Your FAQs Answered by the Best Plastic Surgeon in Lubbock

Each plastic surgery candidate is unique and has different needs, goals, and expectations. But patients considering cosmetic procedures often have the same types of questions. There is no harm in doing research online, but it is important to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon you trust to get the accurate information you need. Banking on unreliable sources could lead you in the wrong direction and can end up being detrimental to your surgical experience. Selecting the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock will help put your mind at ease, because you know the answers to your questions are coming from a trusted source. 

Your decision whether or not to have a surgical procedure requires good information and knowledge. The more you know about a procedure and its expected outcome and recovery, the better your experience will be. The first key to having a positive experience with plastic surgery is finding the right plastic surgeon for you, and asking them the questions you feel are important for your understanding. Some of the most commonly asked questions include the following.

Is Plastic Surgery Safe? 

All types of surgery come with risks. It is essential to openly discuss with your doctor your medical history and ask about the specific risk factors of the procedure you are planning. For patients in good overall health and who follow their doctor’s instructions, plastic surgery does not have any unique risks over other surgeries. Complete disclosure to your doctor of your previous or current medical conditions and any prescription or non-prescription drugs or supplements you may be taking is a crucial part of ensuring your safety. 

Another important element for your safety is the qualification of your plastic surgeon. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a must. When looking for the best plastic surgeon, Lubbock patients should make sure their doctor has the experience and training necessary to perform their specific procedure. Positive referrals from trustworthy sources can also be very helpful in finding a surgeon who can provide you with high quality care. Just be sure to do your own research to be certain your doctor is one you can trust. For more information on why board-certification is so important, watch the video below.

What Makes a Good Plastic Surgery Candidate? 

With any plastic surgery, patients should be in good health, not smoke, and carefully consult with their doctor. Your plastic surgery candidacy will also depend on specific factors associated with the procedure you are planning. If you are interested in breast augmentation, you will need to discuss your body size, breast tissue, and breast skin with your doctor. Patients who want procedures like liposuction will have their skin elasticity and muscle tone evaluated to determine their candidacy. Having a positive outlook and realistic goals and expectations are important for any patient considering a procedure with the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock.

What are My Payment Options?

If an out of pocket payment sounds scary, then consider a credit option. The cosmetic boost you are wanting just might be more than the budget can handle with an all at once, one time payment. Most doctors have policies that require payment to be made in full at or before the time of service. Even the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock is not set up to keep track of payments and balances like a credit company would. 

Many patients find their plastic surgery payment to be more manageable with CareCredit. CareCredit is a credit card that is specifically designed for procedures and treatments that are not generally covered under a medical insurance plan. This card is a little different than a regular credit card, as it has no-interest payment plans and a variety of payoff options. CareCredit offers short repayment times giving you the ability to manage your healthcare costs better. Visit their site for more information.

What Should I Do Before Surgery?

Choosing a talented doctor will increase your likelihood of having a safe, successful surgery, but there are some things you can do to help as well. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a list of specific supplements and medications to avoid, but you should plan to stop taking things like ibuprofen, aspirin, vitamin E, and certain herbal supplements prior to surgery. Nicotine will be off limits for several weeks before and after your procedure as well. 

Planning for your recovery period will also help your plastic surgery experience be more comfortable. Take care of errands, housework, and grocery shopping before your operation. Fill your prescriptions and gather items that you will need to have on hand during the first few days of recovery. Arrange for a trusted friend or relative to drive you home after your surgery and to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Hand off pet care and childcare to someone else for a week or two, as your movement and activity will likely be very limited during this time. The better prepared you are for your procedure and recovery, the less worry and stress you will feel throughout the entire experience.  

What Factors Impact the Success of My Surgery? 

Each patient is an individual case for plastic surgery. There are a wide variety of factors that play into the outcome of your procedure. The best plastic surgeons in Lubbock will be happy to answer all of your questions, and they should thoroughly cover all aspects of your surgery, including recovery. A key factor to a successful plastic surgery experience is starting with an experienced, board-certified surgeon. Dr. Jane Rowley is the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock and is dedicated to providing her patients with a superior experience. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and The American Board of Plastic Surgery are all excellent sources of information for patients looking for a well-qualified plastic surgeon. 

In addition to finding the right doctor, it is essential to the success of your surgery that you communicate your expectations clearly. Spend some time looking at before and after plastic surgery photos and show the ones you like to your surgeon. These examples can help convey your goals so you and your doctor are on the same page. It is also important to keep your expectations realistic. Even the most experienced plastic surgeon cannot guarantee perfection. Your procedure can’t save a relationship or get you a promotion at work. Plastic surgery has many benefits, but it also has its limitations. Patients who understand this are always happier with their end results than those with unrealistic expectations.  

What Should I Expect During My Recovery?

The best plastic surgeon in Lubbock can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, but it may take several weeks before you look and feel the way you envisioned. The healing process cannot be rushed, no matter how much we wish we could skip over it. As time passes and the body recovers, your surgical results will become more apparent and you will feel more like yourself again. So, what does plastic surgery recovery look like? 

No two patients will have the exact same experience during recovery from plastic surgery. Many procedures require the use of general anesthesia, which can have varying effects on individuals. In addition, your comfort during recovery also depends on your pain tolerance. You should expect to take a few days off work during your initial healing period. Your surgeon may restrict your physical activity for a week or more, depending on the procedure you undergo. Pain can be managed with prescription medications. Don’t be alarmed if you see bruising or swelling near the surgical site; these symptoms are typical (even with the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock) and generally resolve on their own within a matter of weeks. The best thing you can do to ensure a smooth recovery is to strictly follow all of your doctor’s instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon’s office. 

When Will I See Results?

It can be easy to get used to the instant gratification of today’s world, but when it comes to plastic surgery, your desired outcome will take some time. Whether you have a face, breast, or body procedure, the end result will be worth the wait. Immediately following the operation, you may experience bruising and swelling, and your surgical area may not appear the way you hoped it would right away. For example, breast augmentation patients sometimes think their implants sit a little high on the chest wall right after surgery. But, within just a few months, their breasts will look and feel much softer and more natural as the chest muscles relax and heal.

How Long Will My Plastic Surgery Results Last?

Surgical cosmetic procedures produce results that are more dramatic and longer lasting than minimally invasive treatments. However, even with the best plastic surgeon in Lubbock, your results won’t last forever. The life of your plastic surgery outcome depends mostly on the expertise of your surgeon and how well you care for yourself after surgery. Simple steps such as drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious foods, and getting regular exercise can go a long way towards maintaining your surgical enhancement. If you are thinking about having work done on your breasts, face, or body, consider the longevity of the procedure you want.

• Breast augmentation: Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but breast augmentation results can last a decade or longer. Many factors can impact the lifespan of your implants. Significant weight gain or loss may change the appearance of your breasts after surgery. Aging will also alter the look of your enhanced breasts over time. Some women opt to replace their implants or add a breast lift when they are ready for an update.
• Facelift: The results of a facelift generally last seven to ten years. The aging process looks different for each one of us, so the longevity of this procedure can vary from patient to patient. The best thing you can do to keep your face looking youthful after plastic surgery is to stay out of the sun. The best plastic surgeon in Lubbock recommends wearing a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, and keeping up with a healthy skin care regimen. 
• Body Contouring: When you have a body contouring procedure such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, the skin or fat that is removed will be gone forever. But remember, maintaining that flat tummy will be up to you. A healthy diet, weight stability, and consistent exercise are all important practices for patients who want to keep their surgical results for as long as possible.   

The Trusted Source for Your Plastic Surgery Needs

Reading through plastic surgery FAQs can give you a good idea of what to expect from your procedure, but scheduling a consultation is the best way to get reliable information. If you have questions about plastic surgery, you can count on Dr. Rowley to give you straightforward, accurate information. For more than 20 years, she has helped her Lubbock patients feel confident throughout their plastic surgery journeys. With her world-class training and decades of experience, Dr. Rowley has the skills and expertise to restore your confidence in your appearance. She will spend the time needed for you to understand your plastic surgery options. Schedule your no-obligation consultation today with the best plastic surgeon Lubbock has to offer to find all the answers to your plastic surgery questions.