Deciding that you want to pursue cosmetic surgery is usually a decision that is not made lightly or in haste, and neither should choosing the person to perform that surgery! Once you have made the choice to move forward with a procedure, you need to start researching doctors who are capable of performing for you. This process may seem daunting and intimidating. As highly tenured staff of the plastic surgery industry, we wanted to share with you a few helpful tips for electing your surgeon.
Things to Look For:
Board Certified – make sure the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. By law, anyone who is a doctor (i.e. a psychiatrist) can perform plastic surgery. Do not just go by the information on their website – do your research through the board to ensure it is accurate. A board certified surgeon will have undergone both academic testing as well as three to five years of general surgery training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training. It also ensures that they are completing continuing education courses and keeping their skills and knowledge relevant.
Malpractice Records – of course this is not something that they would advertise. Do your research – make sure there are no current or previous lawsuits brought against your surgeon. Reaching out to your state medical board can help you obtain this information.
Hospital Privileges – although some plastic surgeries may be outpatient procedures, many surgeons—particularly reputable ones—will partner with hospitals. Hospital privileges ensure that a full background check has been completed.
Healthgrades ratings & Vitals reviews – these services are a great way to find out how the doctor fares from both a patient and industry grading perspective. They also provide you with details about your surgeon’s background, schooling and certifications.
Things to Avoid:
Deals – think about it this way: qualified surgeons spend years of their life becoming eligible to perform surgery. Why would they then go and discount your procedures by 30-50%? Any surgeon offering something that seems “too good to be true” is likely offering just that. Be wary of deals – anything from free lipo with a breast augmentation to 50% off if you pay up front. This isn’t to say that the more expensive the better, but there are other ways to market than to undercut price.
Multiple Procedures – having multiple procedures increases risk, particularly when done in one setting. If you find yourself going in for a face lift consult and walking out with a recommendation of a face lift, breast augmentation and tummy tuck consider the surgeon’s true motivation.
Dr. Ali offers qualified consultations to patients – if you are unsure if cosmetic surgery is right for you or if you are interested in a procedure contact us today!
Marina – Dr. Ali's Assistant
Is Winter a Good Season for Cosmetic Procedures?
/0 Comments/in Liposuction, Rhinoplasty /by adminWhile it is safe to get cosmetic surgeries and procedures done at any time of the year, many people favor the winter and spring months. There are quite a few benefits to selecting the cooler months to take the steps to your best self!
Are you considering a surgery like breast augmentation or liposuction? The colder months may be the best time, as it’s easier to conceal swelling and wraps under bulkier clothing. Additionally as it’s typically a more sedentary time of year, it’s more conducive to resting and healing.
Perhaps you are doing something topical like a chemical peel? The winter months are perfect, as not only does this procedure allow you to get rid of the dry, dull winter skin but it also makes it easier to avoid direct sunlight during recovery. And, if you have kids, recovery is much easier if they’re still in school.
And finally, making improvements in the winter months insures you’re ready to go when spring arrives.
What Breast Implant Size is The Right Size for Me?
/0 Comments/in Breast Implant, Plastic Surgery /by adminIn my practice this is one of the most commonly asked questions by women seeking breast enhancement. Choosing the right implant size will result in a longer lasting, esthetically pleasing result and a happy patient. In my opinion any size could be the right size as long as certain rules and guidelines are followed.
The successful outcome is based on a number of factors. The most important being the chest width. Implants are available in different sizes and shapes. For any given chest size, patients have three options to choose from. For women requiring larger cup size, high profile implants are suitable. For moderate enlargement, medium profile implants are available, whereas low profile implants are well suited for subtle breast enhancement. So the final selection depends upon the patient’s desire, existing breast volume and the skin condition.
Some of the other important factors include height and weight of the patient. In general, women who are taller and heavier can tolerate larger volume breast implants. Another important factor is the hip width. Slightly wider implants are desirable in women with wider hips to achieve a balanced result. Make sure you discuss all these factors with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Professional Make-Up – All the Glam, None of the Hassle!
/0 Comments/in Skin Care /by adminDo you ever find yourself leaving the house feeling less than glamorous, just for the sake of time? The first step to feeling our best is looking our best and we know that when it comes down to it, we usually place other commitments ahead of making ourselves feel fabulous.
What if we told you that we have a solution and a way to cut the time you spend in front of the mirror? We offer a few different options for you to feel fabulous !
Looking for a way to refresh your look and cut down on the time you spend getting dolled up? Not only can our professional, licensed make-up artist show you the best look for your face, they will also show you how to do your make-up efficiently!
Do you have a big event like a wedding or gala? Our team is available to provide special occasion make up applications. These ensure that you have a polished, finished look that will last throughout your event! Our licensed artists know how to make your features pop, enhancing your natural beauty!
Have you ever held off on booking a treatment because you knew you had to jet off to a lunch meeting or head back to the office? Well now you can – our professional make-up artists will do a quick touch up to make sure that you look like you just left your home, not your spa! They can give you a refreshed look that hides the visible signs of injections and treatments.
Contact us today to book your appointment!
Trends in Cosmetic Surgery – The Later In Life Lift
/0 Comments/in Face Lift, Facial Filler /by adminOne of the most recent trends in cosmetic surgery is treating patients who are approaching their golden years. While this demographic isn’t new, the increase in patients considering cosmetic surgery is! As baby boomers approach retirement, they are choosing to enter it with their best foot forward. From 2012 to 2013, the number of elective procedures jumped 4% in the 55+ age group.
While nose reshaping is a popular cosmetic procedure across the board, the over 55 crowd tends to lean more towards facial procedures including lifts, forehead lifts, ear reshaping and hair transplants. Regardless of the procedure, the most common reason was that they finally have time to focus on themselves.
While many see cosmetic surgery as purely vain, we feel otherwise. You work hard every single day to provide for yourself and loved ones – shouldn’t you feel your best? Some of the unknown benefits that our patients experience are increased self-esteem and confidence!
Don’t believe us? Check out what they have to say in our reviews section! Dr. Ali is one of the best in the business, board certified and able to offer you a comprehensive experience – even with non-invasive procedures.
As you ease into your retirement, have you considered a nip or tuck? Perhaps a procedure that will finally take care of the area that has been frustrating you? Contact us today for a consultation!
New Product Spotlight: Rejuvapen Skin Therapy System
/0 Comments/in Juvederm, Skin Care /by adminDr. Ali’s office is thrilled to have recently augmented our skin therapy offerings with the Rejuvapen Skin Therapy system. This state of the art procedure leverages the body’s natural healing mechanism to improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Unlike many other procedures, this comprehensive treatment is able to manage everything from pore size to fine lines and wrinkles. Acne scars? Covers that too! Looking for a lift? Rejuvapen works!
The nine micro-needles create invisible perforations in the top layer of the skin – this process triggers the skin to produce collagen and elastin to repair the invisible breaks. Not only does this natural process renew your skin from the inside out, but it’s affordable.
Unlike many other skincare solutions which just mask the problem, Rejuvapen fixes your skin at the cellular level. The regeneration process is natural and will result in increased elasticity, reduced fine lines and wrinkles and stimulated circulation, which leaves your skin looking and feeling better than before!
Sound too good to be true? Check out some reviews from clients and also before and after case studies!
This would make a great holiday gift for yourself or a loved one. Contact us today as we have special introductory pricing that ends on December 30th!
Liquid Facelifts – A Possible Alternative to Surgery!
/0 Comments/in Face Lift, Juvederm, Skin Care /by adminA Liquid Facelift can give you a more youthful look without committing to surgery. The patients that usually opt for a Liquid Facelift are the ones who want to restore their vibrant appearance without having a facelift or brow lift. A Liquid Facelift is a procedure that literally “plumps up” a facial area in order to minimize lines and wrinkles. It has become a mainstay facial rejuvenator. The liquid facelift is a nonsurgical way to take years off your appearance by strategically placing a variety of freezers and fillers that can help to turn back the clock.
To restore volume or to provide definition, your plastic surgeon can inject fillers along the cheekbone. Botox may be used to freeze the muscles, most notably between the eyebrows, which relaxes deep lines.While there are a variety of injectables available, different ones produce varying effects. Not all of them last the same length of time.
A Liquid Facelift treats many areas of concern, the most common include:
How long does a Liquid Facelift last?
The effects of a Liquid facelift can last for 1-2 years for a full correction. Depending on the areas treated and the products used, a Liquid facelift can have beautiful, non-evasive and natural looking results.
What products are used in a Liquid Facelift?
A variety of different facial fillers and freezers may be used to contour your face. Including:
It’s important to seek advice from a professional before undergoing any kind of cosmetic procedure. A good plastic surgeon will be able to offer advice and information in order to help you make an informed decision that is right for you. An experienced physician will generally have a better understanding of the advanced injection techniques and product combinations that will extend your results. Extensive experience also contributes to a physician’s treatment recommendation, which includes subtle product placement, injection locations and techniques and product selection.
If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure or would like to learn more about our Liquid Facelift procedures, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.
What a Tummy Tuck Will Not Do
/0 Comments/in Tummy Tuck /by adminOne of the most common misconceptions about plastic surgery is that it is a quick fix. The reality is that most cosmetic procedures are not a quick fix — they are carefully calculated choices to enhance or repair areas of the body that may not be responding to other means of improvement. We sometimes see the “quick fix” misconception with individuals who pursue a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty. It is important to us at Dr. Ali’s office that our patients and the general public are educated about surgery, and what it does and does not do for you.
So what does a tummy tuck NOT do?
This is not to say that a tummy tuck isn’t a fantastic procedure. It truly is — tummy tucks can help individuals who have lost significant weight feel comfortable in their skin by removing the excess around the abdomen. It is ideal for mothers who have lost abdominal strength due to their pregnancies as it helps tighten muscles that were compromised.
Considering a tummy tuck? Let us help you evaluate the options to see if it’s the right fit. Contact Dr. Ali today for a consultation!
Best decision I ever made!
/in Patient Testimonials /by adminPATIENT TESTIMONIAL: ARM LIFT
After losing almost 130 pounds, my arms were very saggy and batwing like. I could not have exercised enough to take care of this, and buying smaller clothes was still difficult having to account for the extra bulk of my arm skin. So, I went to see Dr. Ali! Best decision I ever made!
The pain is short lived compared to the results. There were times during the healing process that I thought maybe I made a mistake because of the pain. But once the swelling goes down and the incision sites start to fade, and I could see the results, I have been extremely happy that I made the decision to have it done! Love wearing sleeveless tops now!
Dee G.
Arm Lift
10/31/14
How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon
/0 Comments/in Cosmetic Surgeon, Oakland County Plastic Surgeon /by adminDeciding that you want to pursue cosmetic surgery is usually a decision that is not made lightly or in haste, and neither should choosing the person to perform that surgery! Once you have made the choice to move forward with a procedure, you need to start researching doctors who are capable of performing for you. This process may seem daunting and intimidating. As highly tenured staff of the plastic surgery industry, we wanted to share with you a few helpful tips for electing your surgeon.
Things to Look For:
Board Certified – make sure the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. By law, anyone who is a doctor (i.e. a psychiatrist) can perform plastic surgery. Do not just go by the information on their website – do your research through the board to ensure it is accurate. A board certified surgeon will have undergone both academic testing as well as three to five years of general surgery training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training. It also ensures that they are completing continuing education courses and keeping their skills and knowledge relevant.
Malpractice Records – of course this is not something that they would advertise. Do your research – make sure there are no current or previous lawsuits brought against your surgeon. Reaching out to your state medical board can help you obtain this information.
Hospital Privileges – although some plastic surgeries may be outpatient procedures, many surgeons—particularly reputable ones—will partner with hospitals. Hospital privileges ensure that a full background check has been completed.
Healthgrades ratings & Vitals reviews – these services are a great way to find out how the doctor fares from both a patient and industry grading perspective. They also provide you with details about your surgeon’s background, schooling and certifications.
Things to Avoid:
Deals – think about it this way: qualified surgeons spend years of their life becoming eligible to perform surgery. Why would they then go and discount your procedures by 30-50%? Any surgeon offering something that seems “too good to be true” is likely offering just that. Be wary of deals – anything from free lipo with a breast augmentation to 50% off if you pay up front. This isn’t to say that the more expensive the better, but there are other ways to market than to undercut price.
Multiple Procedures – having multiple procedures increases risk, particularly when done in one setting. If you find yourself going in for a face lift consult and walking out with a recommendation of a face lift, breast augmentation and tummy tuck consider the surgeon’s true motivation.
Dr. Ali offers qualified consultations to patients – if you are unsure if cosmetic surgery is right for you or if you are interested in a procedure contact us today!
What is a Lightening Lift for Skin?
/0 Comments/in Face Lift, Skin Care /by adminA lightening lift is a form of Lactic/Kolic Acid Resurfacing. This resurfacing solution is a pigmentation resurfacing peel that works to lighten, brighten and tighten your skin! The peel is intended for people who suffer from pigmentation, aging skin and/or dehydrated skin.
So what exactly is it?
Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy exfoliator and is derived from sour milk. We know – yuck right? Don’t worry; it’s just all the good parts that help your skin to be ultra-moisturized and hydrated! (Rumor has it this was a key element of Cleopatra’s beauty regimen)
Kojic Acid is a skin lightener that is a fine white powdery substance composed of small crystals. When applied to the skin in concentrated form, the components of the kojic acid interact with the melanocytes which interfere with melanin production. Melanin causes your skin to tan – reducing the production of melanin results in a lightening effect by changing the pigmentation of the skin.
In addition to lightening, Kojic Acid is also classified as an antioxidant and can help reduce the effects of free radicals on the skin, giving it wonderful anti-aging properties. Did we mention that it gets even better?! This wonder acid is also anti-bacterial, making it perfect for people who suffer from chronic acne.
The combination of these two ingredients makes for a skin treatment that is cleansing, that resurfaces skin, all while keeping it hydrated and saturated with anti-oxidants. From evening out your skin to treating acne spots and scars to kick-starting your anti-aging regimen this treatment does it all!
We offer two levels – Level 1 is the basic Lactic/Kojic Acid peel – this peel is the basic version that will help with hyper pigmentation, acne and skin discoloration. If you are looking to upgrade and add some additional anti-aging properties like retinol and vitamin-C we recommend our Level 2 peel.
Not sure which option is best for you? Contact us today for a consultation!