Happy Holidays from Amae Plastic Surgery Center

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Once again we are teaming up with the Baldwin Center, in Pontiac, to help families in need. The Baldwin Center not only provides clothes and food but also provides a safe place for children to play and learn without fear.

We need your HELP!

  • Bring in ONE $25.00 grocery store gift card (Kroger, Meijer, etc…) which will be donated to the Baldwin Center and recieve ONE complimentary Microdermabrasion.

OR

  • Bring in a $25.00 grocery store gift card and ONE unwrapped toy which we will donate to the Baldwin Center and receive TWO coupons for $25.00 OFF Botox. One coupon to use now and one coupon towards a future date.

Toys need to be turned into our office no later than December 7th at 12:00pm. Grocery store gift cards will be accepted until December 21 at 12:00pm

Thank you for your generosity!

For more information, visit www.baldwincenter.org.

More Doctors Working to Raise Awareness of Breast Reconstruction

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In response to the ASPS initiative to raise awareness of the availability of breast reconstruction to breast cancer mastectomy patients, many doctors, hospitals and specialists are insuring that women are aware of their options.

While a 1998 federal law mandates all women who have had a mastectomy be provided universal coverage for breast reconstruction, many women remain unaware that reconstruction is available as an option. In 2010, New York state introduced legislation requiring that hospitals inform breast cancer patients about their reconstructive rights and options. However, there are many women who underwent a mastectomy prior to that law who remain unaware.

At the Comprehensive Breast Center of Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts, specialists and physicians collaborate to insure patients are aware of the availability of breast reconstruction.

These are wonderful examples of medical professionals being proactive in raising awareness of patients’ rights and options. While there is more work to be done, it is encouraging to see the industry responding to this challenge and truly making a difference.

Breast Reconstruction Info

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Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali has just released a whitepaper on breast reconstruction. October is breast cancer awareness month, and many women are not aware of their options for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Today is the first BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day USA, and in support Dr. Ali has put together this white paper as an overview of breast reconstruction and the various options available to women considering the procedure.

Dr. Ali is a top-rated plastic surgeon who is not only skilled at cosmetic surgery but is also highly experienced in breast reconstruction. Beyond his medical, surgical and plastic surgery training he has completed a Fellowship in reconstructive/aesthetic breast surgery at the Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto.

To download the white paper, visit https://drali.com/white-papers/breast-reconstruction/

ASPS Announces Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day

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Due to widespread lack of information about breast reconstruction options available to breast cancer victims, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is announcing Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) USA Day and a corresponding media campaign to raise awareness.

Many women do not know about their breast reconstruction options, and this lack of information can frequently result in diminished self-image and quality of life of women who undergo a mastectomy. In general misconceptions include:

  • Lack of awareness that post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is frequently covered by insurance
  • 70% of eligible women don’t understand their breast reconstruction options

The goal of BRA Day USA is to ensure that all breast cancer patients are fully informed of their surgical options and supported by a team of medical professionals working together for the patient’s best interest.

The awareness campaign has designated the third Wednesday of October as BRA Day USA, and this year’s date is October 17th. The selection of a day in October is significant in that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

As part of the campaign the ASPS has partnered with singing sensation Jewel, who has become the national spokesperson for BRA Day 2012. Jewel has recorded Flower, a song written in support of the campaign and she will be performing a charity concert in New Orleans on October 29, 2012. Proceeds will be donated to The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund of The Plastic Surgery Foundation and be used to support PSF research and breast reconstruction organizations, including the Breastoration program of the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans.

You can download the song Flower from iTunes and Amazon.com

For more information, visit:www.breastreconusa.org.
Twitter.com/
Facebook.com/BreastReconAwareness

Fall Botox Event

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Howdy from Amae!

It’s that time of year for our semi-annual BOTOX BONANZA!

Wednesday, September 26
from 2pm to 7pm

It’s time to grab the bull by the horns and treat yourself to an evening of beauty. We will be offering specials on Botox, Juvederm, Sculptra, skin care products and chemical peels.

Specials to hoot and holler about!

  • BOTOX: First area $169, second area $169 and the third area $149
  • JUVEDERM: $429 for a full syringe
  • SKIN CARE: 20% off all products
  • SCULPTRA AESTHETIC: $100 off your first series
  • CUSTOM CHEMICAL PEELS: 20% off each peel (including Vi Peel)
  • LATISSE: $99 (one per customer)

Bring a friend and enjoy light refreshments and appetizers.

Space will be limited for injectables, so call today to schedule your appointment.

Please RSVP by September 12.

(248) 335-7200

www.drali.com

*Call office for details. Specials are only valid during day of event*

Study Finds Patients Reluctant to Question Doctors

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In a recent study conducted in California for Health Affairs, 48 affluent patients admitted that they were not comfortable taking as active a role in their treatment as they would like. Reasons given for this discomfort were:

  • Fear of taking up too much of the physician’s time
  • Fear of going against the physician’s recommendation
  • Many patients felt their doctor did not listen to or respect what they had to say

The study brings to light patient perceptions, of which doctors may be unaware. Patients’ hesitancy to ask questions means they are not as actively involved as they should be in determining the best course of treatment. Many patients reported doing research on their own to better understand treatment options.

Michigan cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ali, unlike many other doctors, encourages questions and takes the time to discuss options with his patients to understand their goals and their preferences. Using his 4-part system, Dr. Ali makes sure that all questions are fully answered and that each patient fully understands their options.

Cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is a very personal issue; a patient is entrusting his or her self-image to a surgeon. Dr. Ali takes this trust very seriously and insures you are comfortable with all aspects of a procedure. In fact, Dr. Ali’s website contains extensive information about popular cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Additionally, Dr. Ali has published specialty websites with a wealth of information on breast procedures including augmentation and lift, liposuction, tummy tucks and facial cosmetic surgery. Dr. Ali also is developing a series of cosmetic surgery whitepapers that provide an overview of various procedures and options.

For more information, contact Dr. Ali at (855) 335-7200.

Sun Protective Clothing

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Part Four of Our Sun & Skin Series

It’s well known that the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to cover up. But not all clothing is created equal when it comes to sun protection. If you’re going to spend the day in the sun, consider what you are wearing and follow these guidelines.

Obviously, more coverage is better. But did you know that color and fabric are also factors in the level of sun protection provided by clothing? A tighter weave will allow less UV through, effectively increasing the UV protection factor. Conversely, open weave fabrics provide much less protection.

Fabric fiber makes a difference. Synthetic fibers like polyester, Lycra, nylon and acrylic often contain elastic threads that pull the fibers tightly together, providing improved protection. Additionally, shiny semi-synthetic fabrics like rayon reflect more UV than matte fabrics like linen.

Color also can be a factor. Many fabric dyes absorb UV, offering extra protection. Dark colors tend to absorb more UV than light colors, and many bright colors, like red, also absorb UV. Vivid colors provide more protection than pale colors.

UV-filtering sunglasses and a hat will protect your face and eyes. Select a hat with a wide brim (at least 3”) to help shade your neck, face and ears.

Some clothing now comes labeled with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating. This rating indicates how much of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the skin (a factor of 50 means 1/50 reaches your skin). UPF ratings for clothing have become standardized from country to country, and UPF protective clothing is often constructed of materials that provide superior comfort and coolness.

While part of your sun defense regimen may include protective clothing, make sure to use sunscreen on exposed areas and apply regularly. Sun exposure is the number one cause of skin aging, and remember: your best defense is a good offense.

Related Posts

Part One of Our Sun & Skin Series

Part Two of Our Sun & Skin Series

Part Four of Our Sun & Skin Series

About Dr. Ali

Dr. M. Azhar Ali is a top Michigan Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience and training. Dr. Ali offers:

Ten Tips for Keeping Kids Sun-Safe

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Part Three of Our Sun & Skin Series

Pediatricians are recommending kids get outside and get more exercise. But what should you do to keep your kids safe from the sun? Here are some top tips.

  1. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about skin safety to make sure you have the latest information.
  2. Encourage your kids to use sunscreen SPF 15 or above, and make sure they understand why it’s important.
  3. Teach your child to monitor his or her skin while outside; if skin turns white when pressed on with a finger it may be starting to sunburn.
  4. Have your child wear a hat or baseball cap when playing out in the sun.
  5. Have your child wear UV-blocking sunglasses when in the sun.
  6. When playing outside have your child wear a shirt and pants that provide good coverage. Some clothing now comes with the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) listed on the tags.
  7. Encourage outside play before 10am or after 4pm when the sun is less intense.
  8. Medications can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light, so be aware of any medications your child may be taking. Common drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and antibiotics can cause increased sensitivity, so talk to your doctor about your children’s medications.
  9. Insure your kids get adequate amounts of vitamin D from food and supplements, rather than from sun exposure only.
  10. Urge local schools and youth programs to adopt sun protection policies, such as providing shade on playgrounds and outdoor sports venues.

Related Reading

Part One of Our Sun & Skin Series

Part Two of Our Sun & Skin Series

Part Four of Our Sun & Skin Series

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.

Breast Enhancement: Your Options

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Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali has released a patient information whitepaper that outlines the various options for breast enhancement. The whitepaper provides a solid overview of breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction and nipple surgery.

“When a patient is considering a breast enhancement it’s very difficult to find a good overview of the various options,” said Dr. Ali. “This whitepaper provides patients with a general understanding of various procedures and provides guidance for further consideration and research.”

The whitepaper can be downloaded at Intro to Breast Enhancement: Understanding Your Options.

Doctor Ali also has two informative websites that provide an overview of breast augmentation and breast lift procedures. These can be found at Breast Augmentation Michigan and Breast Lift Michigan.

Sunscreen and Celebrities

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Part Two of Our Sun & Skin Series

Think tanning adds to that beautiful, healthy glow? Think again. Some of today’s most popular celebrities know that staying out of the sun helps keep skin young-looking.

“I’m a massive believer in sunblock. Massive…I wear sunblock in the winter, when it’s rainy and gray out—all the time. And not just SPF 15; I wear 50. Five-Zero.” – Charlize Theron

“I say this to every young person I know. Stay out of the sun! I have very fair skin and it would have been super-damage. I always wear sunscreen and I walk on the shady side of the street.” – Julianne Moore

“My grandmother had skin cancer, so she has taught me to wear [sun protection] factor 30 sun cream every day. I even carry an umbrella if I walk in the sunshine.” – Anne Hathaway

So take a cue from these beautiful women. Protect your skin and, in the words of the Skin Cancer Foundation, Go With Your Own Glow™

For tips on safe skincare, visit www.skincancer.org/guidelines

Related Reading

Part One of Our Skin & Sun Series: Sunscreen Reduces Melanoma Risk