Rhinoplasty Surgery: 6 Rules for Choosing Your Nose Job Shape

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How to Choose the Ideal Nose Job Shape for Rhinoplasty Surgery –

Electing to undergo rhinoplasty – also called a ‘nose job’ – is a big decision. The results will affect your appearance for the rest of your life. Rhinoplasty surgery is truly a combination of science and art!

When performed with skill using state-of-the-art surgical techniques and artistic principals, a nose job can be life changing! In this article, Dr. Ali shares six helpful “rules” to ensure that you select the nose shape, size and proportions that will give you the best rhinoplasty results.

#1. Be Realistic About Your Nose Job Shape

State-of-the-art rhinoplasty can indeed transform a nose, sometimes dramatically, but the basic “architecture” or underlying structure can (and should) only change so much.

Noses are definitely not “one size fits all” So, remember a nose that looks great on someone else may look awkward on you. All good nose jobs have at least one thing in common — a natural looking appearance from all angles. The most attractive nose will be one that is in harmony with your other facial features.

For example, Nicole Kidman’s tiny upturned nose looks lovely on her delicately boned face – but would be disproportionately small if placed alongside, say, Kim Kardashian’s big eyes and full lips. Conversely, Kim Kardashian’s elegant nose was subtly contoured during her rhinoplasty – but was not reduced much if at all – so that it would still look natural and in balance with her other features.

#2. Honor Your Ethnicity with Your Nose Job

Just as people from different ethnic backgrounds have different hair texture, eye color or skin tone – people of different ethnicities also generally have different external nasal shapes and different internal nasal structure.

A nose job should enhance your appearance without changing “who you are.” Many less experienced rhinoplasty surgeons want to give everybody a “Caucasian” nose. This can not only look out-of-place on an Asian or African American individual, but can also erase their important ethnic heritage.

Dr. Ali understands the unique nasal characteristics of different ethnicities – and he has the skill and experience to enhance your beauty, while retaining a natural appearance that doesn’t change “who you are”!

#3. Nose Jobs Should Reshape Not Remove

A strong and well-proportioned nasal skeleton is the key to a nose job that looks great and lasts a lifetime. Simply removing large amounts of cartilage weakens the skeletal support, often producing in deformity or collapse over time. An example of excess cartilage removal is Michael Jackson’s nose job – which left him with almost no nose at all!

Rather than removing cartilage, a skilled surgeon will preserve skeletal support by reshaping, repositioning, or reinforcing the tip cartilage, not removing it.

The opposite of removing too much cartilage is adding too much to the nasal structure with synthetic implants.  Often Asian women wish to build up the tip of their nose – and surgeons using outdated techniques will implant silicone or Gortex tips. However, synthetic implants often migrate and move over the years – and can even extrude through the skin. Most patients with implants will need to have them removed and/or revised at some point over time.

However, nose jobs using autologous grafts – which are cells taken from your own body to build the nasal bridge – become incorporated into your nose, and therefore do not migrate – providing lifelong results. Dr. Ali uses autologous grafts to provide the most permanent, natural, and beautiful results in nose job patients who wish to build up the bridge or tip of their nasal structure.

#4. Nose Job “Perfection” Is Unrealistic

Even the most beautiful women (and men) in the world do not have perfectly symmetrical noses. Perfect symmetry not only looks unnatural, but also throws off the balance of other features (such as eyes and lips) that are also not naturally symmetrical.

Dr. Ali encourages his patients to bring in several photographs of how they envision the results of their nose job. Look for photos of people who have similar facial shape and features as yours. If you have, for example, narrower eyes and a heart shaped face, look at photos of people like Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel or Taylor Swift. However if you have a more round face and big eyes, you may wish to look at photos of movie stars like Kaley Cuoco, Mila Kunis or Emma Stone…all of whom have a slightly wider nose that balances their features.

And remember, a nose job is not designed to make you look like someone else – such as your favorite celebrity or influencer. Successful rhinoplasty surgery should make you look like the best version of YOU!

#5. Choose the Right Rhinoplasty Surgeon

In the hands of a talented, experienced and artistic board certified plastic surgeon, nose job surgery can be life changing! Patients can emerge from rhinoplasty surgery with a more attractive and proportionate nasal shape that will look natural and balanced.

However, poor or outdated surgical techniques performed by a less qualified surgeon can lead to disappointment and even permanent deformity. So it is important to choose a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali who has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty surgeries in his Detroit area cosmetic surgery practice. Looking at a plastic surgeon’s Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos can be a great way to asses his level of skill and experience!

Dr. Ali has the experience, artistic skill and technical expertise, to help you choose the right nose shape for your face – and the ability to accomplish your appearance goals. \

#6.  See Your Nose Job Before Your Surgery with 3d Imaging

AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only plastic surgery practices in the Detroit area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging. This revolutionary computerized imaging system provides a three-dimensional digital image of the patient’s nose from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show you your nose shape options and expected outcomes before your rhinoplasty surgery!

With Vectra M2 3D patients can compare “before and after” nose job views side-by-side, so that they are able to see an approximation of the new nose shape and size that rhinoplasty surgery can deliver. Vectra M2 3D imaging takes the surprises and uncertainty out of rhinoplasty surgery, so you know what to expect when the bandages are removed.

Best Detroit Area Nose Job Surgeon

If you are considering rhinoplasty, Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will offer you a consultation to assess your nasal structure and discuss your appearance goals. He understands both the state-of-the-art techniques and the artistic implications of enhancing your beauty while retaining a natural appearance that complements your facial features.

Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men in the Detroit area love their appearance and improve their confidence with successful nose job surgery. Get the nose you have always wanted with a nose job at AMAE Plastic Surgery,  and be the best version of “you” that you can be!

Schedule a Nose Job Consultation with Detroit area Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali: 248-335-7200

The Specialized Art of Asian Rhinoplasty Surgery

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The Art of Asian Rhinoplasty & Nose Jobs –

People from different ethnic backgrounds may have different hair types, eye color or skin tone – and people of different ethnicities also generally have different nasal shapes. Typically, men and women of Asian descent have a smaller, shorter or flatter nose and/or a wider base of the nose or more rounded tip.

Ideals of beauty vary from culture to culture, from country to country to country, and even from decade to decade. A talented rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Ali will understand how to enhance a patient’s natural beauty without erasing their heritage. Dr. Ali is skilled and experienced in restructuring the nose to complement the rest of the face – and not just simply “westernizing” an Asian nose.

It is important for Asian men and women who are considering a nose job seek a surgeon who does not just “generalize” Asians rhinoplasty to reshape noses to be longer, narrower and less flat. An Asian rhinoplasty specialist, like Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali will take a more personalized approach to Asian rhinoplasty – customizing each procedure to the individual patient’s facial shape and size, etc. – while preserving their natural heritage.

Asian rhinoplasty is somewhat unique, in that it involves extending the nose rather than diminishing it. However it is limited and simplistic to think that a beautiful nose is simply tall and projected. A beautiful nose should look natural – and balanced with the facial features – when viewed from every angle.

Unique Concerns of Asian Nose Jobs

Some of the distinct characteristics of Asian noses are visible from the outside. However, there are also structural differences in the bone and cartilage that only the plastic surgeon sees beneath  the skin’s surface. In fact, the anatomy of the nasal framework and bones structure of Asian patients differs from virtually every other ethnicity, and it is essential that the rhinoplasty plastic surgeon you choose understands these differences.

The tip cartilage, tends to be softer and less rigid in Asian people than in other ethnicities, and often is shorter in overall length. This smaller projection can also result in nostrils that are wider or “flared”.

Further, the nasal skin of Asian populations differ from other ethnicities. Asian men and women tend to have nasal skin that is thicker and more sebaceous, creating less definition in the tip of the nose and/or a trip that is more bulbous.

Also, because the nasal bones have a more horizontal than vertical orientation, simply fracturing the nasal bones often will not allow them to be narrowed sufficiently. In these cases, building up the tip may be necessary to increase the definition of the bridge of the nose.

Synthetic Implants vs. Autologous Grafts for Asian Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)

A skilled and experience rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Ali will be aware of the latest advancements and best surgical technology used to construct a beautiful nose.

In the past, artificial implant “tips” made of Silicone or Gore-Tex were the most popular choice for extending Asian nasal bridges. And due to their ease of use, many less-accomplished surgeons still rely on these.  However, synthetic implants come with several distinct disadvantages including: Infection; migration (movement); and even extrusion (poking through the skin).

While synthetic implants, such as Silicone or Gore-Tex, initially look great, the vast majority of patients with implants will need to have them removed and/or revised at some point over time as they begin to “migrate” or move.

A better rhinoplasty technique for Asian nose jobs is the use of autologous grafts – which are cells taken from the patient’s own body to build the nasal bridge. Using the patient’s own tissue to build up the nose has far fewer complications.

The autologous tissue from the patient’s body contains living cells which become incorporated into the nose, and therefore do not migrate – providing lifelong results. Using the patient’s own tissue also reduces the risk of infection. Dr. Ali uses autologous grafts to provide the most permanent, natural, and beautiful results in Asian rhinoplasty surgery.

Using the most cutting-edge surgical techniques, Dr. Ali can “harvest” these autologous grafts from your own body with completely hidden, very minimal scars.

See Your Nose Job Before Your Surgery with 3d Imaging

AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only plastic surgery practices in the Detroit area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging. This revolutionary computerized imaging system provides a three-dimensional digital image of the patient’s nose from any and every angle. This enables Dr. Ali to show you your nose shape options and expected outcomes before your rhinoplasty surgery!

With Vectra M2 3D imaging patients can compare their own “before and after” nose job views side-by-side, so that they can see an approximation of their new nose shape and size that rhinoplasty surgery will deliver. With Vectra M2 3D computerized imaging there are no surprise, so patients know what to expect before they decide to undergo a nose job!

Best Asian Rhinoplasty & Nose Job Surgeon

If you are considering rhinoplasty, Dr. Ali will offer you a consultation to assess your needs and discuss your appearance goals.

He understands the unique physiological characteristics of Asian nasal structures – and has the skill and experience to enhance your beauty while retaining a natural appearance that complements your facial features, respects your heritage and makes you a more beautiful version of YOU!

Asian Rhinoplasty Surgeon: 248-335-7200

Specialized African American Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)

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The Art of Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs) for African Americans –

Just as people from different ethnic backgrounds typically have different hair texture, eye color or skin tone – people of different ethnicities also generally have different nasal shapes. Usually, though not always, men and women of African American descent have a shorter nose and/or a wider base of the nose, with so-called “flared” nostrils.

Ideals of beauty vary from culture to culture, from country to country to country, and even from decade to decade. It takes a talented rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Ali to understand how to enhance a patient’s natural beauty by restructuring the nose to complement the rest of the face, without erasing the ethnic heritage that makes you who you are.

In other words, it is important for African Americans to seek out a plastic surgeon who does not just “generalize” African rhinoplasty and give everyone a “Caucasian” nose.

An African American rhinoplasty specialist, like Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, will take a more personalized approach to rhinoplasty. For men and women of color, Dr. Ali will customize each patient’s nose job surgery to enhance their appearance without erasing “who they are.”

Considerations of African American Nose Jobs

Some of the distinct characteristics of African American noses are visible from the outside. However, there are also other differences that only the plastic surgeon sees within the nasal structure itself, below the surface. Because the anatomy of the nasal framework and nasal bones of African American patients can differ from other ethnicities, it is essential that the plastic surgeon understand these differences.

The cartilage in the “tip” of African Americans noses tends to be less prominent than in Caucasians or Asians. This smaller projection can result in a nose that is wider and nostrils that are “flared”. Surgeons using outdated techniques will sometimes implant a silicone or Gortex tips in Black patients who wish greater nasal ‘projection’. However, this is ill-advised. Synthetic implants often migrate and move over the years – and can even eventually poke through the skin. Most patients with implants will need to have them removed and/or revised at some point over time.

Instead of implants, Dr. Ali uses autologous grafts – which are cells taken from the patient’s own body to build the nasal bridge. These cells the become incorporated into the patient’s  nose, and therefore do not migrate – providing lifelong results.

Another consideration of Black nose jobs is care not to remove too much tissue in an attempt to make a nose smaller. Removing large amounts of nasal cartilage weakens the skeletal support, often resulting in deformity or complete collapse over time. An example of too much cartilage removal is Michael Jackson’s nose job – which left him with almost no nose at all!

Rather than removing cartilage, a skilled surgeon will preserve skeletal support by reshaping, repositioning, or reinforcing the tip cartilage, not removing it.

Nose Job Surgery and Black Skin

Additionally, the nasal skin of African American populations is often thicker as well as more prone to scarring than the skin of other ethnicities.  Dark-skinned people develop thick ‘keloid’ scars 15 times more frequently than lighter-skinned individuals. A skilled plastic surgeon will understand this – and take the steps to to ensure that there is no visible scarring.

Also, because the nasal bones of some black men and women have a more horizontal than vertical orientation, simply fracturing the nasal bones often will not allow them to be narrowed sufficiently. In these cases, the autologous tissue grafts discussed above are better for increasing the definition of the bridge of the nose. This process can build up a low nasal bridge and wider tip, to improve facial balance and proportion, without giving Black patients a nose that looks “out of place.”

See Your Nose Job Before Your Surgery with 3d Imaging

AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only plastic surgery practices in the Detroit area to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging. This revolutionary computerized imaging system provides a three-dimensional digital image of the patient’s nose from any and every angle – so that Dr. Ali can show you your nose shape options and expected outcomes before your rhinoplasty surgery!

With Vectra M2 3D patients can compare “before and after” nose job views side-by-side, so that they can see an approximation of the new nose shape and size that rhinoplasty surgery can deliver.

African American Nose Jobs (Rhinoplasty) Surgeon

Dr. Ali understands that one-size-fits-all never applies to beautiful noses. He will customize a rhinoplasty for you that offers the aesthetic alterations you desire, without erasing your important ethnic background.

Before performing an African American rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Ali will carefully examine your nasal structure and consult with you on the best course of action to ensure a naturally beautiful result – ensuring optimal harmony between the nose and the rest of your face, while preserving the natural beauty of your proud African American heritage.

Black Nose Job Specialist | Detroit Area: 248-335-7200

What You Need to Know About Mini Facelift Surgery

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Mini Facelift Surgery FAQs

Many women and men in their 40s and 50s start to see the first signs of facial skin laxity and sagging that begins to make them look and feel ‘older’. And while they aren’t ready for (and don’t really need) a ‘full’ facelift – they would like to reverse the drooping and deeper wrinkles that are starting to develop.

A mini facelift is an excellent option for women and men who have started noticing facial skin laxity and other effects of aging, including the beginning of jowls, neck looseness, and deepening nasolabial folds (“marionette lines”).

In this article, top Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers patient’s frequently asked questions about the revolutionary “mini facelift”.

What’s the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?

A mini facelift is similar to a full facelift, in that it addresses sagging skin, jawline and neck laxity, and folds in the lower part of the face – but in a less invasive manner. Since there is less extensive incisions and cutting in a mini facelift procedure, it can be performed in a few hours.

Generally, a mini facelift addresses the lower face, jowls and upper neck regions, while a full facelift often also includes the midface and the full neck. Because a mini facelift is less invasive, the downtime and recovery period is about half that of a full facelift.

Does a mini facelift last as long as a full facelift?

There are many factors that affect the longevity of both a mini facelift and a full facelift because every patient is different. The patient’s unique skin condition, lifestyle (smoking, tanning, athletics), sun exposure, and weight changes will affect how long any facelift lasts.

However, generally, since the mini facelift is a less invasive procedure, its results will typically last somewhat less than a full facelift. But in the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali, a good candidate who takes proper care of their skin, may see his or her mini facelift results for several years.

What’s the recovery time for a mini facelift?

In general, mini facelift patients can return to work and activities out of the house as early as one week after surgery. This is about half the time of full facelift surgery recovery. There is also much less swelling and bruising with a mini facelift – and usually minor bruising that may be covered with foundation or make-up.

What is the price difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?

In addition to less recovery time, a mini facelift is also cheaper than traditional face lift surgery. Typically, a full facelift costs roughly 2 to 3 times more than a mini facelift.

Who is a good candidate for a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is an excellent option for men and women who are starting to notice aging changes – such as skin laxity and jowls – and who desire an improvement in their appearance without a drastic transformation.

A mini facelift is also a good option for those who simply don’t have the time or desire to go through a more extensive surgery and opt instead for a mini facelift.

Most of our mini facelift patients at AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI are in their 40s, 50s or 60s. But there is no cut-off age for a mini facelift. Depending on patient’s overall health, skin condition, and treatment goals patients in their 70s and beyond may also undergo a mini facelift.

Can a mini facelift be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely! At AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI we offer a wide array of minimally invasive skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments that can be used in conjunction with a mini facelift.  The Profound, CO2RE and Morpheus8 microneedling use bipolar radiofrequency technology to help to increase elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. When these are added to the mini facelift, they can improve the tone and texture of the skin, making the results even better and longer lasting.

What Will My Mini Facelift Look Like?

AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI is among the first and only aesthetic practices in Michigan to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging during the patient’s mini facelift consultation.  This revolutionary technology provides a three-dimensional, computerized image of the patient’s face from every angle that shows your surgical options – and the expected results – before your mini facelift! With Vectra 3D imaging you can literally see your mini facelift “before and after” before you commit to undergoing surgery!

Mini Facelift Surgery | Birmingham, MI

If you are considering a mini facelift Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the surgery (or other antiaging procedure) that is right for you.

Dr. Ali is a board certified plastic surgeon, and one of the Birmingham Michigan area’s top facelift doctor. He has helped hundreds of men and women in Birmingham, the greater Detroit area, and Southeast Michigan look younger and more attractive with mini facelift and full facelift surgery! And, financing options are also available.

Birmingham, MI Mini Facelift Consultation: 248-335-7200

How to Get Rid of a ‘Turkey Neck’

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Neck Tightening Treatments to Banish ‘Turkey Neck’

American writer and filmmaker Nora Ephron – best known romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally – once wrote: “Our faces are lies and our necks are the truth.” And if you are a woman of a ‘certain age’ you no doubt have come to realize that this is indeed the truth.

While lasers, peels, creams, serums, Botox and facial fillers can help keep the years from showing on the face, these treatments simply don’t work on the neck. Not only does neck skin shows age more quickly, it is notoriously hard to treat.

What Causes ‘Turkey Neck’?

The underlying anatomy of the neck — specifically the ‘platysma muscle’— is extremely thin. The platysma is a thin sheet-like muscle that runs from the upper chest and shoulder region to the jaw and the lower face. Unlike other muscles of the body that are deep within the subcutaneous tissue, the platysma sits superficially (near the surface) within the neck’s subcutaneous tissue.

As a person ages, gravity causes laxity from the lower face to extend down to the platysma where the neck muscle becomes apparent through the skin. Additionally, due to gravity and aging, the ligaments that attach the platysma to the underlying structures of the neck loosen. This is what causes the appearance of vertical neck bands.

Further, as one ages, the body loses subcutaneous fat – and the skin stops producing enough collagen and elastin to keep the skin plump, tight, and elastic. This causes the neck to skin to sag – resulting in the dreaded “turkey neck.”

#1. At Home Turkey Neck Treatment: Topical Care

We can’t stop gravity – or turn back the sands of time. But a wholesome diet, good posture, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding sun exposure, smoking and excess alcohol consumption can help delay the onset of turkey neck.

Slouching at the computer or while watching TV – as well as “tech neck” from looking down at your devices – can aggravate a droopy neck. And, while many people remember to apply sunscreen, moisturizers, and serums to their faces, they often neglect to protect their neck skin as well.

Medical grade sunscreens and ‘neck firming’ creams can help ensure that skin is protected and healthy – and help increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production Our Alastin and Zo Skin Care products contains growth factors, antioxidants, and peptides to help fight sagging and crepiness.

#2. Non-Surgical Turkey Neck Treatment: Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

However, sunscreen and targeted neck creams can only go so far – especially as the years continue to accumulate. Fortunately, AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI offer several minimally invasive in-office neck treatments that can tighten neck skin.

Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening, is a nonsurgical method of tightening the skin that is very effective on the lower face, jowls and ‘turkey neck.’

Skin laxity actually starts to occur around age 35 to 40 when the quantity and quality of the skin’s collagen and elastic production begins to decline. But radiofrequency treatments deliver thermal energy waves to heat the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). This heat stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which thickens and tightens the skin on the neck.

At AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI we offer several of the most advanced radiofrequency skin and neck tightening treatments: Profound,  Morpheus8 RF Microneedling,  C02RE, and ThermiSmooth.

Only local numbing is needed for these treatments and patients generally start to see an improvement in turkey neck in a month or less. Maximum neck tightening results become apparent when the collagen remodeling is complete, usually around 4 to 6 months after treatment. And because it is the body’s own collagen and elastic tissues that has been stimulated, results are very long lasting.

#3. Surgical Turkey Neck Treatment: Neck Lift Surgery

The most truly transformative procedure for a sagging, droopy turkey neck is neck lift surgery. This is because serums, creams and even radiofrequency can only treat the loose skin – but cannot tighten the neck muscles.  Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali is one of the only surgeons in the Birmingham, MI with the skill and experience to perform this life-changing surgery.

During neck lift surgery general anesthetic is administered and the incisions are usually concealed behind the ear. Extra neck skin is removed and naturally re-draped – and the neck muscles are also surgically tightened from the side. When necessary, an additional incision can be made under the chin to tighten the midline neck muscles which will minimize the appearance of neck bands.

Downtime after neck lift surgery is usually only about a week – and results can last well beyond a decade or more. Because neck lift surgery removes excess skin and tightens muscles it is the gold standard in treating ‘turkey neck’ and can easily take ten or 15 years off your appearance.

turkey neck lift birmingham

Turkey Neck Treatment | Birmingham, MI

Schedule a consultation at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI and board certified plastic surgeon will help you determine which treatment or procedure is right to help you get rid of ‘turkey neck’ and take years off your appearance!

120 Years of Facelift Surgery: From Secret to Sensational

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The History of Facelift Surgery

When we look at the beautiful celebrities of today who have publicly discussed their plastic surgery, it’s easy to see how far these cosmetic procedures have come. From millennials like the Kardashian sisters, to ageless beauties like Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Cher, A-listers no longer feel the need to keep their plastic surgery secret.

But many people don’t realize that surgical procedures to enhance appearance or reverse facial aging have been performed for more than a century. In the early 1900’s when surgeons began performing facelift plastic surgery on aristocrats and entertainers, these procedures were kept “top secret”. It wasn’t until the 1930’s that surgeons began to openly discuss plastic surgery techniques and publish articles on their work.

Early 1900s Facelifts

In 1901 – which was still 25 years before most US homes in the U.S. had electric power – the first attempt at a facelift took place in Berlin. Dr. Eugen Holländer removed skin from a Polish aristocrat to lift her cheeks and the corners of her mouth. But there was no attempt to lift the actual underlying structures of the face or mouth. And 15 years later in 1916 the first actual facelift was performed by Dr. Erich Lexer, a German surgeon and former sculptor.

By the 1930s surgeons brought these procedures out of the cloak of secrecy and began to discuss them. However, their patients still kept their procedures very secret. At this time facelift surgery still relied mostly on excision (cutting and removing) of loose, ‘extra’ skin to tighten the face, forehead, and eyelids – but did not attempt to address the deeper structures of the face and neck that lead to appearance of facial aging.

And while plastic surgery techniques have vastly improved in the following 90 years – many of the same skin incisions are still used today that hide the scars within the hair, as well as around and behind the ear.

Mid-Century Facelifts

In the 1960’s and 1970’s a more comprehensive approach to plastic surgery was developed that also addressed the deeper muscles and structure of the face and neck. These new techniques allowed plastic surgeons to correct laxity and sagging of deeper support structures of the face, to restore the neck, jowls, and midface to a more elevated position.

By the 1970s and 1980s the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) facelift technique was widespread. Developed by Dr. Tord Skoog, ‘subfascial dissection’ was used to lift a deeper layer of tissue rather than just the skin to achieve antiaging results. The SMAS technique also involves suturing much deeper tissues for better and longer-lasting results.

Facelifts in the Late 1900s

In the 1900s, facelift pioneer Dr. Tessier continued to refine facial plastic surgery, using coronal incisions to also adjust the eyebrow, upper face, and soft tissues. The concept was to lift the skin over the skeletal structure of the skull for better results than traditional facelift techniques. During that decade, Dr. Sam Hamra developed a deep plane facelift technique, again targeting a lower layer of tissue for optimal outcomes.

Modern Facelift Surgery

Today’s modern facelift techniques address varied aspects of facial aging including not just the skin, but also laxity of the muscles and ligaments in the face, as well as restoring volume to sunken areas of the face that have lost subcutaneous fat (under the skin).

Plastic surgeons still use the SMAS facelift, but often combined with new techniques to restore lost facial volume. Incisions for full facelifts are often still best concealed within the hair and around the ear to hide any scars.

In addition to combining a facelift with fat grafting, a facelift can also be combined with laser or radiofrequency skin resurfacing to address sun damage, pigmentation and fine wrinkles of the top, ‘superficial’ layers of skin.

Advanced facelift surgery techniques remain the ‘gold standard’ for correcting advanced signs of aging – including neck laxity, ‘jowls,’ sagging checks, deep nasolabial folds around the mouth, and descending of the midface.

Mini Facelift Surgery

However, patients who do not need or desire a full face are often good candidates for the newer ‘mini facelift’. This procedure is suitable for patients who have less severe skin laxity and soft tissue sagging on the face. A mini facelift can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation and has a faster recovery period than a full facelift.

Top Facelift Surgery | Birmingham, MI

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali is one of the Birmingham Michigan area’s top facelift surgeons. He has helped hundreds of women and men in Birmingham, the greater Detroit area, and Southeast Michigan look younger and more attractive with facelift surgery! And financing options are also available.

Each facelift surgery is designed for the patient’s specific needs and will address lifting, tightening and rejuvenation of the lower face, as well as the around the eyes and forehead as needed.

If you are considering a facelift, Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation in his Birmingham surgical office to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the facelift procedure that is right for you.

Birmingham Facelift Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

What You Should Know About Blepharoplasty (eyelid lifts)

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Blepharoplasty FAQs

Blepharoplasty is an “eyelid lift” surgery that involves tightening and sculpting the upper and sometimes lower eyelids in order. It can be purely cosmetic, to restore a youthful appearance to the eyes. Or it can be medically motivated to improve vision, when sagging upper eyelids obstruct the ability to see.

Blepharoplasty surgery on the upper eyelid can prevent it from drooping. Blepharoplasty surgery on the lower eyelid is generally performed to reduce swelling and puffiness. Whether performed to improve one’s vision or for purely cosmetic purposes, blepharoplasty generally results in the patient looking considerably younger and more well-rested than before their procedure.

In this article Birmingham, MI board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers patients most frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty eyelid lift surgery.

Who is a candidate for blepharoplasty?

In most cases sagging upper eyelid skin is the result of loss of skin tone due to aging. Many people also experience very prominent under eye bags as part of the aging process.

However, “drooping” eyelids can be hereditary. For example, some ethnicities have a flatter facial structure that can leave patients with eyes that they feel do not look sufficiently open.  Drooping eyelids can also, in rare case, be the result of certain medical conditions.

Individuals with loose skin or bulges of fat in their upper eyelid are perfect candidates for upper blepharoplasty. Other good candidates for upper blepharoplasty are people who experience feelings of heaviness in their eyelids, as well as people whose eyelids sag to the point of creating obstruction of their upper field of vision.

Candidates for lower blepharoplasty surgery are people with bags or bulges beneath their eyes. And, many patient undergo a complete eye rejuvenation and have an upper and lower blepharoplasty performed at the same time. Eyelid lift surgery is also often done in conjunction with facelift surgery for a total facial rejuvenation. While the facelift can tighten or remove sagging skin from the lower face and neck, an eyelid lift can brighten and “de-age” the eye area.

What is the best age to have blepharoplasty?

Being a candidate for blepharoplasty has less to do with age and more to do with cosmetic or vision necessity. Anyone at almost any age who is  experiencing sagging, laxity, or bulging of the eyelids can be a candidate for blepharoplasty – as long as they are in reasonably good health.

At AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI some of our blepharoplasty patients have undergone an eyelid lift as young as in their 30s. These younger eyelid lift patients are typically women or men who have eyelids they dislike resulting from heredity or ethnicity. Age related eyelid drooping, however, typically begins in a man or woman’s 40s or 50s. Dr. Ali has treated the greatest number of patients with blepharoplasty surgery in their 50s and 60s. However, even patients in their 70s or older can safely undergo eyelid lift surgery – since it is a safe, routine, and minimally invasive surgery that only requires local anesthetic.

Where are the incisions in blepharoplasty?

During upper blepharoplasty, the incisions are hidden in the eyelids’ upper crease, where they are virtually invisible.  Occasionally, they will extend into the eyelid’s “crow’s feet” crease, but this is typically not necessary.

During lower blepharoplasty, fat is removed by making an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid (the medical name for which is transconjunctival blepharoplasty). In cases of lower blepharoplasty calling for the removal of skin, a small incision is made in the area directly below the eyelashes of the lower eyelid. This also conceals any minor scarring that may occur.

Does blepharoplasty leave scars?

While there is always a scar after any surgery, the eyelid typically heals better than skin on other parts of the body. Eyelid scars are carefully hidden in the crease on the upper eyelid, and along the last line on the lower eyelid – so they are almost undetectable.

In most cases, upper blepharoplasty scars can only be seen – very faintly – when the eyes are closed. When a person’s eyes are open, only someone who knew precisely what they were looking for would be able to notice a blepharoplasty scar. If you are concerned, normal eye makeup typically conceals any blepharoplasty scars on the upper eyelid.

And the position of lower blepharoplasty scars are directly below the eyelashes making them practically invisible.

What’s the difference between blepharoplasty and a brow lift?

Both blepharoplasty and a brow lift are excellent procedures for patients who want to eliminate signs of aging on the upper half of the face. But each procedure is designed to target different concerns. Many patients only need one or the other, while some of our Birmingham, MI patients choose to have both done, for optimal anti-aging!

Anyone with sagging lids whose brow has a desirable arch that is located directly about the eye socket will generally only require an eyelift.

However, a patient experiencing “hooding” that extends beyond the eyelid’s corner may require a brow lift in addition to blepharoplasty. Or, if one can push their brows up to a desired, more youthful height with their fingers, they may also require a brow lift.

Read More About Eyelid Lift vs. Brow Lift Surgery HERE

Can I have other procedures done with my blepharoplasty?

Since blepharoplasty is performed relatively quickly, it is frequently performed in conjunction with other procedures. Undergoing blepharoplasty with other procedures generally only adds less than an hour to the total procedure time. Common procedures performed with blepharoplasty are facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose job), brow lifts, neck liposuction, or chin implants – all of which can be performed by Birmingham, MI board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

Top Blepharoplasty Surgeon – Birmingham, MI

If you’re in the Birmingham, MI or greater Detroit area and are considering blepharoplasty, contact Dr. Ali today for a consultation. Birmingham, MI board-certified plastic surgeon and blepharoplasty expert Dr. Ali will gladly answer any questions you have about how your vision or cosmetic goals can be met through eyelid lift surgery, and other surgical or non-surgical procedures.

Blepharoplasty Consultation – Birmingham, MI: 248-335-7200

Facelift Surgery for Men (It’s Not Just for Women! )

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All About Male Facelift Surgery – 

Facelift surgery is no longer just for women!  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 18,024 men underwent facelift surgery in the United States 2020. Visible signs of facial aging caused by a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck, are equally common among men and women. And, in fact, certain types of age-related facial issues – suck as “turkey neck” or “jowls” are even more prevalent among men than women.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports also indicates that face lifts for male patients increased by almost 20 percent from 2000 to 2020. One reason for this increase in male facelifts may be men’s heightened awareness of their appearance due to the recent surge in video conferencing – as well as selfies and social media posts. Seeing oneself on camera constantly can make it much harder to ignore the aging appearance created by saggy and drooping facial skin.

Additionally, many successful businessmen across a wide variety of professions are turning to facelift surgery so they can remain competitive in a youth-oriented job market. Still other middle-aged men may be re-entering the dating arena and don’t want to look like an “old man” when looking for new love.

Women’s vs. Men’s Facelifts

For women, loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck, can begin as early as age 35 – though it is more typical for lax facial skin to become problematic in the 40s. And while men’s skin generally ages about the same as women, they may not be bothered by a few lines or some laxity as early on as women are.

By age 50 drooping and lax skin typically becomes much more noticeable, and even the most expensive skin creams cannot prevent or correct the deepening skin folds, jowls and neck bands. This is often the age at which men decide to consider a facelift procedure. At AMAE plastic surgery in Birmingham, MI we have taken 10 years (or more!) off the faces of men in their 50s, 60s and even 70s.

The techniques of facelift procedure are typically the same for both sexes – and will depend more upon what the patient’s problem areas are, more than their gender. However, men’s skin and muscles are typically considerably thicker than women, thanks to Testosterone. So selecting a skilled plastic surgeon who has conducted hundreds of men’s facelifts, like Dr. Ali, will reveal the most spectacular results.

Facelift Techniques for Men

Men's Facelifts Birmingham MI
A “strong jaw” is associated with masculinity and male attractiveness. But loosening skin can cause jowls, or “turkey neck”, that make a man look old and tired rather than young and virile.

The good news is that facelifts are intended to target the mid and lower face – making it the perfect solution for restoring a man’s jaw to its strong, youthful shape. A neck lift can also be performed to tighten the loose skin in the neck, tighten the neck muscles, and help to better define the jawline. A facelift can also include tightening of the cheek and cheekbone area, if needed.

Years of stress and hard work can also result in a heavily furrowed or sagging brow, crow’s feet, and loose skin and bags around the eyes. A blepharoplasty surgery (eyelid lift) or a “brow lift” can be an effective component of a total facial rejuvenation to make a man’s eye area look young, rested and alive again!

Facelift Concerns of Men

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed facelifts on hundreds of men in the Birmingham, Michigan area. He understands that while the techniques may be the same as a woman’s facelift – certain issue are unique importance to many men.

For starters, most male patients want to be sure that their facelift will look completely “natural” and will not look like they have had surgery. This is a valid concern – and one of the main reasons men should invest in finding a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali who has performed hundreds of facelifts on men.

Although surgeons with less training and less experience may offer cheaper surgery, they can leave men looking unnaturally stretched, uneven, or in worst-case scenarios with neurological or vision damage. Dr. Ali will leave you looking like a younger and more refreshed version of yourself – but no one will even know you had surgery.

Many male facelift patients are also extremely concerned about how much time they need to take off work – and how long it will take for them to look “normal” after surgery. Dr. Ali will carefully explain the recovery process for each facelift technique that is available, so that together you can select the procedure(s) that fit your aesthetic goals and your work schedule.

Mini or endoscopic facelift procedures, for example, may be a better option for men with only moderate laxity and less time to spare from work. However, men who are retired – but who have more severe facial drooping – may opt for a full facelift even though it requires a longer recovery time.

What Will My Facelift Look Like?

AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only aesthetic practices in Michigan to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging during the patient’s facelift consultation.  This revolutionary technology provides a three-dimensional, computerized image of the patient’s face from every angle that shows your surgical options – and the expected results – before your facelift. With Vectra 3D imaging you can literally see your facelift “before and after” before you commit to undergoing surgery!

Best Men’s Facelift Surgeon- Birmingham, MI

If you are considering a facelift, Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the facelift or other antiaging procedures that are right for you.

He is a board certified plastic surgeon, and one of the top facelift surgeons in Birmingham, MI and the entire Detroit area. Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of men i look younger and more attractive with facelift surgery. And, easy and convenient financing options are also available.

Birmingham Men’s Facelift Consultation: 248-335-7200

How Long Is Recovery After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

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Rhinoplasty Recovery FAQs

Rhinoplasty – more commonly called a “nose job” – is nasal reconstruction surgery that alters the shape of the nose. It is the most common facial plastic surgery procedure. – with more than 352,500 rhinoplasty surgeries performed in the United States every year.

Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their nose and would like to change the size, shape, wide or symmetry of it. When patients come to AMAE Plastic Surgery they have many questions – and the most frequent questions we are asked often center around the recovery period after rhinoplasty.

In this article, board-certified Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers patients’ questions about what to expect during rhinoplasty recovery.

How long does recovery take after rhinoplasty?

Recovery after any surgery will vary depending on the patient’s age and health, as well as how complex or extensive the surgery is. Dr. Ali will discuss the specifics of your rhinoplasty surgery. But the general timeline of what to expect after rhinoplasty is typically 2 to 3 weeks for immediate recover – followed by a year or more of internal healing.

In most cases, Dr. Ali will recommend taking a week off from work or school and any other activity following rhinoplasty. During this time period, patients will wear tape and a splint on the nose. After the first week stitches and the splint are removed, and the bruises under the eyes should mostly be gone.

After a week, most people are able to return to work or school – but the recovery process will continue for two or three weeks before patients can return to regular normal activities, including mild exercise. Strenuous activities, including harder workouts, should not be resumed for at least six weeks to allow proper healing to “sit in.”

However, the nasal bones and cartilage will remain delicate while they heal internally for a year or more. During this time period rhinoplasty surgery, patients should be cautious with their activities to not accidentally bump the nose. A blow to the nose can disrupt bone that has not fully set or damage internal incisions that have not fully healed.

Does the type of rhinoplasty affect recovery?

Yes, the length of the recovery period does depend on the type or “technique” of rhinoplasty used. There are two primary methods of performing nose job surgery: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty.

During open rhinoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes an incision across the tissue that sits between the nostrils and connects the nasal tip to the nasal base (columella). During closed rhinoplasty, Dr. Ali uses an incision inside the nostril.

There will be more tip swelling in an open rhinoplasty than using the closed technique. However, the closed rhinoplasty is often necessary for tip refinement. Procedures performed on patients with thicker skin, those in need of cartilage graphs, or those requiring more extensive bone or cartilage work will also typically require a longer recovery period.

rhinoplasty surgery birmingham mi

Can patients do anything to speed up recovery time?

Preparing the body before undergoing rhinoplasty can help you heal faster. It is very important to stop taking medications that can contribute to bruising or bleeding, including blood-thinners, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, and fish oil.

Patients can also start taking arnica and bromelain a couple weeks before surgery through a couple week after rhinoplasty to decrease bruising and swelling.

And, of course, quitting smoking is essential. Smoking substantially increases the risk of complications after any surgery. Smoking compromises a patient’s immune system, delays healing, and increases the risk of infection at the surgical site.

When will I see my “new nose” after rhinoplasty surgery?

The most important thing to keep in mind when recovering from rhinoplasty surgery is patience. Patients will see changes in the nose immediately, and even more dramatic results will be seen after six weeks when about half of the swelling will be gone. But the final results typically take about a year, or more. As the swelling subsides, the nose may look a bit crooked or asymmetrical, but everything will completely even out after about a year.

Top Rhinoplasty Surgeon | Birmingham, MI

If you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, call Birmingham Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali for a nose job evaluation and consultation.  He will explain your surgical options for correcting imperfections in your nasal contours – and ensure that you achieve the best possible rhinoplasty results!

Birmingham, MI Rhinoplasty Surgeon: 248-335-7200

 

 

How To Get Rid Of Under-Eye Bags

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The Best Treatments for Under-Eye Bags

Sleepless nights and stress can bring about temporary under-eye bags, as can allergies and other types of sinus congestion. But people who are cursed with permanent eye-bags typically have them due to a combination of heredity and aging. Unfortunately, eye-bags are a cosmetic issue that concealers can hide – and home remedies such as putting teabags on the area rarely work.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI that can help get rid of under-eye bags for a younger, more rested and attractive appearance.

Causes of Under-Eye Bags

There are three pockets or “pads” of fat that exist around the eyes: one next to the nose, one in the center lower lid, and a lateral one on the outside of the undereye.  When the skin around the eyes weakens and sags with age, the skin relaxes and creates a pouch. The fat pads then “herniate” over time slipping down to fill the space created by the drooping skin. This then creates the appearance of puffy under-eye bags.

Additionally, excess fluid in the body can also pool in these pockets of sagging skin, making the lower eyelids look even more puffy and swollen. This is why many under-eye bags are more noticeable in the morning, as the fluid has had all night to settle in. And shadows or discolored skin under the eyes only accentuate the under-eye bags, making them look even more prominent.

Surgery for Under-Eye Bags

The most effective way to eliminate under-eye bags is with lower blepharoplasty surgery. This surgical procedure removes or repositions the fat and skin underneath the eyes to restore a smooth appearance.  There are two basic techniques for performing under-eye, lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

An external incision can be made just below the lash line (cutting through the skin and muscle) around the eye, removing the fat pockets and lifting the skin-muscle flap.

Another surgical approach to under-eye bags is called a “transconjunctival” technique removes the fat from the inside of the lower lid and is often preferred because it does not result in an external scar on the lower lid. A small amount of excess skin can also be removed while leaving the muscle intact – which keeps the shape of lower lid intact.

Top Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed several hundred blepharoplasty surgeries with stunning results that eliminate under-eye bags and take years off of patients’ appearance.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Under-eye Bags

While blepharoplasty surgery is the fastest and most dramatic way to remove under-eye bags, AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI also offers effective, minimally invasive treatments to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.

These treatments can be ideal for under-eye bags that aren’t severe enough for surgery – or for patients who can’t incur the downtime or the expense of blepharoplasty surgery.

CO2RE laser utilizes both ablative and fractional laser technology to activates the body’s natural production of new elastin and collagen protein fibers – which are the building blocks, of thick, firm, elastic, youthful skin. As the skin thickens and tightens over time after treatment, it eliminates the saggy pockets where fat and fluid build up under the eyes.

Nordlys IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) delivers light energy that can reduce dark circles caused by both pigmentation and visible veins. This can help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags, as well.

Dermal Fillers such as Juvéderm can also reduce the appearance of undereye-bags, when injected to fill the hollows under the eyes. In February of this year the FDA approved Juvéderm® Volbella XC for injection into the tear troughs to treat under-eye circles and bags. The formula of facial filler has a soft, thinner, smooth consistency that makes it ideal for treating under eye hollows. It’s thin, pliable texture gives it a natural look and feel when used in the tear troughs.

Botox can also help some undereye bags. While Botox does not remove under- eye bags, injections into the “crow’s feet” area can help reduce tension around the eyes and relax wrinkles, which can also help improve the appearance of bags.

Regardless of which noninvasive treatment you opt for, though, be sure it’s with a board-certified plastic surgeon. “Particularly for laser treatments, you need to make sure you are going to a doctor who specializes in treating eyelids,” Dr. Shafer says. “Ultimately, none of the treatments are equivalent, and the plastic surgeon must determine which approach is best for you specifically.”

Under-Eye Bag Treatments | Birmingham, MI

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali offers the best and most advanced technologies for reducing or eliminating under-eye bags. At AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa he offers both surgical blepharoplasty and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments for under-eye bags – including Co2RE laser, IPL Photofacial, dermal fillers and Botox – so you can choose the option that is right for you.

Schedule a consultation and see which type of treatment is best for your under-eye issues and beauty goals – so you can look and feel younger and even more beautiful!

Under-Eye Bag Treatments | Birmingham, MI: 248-335-7200