Breast Augmentation in Palm Springs with Dr. Q

Dr. Suzanne Marie Quardt, or “Dr. Q™” as she is known among her patients, is an experienced plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She received her residency training in general and plastic surgery from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She then completed a post-graduate fellowship training program in Specialty Plastic Reconstructive and Burn Reconstructive Surgery at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA.

Dr. Q served as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at the prestigious Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage from 2009 to 2011, and currently serves on several Hospital Committees there. She provides a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures for her patients in Palm Springs and Palm Desert area. She performs surgical procedures either at a hospital or in fully accredited outpatient surgery facilities along with board certified anesthesiologists. For her contributions to the field of cosmetic surgery, Dr. Q was named as one of the Coachella Valley’s “Top Docs” by Castle Connelly, Ltd in Palm Springs Life magazine.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Augmentation mammaplasty, commonly known as breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure to enhance the breast size and volume with the help of breast implants. Patients may seek breast implant surgery from a qualified cosmetic surgeon for one or more of the following reasons:

• Patient has naturally small breasts due to genetic reasons.
• Patient perceives her breasts to be small and is unhappy with them.
• Patient has lost breast volume following a pregnancy or major weight loss.
• Patient’s breasts are moderately asymmetrical.
• Patient has undergone a mastectomy and needs restoration of breast size and shape.

Breast augmentation can make the breasts fuller and more attractive. The procedure has gained popularity with new advancements in breast implant qualities and surgical techniques. FDA approvals for silicone gel and saline implants have prompted many patients to consider this treatment over the last few years. In some cases, breast implant procedure may be combined with breast lift plastic surgery to achieve more effective results.

Choice of Implants

Saline breast implants include a saline solution that is biocompatible, and the patient has no risk even in the case of an implant rupture. These implants are FDA approved for women who are 18 years or older. Silicone implants are filled with highly cohesive silicone gel. Silicone implants are FDA approved for women who are 22 years or older. These implants may have a better natural touch and feel in the perception of some patients. Patients in Palm Springs and Palms Desert can discuss their options with Dr. Q to determine the most appropriate choice of implants in their case.

Procedure

Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The plastic surgeon will determine the right type of anesthesia for a patient, depending on the extent of procedure, patient’s health condition and status, and other factors. The procedure begins by the placement of an incision, and the implants are placed inside through the incision. The surgeon will prepare a treatment plan in advance in close consultation with the patient. The type of incision and the location of the breast implants will be chosen at that time.

The incision may be placed within the curve below the breast, in the underarm, or around the areola. A skilled cosmetic surgeon will ensure that the incision is placed discreetly to hide the scars as best as possible. The decision on the type of incision will be taken after considering the patient’s unique body shape, the type of implants chosen, the extent of enlargement planned and the patient’s personal needs.

The implant placement can be done under the chest muscle or between the chest muscle and breast tissue. Again, the choice of implant location will depend on various factors. Dr. Q discusses various aspects involved with both types of placements with her patients in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. The success of breast augmentation cosmetic surgery depends to an extent on the right decisions made in terms of incision, implant location, and the choice of implants.

Recovery

Post-surgical recovery period will vary from one patient to another, but most patients will recover within one to two days following the surgery. Initial results of the surgery will be visible immediately, and complete results can be seen once the swelling and bruising subsides. Most patients can resume their normal activities and outside work within 10 to 14 days. Vigorous exercise and heavy lifting activities should, however, be avoided until the recovery is complete. Any or the incision marks will fade and reach their final appearance (actually, virtually non-appearance) in a few months.