Recent Blog Posts from Rowley Plastic Surgery

A Tummy Tuck to Get Rid of That Unwanted Fat

Try CoolSculpting or a Tummy Tuck to Get Rid of That Unwanted Fat


Nothing is worse than going to pick out a cute swimsuit for the summer, and finding that you feel uncomfortable in everything you try on. It’s easy to hide that belly bulge in a T-shirt and jeans, but summer is quickly approaching, and you can’t wear your clothes in the pool. Instead of spending those sweltering summer months covered up, consider a contouring procedure like CoolSculpting or a tummy tuck to give you that instant confidence in a swimsuit.


What is CoolSculpting?


It actually “cools” your fat cells or freezes them to low temperatures, thus eliminating unwanted fat cells without any surgery. CoolSculpting is approved by the FDA and is ideal for people who can’t get rid of stubborn fat pockets around their belly, love handles, arms, or thighs. The “cool” thing about CoolSculpting is that you won’t see any scars because there are no incisions involved. During the procedure you feel pressure and extreme cold in and around the targeted areas. You may feel a pulling, tugging, or pinching sensation and should expect some numbness. The procedure takes about an hour, (depending on how many areas you’re treating) and most of the discomfort is only in the first seven minutes. Some side effects include:

  • Brief numbness
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tingling

Multiple sessions may be needed depending on the patient’s goals.


How a Tummy Tuck Compares


Yes, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, but it does yield dramatic results. It can transform your body and make that belly fat disappear. This procedure can remove up to 10 pounds of skin from a patient’s abdominal area. If your abdominal muscles are weak from past pregnancies or significant weight loss, then the muscles can be tightened and repaired during surgery as well. While CoolSculpting decreases fat by about 30 percent, some patients say that after a tummy tuck they see a 90 percent physical improvement. That may be part of the reason why the number of tummy tucks has risen by more than 100 percent over the last ten years. The surgery takes about 2 hours, and recovery time varies from patient to patient.


Choose a Plastic Surgeon With Expertise


Whether you decide on CoolSculpting or a tummy tuck, Dr. Jane Rowley in Lubbock has the experience and knowledge to help you get the results you desire. At your no-obligation consultation, she will explain all of the risks and benefits of each one, and go over your tummy tuck procedure step-by-step with you. Contact her office today to schedule an appointment.

What Will My Scars Look Like Post-Procedure?

Plastic Surgery and Scarring: What Will My Scars Look Like Post-Procedure?

You may be so excited about your upcoming plastic surgery procedure and your new look. That’s great! Excitement and enthusiasm before surgery rather than anxiety and nervousness is a good thing. However, you should know that after your surgery is complete, you will see some scars for awhile. If you choose to get multiple procedures done at the same time, (sometimes called a “mommy makeover”) then you will have scars in varying locations on your body. Before surgery, your plastic surgeon will give you complete details on what kinds of incisions will be made, and how long your scars will take to heal and to what degree they will appear permanently.

Here are some common plastic surgeries and the scarring associated with each:

Tummy tuck:

You can expect a low horizontal abdominal incision. If you have more skin that needs to be removed, the incision typically will be longer. Most incisions are made at or below the bikini line, so the final scar is not obvious to others even in swimwear.

Breast augmentation:

This incision is about two inches long and can be made in a couple of different locations. Some patients choose to have the incision underneath the breast. However, you can also have the incision under the armpit, or around the areola. 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 other procedures, which results in less noticeable scars. They usually fade significantly over time. Sometimes a mark is left on the skin after liposuction called a dyschromia, which is a dark or light spot on the skin. This is not a true scar, but it can happen.

In Lubbock, you don’t have to go far to find an expert, personable, educated plastic surgeon with over twenty 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. At your no-obligation consultation, she will go over each procedure you choose step-by-step and explain the incisions and scars associated with each one. Contact her office today to find out more.

Liposuction: What You Should Expect From Your Initial Consultation

Although liposuction should never be used as your weight loss tool, it is a great way to target areas of localized fat that never seem to go away with any amount of diet or exercise. Even if you are eating right and exercising daily, there are areas of your body that like to hang on to fatty tissue, and liposuction is a great option for getting rid of it. If you decide to have a liposuction procedure, then you should see a professional plastic surgeon for an initial consultation. So, what are some things you can expect from an initial consultation?

— Your surgeon may ask you to look in the mirror and point out to him/her what areas of your body you want to be improved.

— You may be photographed, including some 3D photos, so that your surgeon can get a closer look at those areas you want to be treated.

— It’s important that your skin has good elasticity and tone for liposuction to be effective. Your surgeon may evaluate your skin and measure it to determine if you are a good candidate. Patients are ideal for liposuction if they remain at the same weight, have persistent fat pockets but good skin elasticity.

— Weight will be discussed. Your surgeon will want to know what your current weight is, what your ideal weight is, and if your goals for weight loss are realistic. It’s possible that before your surgery your doctor will want you to begin a weight loss program.

Lubbock’s most trusted and knowledgeable plastic surgeon, Dr. Jane Rowley, gives all of her patients the option to have a no-obligation consultation, where they can discuss the problem areas of their bodies and whether or not they are a good candidate for liposuction. Often liposuction can be done in conjunction with other procedures, and this will also be discussed at your initial visit. Although liposuction removes fat cells, it is important to have healthy habits and keep your weight stable after surgery if you want the results to be permanent. Contact Rowley Plastic Surgery today to find out more