Botox ranks as the world’s number one procedure for non-surgical facial anti-aging. Ever since Botox injections were approved by the FDA in 2002 for the cosmetic reduction of frown lines, the popularity of the procedure has continued to rise. The procedure was additionally approved by the FDA in 2013 to treat canthal lines, commonly known as crow’s feet.

Patients need to choose their Botox provider carefully, particularly when it comes to treating sensitive areas such as fine lines around the eyes. The skin around the eyes is very delicate and the provider should be able to deliver Botox in a targeted manner and in controlled quantities. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides Botox injections to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding locations.

Key Benefits

Botox has a number of advantages for people who want to avoid more invasive facial anti-aging solutions as well as for working people and busy mothers who want a quick, in-office treatment.

• Botox for canthal lines treatment is FDA approved, and entirely safe when performed by a qualified provider in recommended doses.
• Botox procedure can be completed in about 20 minutes, and patients may receive it even during their lunch hour at work.
• Botox does not require general anesthesia or sedation, and most patients will only experience minor pain or discomfort during the injections.
• No downtime is involved in most cases, and the patient will be able to return to their normal routine almost immediately.

What are Canthal Lines?

Crow’s feet or lateral canthal lines refer to the fine lines that radiate from the far outer corner of the eye. Repetitive actions such as smiling, squinting, or frowning, or other facial expressions may cause the appearance of these lines. When a person makes these facial expressions, the underlying facial muscles contract, while the external skin folds. This can gradually lead to permanent fine lines around the eyes.

Treating Crow’s Feet

To mitigate the appearance of crow’s feet, the provider will inject botulinum toxin directly into the wrinkle forming overactive muscle beneath the skin. The neurotoxin will act immediately to block the nerve signals to the targeted muscle, causing it to become relaxed. As a result, a wrinkle will not be formed when the patient smiles or forms another facial expression.

Following FDA’s approvals, a growing number of people feel encouraged to seek Botox injections to reduce the appearance of canthal lines. Results can sustain for about three to six months, and the treatment may be repeated in the future under the guidance of the Botox provider. Dr. Q is a board certified plastic surgeon receiving patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for Botox treatment.

Proven Results

The safety and effectiveness of Botox for canthal lines treatment was demonstrated in a detailed study conducted by Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer of Botox. The results of the study contributed to the scientific evidence assessed by the FDA to grant approval to Botox for the cosmetic reduction of canthal lines.

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.

Laughter is the true expression of a person’s inner joy. But with age, the repetitive motion of laughter and smiling may lead to the formation of deeper lines and creases around the mouth and eyes. Over time, this condition may become static, which means even when the face is motionless the lines may still be there.

This condition can be corrected in a non-surgical manner with Botox injections. The Botox treatment plan can vary between two patients, depending on their facial anatomy and the size of facial muscles involved in laughing and smiling. Dr. Q Medical Spa provides Botox for laugh lines to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Choosing the Right Botox Provider

Botox treatment for laugh lines is a sensitive procedure, even though it may appear to be a simple injectable treatment on the surface. Botox includes botulinum neurotoxin, which is a highly potent biological agent.

If this FDA approved injectable treatment is administered in wrong quantity or injected into the wrong muscle, or administered incorrectly, it can lead to significant side effects. Therefore, the patients should choose a medical spa that is qualified and equipped to provide Botox treatment.

Laugh line treatment also requires injecting Botox in the circular muscles around the eyes. Eyes are a highly delicate area of the face, which makes it even more important that Botox is injected precisely into the targeted muscle and in the correct volume. When the procedure is performed by an expert, it will take only a few minutes to administer tiny injections on each side of the face, without causing any significant pain or exposing the patient to any risk.

How does Botox Work?

Laughing and smiling will tend to cause the skin to crease repeatedly at the same location, and the underlying tissue in that area will wear down. Laugh lines will result from the overactive underlying muscles. Botox can be injected directly into these muscles to cause them to relax immediately. This will make the skin smoother, remove the lines and the skin will not crinkle up.

When the botulinum toxin enters the targeted muscle, it will block the nerve impulse from getting transmitted to it. As a result, the muscle will become relaxed almost instantly. The skin overlying the muscle will become smoother, and the deep lines and wrinkles being formed due to that muscle will soften and gradually disappear. Dr. Q Med Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby locations for Botox and other procedures.

Advantages of Botox

Unlike a facial cosmetic surgery procedure, Botox injectable treatment can be completed quickly in less than 30 minutes. It does not involve general anesthesia or IV sedation, and the patient will experience minimal pain or discomfort. Botox will not involve any downtime for most patients.

Working people and busy mothers usually prefer such procedures that allow them to return to their normal activities immediately. All risks and complications that are typically associated with a cosmetic surgery procedure will be avoided in case of a Botox laugh line 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.

Plastic Surgeons vs. Cosmetic Surgeons

Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery could technically be the same thing, but must not be confused as done so often. Plastic surgery is considered to be the over-arching form of surgery. Plastic surgery can then further be divided into 2 parts, which are cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic surgery is surgery that is carried out in order to correct aesthetic and superficial features of the human body. Whereas, reconstructive surgery is carried out in order to correct congenital and/or accidental defects in the human body that may impede bodily functions, and may also result in death. On the other hand typical cosmetic surgeries deal with breast, butt and lip augmentation, tummy tucks and nose jobs. These procedures are carried out in order to change configurations of the body in pursuit of superior aesthetics.

Surgeons as a differentiating factor:

Even though the 2 forms and study of surgery are technically the same, a plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon are entirely different. In fact, one of the most definitive differentiating factors between cosmetic and plastic surgery, are the surgeons themselves.

One of the most important questions that patients commonly face before getting any form of plastic surgery done is the doctor or surgeon. This question has in recent times plagued the America public, upon which some types of unethical surgical practices are carried out. There are an abundance of cases wherein under qualified doctors have misused public trust in order to charge an exorbitant fee. It would behoove a patient about to undergo any type of surgery to carry out a thorough background check on their physicians’ credentials.

While plastic surgeons can successfully carry out reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, a cosmetic surgeon cannot. A cosmetic surgeon typically graduates from a medical school under a different specialty like dermatology, general surgery or gynecology. Surgeons that advertise as cosmetic surgeons have little training in cosmetic surgery. These surgeons must not be mistaken for plastic surgeons.

There are however a substantial number of plastic surgeons who are certified and qualified by the Board of plastic surgeons in the United States. Dr. Suzanne Quardt or ‘Dr. Q’ from Dr. Q plastic surgery in Palm Springs, Palm Desert , Rancho Mirage is one of the certified surgeons.

While all plastic surgeons may be cosmetic surgeons, not all cosmetic surgeons may be plastic surgeons. North American law, especially American law, allows surgeons from non-plastic surgery backgrounds to take a general residency of cosmetic surgery for upto a year. This qualifies a surgeon of any specialty to become a cosmetic surgeon.

Be aware before you choose a surgeon

A patient must generally be aware of their doctors’ qualification. A plastic surgeon is a recognized surgeon by the Board of Medical Specialties, while a cosmetic surgeon is not. It is relatively easy for any doctor to become a cosmetic surgeon, but a doctor that belongs to another specialty can never be a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

A general consensus amongst the people is that a cosmetic surgeon is relatively cheaper, however this is not true. Cosmetic surgeons carry out procedures and practices just through repetition. If there may arise any unforeseen circumstance or complication, a cosmetic surgeon is not well equipped to deal with the situation. In the case of a plastic surgeon, they undergo rigorous training which enables them with a varied theoretical and practical skill set to deal with any situation.

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.

Facial lines and wrinkles are among the most conspicuous signs of aging that can make a person look older than their actual age. Facelift cosmetic surgery procedure can correct this condition, but many patients may not be willing to undergo an elective surgery procedure. In such cases, the treatment provider may offer the option of Botox injectable.

Dr. Q Medical Spa is one of the leading providers of Botox injectable treatment. The med spa is led by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) who is a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in various surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Botox Injections

Every since the FDA approved Botox injectable treatment for cosmetic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles between the brows and on the forehead, it has continued to remain the most popular non-surgical aesthetic procedure in the US and the rest of the world. In 2013, the FDA also approved Botox was the cosmetic reduction of crow’s feet or fine lines around the corners of the eyes.

Dr. Q Medical Spa provides Botox treatment for a wide range of cosmetic corrections, apart from wrinkle reduction. These include correcting of eyebrow symmetry, drooping around the corners of the mouth, marionette lines, gummy smile, lower and upper lip creases, excessive cleft chin, facial scars, vertical, and horizontal neck creases, and wrinkles or sagging skin on the décolleté.

In addition to aesthetic corrections, Botox may also sometimes be used for specific medical concerns in accordance with the FDA approval. One of the common conditions is excessive sweating or hyper-hydrosis, which can be corrected with Botox injections. Dr. Q Medical Spa provides Botox treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas.

Professional Expertise for Botox

Dr. Q and her highly trained, committed and compassionate team of professionals recognize the sensitivity of a procedure such as Botox. On the surface, it may appear to be a simple injectable treatment, but the fact is that the main ingredient of Botox, botulinum toxin, is one of the most potent biological substances that can potentially cause severe side effects if administered wrongly or in wrong quantities.

While the FDA has approved Botox, but the Botox label comes with a clear warning about the potential harmful effects of this injectable treatment if it is not administered by a qualified expert. Face is the most important and prominent part of the body from an aesthetic perspective. Therefore, it is always a fantastic idea to receive the best possible treatment for the face and be safe.

Botox with Dr. Q

As a highly trained and experienced board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Q is in an ideal position to administer Botox treatment. She applies the same highest standards and practices in her non-surgical aesthetic procedures that she uses for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Q and her team have devised a unique treatment philosophy called Re-Q-Venation, which involves customization of a procedure to match with the specific aesthetic and health needs of a patient.

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.

Who is Administering Your Botox? Why Credentials Matter

For over a decade, Botox has continued to reign as the most sought-after non-invasive procedure to reduce the signs of aging from the face. In the US, Botox ranks as the number one cosmetic anti-aging treatment. Many patients choose to repeat the treatment year after year to maintain the results.

Following the FDA approval for Botox in 2002 for reduction of frown lines, and another FDA approval for reduction of crow’s feet in 2013, Botox treatment has gained more patients. However, one of the key requisites in this procedure is to choose the right physician or surgeon to perform Botox treatment. Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is a pre-eminent plastic surgeon providing Botox and other procedures to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding areas.

Potency of Botulinum Toxin

Botox is based on a biological substance called botulinum toxin, which is recognized as one of the most potent muscle immobilizing agents. This neurotoxin is injected directly into the overactive muscle on the face that is causing the wrinkle formation. It can immediately cause the muscle to relax and reduce the wrinkle, if administered in precise quantity at the right location.

The challenge is that even a slightest error in the treatment delivery may result in serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to choose only a recognized med spa that is qualified to provide Botox treatment in a safe and professional manner.

Caution Note from the FDA

The FDA has approved Botox as a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to reduce aging signs from the face. However, the Botox label includes a warning from the FDA that states that the effects of botulinum toxin can potentially spread to parts of the face that are away from the injection site, resulting in botulism symptoms.

The FDA also provides an assurance that no occurrence of a confirmed serious case of this nature has been known when Botox injections are administered by a qualified injector in recommended doses. In other words, the FDA warning highlights the need to choose a trained and experienced Botox provider. Dr. Q’s medical spa is premier facility providing Botox treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas.

Choosing a Credentialed Botox Provider

The President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Dr. Michael Edwards, emphasizes on the need to evaluate the credentials of a Botox treatment provider before going ahead with the procedure. Dr. Edwards is of the opinion that when Botox injections are administered by an unqualified provider, it will present risks such as drooping eyebrows. If it happens, the patient’s appearance may worsen instead of improving.

If the Botox injector makes the mistake of administering the medication too close to the mid eyebrow, it can lead to ptosis, which is a condition of drooping or lazy eyelid. Such risks can be reduced to a very low level if Botox treatment is received from an experienced and trained injector. According to Dr. Edwards, a board certified plastic surgeon or another similarly qualified medical professional may be in the best position to perform Botox treatment safely and effectively.

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.

Your Palm Desert Cosmetic Surgeon

Every year American women and men spend billions of dollars on cosmetic surgery as well as non-surgical aesthetic procedures. However, spending money by itself is no guarantee of stellar results, unless the treatment is received from a reputed surgical practice or med spa that is equipped to provide the latest and proven procedures.

Dr. Suzanne Quardt is a leading, board certified plastic surgeon providing cutting edge aesthetic procedures to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities. Dr. Quardt, popularly known as Dr. Q, has a highly successful track record at her surgical practice as well as medical spa facility.

Dr. Q’s Academic Achievements

Dr. Q received her degree in medicine from New Jersey Medical School. She graduated with honors and was the recipient of the Faculty Organization Award for Most Outstanding Research Project. During a sub-internship at the prestigious Columbia University, Dr. Q trained with Dr. Mehmet Oz and earned a personal recommendation from him.

She completed her residencies in general and plastic surgery at the University of Southern California in LA. She served as the Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery during 2003-2004. Dr. Q went on to complete post-graduate fellowship in Specialty Plastic Reconstructive and Burn Reconstructive Surgery at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA.

Dr. Q continued to upgrade her surgical skills and training, and completed an ASAPS-accredited Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship in Marina del Rey, CA, under the guidance of pre-eminent cosmetic plastic surgeons, Dr. W. Grant Stevens and Dr. David A. Stoker. During this period, she received extensive training in a variety of surgical techniques.

Other Accomplishments

Dr. Q earned her board certification from the coveted American Board of Plastic Surgery. Thereafter, she moved to Palm Springs area, where she served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage from 2009-2011. She also gained expertise in the latest non-invasive procedures to provide aesthetic solutions to patients who may not be inclined to walk down the avenue towards a plastic surgery solution.

Dr. Q was recently named one of the Coachella Valley’s “Top Docs” in Palm Springs Life magazine. She holds the membership of several leading medical societies. She enjoys a strong reputation both among her patients and her peers in the profession for her dedication and commitment to producing outstanding results in every surgical or non-surgical aesthetic procedure. She receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby locations.

Combining Art and Science

Dr. Q is passionate about delivering outcomes that are holistic in nature, and combines the principles of art and science to achieve the desired goals. Each procedure is custom designed to meet the specific needs of the patient, and advanced techniques are applied to keep the treatment less invasive and highly targeted for supreme results.

Community Engagement

Dr. Q supports a number of local community and charity organizations, including the following:

• Desert AIDS Project (100 Women of Desert AIDS Project)
• Women’s Leaders Forum (Young Ambassadors Program)
• The Desert Cancer Foundation
• Olive Crest
• The American Heart Association
• Go Red for Women
• Loving All Animals

In her free time, Dr. Q also pursues her lifelong artistic passions, including music, dance, piano, and art.

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.