Aging reduces the production of collagen in the body, causing our hands and faces to lose volume. The skin tends to become saggy and wrinkled, and for some people, their aging face may not match with the youthfulness they feel. Other factors that contribute to skin damage or loss of skin elasticity are tanning or sun exposure, weight fluctuations, and smoking.

Dr. Q Medical Spa, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides ALMI treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities. 

ALMI Procedure for Collagen Loss

The ALMI (Autologous Lipocyte Micronized Injection) procedure involves the use of the patient’s micronized fat and autologous (which means “from the patient”) platelets directly to inject into the areas of concern, just like the traditional dermal fillers.  

When injected into the hands, ALMI will revitalize the skin, restoring plump and smooth hand appearance. The procedure is designed to take years off the patient’s appearance.

How much is injected to stimulate growth?

With the ALMI procedure, the patient’s own tissue is used for the injections. The quantity of injectable tissue will depend on how much surplus fat is available in the donor sites, and how much is needed to stimulate growth and renew the face and hands in a safe and viable manner. 

The procedure can be performed in the medical spa. An expert treatment provider can complete the procedure within an hour. Most patients will experience little to no downtime after the treatment. The procedure may involve the use of local anesthesia for harvesting of the fat cells and their re-injection in the treatment sites.

Outcomes for hands can be seen immediately and will continue to improve over time. Many patients talk about the “ALMI Glow,” which is the effect of their skin taking on a healthy, youthful glow. This occurs because of the rejuvenation process of the bio-cellular milieu, which creates a rejuvenated and youthful appearance.

How long does ALMI skin rejuvenation last?

Although most synthetic fillers usually last for about 6 to 18 months, collagen stimulating products like fat transfers generally have a much longer lifespan.

The patients can see the early results of ALMI immediately following their treatment. However, results will continue to improve and grow as the body works naturally to produce new elastin and collagen. This leads to longer-lasting results in comparison to other fillers and volumizers.

Is ALMI an invasive procedure?

ALMI is an in-office, minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, and involves little to no downtime. ALMI makes use of the patient’s own specially purified fat tissue and growth factor-rich cells, which are injected back into areas of the hands, chest, and face chest to bring back the lost volume and enhance the appearance of sun-damaged and aged skin. 

You can accomplish youthful outcomes with rejuvenating effects that can last from two to five years or beyond, and it can continue to get better over time.

Who is a candidate? 

ALMI hand and facial rejuvenation treatment is ideal for patients who are seeking a complementary addition or a more natural alternative to dermal fillers or cosmetic surgery to combat the process of aging in the face, hands, and some other specific areas of the body.

Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for ALMI treatment.

For more information on Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgical Medical Spa Procedures and Treatments in the Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and surrounding areas please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) by clicking here or calling 760-324-2660.

Over the years, spider vein removal procedures have become less invasive and safer as a result of advancements in vein treatment techniques and technology. At the time of the preliminary consultation, the vein specialist will inform the patient about the different options available for the treatment of spider vein and the estimated costs of each option. 

The first goal of a committed treatment provider is to help the patient in making an informed decision after evaluating the benefits and limitations of the different treatment options. Dr. Q Medical Spa, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides spider vein treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding locations. 

Cost Aspects 

Treatments for spider veins may include options such as foam sclerotherapy, traditional sclerotherapy and sometimes, laser treatment. Ultrasound guidance may also be used in combination with foam sclerotherapy to produce more precise results. Ultrasound may at times be used to diagnose the full extent and nature of the diseased veins. 

In the course of the pre-treatment diagnosis and consultation, the vein treatment provider will recommend the ideal treatment option and give details of the estimated costs to the patient. The provider will also evaluate the number, size and location of the spider veins to decide the nature of treatment that a patient requires along with the estimated costs. 

In some cases, the spider vein doctor will suggest a combination of sclerotherapy and laser or RF treatment to achieve the desired results. The patient may have to undertake multiple treatment sessions to eliminate stubborn spider veins which may need more than one treatment. The total time invested in the treatment and the kind of technologies and techniques used will determine the final cost. 

A committed treatment expert will provide transparent pricing details for spider vein treatments. The cost estimate should cover the complete care of the patient and not consist of any hidden charges. At a professional practice, every patient will get customized attention and care, and they can expect the most advanced spider vein treatment from a highly skilled and experienced provider. 

Insurance and Financing

Patients looking for treatment for spider veins and varicose veins may sometimes benefit from their insurance coverage, depending on the treatment method used, and the extent and nature of the vein problem. After seeking advice from their doctor, the patient should discuss the possibility of cost reimbursement with their insurer. 

The staff at the med spa will try to assist the patient with insurance documentation, and support their effort to obtain full or partial coverage. The patient may not be able to receive coverage if they are looking for vein treatment only for cosmetic reasons and do not have any medical problems arising due to minor spider veins or varicose veins.

The patient may be required to pay out-of-pocket if vein removal is only performed for aesthetic purposes. These patients can benefit from low cost loans offered by third-party medical care financing firms. This will ensure that the patient does not have to pay all costs upfront and can pay in easy monthly installments.

Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for spider vein treatment.

For more information on Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgical Medical Spa Procedures and Treatments in the Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and surrounding areas please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) by clicking here or calling 760-324-2660.

Nearly one-third of all teens and adults in the United States have at least one tattoo. Among millennials, this figure is even higher. Many pro athletes in fact have covered their entire body in tattoos it seems like. 

However and moreover, over time, some people may no longer be happy with their decision to have obtained a permanent tattoo. By some estimates, up to 25 percent of the people regret getting a tattoo at a later stage.

People who feel unhappy about their permanent tattoo can choose laser tattoo removal as an effective solution to eliminate undesirable tattoos with nearly no side effects. But the key factor is to select the appropriate laser tattoo removal surgeon in order to accomplish predictable and safe results.

Dr. Q Medical Spa, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt, provides laser tattoo removal to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding locations.

Choose a Doctor Trained in the Best Laser Technology

Advanced laser technology will make a difference to your laser tattoo removal results, and more important, your treatment provider should have the skill and expertise to use that technology safely and effectively. One of the best laser technologies for tattoo removal is Picoway.

Picoway comprises cutting-edge laser action which gives ultra-rapid picoseconds energy pulses to the area of treatment. These energy bursts create a controlled photoacoustic effect which breaks the pigment of tattoo into smaller particles that can be removed easily.

The reliable Dr. Q recommends PicoWay Laser treatment for its numerous benefits and distinct features, such as:

• It is suitable for all colors and types of tattoos
• Appropriate for all types of skin
• Lesser sessions give best outcomes
• It consists of the ultra-fast delivery of high-powered, concentrated laser light for spectacular results
• Minimum discomfort
• Trivial risk of side effects
• Minimum recovery period and downtime
• Is also effective for other skin procedures

Making Removal of Tattoo a Painless Experience 

A doctor who has experience in laser tattoo removal will employ technology in a way that the patient attains the desired results without going through any significant discomfort. The PicoWay laser makes use of strong pulses of light on the affected area to remove the permanent tattoo pigment. These strong small bursts of laser light are directed at the tattooed site in a controlled way. 

Generally patients comment after their treatment session that the pain is similar to a thin rubber band breaking against the skin. The level of tolerating the pain differs between patients, which can lead to different feedback in some cases. Tattoos containing black ink are easier to eliminate because this pigment has the capacity to absorb all laser wavelengths.

In correlation to this, some colors, for instance green, absorb laser energy in a selective way and may require lasers with higher intensity. Moreover, the level of discomfort may be higher when removing very old tattoos or those made with rare kinds of inks.

The Focus of Provider on Decreasing Discomfort

A skilled and experienced laser treatment provider will employ some basic techniques to reduce the pain of the patient during the treatment session. The doctor may ask the patient to take Tylenol or another safe medication before the commencement of the treatment session. These pain management meds do not intensify post-treatment bruising. 

The doctor may also apply a prescription anesthetic lotion or cream to numb the affected area during the pre-treatment time. This anesthetic will stay on the on the area of treatment for about two hours before the laser session and will be removed prior to the commencement of the tattoo removal procedure. A few patients open the door for a local anesthetic injection before the session to make the process absolutely painless for them. 

Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for laser tattoo removal.

For more information on Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgical Medical Spa Procedures and Treatments in the Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and surrounding areas please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) by clicking here or calling 760-324-2660.