beware of doctors who call themselves “cosmetic surgeons,” because any doctor who does cosmetic procedures can advertise themselves as such. A general surgeon won’t have the training or skills specifically needed for cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Finding yourself in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon can increase the chances of your dissatisfaction with the results of your plastic surgery in Lubbock. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that will give you a better idea of the experience and training the doctor has, such as:

  • Where did you go to school?
  • Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
  • What additional training have you received?
  • How long have you been performing the procedure?
  • What complications have you come across with this procedure?
  • Will the surgery take place in an accredited facility?

Shop Smart for Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

Plastic surgery is not the time to go bargain shopping for your procedure. If you find a doctor offering deep discounts, it could be a sign of limited experience or cutbacks on quality staff members. You get what you pay for—and you don’t want to skimp when it comes to your health or your appearance. This is not to say you need to choose the most expensive plastic surgeon, but It will take work on your part to ensure you are getting the best care from the best plastic surgeon. Lubbock doctor reviews can be a great place to start. Get the opinion of nurses and healthcare workers, and schedule a consultation visit before you decide on the physician that’s right for you.

Know What to Expect During Recovery

Coming out of surgery without knowing what to expect can be a scary experience. Your body will need time to heal, time for swelling to go down, and time before plastic surgery results are fully seen. Your doctor will have recommended post-surgery recovery plan. Being prepared for the recovery period before your surgery will help you heal better. To be better informed about your recovery, consider asking these questions and any others you may have:

  • How long will my recovery take?
  • How long before I will see my full results?
  • What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
  • What if I have concerns after my procedure?
  • What will my scars look like long-term?
  • Is there anything I can do to aid or speed up recovery?

Follow Your Personal Feelings

It’s important to feel comfortable with your doctor and the staff. Visit their office and get to know who will be taking care of you. Trust your gut when it comes to finding the best plastic surgeon. Lubbock patients should also remember that beauty is often in the eye of the beholder and can mean different things to different people. Make sure that you and your doctor are on the same page so that your cosmetic goals are understood and surgical expectations are realistic.

Plastic surgery involves many important and very personal decisions. Putting forth the extra effort to be a well-informed patient can pay off big in the end by maximizing your chances for great results. When you are mapping out your cosmetic goals, be sure to consider these factors:

  • Board-certification: any doctor can claim to be a cosmetic surgeon. Be certain that yours is board-certified, well-trained, and experienced in your procedure.
  • Just say no to bargain shopping: it might work for some things, but your health and cosmetic results are not worth risking to save a few extra bucks.
  • Plan for recovery: there should not be any surprises during your recovery period. Educate yourself by asking questions prior to surgery day.
  • Listen to your gut: If something feels off during your consultation appointment, trust the feelings you have. Find a surgeon with whom you can communicate clearly.

At Rowley Plastic Surgery in Lubbock, you have the opportunity to work with a board-certified surgeon with over twenty years experience in the field of plastic surgery. Dr. Jane Rowley strives to carefully consult with each patient for the best possible results. Contact Rowley Plastic Surgery today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.