Welcome to Beauty Minute with Dr. Q!
Suzanne Quardt, MD is a board certified Plastic Surgeon who practices in Palm Desert, California and is affectionately referred to as Dr. Q. She is loved by her patients and in this weekly column brings to Aesthetic Insider™ all the questions our readers are too timid to ask. Join us weekly to get the answers to all of your questions. If you have a question that we haven’t answered yet, please email us HERE. To learn more about Dr. Q, visit her website at www.drQplasticsurgery.com.
Q. What is body contouring and what options are available to me?
A. Body contouring is a very exciting way to perform what is traditionally known as liposuction – a procedure that removes unwanted fat from the body. The difference is that there are now many new techniques and technologies that not only remove unwanted fat but are able to deliver a perfectly sculpted result. Surgically I offer all modes of Tumescent liposuction whether it be traditional, power assisted, laser assisted or  ultrasonic and I can combine that with other surgical procedures. Many patients have stubborn fatty tissue on the hips and thighs, the abdomen and buttocks, and even the arms, back and jawline. With body contouring I am able to remove that excess fatty tissue – regardless whether it is small or large – and help the patient achieve a more defined or sculpted look to their body. Some patients may also have have loose skin or weak muscles after giving birth for example that no amount of exercise can fix. All these methods combined can give a patient a perfectly  sculpted result. In terms of non-surgical needs of permanent fat reduction or body contouring, I personally love the Cool Sculpting technique by Zeltiq because it is quick, painless and the most efficient way to permanently remove stubborn fatty tissue in all areas. Body contouring has become one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery.
According to Dr. Quardt, some people can achieve a fit and toned body with exercise and nutrition, however, others have loose, sagging skin or uneven body contours that cannot always be controlled without further assistance. Body contouring surgery is one option for people whose skin and underlying tissue has lost its natural elasticity due to massive weight loss, pregnancy, aging, sun damage, genetics or other reasons. Body contouring can remove excess skin and fat deposits, and often improves the tone of the tissue beneath. In some cases it can also improve the appearance of cellulite. To learn more about Dr. Q. visit her website at www.drqplasticsurgery.com.