Saving Your Skin This Summer

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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

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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!

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments are Needed for Permanent Hair Removal?

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Are 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

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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!

Can Natural Eyelashes Be Made Longer or Thicker?

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Have 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!

What’s the Ideal Age for a Facelift?

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With age, nearly everyone’s face develops cheek folds and loose skin around the neck. Many men and women alike choose to have a facelift because it removes loose skin and tightens the tissue around the facial muscles, resulting in a younger and rejuvenated appearance.

But when is the ideal age to have this procedure?

While a majority of facelifts are performed on people between the ages of 40 and 60, there is no “right” age. The want or need for this procedure arises from personal opinions of one’s self and having developed physical characteristics that can in fact be corrected by a facelift procedure. We’ve seen patients well into their 60’s or 70’s with minimal wrinkles and great facial features that do not even have a need for correction. Everyone is different.

As always, it’s best to first consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon before making a decision on which procedure is best for you. There are a number of non-surgical options available today, such as liquid facelift procedures, to correct or improve various conditions of the face; surgery isn’t always the only option for achieving desired results.

After a professional consultation, if it is determined that a surgical facelift is the best option, the operation will usually take three to five hours and is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.

Incisions are typically hidden within natural contours of the face such as the area around the ears and discrete areas beneath the chin. After three weeks, gradual resumption of any athletic or physical activity is allowed.

To learn more about facelift procedures, or various non-surgical procedures, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.

The Cosmetic Effects of Smoking

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Did you know that the World Health Organization just recently predicted that within the next 20 years the number of people diagnosed with cancer will increase to 22 million? To give you some perspective, the number of new cancer cases as of right now (2014) is 14 million. The number one killer around the globe? Lung cancer.

The effects of smoking are very real and harm the human body from the inside out. We know that internal effects are countless, with smoking affecting nearly every organ in the body and being the primary cause of many diseases today.

Unfortunately, sometimes things that are out of sight are out of mind, which is why the FDA is now using scare tactics to prevent our youngest generations from starting. The scary advertisements focus on the cosmetic effects of smoking. Were you aware that smoking may be a cause of all of these?

  • Loose skin under the eyes

  • Crow’s feet

  • Lines around the lips

  • Damaged teeth and gums

  • Stained fingers

  • Poor skin tone and uneven coloring

  • Age spots

  • Destruction of collagen and elastin (saggy skin on all parts of the body)

  • Sagging breasts

  • Hair loss

  • Psoriasis

Here’s some good news: If you already smoke, quitting today can improve your appearance. Blood flow will continue to improve with each smokeless day, which provides your skin with more oxygen and nutrients. The tobacco stains on your fingers will disappear if you remain tobacco free.

The very best thing you can do for your body (inside and out) is never begin smoking in the first place. But if you have already started, all is not lost. There are cosmetic solutions for limiting the number of wrinkles and age spots, and improving one’s complexion.

To learn more about the effects of smoking and to view the advertisements referenced earlier, click here.

 

Can Areola Size Be Reduced?

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Are you embarrassed or unhappy with the size of your areolas? You’re not alone. In fact, many women feel insecure with the aesthetics of their breasts. Often times, areola or nipple size can appear disproportionately large on one’s breast as a result of genetics, pregnancy, or increasing age.

For those experiencing proportion issues, asymmetry between the right and left nipples, or stretching of the areolas following an augmentation, areola reduction repair is a surgical option for correction. Areola reduction surgery removes the pigmented area from the outside of the areola to achieve a reduced circumference as well as symmetry between both breasts.

Although this surgery is performed by making a direct incision, the proper placement of incisions and meticulous surgical techniques should leave minimal scarring. This procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, and when performed on its own the recovery phase is quite tolerable. Patients may be instructed to wear a supportive bra during the relatively short healing process.  Exercise and physical activity should be kept to a minimum.

Areola reduction repair is sometimes performed in conjunction with other breast procedures such as a breast augmentation or a breast lift. In addition to reducing the size of the areola, nipples can also be reduced if they appear too long or project too far out. This particular procedure is called nipple reduction surgery.

In addition to areola and nipple reduction surgeries, there are a number of plastic surgery options available for repairing or restoring the breasts. A thorough examination and careful evaluation performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon will determine which type of procedure will provide the best results for the desired outcome.
For additional information, or to schedule a consultation at Amae Plastic Surgery Center, call (855) 335-7200.

Can “Bat Ears” Be Corrected With Surgery?

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Rewind back to your elementary school days… do you recall anyone being called “bat ears” or being poked fun at because of their prominent ears? Prominent ears, or “ears that stick out” are one of the most common types of ear deformities. Although they don’t pose a threat to one’s health, they directly affect many people’s appearance and self-esteem throughout their entire life – not just in their younger years.

There is a surgical solution to “bat ears” and it’s called otoplasty. An otoplasty procedure can improve the shape, position and/or proportion of the ear and can be performed on people of all ages by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Because this operation has no harmful effects on hearing, and discomfort is minimal, the procedure is relatively popular among those that are unhappy with their ears. This procedure also results in minimal scarring because incisions are made on the back side of the ear.

Once a small incision is made, cartilage is thinned or cut so that the ear can be placed in the desired position. Immediately following the procedure, a bulky type dressing is wrapped around the head, covering both ears for protection. This also helps to minimize swelling and discomfort. Patients are usually required to wear a headband or bandana for a few weeks following the procedure as their ears heal.

It’s important to note that perfect symmetry is not a reasonable expectation. Both ears are never 100% alike, even on people with proportional-looking ears.

If you are considering an otoplasty procedure, we encourage you to contact Amae Plastic Surgery Center and schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ali. Just call (855) 335-7200.

 

Trend Alert: Performing Fewer Nips and Tucks, More Non-Invasive Procedures

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We know what you’re thinking based on the title of this blog: the number of cosmetic procedures is declining. But, that’s not the case! The industry is busier than ever – we are just performing fewer “nips and tucks” than we have in the past. Why? Patients and doctors alike are migrating toward non-invasive procedures that utilize lasers, ultrasounds, and filler injections. Various technologies and innovations over the past several years have made achieving various cosmetic results faster and simpler.

The benefits of non-Invasive procedures include:

  • Shorter procedure time

  • Shorter recovery times

  • Less expensive

  • Results

But, it’s important that expectations of non-invasive procedures remain realistic. Just because they are “non-invasive” does not mean they are free of risks or side effects; these are still medical procedures. And, minor procedures don’t often yield major results. Many are not as long-lasting and dramatic as the results of surgical procedures.

Let us look at non-invasive liquid face lift procedures, for example: while with most products, results can be seen immediately, they are not permanent like a surgical facelift. A liquid face lift will only improve the look of aging for six months to a year, depending on the product(s) used. Liquid face lifts require touch-up procedures over time to maintain the patient’s desired appearance. Patients seeking more permanent results which will change the elements of their face or their body may instead consider a surgical procedure.

It is for these reasons that choosing a board certified plastic surgeon is extremely important, whether you’re having a surgical procedure or a non-invasive procedure. Because the number of patients desiring non-surgical procedures has increased, the number of professionals performing these procedures has also increased. Not all are board certified or properly trained in cosmetic procedures – only a licensed and skilled plastic surgeon can tell you what the best options are for achieving your desired results. And, ensure that your procedure is a safe one!

If you are interested in a non-surgical or surgical cosmetic procedure, contact us at Amae Plastic Surgery Center.