What is the Recovery Time for Gynecomastia Surgery?

The total recovery time for gynecomastia surgery is 4-6 weeks depending on how your body is healing. The first three days require total rest and recovery. In order to ensure that you do not disrupt the healing process you need to rest completely for 72 hours, and immediately after the surgery you may experience some pain, tightness and tenderness in the area. This is generally managed with pain medication and should taper off within a week. 7-10 days from the procedure is when you will have your stitches removed and a follow up visit with your surgeon.

While swelling will occur, there are ways to manage it and help reduce it more efficiently. Hydration is key – especially in the days immediately following surgery. Additionally, rest and a lower-sodium diet will help. Compression garments will be worn for 1-2 weeks and are one of the most critical elements of the post-op process. They will not only help to reduce swelling but also help the skin adjust to its new contours.

Under the assumption that there are no complications, the general recommendations are as follows. After 3 days, you will be able to slowly begin to return to normal activities but should refrain from any type of exercise and heavy lifting for at least 14 days.

Once you have hit that threshold you can begin light exercise – walking or light jogging is permissible. 3-4 weeks after you can begin more intensive exercise with the exception of chest and shoulder movements that target the pectoral muscles. After 5-6 weeks you may return to normal lifting and exercise regimens that include the pectoral muscles. Please note, these are just general guidelines and Dr. Ali will prescribe a specific post-op plan.

If you are interested in finding out more about how Dr. Ali can help you through the process of managing your gynecomastia contact us today! And make sure to check out Dr. Ali’s free whitepaper on your options for gynecomastia surgery.

Breast Reduction – Could It Change Your Life?

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a safe and effective option for women with large, heavy breasts. Women with large breasts may not only be dissatisfied with their body image, but also experience physical pain and discomfort, including back or shoulder pain. In addition, women may also suffer from skin irritation, bra strap indentations, concerns with posture, headaches, and even physical limitations with activities and exercise.

The best candidates for this surgery include:

  • Women whose breasts are fully developed and breasts are enlarged (generally, a size D or larger)
  • Healthy women who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Non-smokers (smoking may delay healing and increase the risk of complications).

A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon at Amae Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center is the first step to learn if you are a candidate for the procedure. Dr. Ali can explain how a reduction mammoplasty can improve the appearance of your breasts and relieve pain, discomfort and any associated symptoms you may have resulting from large, misshapen breasts.

How do I prepare for breast reduction?

Preparation for your breast reduction surgery includes:

  • Evaluation of your general health and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
  • Examination of your breasts, photographs, and possible detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples and areolas
  • Discussing your options, recommending a course of treatment, including any risks or complications
  • Discussing the use of anesthesia during your procedure

The success and safety of your breast reduction procedure depends on you being completely open and honest during your consultation. Being able to discuss why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcomes, along with a thorough medical evaluation will help lead to the best end result.

If you are currently considering this procedure, or are just interested in collecting more information at this time, please contact us.

Plastic Surgeon Birmingham MI

Happy with how my jeans fit!

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL: THIGH LIPOSUCTION

I had numerous consultations before I chose Dr. Ali. I set a consultation with him based on all the wonderful reviews he had online. For the consultation, he took his time going over all my areas of concerns and understanding exactly what I wanted done. He took careful measurements and explained to me how the procedure would go, what to expect, etc. He answered all of my questions and concerns fully and I felt very comfortable the entire time. 

I decided to get lipo on my thighs after having my first child. After the baby, I had been running a couple miles every day and continuing my healthy diet. Although I gained less than 5 lbs from the pregnancy, I was frustrated with fat I could not get rid of on my legs and with the changes from the pregnancy, it was enough to have me check into liposuction. Currently, it has been almost 2 months since my lipo procedure. My thighs have slimed down and keep a very even shape. The small incisions healed very quickly. I am already happy with how my jeans fit. I am now able to resume my running again and I am excited to see the full results in 4 months 🙂

I plan on going back to Dr. Ali in the future for breast lift/augmentation.

T.
Thigh Liposuction
9/11/14

The Ins and Outs of Injectables

The 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?

Websites 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.

  1. There are many ways for surgeons to build their client base that do not involve discounting procedures by 50-75%.
  2. Beware of the “it works just like” taglines. These procedures are often trying to replicate the results of liposuction but without the recovery time, down time, etc. There is no replacement for liposuction – if there was, we would offer it to you!
  3. The deals are often for a very small portion of your body. While you might think this okay, it’s not. It is important that your surgeon gives you what is best for your body – which, chances are, is not that 5”x5” square they are selling.

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?

Frequently 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

With 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?

Liposuction 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

Like 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

We 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!