Tag Archives: Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

A common aesthetic concern among adults in various age groups is the accumulation of excess fat tissue in the abdominal area. Over time, these fat deposits become stubborn and may not go away with diet or exercise. This is where a cosmetic surgery procedure may help to reduce unwanted fats and restore a flatter abdomen with improved contours.

Tummy tuck and liposuction are two of the key surgical procedures that are designed to reduce excess fat deposits in the waist area. Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is an eminent plastic surgeon providing both of these procedures in a state of the art surgical environment. Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Major Distinctions

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are significantly different procedures on several counts. During the initial consultation, the aesthetic surgeon will discuss various aspects of both procedures and help the patient make the right decision.

Reduction of Excess Skin and Fat

Many patients may not only accumulate excess fat in the abdominal area, but also develop loose skin and loose or separated underlying muscles. These conditions can make the abdomen sag substantially, and tummy tuck may be the more appropriate plastic surgery procedure in such a case. Liposuction procedure, on the other hand, is essentially meant to reduce unwanted fat deposits, but it is not designed to tighten sagging skin or weak muscles.

Complexity of Surgery

In comparison to liposuction, tummy tuck is usually a more complex procedure. It may be performed using general anesthesia, and the duration of surgery may be longer. Surgical approach may be more comprehensive, requiring skin and muscle tightening, apart from fat reduction. Against that, liposuction is usually a less invasive surgery, but its scope of treatment is also limited as compared to tummy tuck.

Length of Scars

Incisions in case of tummy tuck may be more than one, particularly if both lower and upper abdominal areas need fat reduction. In case of liposuction, the incisions will be minor. Especially tumescent liposuction is a conservative technique involving very small incisions. Therefore, the length of scars is typically bigger in a tummy tuck surgery.

An experienced cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Q will endeavor to keep the scars inconspicuous by placing them in subtle locations. Patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive both tummy tuck and liposuction from Dr. Q.

Duration of Recovery

Liposuction will involve shorter downtime, and most patients can go back to their workplace or resume their daily activities in about seven to 10 days. On the other hand, tummy tuck recovery process will take at least 10 to 14 days, and may be a little more painful as compared to liposuction due to bigger incisions.

Suitable Candidates

Golden candidates for liposuction will have a reasonably elastic skin and a moderate body weight, with only excess fat pockets in specific areas. Tummy tuck candidates, on the other hand, will have higher skin laxity, weak underlying muscles and significant fat accumulation around the waist.

To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com .

Breast Implants

Breast augmentation cosmetic surgery is an increasingly popular procedure designed to enhance the size and fullness of breasts in proportion to the rest of the body. One of the key decisions that a cosmetic surgeon must take in consultation with the patient is to choose the right type of breast implants to match the patient’s unique aesthetic goals.

The choice of implants in breast augmentation plastic surgery will have an impact on the final results. Therefore, the patients should be aware of various implant options and make an appropriate decision to match with their needs. Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is an experienced plastic surgeon providing breast implant surgery to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Broad Classification

In breast augmentation cosmetic surgery, the types of implants can be broadly classified as saline implants and silicone implants. During the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will explain the pros and cons of both types of breast implants to help the patient make an informed choice.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are considered the traditional implants that are filled with a saline solution. These implants are designed to provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel. The implants have been approved by the FDA for women in the age group of 18 and above.

Saline implants may be chosen as a part of breast augmentation plastic surgery for their key benefits such as high biocompatibility. In case of an implant damage or leakage, the saline solution will get naturally absorbed by the body, and pose no health risk to the patient.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are a popular choice among patients due to their superior aesthetic advantages. These implants are filled with silicone gel, which has a higher consistency and mimics the touch and feel of natural breast tissue quite closely.

The FDA has approved silicone breast implants for women in the age group of 22 and above. New advanced qualities of silicone implants are very safe due to the highly cohesive nature of the silicone gel. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and other areas for breast implant surgery.

Form Stable Breast Implants

Form stable breast implants are also popularly called gummy bear implants because of their highly cohesive silicone gel core. These implants maintain their form and shape due to the higher gel consistency. Furthermore, if the implant shell is damaged, broken or cut, the silicone gel will not leak to other areas of the body.

This makes them a safe choice that is widely accepted by the patients today. The cost of gummy bear implants is likely to be a little higher as compared to traditional saline implants, but the aesthetic appeal and long term patient satisfaction is significantly higher with these implants in most cases.

Breast implants are also classified according to their size, shape, profile, and texture. Typical sizes available in implants range from 120cc to 960cc. Shapes can be round or tear drop, depending on the patient’s aesthetic needs.

Just as any other surgery, breast augmentation surgery also involves an intricate procedure. Women, who are unhappy with their breast size, opt to get their breasts enlarged. Patients, who undergo this surgery, understandably have many concerns to discuss with their plastic surgeon. There is a set of standard questions that patients ask a cosmetic surgeon before going for their surgery.

Common Concerns

Can women breastfeed after a breast augmentation surgery?

Women often ask doctors if they should undergo breast augmentation surgery only after childbirth. It is advised that women go through the surgery after having children, but there have been many women who have breastfed after their surgery. Dr. Suzanne Quardt – a board certified plastic surgeon – is well aware of new techniques in breast augmentation surgery, and can ensure that there would be no damage to the glands and nipples. Dr. Quardt practices in Rancho Mirage, CA.

Where will the plastic surgeon make the incisions, and will it leave scars?

Patients worry about where the surgeon will make incisions and if those incisions will leave scars. Incisions can be made in three different areas: in the armpit, beneath the curve of the breast, and around the nipple. The incisions are well concealed and do not leave behind noticeable scars. Your cosmetic surgeon will decide the area of incision based on the type of implant, size of enlargement and the patient’s preference.

What is the recovery process after the surgery?

Breast augmentation surgeries can take up to an hour or two, and are usually performed in an outpatient setting. In some cases, women may choose to stay overnight at the hospital to avoid any problems. Like any other cosmetic surgery, the healing process differs from patient to patient. Dr. Suzanne Quardt will prescribe medication for any pain or discomfort, and also encourage you to wear a support bra to help in the recovery process. Most patients find it easy to go back to work within a week after their surgery.

Can breast implants be a problem when going for a mammogram?

Mammograph technicians can now take scans which detect breast implants and work around them.

Will the breast implants have to be replaced after some time?

Breast implants only need to be replaced following a rupture. A few implants can rupture within ten years of insertion, whereas other implants can last almost 25 years or more.

Patients should also ask their plastic surgeon for before-and-after photographs of previous procedures that they might have done. These photographs will help you in deciding the area of incision, and will also help you set realistic expectations. Ask about any potential complications that could arise during or after the breast augmentation surgery. Most importantly, make sure your plastic surgeon is well qualified and has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

If you live in or around Palm Springs, or Palm Desert, CA, consult Dr. Suzanne Quardt. She will take the time to properly answer all your questions and concerns and will also make sure that you go through the surgery feeling confident.