What is Liposculpture?

Tag Archives: Board certified plastic surgeon

A wide range of body sculpting techniques is used in plastic surgery today because of the growing demand of patients to achieve a more attractive figure. Liposculpture is one such technique under the liposuction cosmetic surgery procedure, which can help reduce excess fat deposits in specific areas of the body.

Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is an experienced plastic surgeon providing liposculpture and other treatments to her patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding areas.

What is Liposculpture?

Liposculpture, which is also known by the name of tumescent liposuction, is a technique of body sculpture applied by a cosmetic surgeon to achieve targeted fat reduction by using only local anesthesia. This conservative treatment approach avoids the use of general anesthesia and reduces the invasiveness of a typical liposuction plastic surgery.

Liposculpture is now widely used and accepted as a key advancement that has revolutionized the way excess fat is removed surgically with liposuction. Many surgeons regard this technique as the “best” type of liposuction approach available today.

How is it performed

Liposculpture cosmetic surgery procedure involves the delivery of a substantial volume of a saline solution containing lidocaine local anesthetic and a drug called epinephrine. This solution is injected directly into the targeted areas with stubborn fat deposits. The solution causes numbness in the area, which allows the plastic surgeon to remove the unwanted fat tissue without subjecting the patient to general anesthesia or heavy IV sedation.

The technique can be made more effective if the surgeon adds certain micronutrients in the anesthetic solution to promote faster healing. During the liposculpture procedure, the patient remains in an alert state and can comfortably read a book, listen to music or converse with the cosmetic surgeon. Many surgeons believe that the liposculpture technique allows for greater fat removal from the body in comparison to traditional liposuction techniques. This is because the local anesthesia disintegrates the fat cells, making it easier to extract them.

Pain and Recovery

Dr. Q will explain the procedure and the potential pain and discomfort involved in it to her patients at the time of initial consultation. Patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas may discuss their queries and concerns with Dr. Q regarding liposculpture. During the procedure, the patient may feel only a minor pinching or discomfort while beginning to numb the area. Once the area is properly numbed, the patient will not feel anything.

Liposculpture is preferred over other liposuction techniques because it involves lesser painful and faster recovery. The local numbing caused by the anesthetic solution wears off gradually and can provide sustainable pain control for up to 24 to 36 hours. The feeling of nausea or sickness is also avoided, which may occur in case of sedation or general anesthesia.

Safety

Liposculpture or tumescent liposuction has a fantastic safety record. Patients rarely report of complications after this treatment. The risks typically associated with general anesthesia are also avoided with this technique. Some surgeons believe that liposculpture reduces the risk of infection because of the use of a local anesthetic kills harmful bacteria.

To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660.

Breast augmentation surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery that women with small breasts choose to undergo. In an augmentation procedure a plastic surgeon will insert either saline or silicone implants in your breasts, to make them fuller and enlarged. This is a surgical procedure, which can take up to one to two hours. The surgery can be performed in an outpatient setting, so that the patient can be discharged on the same day.

The plastic surgeon will make incisions in the underarm, around the nipple area, or under the curve of the breast. The location of the incision depends on the breast implant being inserted, and the breast size wanted by the patient. Dr. Suzanne Quardt, a skilled plastic surgeon, practicing in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, can discuss this with you before you go into surgery.

After the cosmetic surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room so that the doctor can keep you under observation. This is to make sure that no complications arise after the surgery. Once your breasts are properly dressed with gauze and elastic bandages, you may be allowed to go home on the same day.

Like any other surgery, breast augmentation also involves a recovery period. Speed of recovery can depend largely on the patient and their overall health.

Follow-up Appointment

In a follow-up appointment, Dr. Suzanne Quardt will remove the bandages and gauze dressing that was placed on your incisions. After careful examination, you might be prescribed pain medication to ease the pain. It is important to use any ointments or medicines that your plastic surgeon prescribes as this can accelerate the healing process.

First Week After Surgery

In your first week after the breast augmentation surgery, you will be asked to wear a support bra constantly. You should also keep checking the area where the incisions were made, for any signs of septic or bleeding. This will help prevent the occurrence of infections. Take your medication as prescribed by the surgeon, and do not forget to apply the ointment regularly.

You might experience a slight discomfort and pain while doing your daily activities. During the first week, try not to participate in any rigorous activities, or heavy lifting. It is likely that you will notice some swelling and soreness in and around the breasts in the first week.

You might feel some tightness in the breasts and the surrounding area. This is normal, as you skin is adjusting to the implants and the increased size of your breast. It is also normal to have reduced sensitivity near the nipple for a few days after surgery.

A few weeks after the surgery, you should be able to return to your daily routine, and exercise. You should still try to avoid any rigorous activities, because the breasts can stay swollen for a month or two after the surgery. Extensive use of your arms and chest should also be avoided.

For more details on how to take care of your breasts and things to avoid during the recovery period, speak to your surgeon. Most importantly, if you notice any bleeding, fever or uneasiness, contact your doctor immediately.

WHAT IS ULTHERAPY?

Ultherapy is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment designed to fight the signs of aging in our skin by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen. The collagen in our skin helps it to stay firm, toned and elastic. Sadly, as we age, our collagen levels decrease, causing the skin to lose elasticity and succumb to the effects of gravity, allowing our skin to sag as it is pulled downward. Read more

To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660.

On newstands June 24! Q&A with Dr. Q:

HOW DO YOU SHOW PATIENTS YOU CARE?

I am very intent on listening carefully to each patient and determining their wants, needs and desires. I feel that open communication, patient education and safety are paramount. I only perform surgery in either my own private, in-office operating suite or a fully accredited surgical center with board certified anesthesiologists. I see and support my patients often throughout their recovery, and they deeply appreciate my undivided attention and care.

HOW DO YOUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE YOU?

Friendly, warm, compassionate, meticulous, an artist and a perfectionist—those are the types of words I often hear. Some think I look very young, but it is my reputation and ongoing contributions to the community that give me credibility. I have served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Eisenhower Medical Center and am a proud Member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. I was also named a “Top Doc” by Palm Springs Life Magazine.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love everything about it. I love helping people and making them whole again. This specialty is so creative and comprehensive that I’m able to do so many different things from helping people improve their self-esteem to relieving chronic pain. What’s not to love?

WHAT ALTERNATIVE OCCUPATION WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

When I was 15, I had the honor of playing at Carnegie Hall so I seriously contemplated a career as a concert pianist. However, my passion and desire to help people and make a difference overshadowed my love for music.

WHAT ANTI-AGING ADVICE DO YOU OFFER PATIENTS?

It’s the simple, everyday things that make the biggest difference, such as leading a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise. Use skin-care products that have been clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. I also offer my own prescription-strength line to improve the appearance and quality of the skin.

This Father’s Day, skip the necktie and give Dad an Ultherapy® treatment to help keep him looking his best! One treatment can lift and tighten skin on the neck and under the chin, so Dad can get back that chiseled look from his younger years!