Why Black Americans Are Getting More Botox & Facial Fillers
Why Black Americans Are Getting More Botox & Facial Fillers Than Ever Before
Allure magazine just ran a very interesting article about the increasing use of Botox and facial fillers among Black Americans.
In this article renowned Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. M. Azar Ali continues this discussion and addresses some of the issues and concerns of men and women of color when considering Botox and/or facial fillers.
The Stigma of Cosmetic Procedures Has Disappeared
Many Bay Boomers were raised with a stigma surrounding treatments such as Botox or facial fillers. But now younger generations of Americans of all races are abandoning the shame associated with having work done.
Cosmetic treatments are now a subject that is now socially acceptable on a broad scale. While Baby Boomers and Gen X tend to see these procedures as remedial medicine, millennials and Gen Z tend to view aesthetic intervention as self-care and preventative medicine.
As a result, Botox and facial fillers have experienced a significant rise in interest among Black and brown patients.
Botox, Facial Fillers & Black Representation
One significant problem with injectable and other treatments has been representation in marketing portrayals.
When most of these aesthetic and anti-aging treatments were initially launched, they were marketed only to white women. Frustratingly, clinical studies of their effectiveness were also performed almost exclusively on white women.
So, for many women and men of color, it has traditionally been hard to see or envision themselves indulging in these cosmetic procedures. And, while the media still has a long way to go, thanks to more inclusivity in advertising Black individuals are now being included in the media conversation about Botox, facial fillers and other cosmetic products and treatments.
Statistics on Black Use of Botox & Facial Fillers
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, over 15.5 million cosmetic procedures were done in the United States alone. Botox was the most widely used coming in first position with 4.4 million procedures, followed by facial fillers at 3.4 million procedures.
In that report the ASPS noted that just 11% of all cosmetic procedures and 4% of Botox injections were performed on Black patients in 2020. But they also reported that Black interest in these procedures is increasing.
According to the same report, 1.78 million Black Americans had cosmetic operations in 2020, up from 1.77 million in 2019 and 1.68 million in 2018 to.
Unique Skin Concerns of Black Botox Patients
Aging seems to be somewhat different in patients of color. To begin with, “photo-aging” (skin damage due to UV sun exposure) happens more slowly in darker skin due to the increased amount of melanin. So, while Black patients may experience skin dullness and hyperpigmentation, typically, Black patients do not have skin that wrinkles very much with age.
Many Black men and women never develop true forehead lines. One is more likely to see vertical “11” lines between the eyebrows than to notice horizontal forehead lines. Whereas someone of the same age who is Caucasian will often have lines across the forehead in addition to the 11 lines. However, if you look at Asian populations, you’ll see that they often get crow’s feet more frequently than they develop forehead lines or “11s”.
Botox is ideal for treating the parallel, vertical “11s” between the eyes in patients with darker skin tones. It is also highly effective as a kind of “prejuvenation,” with younger patients receiving lower doses of Botox to prevent the development of creases between the eyes as they age.
Unique Skin Concerns of Black Facial Filler Patients
Collagen levels peak at age 22, and each year afterwards, a person loses roughly 1% of that collagen. While black individuals do not age as quickly as those with less pigmentation, decreasing collagen causes substantial volume loss in people of all skin colors.
This loss of facial volume can result in the development of smile lines, hollowness under the eyes, and sagging skin in the cheeks, jowls, and nasolabial areas. Facial fillers administered in these areas can restore youthful volume and plumpness to Black or brown skin.
Botox & Facial Filler Providers for Black Skin | Birmingham
Many Med Spas fail to understand the unique needs of African-American and others with melanin-rich skin.
Sadly, if you look at medical textbooks and training materials many (if not most) of the accompanying images present lighter and white skin tones. This has unfortunately produced a “blind zone” in many practices’ treatment of Black skin, since procedure results appear differently on darker skin.
It is critical to have cosmetic physicians and aestheticians who understand Black and brown skin, and who have years of experiencing treating patients of color. Dr. Ali himself, has very dark skin himself – so he not only comprehends the issues unique to darker skin tones, he has experienced them firsthand.
If you are a person of color who is interested in exploring the anti-aging and skin rejuvenating possibilities of Botox or facial fillers, you can trust your skin to Dr. Ali at AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa.
Schedule consultation at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham and Dr. Ali will take the time to assess your unique skin and understand your personal aesthetic goals. Then he will customize a treatment plan based on your individual skin type, tone, color and condition – so that you will achieve the best results and look your best at any age.
Botox & Facial Fillers for Black Skin: 248-335-7200
Injectables Are on the Rise… and They’re Not Going Anywhere
Bloomfield Hills, MI– Botox. Radiesse. Aquamid. Renuva. Juvederm and other hyaluronic acid derivatives. These and many other injectables are becoming household names throughout modern society. What’s more is that they’re on the rise in the United States, and don’t show any sign of slowing.
In fact, according to The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were over 7 million injectable treatments in the United States in 2016 alone. That’s a 10% increase since 2015 and a nearly 7,000% percent change in the past 20 years.
What Are Injectables?
These treatments are perfect for those who want to confront some of the less-glamorous effects of aging but prefer not to undergo surgery. Be it fine lines, wrinkles, or a desire to improve skin tone and texture, injectables are a great alternative to more invasive procedures.
There are several main types of injectables:
- Botulinum Toxin Derivatives: This includes Botox and the newer Xeomin. These are both injected by a fine needle that introduces the treatment into the body. The substances block the release of some chemicals responsible for facial muscle contraction, ultimately relaxing the muscles. This leads to a drastic reduction in the appearance of everything from crow’s feet to frown lines and wrinkles across the forehead. The effects of this treatment take a few days to be fully noticeable, and can last up to about six months.
- Hyaluronic Acid Derivatives: This includes Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero Balance, and many others. These gel fillers act by restoring the skin’s volume while at the same time smoothing away folds, wrinkles, and lines. Unlike Botox, these fillers are visible immediately and can even last up to a year.
- Adipose Transfer Treatments: This includes Renuva and is basically transferring a small amount of fat to desired areas like scars, aging hands, or other small skin defects. Transfer treatments are ideal for giving skin a firmer, more youthful look and for smoothing out any irregularities.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite: This includes Radiesse and is derived from a mineral-like compound that naturally exists in human bones. With a long history first in dentistry and then reconstructive surgery, this dermal filler has a strong safety record and is effective for treating fine lines. It can also enhance fullness in cheeks and facial contours and add volume throughout the face as needed.
- Polylactic Acid: This includes Sculptra and is a synthetic dermal filler that stimulates the body’s own collagen production. It is ideal for plumping lips and filling deep lines caused by laughing. Typically, three monthly treatments are needed, and it can take several weeks to see results.
Why Are Injectables So Popular?
Since the thought of plastic surgery frightens many people, injectables are ideal for those who want a marked improvement of their skin but who don’t want the downtime surgery often requires. Most injectable treatments have a very small recovery period and allow patients to return to work the same day as the treatment.
Furthermore, they are generally far less expensive than their surgical counterparts, averaging just hundreds, not thousands, of dollars per treatment. It’s an easy way to see if cosmetic procedures are something people want to pursue further.
If you’re interested in rejuvenating your skin with an injectable, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali today! You can also call 855-335-7200 to speak with the office directly.
About Us: Dr. M. Azhar Ali is a board-certified, Detroit area plastic surgeon. He and his team are experienced and knowledgeable aesthetic care professionals, skilled in providing treatments like injectables and other cosmetic treatments. Dr. Ali, with thousands of surgeries to his name, offers expert and compassionate care to all patients.
© 2017 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
How to Get a Movie Star Pout
Bloomfield Hills, MI – Many celebrities are famous for their full lips and pouts, recently highlighted by Kylie Jenner in her #kyliejennerlipchallenge, encouraging people to highlight their favorite features. It also helped many feel more comfortable talking about augmentation out in the open, proudly owning up to any enhancements they may have had.
“Lip augmentation is more popular now than ever,” says American Society of Plastic Surgeons member Dr. Ali. “With injectable treatments like Botox or hyaluronic acids, full and luscious lips are very easy to attain.”
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that less than every 20 minutes, someone in the U.S. opts for lip implant procedures. There were over 27,000 such treatments completed in 2015, and that number is only expected to rise.
Part of the popularity, opines Dr. Ali, is the ease of lip enhancements. “It’s a very straightforward process,” the Michigan plastic surgeon says, “involving just a local anesthetic and then injections with a tiny needle to fill out areas where you desire volume and rejuvenation. Injectables are a safe and easy procedure that can produce wonderful results.”
What’s more is that you’ll notice results almost instantly and can get back to work right after the injections. Depending on the filler type used, there may be some initial bruising and/or swelling, but that will subside within a few days, leaving fuller, more supple skin behind.
You can expect results to last six months or even years, depending on which type of filler you choose. And the treatments themselves are fast and simple. “Depending on what kind of results you want,” says Dr. Ali, “your actual procedure time can be just 15-20 minutes!”
Hyaluronic Acid-Based Treatments
Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our bodies. It’s a water-soluble substance that allows skin cells to retain more water, keeping the treated areas plump and firm.
- Restylane is one option and lasts about six months. Regular treatments with Restylane can increase your body’s ability to produce collagen, helping to counter the effects of aging naturally.
- Juvederm boasts the longest lasting results on the market today; patients can expect to see results for up to a year and will notice a change immediately, unlike botulin-based products.
Other Options
While hyaluronic compounds are increasingly popular, there are other choices available not just for lip augmentation, but for the surrounding areas as well.
- Botox is comprised of the botulinum toxin, which sounds alarming, but when used in small doses, the results can be fantastic. It functions by reducing muscle contractions in your face, causing wrinkles to disappear.
- Radiesse is a dermal filler also made from naturally-occurring substances. This treatment works by filling in the skin gaps that we know as wrinkles. Over time, Radiesse adds volume to your skin, diminishing the lines. The best part of this option is that Radiesse helps your body produce new cells after a few months, meaning the results can last for up to two years!
With these fast, simple, and safe procedures widely available, now is a wonderful time to plump up your smile for the perfect pout! All of the treatments listed above are FDA approved non-surgical treatments that can help you easily achieve the look you want.
If you’re interested in getting a facial filler or any other type of enhancement procedure, schedule a consultation with award-winning Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.
© 2017 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments Can Make You Look and Feel Years Younger
Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, MI – Non-invasive cosmetic treatments, such as Latisse (the only FDA approved gel treatment for sparse eyelashes); Xeomin (which improves frown lines via injection); and Juvederm (an injection that helps reduce wrinkles and folds); are all viable options for improving your appearance. Each treatment provides a non-surgical alternative to traditional plastic surgery that can make you look years younger than your actual age.
Latisse, Xeomin and Juvederm Right Here in Detroit
Dr. M. Azhar Ali, of Amae Plastic Surgery Center in Bloomfield Hills, offers Latisse treatments as well as Xeomin and Juvederm injections, in addition to world-renowned plastic surgery. Dr. Ali says, “For patients who want to look as young as they feel, we offer a range of cosmetic treatments and injectables here at Amae Plastic Surgery Center. These treatments are non-invasive, offer few side effects, and last quite a long time.”
How Do Injectable Cosmetics Work?
Latisse
Latisse will be prescribed by Dr. Ali and applied to your eyelashes, by you! There is no need to revisit Dr. Ali until you have finished the treatment process, which spans about 16 weeks, or if an allergic reaction occurs (which is rare).
The treatments will be applied each day with an applicator that is included with your prescription. After thoroughly washing your face, you apply Latisse the same way you would apply mascara: by moving the applicator from the inner to the outer baseline of your eyelashes. A new applicator will be used for the other eye.
According to Dr. Ali, there could be a few side effects with Latisse, such as irritation of the eyes, and redness or darkening of the eyelids, but these effects generally correct themselves over time.
Xeomin
Xeomin, often called “the New Botox” is an FDA approved treatment for the improvement of frown or laugh lines (depending on how you view them). The treatment is similar to both Botox and Dysport; but unlike those two injections, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated. Additionally, there are several other advantages to using Xeomin rather than Botox or Dysport.
Botox was approved by the FDA in 1989 to treat two types of muscular eye disorders. However, the injectable treatment was expanded for use in 2002 (also with FDA approval) for use to treat significantly deep wrinkles between the eyes and aid migraines, among several other uses.
When Botox stopped working for many patients due to a tolerance buildup, Dysport was created. The FDA approved Dysport in 2009 to treat cosmetic issues similar to Botox.
In 2010, the FDA approved Xeomin to help patients get rid of unwanted wrinkles while also creating much smoother skin. The treatment works a bit differently than its two predecessors in that it was developed to reduce muscle spasms as well as aid in getting rid of undesirable cosmetic issues such as deep lines and severe wrinkles.
According to Dr. Ali, Xeomin is an excellent alternative to Botox as it is “additive-free, which means that the chances of an allergic reaction are greatly diminished.” Additionally, Dr. Ali has found that Xeomin treatments work in as little as five days and last for approximately six months.
Juvederm
Juvederm is an FDA-approved injection with a variety of uses. The name Juvederm actually represents a line of top-selling hyaluronic acid fillers. Each product in the line of fillers adds volume to a different section of the face. For example, the treatment can be used to lift cheeks, smooth parentheses lines, or plump the lips. The results are subtle and long-lasting.
These Non-Invasive Treatments are Just a Consultation Away
Are you tired of looking at a tired, ragged you in the mirror each morning? Are you ready to look and feel younger? Today could be the day when everything changes.
If you’re ready to start looking as young as you feel, call or contact Dr. M. Azhar Ali at Amae Plastic Surgery Center in Bloomfield Hills for a consultation. In some cases, cosmetic treatments, such as injectables, can be completed during the same initial consultation appointment.
© 2017 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
Facial Plastic Surgery Can Turn Back Time
Detroit, MI – You can usually tell how old someone is by the wisdom he or she exhibits. Unfortunately, our faces also tend to give our age away.
As we get older, our cheeks begin to sag, we develop laugh lines and crow’s feet, and those problems only exarcerbate as the years go by.
Some people aren’t taking these age-related appearance busters sitting down. Instead, they’re taking to lying on the surgeon’s table and opting for one or more facial plastic surgery procedures.
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, facial plastic surgeons saw a 64% increase in patients in the year 2015. And the trend only seems to be growing.
“There are quite a few plastic surgery procedures that can help a person look years younger than their chronological age,” says Dr. M Azhar Ali, a Detroit Plastic Surgeon who operates AMAE Plastic Surgery Center in Bloomfield Hills.
Non-surgical procedures include injectables like Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse and Restylane, which are designed to smooth the wrinkles in the face.
Xeomin is another injectable that is approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows.
Other non-surgical techniques include Belotero Balance and Sculptra Aesthetic, which are dermal fillers that help to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production, leading to a more youthful appearance.
“Many patients are happy with these non-surgical techniques,” says Dr. Ali. “But for patients who require more thorough facial correction, there are a variety of surgical techniques that can really work well.”
Dr. Ali is referring to facelifts, which can lift the skin of the face to minimize wrinkles and reduce the sagging of the jowls.
There is also the neck lift. The neck tends to show age even before the face does, and the neck lift can make a person look younger by tightening the skin in that area.
Other surgical techniques include nose reshaping, brow lifts, cheek implants, eyelid surgery, chin implants, ear surgery, hair transplants and dermabrasion (a technique that helps to refinish the top layers of the skin through a method known as controlled surgical scraping).
Another popular facial plastic surgery procedure includes facial reconstruction, which involves skin grafting and scar reduction to correct damage to the face, such as might happen in an automobile accident.
“With all of these techniques, a person can erase years from their face and feel much better about themselves personally, professionally and in all areas of their life,” Dr. Ali says.
According to the AAFPRS, the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures include rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction), a combination of surgical and non-surgical techniques like Botox, and eyelid surgery to prevent looking so fatigued.
More than 51% of those surveyed said that they had facial plastic surgery to remain competitive in the workforce.
To learn more about the various facial plastic surgery procedures available, visit https://drali.com/contact-us/.
© 2016 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
Which Facial Filler is Right for You?
Bloomfield Hills, MI – Are you looking for a way to erase the signs of aging in your face, without having to undergo an extensive plastic surgery procedure? Dermal fillers may be a great solution for you, but there are so many on the market, how do you know which one is the best to treat your issue?
There are numerous types of fillers on the market today. You’ve know doubt heard many of the names – Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, but what is the difference? Which one should you ask your plastic surgeon about? Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. Ali breaks down the different types of facial fillers on the market today.
- Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is probably the most well-known type of filler, and it’s probably the one you think of when you think of facial injections. It is most commonly used to smooth the wrinkles in the forehead and brow, and crow’s feet lines around the eyes. It can also be injected in the underarms to stop excessive sweating. It typically lasts three to four months, and is best used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles. If you have more fine lines, Botox may not be the ideal option for you.
- Restylane, or hyaluronic acid, is used to treat the nasolabial folds, smile and brow lines, and for lips and beneath the eyes. It typically lasts between six and eight months, but like Botox, it is best to treat deeper folds.
- Juvederm is a 3D hyaluronic acid matrix filler. It is most often used to plump lips and to treat nasolabial folds. It can last up to one year, and offers a great and natural look for patients.
- Radiesse is calcium hydroxyapatite particles that are suspended in a hyaluronic gel. It treats smile lines, broader folds and cheeks. It lasts 12 to 18 months. Unlike other fillers, until it dissipates on its own, it cannot be reversed.
- Belotero is monophasic double cross-linked hyaluronic acid. It is great to treat the deep furrows of the brow, for lip augmentations, facial outlines, nasolabial folds, and facial depressions. It generally lasts for six to nine months, and because there is minimal risk of lumpiness, it is safe to use in most locations.
- Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid that can last up to two years. It is used to treat the deep folds between the nose and mouth, folds in the corners of the mouth, sunken cheeks, and deeper wrinkles or scars. It works to stimulate production of your body’s natural collagen.
- Fat fillers are your own fat cells that have been removed from another part of your body, and then treated before being injected back in the desired location. Fat transfer can be used to treat sunken cheeks, thin lips, lines below the eyes, or to fill out buttocks and breasts. The results are permanent for the fat cells that survive the transfer, but it can be unpredictable.
“The best type of filler for you will depend on the areas you are hoping to treat, and the look you desire,” says Dr. Ali. “In the hands of the right plastic surgeon, all facial fillers should have natural-looking and beautiful results. They can turn back the hands of time and have you looking and feeling your best.”
If you are interested in learning more about how facial fillers can erase fine lines and wrinkles, without undergoing surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali today.
© 2016 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
How to Avoid Botched Botox
Bloomfield Hills, MI – We’ve all seen it – in fact, it can be hard to look away. Bad Botox can happen to even the best of us. So how can you be sure you avoid bad Botox? By researching and choosing a certified plastic surgeon, you can safeguard your chances of having a beautiful outcome.
“Unfortunately, no one is immune to bad Botox, even celebrities,” says MI plastic surgery expert Dr. Ali. “In some cases it is subtle, but clear something just isn’t quite right. In other cases, it’s obvious something has gone terribly wrong. It is important to remember that as with anything, when it comes to Botox, not all providers are created equally.”
Today, Botox has become incredibly common. That means it’s no longer relegated just to your plastic surgeon’s office and you can find it in a variety of locations. But that isn’t always a good thing.
“Just because someone has the ability to inject Botox, doesn’t mean they have the skill required to give you the look you want,” says Dr. Ali. “Botox and other fillers take skill and artistry to ensure a natural-looking and functioning face after. It should be customized to each individual patient, based on their individual face.”
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, and if you aren’t careful, you may end up with a look you didn’t anticipate. Not only that, there are very real side effects that can happen when in the hands of a less skilled Botox provider.
If your Botox injector isn’t as skilled, you can end up with bruising. This happens when a provider fails to take the time to carefully look at the patient to assess his or her anatomy and location of facial veins. If Botox is injected into a superficial skin vein, bruising will appear. This can also be minimized by pre-treating the area with ice.
When having Botox injected near the lower eyelid, you’ll want to ensure it’s being done by a steady and skilled hand, otherwise you may be seeing double vision. While rare, this can happen if the injection happens too close to the eyelid.
Botox is not one size fits all. A provider cannot simply inject it into the same locations on each patient because each face and how the muscles work are different. And, each patient will desire a slightly different outcome.
To ensure your best result after Botox, be sure your provider is skilled and experienced in treating a variety of patients, and is dedicated to treating each patient like an individual. It should not be considered a cookie-cutter procedure. In the hands of the right plastic surgeon, Botox can leave you looking and feeling naturally refreshed.
© 2016 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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!
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.
