Wave Goodbye to Arm Flab with Brachioplasty

Hold your arm up and give an enthusiastic wave to your neighbor. Does that thought make you want to cringe? When we age or lose a significant amount of weight, our upper arms can sag with excess fat. If you have arms with what are lovingly referred to as “bat wings,” just waving to your neighbor can make you want to hide under extra layers of clothing. Dr. Jane Rowley is the leading board-certified surgeon in Lubbock with the training and expertise to tone and sculpt your arms. After arm lift plastic surgery, Lubbock patients may find themselves waving to both friends and strangers just to show off their new arms.  

What Brachioplasty Does

Brachio means arm, and plasty means to mold or to form. An arm lift removes both fat and extra skin on the underside of the upper arm area.  While it may seem simple just to remove fat, this procedure requires the artistic touch of a skilled and experienced surgeon. Brachioplasty includes a careful sculpting of the arm to ensure the taper in size from shoulder to wrist looks smooth and natural. An improved contour of the arms can boost confidence and give you the freedom to wear what you want without worrying about arm flab.

The Ideal Arm Lift Candidate

If you have excess skin and fatty tissue on your upper arms that do not change with exercise, you could be a good candidate for arm lift plastic surgery. Lubbock men and women interested in the procedure should also meet the following criteria:

  • You are at a healthy, stable weight
  • You are in overall good health with no medical conditions that would increase surgical risks
  • You do not use nicotine, or you can stop for an extended period of time
  • You have realistic expectations about the procedure   

Preparing for Brachioplasty

During your arm lift consultation, be prepared to go over your medical history and any drugs or supplements you may be taking. Your doctor will examine your arms and determine whether the excess skin and fat is significant enough to warrant the procedure. You will need to clearly communicate your hopes and expectations for the surgical results. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; this is your chance to get a thorough understanding of the procedure and how it can personally benefit you. If you smoke, it is important that you plan to stop for several weeks before and after your surgery.

Should You Add Liposuction?

Liposuction itself does not get rid of any excess skin; it removes fat to trim and shape the arm. Because removing fat often leaves an excess of skin, pairing liposuction with brachioplasty may be necessary for more dramatic results. For patients who only need a minimal reduction in size, liposuction alone may be sufficient. Consult with your plastic surgeon about the best combination of procedures for you.

Recovery After Your Arm Lift

After plastic surgery, Lubbock patients should plan to have someone drive them home from their operation and stay with them for at least the first 24 hours. You need to have someone with you as you start your recovery and work through the side effects of anesthetics. Your surgeon will ask that you try to keep your arms elevated and as straight as possible. You will be fitted for compression garments for your arms as well. It is important to rest and follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully for a successful recovery.

Getting Back into Your Life

Your recovery period will range from one to several weeks depending on how extensive your procedure is. Each patient will have a unique experience with recovery from brachioplasty. Some people experience discomfort, bruising, or swelling. Plan to take at least a week off work or other obligations to allow time for your body to heal. Expect to be back to your normal activities in 3 to 4 weeks. You can start an exercise routine about 6 weeks after your surgery, but complete resolution of swelling can take up to 8 weeks.  

Rejuvenating Results

The results of your arm lift are visible immediately, and after surgery the scarring will fade significantly over time. On the right patient, an arm lift can make a dramatic difference in appearance and give the arms a new youthful look. Shopping for clothes will be more enjoyable as you find that you no longer have to hunt for sizes that fit your arms.

Selecting an expert, board-certified plastic surgeon is one of the most important factors to impact the success of your plastic surgery. Lubbock patients who choose Dr. Jane Rowley benefit from her decades of experience and her surgical expertise. Dr. Rowley will discuss options and procedures thoroughly with you. If you’re ready to wave “goodbye” to the sag and jiggle of today and “hello” to the toned, lean, and sculpted arms of tomorrow, call our office to schedule your personal, no-obligation consultation.

The Guide to Sizing for Breast Implants Lubbock Women Need

During your breast augmentation consultation, your plastic surgeon will ask you what size you would like your breasts to be. Communicating these expectations can be difficult for some women as they try to describe their ideal size. You may have a final cup size you would like to achieve, but breast implant sizes do not match up with a certain bra size. As patient and doctor discuss breast augmentation, they should consider long-term goals for the surgical results. And when considering the sizing of their breast implants, Lubbock women should think about their body proportion, lifestyle, and other important factors that will affect their overall satisfaction with the procedure.

Breast Implant Size and Your Body

Size can be one of the toughest topics to navigate when establishing clear expectations for your breast augmentation procedure. We often try talking about breast sizes using bra sizes, but a cup size can look very different on unique body shapes and sizes. Even a standard bra size can vary widely from brand to brand. It often surprises patients at their initial consultation when they find out that cup size is an unreliable way to determine what implant size to get.  

With the same breast implants, Lubbock women can look different depending on their body shape and existing breast tissue. For example, your chest and shoulder width play a role in selecting the width of your implants. Going from a small A cup to a small D cup can produce very different results than going from a full B cup to a small D cup. Rather than selecting a bra from the store shelf or comparing with friends to determine the right size for you, come into our Lubbock office for an in-person consultation. We are here to help you understand your options and explain what may be recommended for your body type.

Consider Breast Augmentation and Lifestyle

It is easy to browse the internet or take a look around the poolside to decide what you think is the perfect size for your breast implants. Lubbock women need to remember that it will be an entirely different thing living with that new body they imagined. The goal after a breast augmentation is not to look back and wish that you had either chosen a size larger or a size smaller. Size dissatisfaction post-surgery can be a result of more than just wishing your clothes fit differently. For very active women, maintaining that lifestyle with a new and larger chest can be difficult. If sports and exercise are an important part of your life, consider an implant that will give you lift, shape, and fullness, but not an excessively large breast size.

Too Much of a Good Thing

When they get breast implants Lubbock women find that it does more than impact their appearance, it also impacts their lifestyle and ability to move. When weight is removed through liposuction, people often find that movement and exercise are much easier. Breast implants, however, add weight to your body and change your balance. Aerobic activities can be a bit tricky with larger breasts, and active individuals may find that while their new, larger breasts look great in a dress, they don’t feel great on the treadmill.

A More Natural Look and Feel

Today’s trends for breast augmentation lean toward more natural looking breast implants. Lubbock patients often do not want the extra unwanted attention that sometimes comes with a larger implant. Most women do not want to end up looking fake after their surgery. Proportion is key when choosing a breast implant size that will look beautiful on you, and sometimes that calls for a smaller implant. If you want a natural look, a smaller implant can help you fill out your clothes comfortably and add definition to your shape without calling excessive attention to your chest.

More than “Bigger is Better”

Ultimately, you need to get the breast implants that you want. Most people who have a healthy self-image and realistic expectations of this procedure find that they are incredibly happy with the results of their breast implants. Lubbock women who get larger implants at the recommendation of someone else often find themselves eventually unhappy and returning for additional procedures to reduce the size of the implants. So do what makes you happy and love your body, because you’re beautiful!

It is also important to remember that breast augmentation is not a competition about size. By correcting an asymmetric chest or adding some lost fullness with the right sized breast implants, Lubbock women can find great satisfaction and an increase in self-confidence. Dr. Jane Rowley knows the importance of spending all the time that is needed to understand her patient’s expectations with her breast augmentation. Schedule your no-obligation consultation today and to learn about the possibilities you can have with breast enhancement surgery.

Discover Your Different Breast Implant Options with Dr. Rowley

Women have often heard of saline or silicone gel implants, but now Dr. Jane Rowley offers three breast implant options. A new, revolutionary “structured” implant combines the beauty of silicone gel with the security of saline to give women the freedom and confidence they deserve. IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants use the latest implant technology to provide the best features women want in an implant, without the worry of “silent rupture.”

Silicone Implants and “Silent Rupture”

When a saline implant develops a tear or hole, a woman’s body can harmlessly absorb the sterile saltwater solution until the implant is removed and replaced. On the other hand, silicone implants carry the risk of “silent rupture.” This happens when sticky silicone gel leaks into the surrounding breast tissue without a woman knowing her implant is compromised. Only an MRI scan can detect a “silent rupture,” and surgery is then required to clean out the escaped gel.

The IDEAL IMPLANT carries no risk of “silent rupture,” and requires no MRI to detect rupture. Women can simply look in the mirror to ensure their implants are intact. In fact, the innovative design of the IDEAL IMPLANT provides structural strength to the implant giving it a lower rupture rate compared to silicone gel implants. The video below further compares the IDEAL IMPLANT to saline and silicone implants.

A Technology-Driven Choice

When Dr. Robert Hamas invented the IDEAL IMPLANT, he wanted to create an implant choice that did not force women to sacrifice beauty for security. He found that women were caught between wanting the natural feel of silicone gel, and the peace of mind that comes with saline. That’s when he decided to find a solution that those other breast implant options could not offer.

The IDEAL IMPLANT underwent ten years of development, refinement, and extensive testing under the care of a dedicated team of scientists, engineers, and consultants. Then in 2014, it was approved by the FDA and Health Canada following a multi-center trial of 502 women, and information provided in volumes of safety, manufacturing, and clinical data. The IDEAL IMPLANT is made with proven breast implant materials in an FDA-inspected facility using advanced robotics to achieve greater product consistency and high quality standards.

Comparing Breast Implant Options

The IDEAL IMPLANT is only available to an exclusive group of board-certified plastic surgeons such as Dr. Rowley. She explains the difference between “structured,” saline, and silicone implants:

“The IDEAL IMPLANT is a new saline implant, it is a structured saline implant. The implant itself has a baffled design, so it cuts down on rippling and it feels more natural, which are the two downsides to the traditional saline implant. Silicone feels softer and has less rippling, but the IDEAL IMPLANT really does approximate the feel and look of a silicone implant with the benefits of a saline implant, in that, if it leaks, it’s much easier to tell if it’s leaking. In fact, you can’t miss a leak on a saline implant. A silicone implant can have an undetected leak for years and years, and is much more difficult to remove when it does leak. A saline implant can be removed sometimes with a local anesthetic and it is much easier to deal with. So as far as the IDEAL IMPLANT, I think it’s a great choice in many different cases – older women, women that are switching our ruptured silicone implants, anyone who’s concerned about detecting a leak over time.”

Patient Reviews of Dr. Rowley

As an IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeon, Dr. Rowley finds it important to help her patients understand their breast implant options. She wants women to feel empowered and educated about their breast augmentation decision. A Realself patient testimonial by pastorgal states:

“Dr. Rowley and her staff show the greatest compassion to all of her clients. Everyone is treated with dignity. From the moment you walk in the office, you are comfortable and welcome. Dr. Rowley will be honest with you about the results you can expect. With integrity, she gives you realistic goals and outcomes. Dr. Rowley is the best. I was referred by my massage therapist, who has seen a lot of bodies, and was told that Dr. Rowley’s patients always had the best results. I promise that if you do what she tells you before and after your procedure, you will be pleased. And the office staff – well, they are just downright fun!”

A Google review by Abbey Madrid reads:

“Dr.Jane was AMAZING!! She gave me exactly what I wanted and very informative on everything. She also has a fun and great personality that makes it so easy to talk to her about any questions you may have.”

Women Trust Dr. Rowley

Dr. Rowley is committed to helping her patients reach their goals. With years of experience and unsurpassed patient care, women in Lubbock, TX know that Dr. Rowley will work hard to provide the best possible plastic surgery experience. Learn more about the new IDEAL IMPLANT, and get to know the highly qualified team at Rowley Plastic Surgery by visiting www.rowleyplasticsurgery.com. Call 806-792-3715 today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.

Considering a Breast Lift? Lubbock Women Should Plan Ahead

Women have several plastic surgery options for breast enhancement. Mastopexy, or a breast lift, creates a youthful look by raising sagging breasts. The procedure gets rid of excess skin, lifts the nipple to a more forward position, and reshapes the existing tissue to give an overall more perky appearance. A breast lift can help with asymmetry and make clothing and swimwear fit more comfortably. For women who think they may be interested in a breast lift, Lubbock Dr. Jane Rowley recommends preparing for the procedure and following all pre- and post-operative instructions. She wants all of her patients to have a comfortable and smooth experience on the day of their breast lift, and getting ready beforehand is one way you can make sure that happens.

Preparing for Your Breast Lift

At your preoperative doctor visit, you will discuss your medical history, previous surgeries, and any medications or supplements you take. You will have a physical exam of your breasts so the doctor can determine your skin tone, positioning of your nipples, and other details for your breast lift. Lubbock patients should communicate clearly with their doctor about their surgical expectations and why they want a breast lift. It is always important to consult with your doctor before any procedure so you can understand exactly what the procedure can or cannot do and what the expected recovery will be. You may be asked to have a mammogram done before your surgery to establish a baseline for tracking changes in your breast tissue.

Preparing for Your Surgery

The right preparations for the day of your surgery can have an effect on your recovery. You will need to follow any pre-surgical instructions from the doctor carefully. You will be told what things you will need to bring and what type of clothes to wear after your breast lift. Lubbock patients may be advised not to take some of the medications they are taking. Be sure to avoid any anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements as they can increase your risk of bleeding. If you use nicotine, you will need to stop for several weeks before your surgery, as nicotine can affect your healing by decreasing blood flow to the skin. You will also want to make arrangements for someone to help you after your procedure.

The First Few Weeks

For the first 2 to 3 weeks following their breast lift, Lubbock patients can usually expect to bruise, swell, and have some postoperative pain. Incisions can feel sore and you may experience numbness in your nipples. All of these symptoms are normal, but they will vary from patient to patient as pain tolerance and recovery times differ for each individual. If pain management is difficult or you have any concerns about your recovery, contact your doctor.

During the first few weeks after your surgery, it is critical to give your body the opportunity to heal from surgery for the best results of your breast lift. Lubbock patients should ease gently back into parts of their normal routine as they start to feel better. Some things you can do to help your recovery be successful include:

  • Wearing a compression bra for the recommended amount of time
  • Staying elevated at a 25 to 45-degree angle, even when sleeping
  • Avoid sleeping on your stomach
  • Avoid any activity that involves lifting, bending, or straining

The First Few Months

It may take a month or two before all swelling is gone and you start to see the final results of your breast lift. Lubbock is full of fun things to do, but be patient with your body and you should be able to resume normal activity 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. It’s important not to overestimate how good you are feeling too soon after your surgery and jump back into your daily routine too quickly. Remember that your body needs time to heal properly, so give yourself permission to slow down and take it easy. Numbness in nipples is usually gone in the first couple of months after surgery. Scars will continue to fade over the next 12 months.

Combining Procedures for Dramatic Enhancements

Some patients may wish to combine a breast lift with liposuction or tummy tuck for a mommy makeover. You can also get breast implants with a breast lift. Lubbock patients who combine procedures may requires a little longer time for recovery. Discuss with your doctor what options are best for you.

Dr. Jane Rowley is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience helping her patients achieve their aesthetic goals. She takes the time to discuss your goals thoroughly, explains the procedure, and give a clear expectation of what is involved with your expected recovery. At Rowley Plastic Surgery, we put our patients needs first and make their care and comfort our highest priority. Schedule your no-obligation consultation today.

Considering Liposuction? Lubbock Patients Should Know These 5 Things

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), liposuction is among the most popular of plastic surgery procedures in America. Even if you eat right and exercise daily, there can be areas of your body that stubbornly to hang on to fatty tissue. For getting rid of the fat that persists despite their diligence with healthy habits, many people turn to liposuction. Lubbock Dr. Jane Rowley has performed this surgery for years, and yet there are still some things about it that aren’t well understood by most people. If you are considering liposuction, you need to know these 5 surprising facts about the procedure.

  1. You Won’t Lose a Lot of Weight

Liposuction is not meant to be a weight loss procedure. Although fat cells are removed during the liposuction procedure, the main objective is not to help you lose weight. Your plastic surgeon will use liposuction to shape targeted areas of the body that have not responded to diet and exercise. You may notice some weight loss, but most of the impact of liposuction is visible in the mirror and not on the scale.

  1. Liposuction is Not for Obese People

If you are looking for a substitute for a healthy diet and consistent exercise, then you should consider options other than liposuction. Lubbock patients who need a quick fix for unwanted body weight will be disappointed with the results of liposuction. Suddenly losing a significant amount of weight can be dangerous for your body and general health. A natural, more gradual approach like diet and exercise will always be recommended by doctors. Liposuction is intended to target problem areas on your body for cosmetic correction and contouring. You do not need to be overweight to consider liposuction. A good candidate for the procedure is someone who is prepared to maintain their liposuction results with diet and exercise and is within 30 percent of the target body weight. The best way to determine if liposuction is right for you is to call our Lubbock office and ask.

  1. Results Aren’t Always Immediately Visible

While preparing for your procedure, it can be helpful to spend time looking at before and after pictures of others who have had liposuction. Lubbock patients will all experience different results, and it is important to remember that time may have passed in between each of those pictures. You will need to wear bandages or compression garments for days or weeks following your procedure. Results may not settle in for weeks or even months after your surgery. The best things you can do are to be patient and take proper care of your body during the healing process.

  1. Fat Can Return After Liposuction

It is true that our bodies are born with a specific number of fat cells and that we do not produce more of them during our lives; however, the fat cells that remain after liposuction can grow large enough to fill in the space left by the removed cells. Without proper diet and exercise, fat can easily expand to areas of the body previously treated by liposuction. Lubbock patients who do not maintain a healthy lifestyle may undo their liposuction results by allowing the remaining fat cells to grow uncontrolled.

  1. You May Want to Save Some of Your Unwanted Fat

Have you ever wished you could take the fat from your thighs and put it into your breasts or other volume deficient places? With liposuction, Lubbock patients with this wish can achieve their desired body contour with natural-looking results. Using fat from one area to augment another part of your body is called fat transfer, and is an option that is quickly growing in popularity. The fat removed during liposuction can be used to shape and augment your breasts or butt, rejuvenate and lift the face, or even enhance muscles like abs, pecs, and shoulders.

Taking the Next Step: What to Expect From Your Consultation

Once you decide that you want to move forward with your procedure, you should call your board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss how you would benefit from liposuction. Lubbock patients can expect the following things to happen during this important appointment.

  • You will have show your doctor the areas of your body from which you would like fat removed.
  • You may be photographed so that your surgeon can get a closer look at the areas you want to be treated.
  • Your surgeon may evaluate your skin’s elasticity and tone to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
  • Your weight will be discussed. If you are too far from your ideal weight, it’s possible that your doctor will want you to begin a weight loss program before your surgery.

Lubbock’s most trusted and knowledgeable plastic surgeon, Dr. Jane Rowley, gives all of her patients the option to have a no-obligation consultation. During this time they can freely discuss the problem areas of their bodies and learn whether or not they are a good candidate for liposuction. Lubbock patients can have liposuction in conjunction with other procedures, and this will also be discussed at your initial visit. Although liposuction removes fat cells, it is important to maintain 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.