Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended

After over a year of research I decided to go with Dr Lisa Sowder. She performed my breast lift/revision 6 months ago and I couldn’t be happier. She gave me the EXACT look I was going for. Actually my results are BETTER than I hoped for and I’m a natural optimist!
My scars are improving by the day and I expect will fade to almost nothing in 6-12 more months. I feel like I have the breasts I did at 18 years old! This is saying a lot, seeing as how I breastfed each of my 4 children for a total of 5 years!
Besides delivering the results I wanted, Dr Sowder made me feel comfortable. She is a woman’s woman. I never felt the slightest bit uncomfortable in the office and felt I could be myself with her.
A+++ experience. My only regret is not doing this 15-20 years ago.

Updated on 24 Aug 2021:
Here I am, in natural light, 13 months out, feeling 20 years old again. Yes, I have scars but they seem to get a little better each month.

Honestly, ever if the scars never got any better I’d still be happy to have this youthful shape!

Thank you Dr Sowder.

The results are better than I thought they could be. I had a tummy tuck with Dr. Sowder. She explained everything carefully, but more importantly she was enthusiastic and positive. She was such a cheerleader and I felt 100% taken care of and like she really cared about me and the results. When my husband had questions after the surgery, she answered quickly and with care. Plus she has her own operating room so you don't have to worry about a hospital acquired infection. You can glean her personality from her website...she's the real deal. I'm just so lucky I found her.

I had two children. Each time I was pregnant my boobs got 3x bigger. I was left with "deflated" boobs. I wanted to have small breasts, but not empty breasts so I went with 270 ideal implant.
Now that the surgery is done, I'm nervous and uncomfortable with my new "fake" look. I also it miss my empty breasts. I worry about my breast settling, even though it's been only 1 week. I know, I need to be patient.
I'm or experiencing any problems aside from extreme bloating from medication. Or did I just gain weight?

Dr. Sowder does wonderful breast work. I had a breast implant removal & lift with her after seeing her work. I am so glad I chose her as my surgeon. She is truly gifted at doing explants & lifts. Looking forward to more procedures with her in the future. :)

Amazing experience! Dr Sowder and her team were the best. I’m a RN so I know great care and this doctor is top shelf quality. I had my 23 year old textured saline implants removed July 2019 it’s been two weeks I look and feel fabulous. I’m very pleased with everything about my procedure with Dr Sowder. My scars are healing nicely and barely there. I wore drains for five days wasn’t an issue. I had no problems managing them post op. My highest pain level was probably 2/10 using an alternative pain control regimen which worked wonderful.

This happened in a 2 year span (2016-2018). results in 3 procedures. Dec 2016 TT / Mar 2017 (liposuction on thighs down to my knees) / Nov 2018 medial thigh lift. This took lot of effort on my part by loosing weight and stying active.

Updated on 29 Dec 2018:
Such a great experience even with some healing hiccups.

Updated on 29 Dec 2018:

Updated on 20 Jan 2019:
43 year old. Lost about 60lbs that left me with lots of extra sagging skin. My first procedure as a tummy tuck with muscle repair. My second one was liposuction to flanks and legs to get them ready for the lift. And finally was the medial thigh lift.

Hi!

I thought I’d give this a go because I used this website a lot leading up to my procedure. I had it performed today and am currently in recovery mode. At this very moment, my pain is managed well by the medication and the only thing annoying me is the compression garment on my abdomen. I didn’t have Lipo on my stomach but the design includes suspenders to keep it up on the legs. I can’t tell if it’s up as far as it should be but will assume it is.

I chose Dr. Sowder after seeing a few plastic surgeons in other states. I never felt at ease enough to go through with anything. I was looking for Abdominoplasty and possible breast help though my small chest has never been a bother to me. After children though, my small chest became less tight resulting in what I call “forearm skin.” It wasn’t terrible at all just some volume lost in the top of the breasts. A perky 32B was perfect before kids but it became more like a loose 34A.

I looked at Abdominoplasty for my Diastasis Recti. I am searching for back pain help and more strength in the core vs an aesthetic so it is making the decision hard. I’m a fitness instructor so I miss having a solid foundation. This is how I found fat transfer however, because quite frankly I’m too scared of jumping right into a tummy tuck and wanted to dip my toes in the water with my reactions, emotions, recover, and so forth. The chance at slimmer and possibly more toned looking legs is what I’m most excited about.

Since High School, my legs have been my one insecurity. They are just naturally thick for my body. They are strong and I’m grateful for what they allow me to do but I shy away from shorts or skirts because they’ve never reflected what I feel is the hard work I put into working and stretching them out. My goal for this procedure is to gain confidence and a renewed desire to workout because I can see and feel results more easily. Of course, I’d love to feel amazing in a bathing suit and skirt too! My worry is that cellulite may be more pronounced thus having a somewhat reverse affect of the aesthetic I want, howeve, I know that eating right and taking care of myself can aid in my final results. It’s basically required! For my chest, I’m not looking for large or visibly altered breasts. I hope to have a natural beautiful boost that just makes me happy looking in a mirror!

Surgery day (today) is probably a little more painful than expected but doable. My donor sites are the most sensitive and chest is slightly too. I almost fainted in Pre-Op because I was nervous and thirsty. Laugh out loud... the nurse was fantastic though.

I can’t speak to the results yet but I can speak to the incredible bedside manner and general demeanor of Dr. Sowder and her staff. They all made me very comfortable and I didn’t feel judged. I genuinely trust Dr. Sowder’s advice and opinion. She even chit chatted me while marking me up which really helped my nerves. The ability to focus on non-surgical talk helps me immensely! I can’t wait to see how everything turned out (and get out of this garment)! I will post photos as soon as I can take some.

Tips: have your meds to get and stay ahead of the pain. Plan for someone to help with little ones for a few days. I can walk around but I’m definitely not my normal at all. Prepare to not be allowed to shower until Post-Op which is a kicker for me. Mine is Monday. Between 5 days and this garment (with an opening for the bathroom), I feel I’m going to be a stinky mess of a patient by Monday and probably earlier. As a mom to young ones, I relish the shower daily asa relaxing time so this will be tough.

Updated on 15 Dec 2018:
It’s Day 3 not including surgery day. I definitely underestimated the pain and am still on the meds but not the max dose!

I can walk but sitting on the toilet is painful. My bed is the only place I want to sit. I’m using ice packs on my thighs which helps with the feeling of being swollen and stiff.

My appetite is starting to come back but I haven’t had a bowel Movement yet. I’ve eaten mostly fruit and toast until today. Today I had an actual sandwich.

I’m wearing my garments pretty much non-stop. I’ve taken it off once today to clean up and put Arnica gel on. I put it right back on. I have not taken the compression bra off.

I have a lot of bruising which is expected as well as swelling. I’m tired and hope to feel better ASAP, but I’m hopeful and trying to be patient.

Updated on 16 Dec 2018:
I have a lot of tingling, numbing sensations in the thighs. It’s an interesting feeling as it covers a decent amount of the thigh. My left IT band area is fairly numbish feeling as well as the inner thigh of the right leg. My right knee is a bit numb too. So if I touch it it’s a feeling of I know I’m touching it but the sensation is not normal feeling.

I’d compare the breast healing to the feeling I had when I was trying to dry my breast milk up. If you breastfed or have had milk come in or out, it feels very similar to the swelling and pain of the recovery of fat transfer. (For me atleast).

I stopped taking the Oxycodone today and went to the bathroom! It was also similar to post birth first poop but not quite as bad! I released my abdomen area from my garment in hopes it would help move my bowels. It seemed to help!

I have my first Post-Op tomorrow so looking forward to shower instructions.

Updated on 17 Dec 2018:
I had my post op today and Dr. Sowder said everything looks to be healing on track. I’ll go back right after the 1st to get out of the garments.

The bra is actually helpful as my breasts feel very full and as if they are working against gravity when it came off! I was able to shower tonight which was much needed and then I realized it was going to be a bit less refreshing than I had hoped for.

I am supposed to keep the water from directly striking the breasts. I have a small shower in our master as the tub is separate so that was harder than I expected. I was instructed to do gentle massage of the donor areas in the shower as well. Some of my stitches are poking out which I can trim but have yet to attempt. They are in tough places.

I laundered the garments while I iced my chest after the shower. Then I held my boobs as I walked around because they felt like they were going to pop! All in all, I’m happy to have been able to wash them! I also dried them because time won’t really allow air drying to be an option. Hopefully I can get back into the body spanx.

So here’s my advice so far- get an extra set of garments. Get big ice packs that you can reuse and just pop in the freezer. I like to ice my hamstrings and quadriceps area and my chest. My ice packs are long rectangles so they cover a good amount. They are also gel so easy to mold to the body.

I feel much better now that I’m off the narcotics. The pain is present but not terrible that Tylenol can’t help. I’m allowed to take ibuprofen once I’m a full week out.

I really think a good caregiver is super necessary. My daughter had emergency surgery on Friday so me getting full downtime hasn’t been a reality but my husband has helped a ton. If you go into the surgery and have kids and tasks, plan for a week of someone else taking over the drop offs and pick ups, chores, and so on. I can move around but I have gotten tired or experienced more pain when I was up and about. Have some healthy easy to eat food on hand. I didn’t have much of an appetite until today but I would want a smoothie and be way to tired to actually make it.

My right breast is bigger than the left this evening. I’m sure it is more swollen as I’m right handed.

I’m still unsure about whether or not it’s worth it as the results settle but I am optimistic that it will all turn out good! I’m hoping for the modest return to small but perky boobs and easier to define and sculpt legs and butt from the lipo.

Updated on 18 Dec 2018:
Tomorrow makes 1 week since surgery day. Today I drove again for the first time. I also went on a walk around the neighborhood. I’m up and moving and feel pretty good.

My right breast is still bigger than left but I’m chopping it up to being more swollen for now as you can see it’s bruised more as well.

I blew dry my hair which I wasn’t able to make it through yesterday. My chest is the more constant pain/tightness currently and my legs seem more situational with pain or issues. I’m still icing both and taking Tylenol if needed.

My swelling has gone done a bit on the donor sites and I am starting to see the results of the contoured donor sites which besides the green/yellow/purple bruising look pretty good.

I am missing working out which Dr. S warned me about being as I’m into pilates and spin. It’s hard not getting that serotonin spike!

Stitches are doing well and I do have some itching every now and again.

I notice I really hate the garment on my abdomen! It makes me feel so awkward and robotic. I also have no clue how people could wear normal clothing over it. It’s so uncomfortable to me- adding work wear would make me give up lol.

I look a hot mess wardrobe wise. If you can buy some cute sweats and matching tops that cover the garment that may make your life better. I’m in my husbands sweat pants and have realized I don’t buy button down shirts it seems.

I am able to put normal shirts on though. Just trying to be cognizant of lifting arms too high.

Updated on 25 Dec 2018:
I can’t imagine doing this in a hot summer and having to wear garments! However, doing it right before the holidays when everyone wants to feed you is also hard...

I’m almost two weeks out and still in pain but no pain meds. Bruising is pretty gnarly on the legs and breasts. I highly recommend the Arnicare Gel. Not being able to exercise adequately when family is around and the food is crazy is also tough on anyone who is used to getting their workouts in!

Think of these things when you are timing surgery! My results are looking good so far!

Updated on 28 Dec 2018:
It’s been 16/17 days since operation and I have to say that I am feeling much better overall!
My breast shape and size is pretty perfect! It’s impressive and just what I wanted. I included photos of today. I have some tendency to swell a bit more on the right side but overall I believe they are calming down to the same/similar size. I still have stitches poking out and coming out as well as bruising. I have been taking the arnicare tabs as my local store sold out of the gel- what are the chances of that?
I wore regular compression tights part of the day yesterday as I had some pain behind my right knee from the garment bunching. That seemed to help immensely for the tender spot.
I wear a soft seamless bra while my garments wash currently.
I recommend getting shower gloves for massage in shower of donor spots! These are great as long as you trim any stitches that may be poking through. I feel much more confidant in a gentle compressive massage than I did in the beginning. It’s worth mentioning that I still have significant numbing/tingly or just a funny sensation where the bruising is from the jostled nerves. It’s similar to being really cold or icing an area and having that lack of sensation sensation if that makes sense.
Something else I love is a lotion that absorbs quickly so it isn’t difficult to put the garments on! I use the camellia cream from the body shop and it’s so awesome!
I can’t tell if these pictures are uploading upside down? I have no idea why if so. Sorry!

Updated on 4 Jan 2019:
I had my 3 week Post Op and can start weaning off the garments.

The garments although annoying do offer support and prevent some of the tingling and random pain I will experience. That being said, really good compression tights or leggings can do the same thing and maybe even more comfortably.

You can’t use these right away as the garments fasten on the sides allowing you to get into them- there’s no way I could have pulled on tights! Wouldn’t want to either. So wear the garments until you are healed enough to switch to compression tights. I have a feeling I’ll be wearing my tights for awhile!

I have bruising still as well as what I’d characterize as an increase of the appearance of cellulite on my thighs. This may be from the bruising as well. I haven’t been working out while healing so that can also be part of it. Obviously that’s not what I want to happen but I’m hoping as time goes on, I get back to working out and the swelling continues to dissipate I will be okay with any cellulite still hanging around.

I have only read about one procedure to reduce it that I would do and it doesn’t seem to be available in Washington. So here’s to hoping I can get this together on my own!

I also have some hardening areas on my left outer thigh and feel more pain in this area. I have a feeling it’s fasciae adhesions that need some heavy massage which seems counterintuitive to the pain.

The breasts are almost feeling normal as in no pain or weird heaviness. Dr. S says they are still swollen so my size will drop even more. That’s ok with me as right now they look awesome but feel a little tough on the tops. I’m okay with more softening.

I did this for the legs primarily with the bonus of getting pre baby small boobs back. The breasts weren’t my big focus but I didn’t want them to be worse off for sure. So far they look great. For me, someone who wants to stay small they are great. I wouldn’t do another fat transfer to get bigger at this point.

I think if I was looking for size, fat transfer would not have made sense for breasts but for just a little natural boost; great so far.

I can see the contours of the lipo better each day. Again, I can see more cellulite but I can def see some new shape and that’s what lipo does. I think a reduction in cellulite would be a bonus but don’t expect it.

I’m able to gradually increase activity at this point and wear bras that are comfortable. Some of my previous bras don’t fit but most do; just tighter. I think by the time everything settles I’ll just be fuller versus a complete new size!

Updated on 27 Jan 2019:
I haven’t had my appt. yet but I’m updating anyway to note some changes and so forth.

One, I do have a small lump palpable to the touch on the top portion of my left breast. It’s small but I’m assuming it’s the fat necrosis? Maybe I’m wrong. I’ve lost significant size but I’m still okay with the result as they are full which is what I hoped for. Should I lose much more, I may be sad!

Again, my fat transfer was just as important on my donor sites for me. I was more worried about my legs than my breasts but the breasts are kind of awesome so far.

As for legs, I’m hoping that lymphatic massage will help with their ultimate result but I haven’t been cleared for it yet. I have some uneven feeling which I think is still residual swelling. The areas that feel “bigger” to the touch also have numbness still. The numbness is getting better. I still have some pain and interesting sensations. I’m not ready to bare my legs by any means.

As for exercise- I don’t think I would run still as impact causes significant sensory load on any sensitive areas. I have done some light pilates and plan to try cycling this week. My IT band area is still very numb so I’m trying to be cognizant of the healing process.

Some of my scars are almost gone and others are very red/puffed. I will be looking for options to help those.

I have wanted to get breast augmentation for many years. After two kids, I pretty much lost all breast tissue. Granted I didn't have large breasts to begin with. But enough to wear a push up bra to show something. But everything pretty much diminished after 2nd baby. I made appointment to get breast implants prior to this but then cancelled after learning my friend developed a capsular contractor on her implants. I really don't want to go through multiple surgeries for just breasts, and paying the thousands of dollars along with all the risks. I learned of breast fat transfer through my cousin who had cancer and received this surgery. Per her doctor, this was the safest long term way to get back her breast. So I took all my guts to go through surgery.

Day of surgery- felt a bit drowsy waking up. I got home and took some pain med. The Percocet made me dizzy and uncomfortable. At one point I started having blurry vision and ringing in my ears. So I cut the pill in half and that helped. Couldn't get out of my recliner without help. She got 300cc from back and outer thighs.

Day 2- Generally felt ok. Stayed in my room most of the day. Pain was manageble. I did have fever of 99.5. Called the nurse and said not to worry. .

Day 3- was able to walk around more. Got off pain med. Only took 1 Tylenol.

Day 4- oh boy, my legs show some dark bruise. Breast are ok. Just stiff.

Updated on 5 Dec 2018:
Feeling a little better better each day. The most concerning thing is the dark bruises on my leg, they look a bit scary. I know eventually they will go away. I have been applying Arnica cream and massage the outer thigns your see it that helps. Breasts are itchy here and there but not a big deal. Getting up and down or transition from one position to another is still painful. But I purposely don't take any pain med as I can tolerate the pain.

Updated on 9 Dec 2018:
Feeling very much back to myself again. Minimal discomfort. The Arnica cream helped a lot with bruising. I also put a heat pad on my legs. About 70% of the brusing is gone. I'm able to do housework, just no lifting. No change in breasts at the moment. Just a little itchy and still stiff. My waist are smaller and my things look slimmer as well.

Updated on 18 Dec 2018:
Mostly back to normal. My check up was good, doctor is happy with how soft the breasts are. She siad I could wear a regular bra now. Went up 2 sizes but I'm pretty certain they will shrink to 1 cup increase. So far they have not shrunk at all in the last 3 weeks. I'll be happy at B cup as I'm pretty petite and don't need to have giant boobs.

Updated on 9 Feb 2019:
I'm almost at 3 months. Still very happy. I went up 2 cup sizes. They may not look that big but on a petite body with a bra, they look very nice and natural. Breasts are soft, no lump. I don't notice any loss in fat, if there is anyway, it's very subtle. My doctor says between 3-4 month is my final results so I'm hoping this is final.

My “breast” story started at an early age. I’ve always been a tomboy, but there was one doll I really liked. It was Barbie Doll. I loved dressing her in those cute slip-on high heels and various outfits. She had an amazing figure with big breasts. Even though I was a rough and tumble girl I thought that my body would develop to look like Barbie Doll when I grew up. My friends and I would put tennis balls into our shirts and prance around in front of the mirror to admire how we would look when we grew up.

Imagine my disappointment when reaching my teens and no Barbie Doll figure was developing. I tried everything on the market exercise-wise to increase my bust area. Nothing happened. Of course, it didn’t help that I was 5’3” and 100 lbs….

By the time I reached my 20’s, it was such a big disappointment to me that I didn’t develop a nice bust. I was a “AAA” at best. Why even buy a bra?!...oh, so you could have pads for an illusion. In life we have ups and downs and when I was down or felt sad I would try to figure out the root of the cause. It always led back to not feeling like a woman because my body was child-like with undeveloped breasts. I didn’t like having this hanging over me. I wanted to be free of those thoughts, so I could move forward. So, I decided to take the plunge and get a breast augmentation!

Back then I told the plastic surgeon that I just wanted my breasts to be size appropriate for my body. I had saline implants put in above the muscle and ended up being a 34B+. I thought that was it for life! My breasts, with implants, nursed two healthy babies (at which time I was huge!!) and stayed with me trouble free and soft for 40 years!! I didn’t know they weren’t supposed to last that long. I was told many times I was lucky to have zero problems with my implants.

Fast forward to today at age 61. I had decided it was time to remove (explant) the implants as I was getting worried since everyone was saying how rare it was to have the original pair so long. Then, the decision was made because I did start having an issue with one. It became distorted, the capsule hard, so I knew it was time.

I’m older and wiser now, and we have the internet for research. I spent a lot, and I mean a lot, of time searching for the right plastic surgeon in the Greater Seattle area for this surgery. I happened onto Dr. Lisa Lynn Sowder’s website when searching reviews on plastic surgeons in the area. I read practically everything she posted on breast procedures. I looked at her blog, her credentials, her reviews. I over-read and over-studied her practice! As is my nature. I felt that I knew her personality even before meeting her! I really liked her website personality. So, when I scheduled my consultation with Dr. Sowder I was so hoping that it was her writing all that information on her website and not some webmaster. I was so happy to meet her and find out it was “all her” writing and thoughts on her website. How often does that happen??! She is a genuine person!

Of course, I chose Dr. Sowder to be my plastic surgeon. She is a wonderful surgeon and person! She makes you feel relaxed and special. She listens to your concerns. She offers her medical expertise on the various procedures that will achieve the results you are looking for. She has a great support team. Everyone in the office is fantastic! Another plus is that I had hoped to find a woman doctor who I could be very candid with and have a “woman to woman” connection with. I hit the jackpot!

I had two surgeries performed by Dr. Sowder. The first surgery, Dr. Sowder removed my very old saline implants and did a breast lift. After 40 years that skin wasn’t going to snap back and be tight. I could have left it at that. I was very pleased with the result and loved the small, warm, soft feel of my breasts. But since I’m very active and wear sports clothes most the time, I wanted a little more fullness in my breast shape. So, several months after the first surgery Dr. Sowder did a breast fat transfer surgery to fill out my breasts. She used fat from my torso—belly and muffin top areas (yes…..age 20 to age 61 does put on some fat). I’m several weeks post-op from that surgery and loving the results! (I loved the results from the implant removal and breast lift too, but I’m loving this final result even more .) My breasts are filled out nicely and very body size appropriate. And, it’s a win-win type of surgery. Fuller breasts and my torso is nice and tight with no muffin top or pouchy belly! Sweet!

I’m definitely a Dr. Sowder fan. It’s nice to have a plastic surgeon who is personable, has great medical expertise in the procedures you want accomplished, and has a great sense of humor. I recommend Dr. Lisa Lynn Sowder whole-heartedly!

Well, it all started 20 years ago when I got my implants. I was young and very small breasted. I felt I was missing out on something by not having large breasts.
They served its purpose and I did enjoy my new breasts for about 10 years. The next 10 years I spent trying to hide my breast. I also found it very difficult to buy clothing because my breasts were so much bigger than my waist. I finally got up the courage and came to a solution, I wanted my breast implants gone and a small lift. I scoured the internet and found a great Surgeon in Seattle. Since I had saline implants, we agreed to drain my implants two weeks before my surgery, and let my skin heal and start to retract on its own. During those two weeks after we drained my breast , they started to look more and more like my own breath I remember 20 years ago. I myself am a surgical nurse, I am very aware of what goes on in the Operating Room, and a great judge of service. Dr Sowders whole team was very efficient, respectful, and knowledgeable. I felt she was honest, and really LOVED her job. I do not know my final results yet, but I will keep posting.

Updated on 23 May 2018:
Here is a quick peek at the amazing body, and what it can do! I wish I would habe done it 10 years ago, but I am so glad it's over!

Updated on 6 Oct 2018:
Hello,

This summer has been so much fun with my new figure, I have barely had time to post updates. It's been heaven buying clothes that fit. I am stronger in my workouts. I can get massages laying on my tummy comfortably. So happy......here are some pics my surgeon took of before and a month or so after.

Updated on 6 Oct 2018:
I had some redness and ropeyness going on with my scars for a bit during the healing phase. I have a very good friend who is an acupuncturist and he told me of the benefits of acupuncture for scars and the healing he has seen it help facilitate. I did my research and found it to be of value so I went for it, and I am so glad I did. My healing process was amazing, and it took away some of the zingers and pain I was having. You can see my before and after treatments and how my scars faded very quicky, but more than that, it really felt good.

Updated on 6 Oct 2018:
I had some redness and ropeyness going on with my scars for a bit during the healing phase. I have a very good friend who is an acupuncturist and he told me of the benefits of acupuncture for scars and the healing he has seen it help facilitate. I did my research and found it to be founded so I went for it, and I am so glad I did. My healing process was amazing, and it took away some of the zingers and pain I was having. You can see my before and after treatments and how my scars faded very quicky, but more than that, it really felt good.

Updated on 6 Oct 2018:
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I had some redness and ropeyness going on with my scars for a bit during the healing phase. I have a very good friend who is an acupuncturist and he told me of the benefits of acupuncture for scars and the healing he has seen it help facilitate. I did my research and found it to be of value so I went for it, and I am so glad I did. My healing process was amazing, and it took away some of the zingers and pain I was having. You can see my before and after treatments and how my scars faded very quicky, but more than that, it really felt good.

Updated on 9 Oct 2018:
Still Best Decision of my life. I went from boobs I was horrified to look at in the mirror. I would cry, and never wore anything lowcut or even a regular bikini. My body was so deformed. After my surgery, I feel beautiful again and ME again!