By Denise Ortuno Neil

The best looking cosmetic surgery patients are the ones who look like they never had any specific work done at all. They are the ones who look refreshed, rested, as if time had stood still. It takes skill of hand and vision to achieve such results, and is an art form that Dr. Maria Lombardo has come to perfect.

Dr. Lombardo’s first love was the world of art. She grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and was creative from the very beginning enjoying piano, theatre and art. Her father was a doctor, but despite her family’s medical background, she decided to pursue an education in art, feeding her creative appetite. She was successful in her studies at DePaul University in Chicago IL and later at the Art Institute earning her a degree in art, specializing in painting and serigraphs.

With her Art education in hand, she decided to attend medical school after all, following in her family’s footsteps. And it was after she finished medical school and during one of her surgical rotations that she found her true calling. The patient was a car accident victim that had fallen asleep behind the wheel and crashed his car, resulting in severe facial disfigurement.

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Dr. Lombardo proceeded to assist the other surgeons on putting the young man’s features back together, resulting in what she calls her “Light Bulb” moment. She found elation in being able to help people with their physical appearance and how she could integrate her art background with her medical future. It was then that the practice of Cosmetic Surgery became clear.

In 2008, Dr. Lombardo came to the desert to work with another Cosmetic Surgeon before starting her own practice in Rancho Mirage in 2009. Dr. Lombardo specializes in several specific cosmetic surgery procedures including Breast Augmentations, Liposuction, Tummy Tucks and Mommy Makeovers as well as non-surgical procedures such as Facial Fillers and Peels.

Her most popular procedures are her Mommy Makeovers. The makeovers are custom designed for women with post baby body issues that they want rectified. They can be a combination of different procedures including breast augmentation or reduction, tummy tuck and liposuction. The procedures address the most important body changes that woman can endure after child bearing.

Dr. Lombardo explains that there is a clear difference between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction or a combination of the two. The traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) focuses on the loose skin that hangs from the belly area, usually a result from extreme weight loss. Dr. Lombardo has extensive experience working with Bariatric patients who opt for this sort of procedure as they do not have additional fat.

However, most people who desire to smooth out their middle section can benefit from a combination of a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction. The addition of Liposuction to a Tummy Tuck allows for a contouring effect to take place, bringing out the sculptor in Dr. Lombardo. Not all Cosmetic Surgeons provide this combination of procedures as Dr. Lombardo does.
Besides putting her art skills to work in the surgical realm, Dr. Lombardo practices it in non-surgical procedures as well. She is a huge proponent of the Chemical Facial Peel. The doctor points out that the chemical facial peel has been around since the days of Cleopatra.

Chemical Peels have many advantages. The procedure stimulates collagen below the skin, revealing a smooth and soft skin surface, diminishing fine lines, acne and reducing the signs of sun damage. There are different degrees of Chemical Peels, from light to moderate depending on the patients skin needs.

The peel degree stems from the percentage of tricloroacetic acid in the peel. The percentage ranges from light peels at 15% to medium peels from 20% to 30%. Dr. Lombardo determines the correct percentage for each patient during a consultation. The procedure is done in the office and has minimal down time. Post care for the procedure is given by Dr. Lombardo to assure proper care. She suggests that patients have a peel at least once a year to promote skin rejuvenation.

Dr. Lombardo also offers the most popular fillers on the market including; Botox, Juvederm, Restylane and others. Her office provides monthly specials where clients can take advantage of discounts on fillers and peels.
In a world where people are putting their first face forward, in is important to put your appearance in the best of hands. Whether it is a Mommy Makeover, or just a refresher that you’re looking for, with Dr. Lombardo’s expertise, art background and attention to detail, she is the first stop in making your beauty needs come to fruition.
For more information on Dr.Lombardo visit www.lombardocosmeticsurgery.com

Dr. Lombardo will be having a Botox Happy Hour, Enzo Salon at 133 La Plaza in Palm Springs from 4-6 pm on November 12.
RSVP 760. 610.8990