Wanting to look our best is something we all desire. With modern advances in science, medicine, and technology, there are many ways to achieve our cosmetic goals. The trick is knowing which methods to use. Plastic surgery is the gold standard for aesthetic improvements, but what if you don’t have time for surgery? Rowley Plastic Surgery offers many different surgical and non-surgical options for patients who want to improve their look. We can help you assess your goals and choose the right procedure for you.

Non-invasive Fat Reduction vs. Liposuction in Lubbock

It can be frustrating to discover certain areas of your body that seem to be diet- and exercise-resistant. In spite of personal efforts to thin the thighs or tone a stomach pooch after pregnancy, localized fat can feel impossible to target and permanently remove. In these cases, help can be found through non-invasive fat reduction or liposuction. Lubbock patients can choose either method to support their efforts with diet and exercise. Liposuction is a safe and effective way to reduce fat permanently and refine the body’s appearance. Recently, however, non-surgical or minimally invasive alternatives to liposuction have been growing in popularity as well.

What’s the Difference?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat through the suction of a hollow tube called a cannula. It requires the use of either local anesthetics or general anesthesia for patients with larger areas of fat to be removed. The surgery involves only a few small incisions and results are visible immediately. While patients can usually return to work after two to three days of recovery, compression garments are worn to help with swelling and healing for a period lasting from two to four weeks. Minor to moderate pain and swelling may last up to four to six weeks. Liposuction in Lubbock is more impactful with longer-lasting results than non-surgical approaches. It is especially effective on these areas:

• Legs
• Abdomen
• Back / love handles
• Upper arms
• Face and neck

Non-invasive Procedures

Non-surgical procedures remove fat through a variety of methods including targeting the fat cells through cooling or radiofrequency. They can be particularly effective on the hips, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. Although they cost less than liposuction, Lubbock patients find these methods to be less impactful than surgical approaches, with up to approximately a 25% reduction of fat in the treated area. Though patients feel slightly sore and swollen following the procedure, there is no downtime needed for recovery. Also unlike liposuction, the results of non-surgical procedures take time and multiple treatments.

Sculpsure

Sculpsure is one type of non-invasive fat reduction that laser heats fat deposits to destroy unwanted fat cells. You can expect to reduce fat by 20-25% in the treated area. It offers a non-surgical option with no post procedure pain or downtime, unlike liposuction. Lubbock patients who want body contouring without surgery can consider this as an option to help achieve cosmetic goals.

Which Is Right for Me?

Whether you are leaning towards non-invasive procedures or plastic surgery like liposuction, Lubbock board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jane Rowley recommends a personal consultation. Although the internet has a lot of information to offer, meeting with a qualified professional face-to-face is the best way to ensure you are getting the information you need to make the right decision for you and your body. If you feel you are at your ideal weight and have good skin elasticity and need some help targeting a few stubborn areas, non-surgical methods may be right for you. If you are looking to reduce a larger deposit of excess fat, liposuction may be an excellent option.

More Non-Invasive Options

Beyond fat removal, Dr. Rowley offers several other non-surgical cosmetic choices for her Lubbock patients. For those who wish to enhance their look without any downtime or recovery, these options may be beneficial.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing improves the appearance of your skin by carefully removing layers of skin with a pulsating beam of light. Resurfacing procedures treat:

• Acne scars
• Sun damaged skin
• Age spots
• Crow’s feet
• Fine lines

Non-surgical Fillers

Dermal fillers are rejuvenation treatments that restore fullness to eyes, lips, and face. Injectable fillers can’t achieve the same results as an eyelid lift or facelift, but they can slow the effects of aging, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and improve the appearance of recessed scars. Restylane is a hyaluronic injection that also adds moisture to your skin for younger looking and feeling skin.

Whether you are interested in facial rejuvenation or liposuction in Lubbock, Dr. Jane Rowley will carefully listen to your questions and concerns so she can understand your personal cosmetic goals. At Rowley Plastic Surgery we offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical options for your individual aesthetic desires. We are here to help you have the best possible experience in gaining greater confidence in your physical appearance. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your surgical and non-invasive cosmetic options.