Smart Planning for Your Plastic Surgery in Lubbock

It is perfectly normal to have some nerves or anxiety about surgery. Many people start to feel overwhelmed when they consider everything that goes into having plastic surgery. But, when you focus on the positive changes your procedure can make in your life, those nervous feelings should turn into excitement. Don’t let anxiety keep you from achieving the aesthetic goals you have set. Find a plastic surgeon you trust, learn everything you can about your procedure, and remember why you wanted plastic surgery in the first place. Pouring positive energy into your cosmetic journey will help you feel calm and confident throughout your experience with 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.  

How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon

The most important factor for a successful outcome is to find the best doctor available for the surgery you are considering. When searching for something like a new car repair shop or hairdresser, most people rely solely on online reviews. While that can be a great place to start, your selection of a plastic surgeon should involve a little more effort. For one thing, you are entrusting this doctor with your health and your appearance. We all want to know we are in good hands, but do you know how to go about selecting the right surgeon? 

Make Sure Your Plastic Surgeon is Board-Certified

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 doctors who do 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, or other complications. 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?

To qualify for ABPS board-certification, plastic surgeons must complete extensive training, pass rigorous oral and written exams, and continue their education throughout their careers. A board-certified plastic surgeon is committed to practicing safe and ethical plastic and reconstructive surgery. ABPS board-certification ensures your surgeon has the training, knowledge, skill, and proper licenses to perform your procedure. For more information on the importance of board-certification, watch the video below.

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 starting point. Get the opinion of nurses and healthcare workers, and schedule a consultation visit before you decide on the physician that’s right for you.

When researching plastic surgery in Lubbock, you may also come across cosmetic tourist packages. Plastic surgery tourism has become a popular trend in recent years. Some patients choose to travel outside the country to have procedures done for a fraction of what they would cost in the U.S. It is possible to have a positive experience with traveling abroad for surgery, but it is important to take extra precautions and use your best judgment if you choose to do so. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons urges patients to think carefully about the risks they are taking by opting to have surgery outside the country. 

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. Even if something just doesn’t feel right during your consultation, it is probably best to find another plastic surgeon with whom you feel more comfortable. 

Trust your gut when it comes to finding the best plastic surgeon. Patients having plastic surgery in Lubbock 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. Look at their before and after photo gallery to gain insight into their personal style and aesthetic sense. If you don’t like much of what you see, chances are you may not be completely satisfied with your own results with that particular surgeon. 

Learn About Your Procedure

Learning everything you can about what to expect before, during, and after your procedure will help you feel confident throughout the process. Patients who are nervous about plastic surgery in Lubbock can take comfort in knowing exactly what will happen next, every step of the way. Understanding your surgery in this way takes the fear out of the experience, because there are fewer unknowns. Spend some time researching the procedure, read stories of other patients on RealSelf, and talk to your doctor about each of your questions and concerns. Dr. Jane Rowley is committed to helping her patients fully understand their plastic surgery process, and will spend all the time it takes to make sure they feel comfortable.   

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 a post-surgery recovery plan. Being prepared for the recovery period before your surgery will not only put your mind at ease; it 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?

Understanding the Plastic Surgery Blues

Plastic surgery in Lubbock can sometimes make patients feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster. They can feel everything from excitement and joy to anxiety and apprehension. It is also common for patients to even feel a little down after having plastic surgery. When the anesthesia wears off and you find yourself in full-blown recovery mode, it can be tough to feel as excited as you were before the surgery. In addition, the final results of your procedure won’t be visible for weeks or even months, as swelling takes time to resolve. Some patients may even question why they chose to have plastic surgery in the first place. It is important to understand these feelings and how to cope with them. Consider the following ways patients can deal with the post-surgery blues:

• Be honest with yourself and your doctor about your motives for having plastic surgery in Lubbock. Patients who have realistic expectations for their surgical outcomes are more likely to be disappointed afterwards.
• Before your surgery, write a note to yourself to read during recovery. Remind yourself why you want the procedure and what your goals were. 
• Be patient with your body as it heals. Give yourself time to rest and don’t feel like you have to jump back into your normal routine right away.
• Call your plastic surgeon. Talk to your doctor about your feelings and concerns so they can give you the support you need.
• Move your body (according to your doctor’s instructions). Getting out of bed and taking a relaxing walk can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. 

Not all patients feel down after having plastic surgery; but if you do, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone and that it is only temporary. Emotions can change day by day and typically improve as patients get further in the healing process. Dr. Rowley and her compassionate staff members are here to support you before, during, and after your procedure. Remember that you can always call our office with any question or concern. 

Focus on the Finish Line

During a marathon, runners who keep their focus on the finish line often perform better. In fact, a study published in the journal Motivation and Emotion revealed that exercisers who kept their attention on a stopping point ahead of them moved more quickly and felt less exertion than those who were free to look about naturally. Plastic surgery patients can also benefit from staying focused on their goals. At times, plastic surgery can feel like a long race. When patients keep their eyes on the prize, or focus on their final cosmetic results, it can improve their mental and emotional state and may help them through the toughest parts of recovery. The confidence boost that comes from feeling great about the way you look will more than make up for the temporary discomfort felt after plastic surgery in Lubbock. 

Think it Through

Plastic surgery involves many important and very personal choices. It is not something that should be rushed. Give yourself time to think it all through, and remember that it’s ok to change your mind about things. 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 remember these tips:

• Prioritize 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. Also beware of the plastic surgery tourism trend, as it comes with added risk.
• 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.
• Learn about your procedure – Spend time researching your surgery so you can be a well-informed patient. The more you know, the less there is to fear about plastic surgery in Lubbock. 
• Plan for recovery – There should not be any surprises during your recovery period. Educate yourself by asking questions prior to surgery day.
• Watch out for plastic surgery blues – Feeling emotional after plastic surgery is normal, but don’t ever hesitate to call your doctor if it becomes too much to handle.
• Keep your eye on the finish line – Visualize yourself with your new cosmetic enhancement. Think about the goals you set out to achieve to keep a positive state of mind.

Call Lubbock’s Plastic Surgery Expert

Don’t let fear, anxiety, or nerves get in the way of achieving your cosmetic goals. 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. Schedule your no obligation consultation appointment to meet her staff and discover your cosmetic options.