With all of the options available to us today in the world of beauty and skin, understanding the procedures and the differences between them can become extremely overwhelming. Seeking advice or knowledge from a seasoned professional is one of the best ways to determine which procedure is right for you!
Dr. Ali and team want to help you take that first step and have done a comparison of microdermabrasion and chemical peels to help you better understand your options. Please note that no amount of online research should substitute for a professional consultation!
The primary difference between the two procedures is the way they are completed. Microdermabrasion is performed by an aesthetician under the supervision of a plastic surgeon. In Dr. Ali’s office, we use a diamond tome device that is attached to suction tubing which removes dead skin cells and makeup, leaving the skin refreshed.
Chemical Peels are performed by the plastic surgeon, all of which are completed using a chemical solution that is applied to the face after cleansing and then removed, taking a layer or multiple layers of the skin off, depending on the deepness of the peel.
With microdermabrasion there is little to no “downtime” after the procedure. You can generally resume normal activity immediately. Chemical peels require a bit more after-care as you need to be conscious of the new layer of skin that has just been revealed. A light peel requires less, but one of the deeper peels may require up to a few weeks of recovery time where strenuous activity, outdoor exposure and product usage are kept to a minimum.
One commonality between the two is that the best results are seen with multiple procedures. It may be difficult to reverse years of damage in a single treatment, so we may recommend a series of treatments. When combined, the two procedures yield excellent results! By combining microdermabrasion with a light peel and a hydration treatment you can truly hit the reset button on your skin!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation – every patient and their needs are different!
Marina – Dr. Ali's Assistant
The Ins and Outs of Injectables
/0 Comments/in Botox, Facial Filler, Juvederm /by adminThe health and beauty industry is always bursting at the seams with new products, and it can be hard for consumers to keep them straight. What’s the difference between Botox and Juvederm? If I want to make my lips full, what’s the best product? These questions and many more are ones that we receive at our office on a daily basis. We thought it would be a perfect opportunity to offer a quick FAQ on some of the injectable products we offer and what they do!
Botox: Botox is a purified protein that blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle. This effectively “paralyzes” the muscle, smoothing out the wrinkles. The result is a refreshed appearance that can take years off of your face. This is a great option for someone who is unsure about a permanent facial surgery, as it lasts roughly four months and results in only slight discomfort.
Juvederm: Juvederm uses hyaluronic acid (HLA) to correct facial wrinkles and folds. While that may sound scary, HLA is found in the body. This dermal filler improves the look and feel of your face as the HLA retains water underneath the skin’s surface, providing volume in the face. There is little to no recovery time and the results typically last for 9-12 months.
Radiesse: Radiesse is a calcium-based wrinkle filler that is injected into the skin and works with your body to stimulate your own natural collagen production. This process means that you will continue to see improved results in the months following your treatment. Like Botox and Juvederm, the side effects are minor, and there is virtually no down-time. Results can last up to a year or more.
For a full list of injectables and what they offer – check out our site. Dr. Ali is happy to help you determine which is best for you! Contact us today for a consultation!
Deal or No Deal: Is Discount Liposuction a Smart Buy?
/0 Comments/in Liposuction /by adminWebsites like Groupon, Living Social and Amazon Local have transformed the way we consume goods and services – whether it is a facial, a concert or a race these sites offer steep discounts that seem too good to be true. It seems that one of the latest offers on many of these sites is some form of liposuction or body contouring.
This leads many people to say “well I’ve always wanted to fix <insert problem area here>” and at such a great deal – why would I say no? As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ali wants to share a few reasons why you should rethink that “great deal” being offered.
Liposuction is a medical procedure that requires anesthesia, prep and recovery. It is a procedure that should only be performed by a reputable, board certified surgeon, who is available for you throughout the prep, surgery and healing processes to ensure long-term success.
Considering liposuction? Contact Dr. Ali today for a consultation!
Plastic Surgery for Children?
/0 Comments/in Cosmetic Surgery /by adminFrequently people jump to the conclusion that plastic surgery for children is too aggressive a solution. However, there are frequently times that dis-proportionate features or disfigurations are causing both excessive emotional trauma as well as physical pain.
A recent story out of Cleveland chronicled a young girl’s struggle with ears that were overly large and protruding. A common otoplasty operation provided long-term relief from not only pain, but also bullying.
Dr. Ali travels yearly to the Sudan to perform surgery to repair cleft palates in children, teens and adults. This condition can be life-threatening if it results in the inability to eat. But even if not directly life-threatening, infants with this condition may be abandoned or at the mercy of mistreatment so extreme that it can become life-threatening. A common cleft palate repair can address this situation and result in a life of normalcy for a child otherwise facing bullying or outright abandonment.
For amazing photos of cleft palate repair, visit Dr. Ali’s SaveSmile Cleft Palate Repair page.
More Brides Saying “I Do” To Cosmetic Procedures
/0 Comments/in Botox, Face Lift /by adminWith today’s wide range of options for non-surgical cosmetic procedures many brides are considering a facial “touchup” prior to the wedding. Instead of paying for photo retouching, they’re exploring fillers, Botox, facials, peels and other facial rejuvenation procedures to look their best on that special day.
In some cases, brides and mothers or fathers of brides have opted for a surgical facelift and/or eyelift to give them a more youthful appearance at an event often attended by hundreds of family and friends. In many cases, they were already considering a procedure and decided to take the plunge before the big day.
When planning your wedding, contact us. Our aestheticians can work with you and your bridal party on a package that will give everyone that youthful glow.
Can You Get Liposuction On Your Face?
/0 Comments/in Face Lift, Liposuction, Oakland County Plastic Surgery /by adminLiposuction is a procedure used to help slim and shape areas of the body by directly removing excess fat. It is often performed on various areas of the torso and even limbs, but what many people don’t know is that liposuction can also be performed on parts of the face!
There are three areas of the face where liposuction can be performed: the cheeks, chin and face. Liposuction on the cheeks and chin is done to help lift the cheeks and create a slimmer face. It can also reduce fat around the neck area to improve contours and proportion around your neck.
Liposuction on the face is typically performed in conjunction with other procedures. A neck lift is one of the most popular procedures because aging can cause fatty deposits and sagginess in the neck. The main purpose of a neck lift is to enhance the definition of the neck. It serves to correct loose skin in the neck, remove excess fat and tighten the stretched neck muscle. Your surgeon will determine if liposuction will be necessary during your consultation, prior to surgery.
A face lift is a similar procedure used to improve the appearance of facial skin. The skin is surgically lifted and tightened and many times liposuction is employed to get rid of excess fat in the cheeks and skin.
It’s important to seek advice from a professional before undergoing any kind of cosmetic surgery. A good plastic surgeon will be able to offer advice and information in order to help you make an informed decision.
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery of any kind or would like to learn more about our surgical and non-surgical procedures, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.
Saving Your Skin This Summer
/0 Comments/in Skin Care /by adminLike our clients, we love escaping the cold Michigan winters and welcoming the warmer summer temperatures! Being able to enjoy ourselves outside is something that we certainly don’t take for granted, thanks to the harsh climate of Michigan.
However, the summer can wreak havoc on your skin! Between the excessive sun, the water and the heat, your skin can be left feeling less than flawless. We have some tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing all summer long.
1. Sunscreen, sunscreen and MORE sunscreen! We cannot stress the importance of sunscreen enough. It is the best thing you can do to keep your skin safe and to prevent wrinkles and aging. Amae carries high-quality sunscreen products from Image and other top skin-care lines.
2. Hydrate! The skin is predominantly water – it is important that you increase your water intake, as the summer heat is so dehydrating.
3. Moisturize! We highly recommend considering an oil-free moisturizer for summer as well as adding a tinted moisturizer to your makeup regiment. Making sure you keep your skin moisturized will help you stay glowing all summer long! Contact us for help selecting the perfect moisturizer and skin care regimen from Image, NeoCutis or Obagi.
4. Get a facial! This is a good skin care practice to have year round, but especially in the summer. Skin can become dull, and a facial is sure to brighten it up! Amae offers a variety of facial options.
Contact Dr. Ali’s office today to discuss your skin care needs and keep your skin glowing this summer!
Permanent Makeup – Eyebrows as an Accessory
/0 Comments/in Oakland County Plastic Surgery /by adminWe have seen a number of articles on the internet floating around touting the importance of well-groomed eyebrows. There are before and after pictures, how-to articles, and more. We have to agree – eyebrows really are the accessory of your face.
While we agree, we also know that the majority of us were not gifted with perfectly shaped brows, and that they take a lot of maintenance to keep looking fabulous. Whether it’s a trip to the salon to have them waxed or threaded, penciling for fullness or using a brow gel to keep them in their place, it is always something!
One option that we discovered is a great alternative to penciling is getting permanent makeup done where you would normally fill them in. Permanent makeup may sound like a serious commitment, but when you think about how much time, money and energy you could save it seems like a much more reasonable option.
Did you know that Amae Plastic Surgery specializes in permanent make up application? We can consult with you on the best shape, color and volume for your eyebrows, as well as provide guidance on the procedure. Our clients who make this choice are always pleased and often come back for additional make up applications in other areas!
Contact us today to set up a consultation and find out how you can banish bad brows forever!
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments are Needed for Permanent Hair Removal?
/0 Comments/in Laser hair removal, Skin Care /by adminAre you considering laser hair removal (electrolysis)? It’s definitely a fast, comfortable and permanent alternative to shaving and waxing.
Hair growth is a result of hormone levels and hereditary traits; sometimes drugs and illness can also stimulate hair growth. Many of us have hair in areas we’d rather not, which is why laser hair removal is such a popular procedure. Let’s face it; waxing routinely gets expensive and shaving each day can be a hassle!
But, laser hair removal is rarely accomplished in one visit. Successful laser hair removal requires the hairs to be actively growing and because the human hair growth cycle is staggered in nature, some hairs may be dormant during the first appointment. They will need to be “zapped” at the next visit when they are in their active growth phase.
Additionally, the number of laser hair removal treatments necessary for complete hair removal varies from one person to another. Most patients require 4-6 visits but some patients see satisfactory results in as little as 2.
Nearly any part of the body can undergo laser hair removal treatment. Visit our Laser Hair Removal page to learn more about the various procedure sites and costs.
The results of laser hair removal can be great, but it’s important to visit a certified doctor that you personally trust. Many states permit non-physicians to use lasers and if a patient is treated with the wrong laser or it’s simply on the wrong setting, you will not get the maximum results.
Call Dr. Ali’s Bloomfield Hills’ office at (855) 335-7200 to schedule your appointment or to learn more!
What’s The Big Difference? Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peels
/0 Comments/in Cosmetic Surgery, Skin Care /by adminWith all of the options available to us today in the world of beauty and skin, understanding the procedures and the differences between them can become extremely overwhelming. Seeking advice or knowledge from a seasoned professional is one of the best ways to determine which procedure is right for you!
Dr. Ali and team want to help you take that first step and have done a comparison of microdermabrasion and chemical peels to help you better understand your options. Please note that no amount of online research should substitute for a professional consultation!
The primary difference between the two procedures is the way they are completed. Microdermabrasion is performed by an aesthetician under the supervision of a plastic surgeon. In Dr. Ali’s office, we use a diamond tome device that is attached to suction tubing which removes dead skin cells and makeup, leaving the skin refreshed.
Chemical Peels are performed by the plastic surgeon, all of which are completed using a chemical solution that is applied to the face after cleansing and then removed, taking a layer or multiple layers of the skin off, depending on the deepness of the peel.
With microdermabrasion there is little to no “downtime” after the procedure. You can generally resume normal activity immediately. Chemical peels require a bit more after-care as you need to be conscious of the new layer of skin that has just been revealed. A light peel requires less, but one of the deeper peels may require up to a few weeks of recovery time where strenuous activity, outdoor exposure and product usage are kept to a minimum.
One commonality between the two is that the best results are seen with multiple procedures. It may be difficult to reverse years of damage in a single treatment, so we may recommend a series of treatments. When combined, the two procedures yield excellent results! By combining microdermabrasion with a light peel and a hydration treatment you can truly hit the reset button on your skin!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation – every patient and their needs are different!
Can Natural Eyelashes Be Made Longer or Thicker?
/0 Comments/in Oakland County Plastic Surgery /by adminHave you ever caught yourself admiring someone’s beautiful eyelashes, thinking “I wish mine would grow like that?” or “How on Earth are they so long, yet so natural?” If you answered yes, you are not alone! When clients come into our office, they are often surprised to learn that there is an option, beyond eyelash extensions, that helps your lashes grow naturally over the course of time. Dr. Ali is proud to offer the Latisse product to his clients.
So what is Latisse? Latisse is a prescription formula that was created to address the condition hypotrichosis, which is short/inadequate eyelashes, which many of us suffer from. The formula allows for the natural growth of eyelashes over the course of the 16 week cycle. The lashes grow gradually during this time. At the end of the cycle you will go in for a consultation to determine if further treatment is needed.
One of the benefits of Latisse is that the upkeep that is required with eyelash extensions is non-existent. That means no special oils, fills or behavior is required! All that is required is a daily application and patience! Many of our clients have seen exceptional results from Latisse and use it in conjunction with other services and products.
Contact Dr. Ali’s office to find out more about Latisse and our other fabulous beauty solutions!