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

Sunscreen Reduces Melanoma Risk

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Part One of Our Sun & Skin Series

In December of 2010 the results of a landmark study were published by Adele C. Green, MD in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Green’s study showed that use of sunscreen cuts the risk of melanoma in half. This was the first study that used a randomized clinical trial to measure whether sunscreen use was effective in protecting against melanoma. Prior studies had been lab studies or retrospective studies that relied on the subjects’ memories of sunscreen use.

There were some very unique challenges to conducting a study of this type, as the research involved actively working with the subjects. Most case-controlled research is done by observing behavior and gathering existing data rather than actively intervening in people’s lives. Further, a placebo could not be used on the control group as this would subject the participants to dangerous levels of radiation. To address these issues, the test group was given sunscreen and trained its use while a control group of infrequent sunscreen users was asked not to change their existing habits.

The study was conducted in northern Australia, which is an area of high UV radiation and also boasts the world’s highest rate of melanoma. This allowed the researchers to conduct a study with minimal intervention, as environmental conditions were already in place. The study included 1600 participants; from 1992 to 1996 subjects used sunscreen as directed by the study, and in 1997 a ten-year follow-up study was conducted. There were 11 cases of melanoma in the test group (people who used sunscreen regularly, as directed) and 22 cases of melanoma in the control group (people who did not change their sunscreen use habits).

While this is the first study of its kind and more studies will likely be conducted, this is the first research to provide strong direct evidence that sunscreen helps prevent melanoma.

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, Sunscreen Cuts Melanoma Risk in Half.

Related Reading

Part Two of Our Sun & Skin Series: Sunscreen & Celebrities

Part Three of Our Sun & Skin Series: Ten Tips for Keeping Kids Sun-Safe

Image Skincare Ultimate Defense™ SPF Products

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Amae Plastic Surgery Center carries the Image Skincare Daily Defense line of SPF products to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation. This next generation of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB moisturizers provide the ultimate in protection from the sun. Image Skincare Daily Defense features products for every skin type, including:

Daily Defense™ Universal Moisturizer SPF 30 for all skin types, normal skin and/or aging skin.

Daily Defense™ Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30 for dry/dehydrated, sensitive or Rosacea-prone skin.

Daily Defense™ Matte Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 30 for oily or acne-prone skin.

Daily Defense™ Moisturizer SPF 30 for all skin types and/or uneven skin color and tone.

Daily Defense™ Ultimate Preventive Moisturizer SPF 35 for all skin types. Designed for highly exposed skin, sports activities and post-treatment skin.

Image Skincare Daily Defense moisturizers use grape-seed derived stem cells to extend the longevity of skin cells, as well as Resveratrol to reduce the risk of free radical damage caused by the sun.

Paraben Free

All Image Skincare products are free of chemical preservatives like parabens. The use of parabens in cosmetics is controversial, as there are clinical studies suggesting that parabens have potential health risks. Image Skincare has removed parabens from its entire product line.

Good for Your Skin, Good for the Environment

Besides being paraben-free, Image Skincare products use no petrochemicals or other chemical preservatives and all fragrances are composed from 100% essential oils. Image products are not tested on animals and are produced with respect to the environment.

Skin Care Special: Spring Glo & Go

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Join us May 2, 2012 from 10:30 to 3:00pm for a

Glycolic NeoPeel Day

The NeoPeel is designed to help smooth fine lines, minimize pore size and even your skin tone, leaving your skin looking refreshed and youthful.

Call today to schedule your appointment! The first 10 people to schedule their appointment will receive a FREE Tiffany Blue Pashmina!

Purchase your Neocutis starter kit for only $149 (full size cleanser, Journee 15ml & Biocream 15ml) A $100 savings off the suggested retail price (offer while supplies last) and receive a Glycolic NeoPeel at no charge!

15% off ALL NEOCUTIS products!

Discount on NEOCUTIS products expires May 31, 2012
A NEOCUTIS Representative will be here to answer questions and give complimentary skin evaluations.

Anti-Aging Regimen: Strategies and Techniques

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Injectables, fillers, Botox®, creams, treatments…what is all of this and how does it work? Anti-aging is not a one-shot solution. Battling the signs of aging is a multi-stage, multi-level effort.

As we age, environmental factors cause skin damage; sunlight, airborne pollution, cosmetics and other factors all take a toll on skin. The basis of an effective anti-aging routine includes using a good, high quality cleanser every night to insure that your skin is clean.

Masks and facials are treatments typically administered at a spa that provide deep cleaning and de-stress the skin, important for keeping lines and wrinkles at bay. Skin can also be rejuvenated and dead or damaged skin removed via microdermabrasion, chemical peels and/or laser resurfacing, all of which actually remove the top layer of skin, promoting healing and skin regrowth.

Many anti-aging creams and serums also help counter signs of aging by reversing the damage done to skin. These products use a variety of natural elements to replace collagen and restore elasticity and strength to the skin. There are general creams for daytime and nighttime application as well as specialty serums that treat specific areas (i.e. under the eyes).

Eventually–despite our best efforts–gravity, age and genetics result in lines, wrinkles and folds that simply can’t be eliminated or even minimized to your satisfaction. At this point many people turn to injectables and fillers, the most popular of which are Botox®, Juvederm® and Sculpra Aesthetic®. These products may be used individually or in a combination, depending upon the results you are trying to achieve and your specific situation. Botox relaxes the muscles and is often used for severe frown lines in the brow and crows feet around the eye area. Fillers use a variety of elements found in the skin to replace lost volume and “plump up” areas of the face. This is particularly effective for deep folds such as those that stretch from the edge of the nose down around the mouth area.

As you can see, anti-aging skin care is really a process, and there are a variety of options which may be right for your skin. The professionals at Amae Plastic Surgery Center can work with you to discuss what you hope to achieve and help determine the best regimen to keep your skin and healthy and as youthful as possible.


Like us at Facebook for great specials on anti-aging and skin care products.

Spring Anti-Aging Event a Huge Success

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Our spring Botox® event was a huge success. Many of our patients took advantage of the great specials on injectables and anti-aging skin care products. Additionally, we had a representative here from Perfectly Posh, showing off a new line of pampering products including soaps, scrubs, lotions and more.

Our friends from Mentor and Allergan were also on hand to answer questions about breast implants (Mentor), Botox® and Juvederm® (Allergan). Colleen from NeoCutis® was here doing complimentary skin care analyses and providing information and recommendations for anti-aging skin care products.

Wonderful snacks kept everyone going and in high spirits, and it was fun to see many of our patients all together. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did, and we hope to see all of you, and many more, at our next event.

The Staff of Amae Plastic Surgery Center