Liquid Facelift: Look Years Younger, Without Surgery!

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Turn Back Time With a Non-Surgical Liquid Facelift!

The liquid facelift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Also known as a non-surgical facelift, this procedure uses dermal fillers and other injectables to restore volume and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines on the face.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 2 million injectable treatments were performed in the United States in 2020, with Botox and dermal fillers being the most popular procedures. The popularity of combining multiple injectable treatments into one non-surgical liquid facelift procedure is on the rise due to its minimally invasive nature and the relatively low cost compared to a surgical facelift.

In this article, the injectable experts at AMAE in the Troy, MI area will explore the details of the liquid facelift, including what techniques are used, what fillers are used, what results can be expected, and how it compares to a surgical facelift.

Fillers Used in Liquid Facelifts

The liquid facelift involves a combination of Botox, dermal fillers and other injectables into one procedure to achieve a more youthful appearance without surgery. The specific techniques and fillers used will vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and goals.

For example, adding volume to sunken or flat cheeks pulls skin on the lower upward and makes it more plump and tight – for a dramatically lifted look!

Some of the most commonly used injectables used in a liquid facelift include:

Hyaluronic acid fillers: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane use hyaluronic acid to restore volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness due to aging.

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers: These fillers, such as Radiesse, use a mineral compound to add volume to the face and stimulate collagen production, which helps to lift, firm, and tighten the skin.

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers: These fillers, such as Sculptra, work by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production over time, resulting in a gradual improvement in skin texture and tone.

Botox and other similar injections (including Dysport and Xeomin): These are used to relax the muscles in the face that cause wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the eyes and forehead – including the vertical “elevens” between the eyes, horizontal wrinkles across the forehead, and crows’ feet on the sides of the eyes.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP injections involve drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood and processing it to concentrate the platelets which contain skin rejuvenating growth factors. The plasma is then injected back into the face to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture on a cellular level.

Kybella: In some cases, patients with fat below the chin may also wish to undergo Kybella injections to remove submental fat and help reduce the appearance of ‘jowls’. If Kybella injections are employed, a separate treatment session may be required.

Results & Duration of Liquid Facelifts

The results of a liquid facelift are typically seen immediately after the procedure and can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or longer, depending on the type of injectables used and the individual patient’s response. While the results of a liquid facelift are not permanent, many patients find that they can achieve prolonged desired results with regular touch-up treatments.

While the results of a surgical facelift are typically more dramatic and longer-lasting than those of a liquid facelift, the liquid facelift has several advantages, including: no recovery time, no need for general anesthesia, an extremely low risk of complications, significantly less discomfort, and no scarring.

Good Candidates for a Liquid Facelift

A good candidate for a liquid facelift is someone who is looking to improve the appearance of mild to moderate signs of aging on their face, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of volume. They should also have enough facial volume to achieve the desired results with injectable fillers and be in good overall health.

It is recommended that patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions that affect blood clotting, such as hemophilia, should avoid a liquid facelift. Additionally, patients who have a history of allergic reactions to any of the injectable products used in the procedure should obviously not undergo a liquid facelift.

Choosing a Liquid Facelift Provider

When choosing a liquid facelift provider, it is essential to select a highly experienced plastic surgeon or trained nurse injector operating under the guidance of a plastic surgeon. A skilled medical provider, like top board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali and the nurse injectors at AMAE Plastic Surgery in the Troy, MI area will take the time to assess your individual needs and goals, create a personalized treatment plan, and use their expertise to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.

In addition to the qualifications and experience of the provider, it is important to consider their approach to taking into account each patient’s unique facial features, including their skin type and tone, bone structure, and ethnic background. The provider should have experience working with patients of diverse ethnicities and be sensitive to the importance of preserving the patient’s natural beauty and cultural identity.

Liquid Facelifts | Troy, MI Area

If you have mild to moderate signs of aging on your face – including lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and loss of volume – schedule an appointment at AMAE Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in the Troy, MI area with our injectable experts.

We will create a customized liquid facelift plan just for you – so you look younger and more beautiful – and love the skin you’re in!

Liquid Facelifts | Troy, MI Area: 248-335-7200

How to Get the Best Results with Facelift Surgery

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Getting the Best Results with Facelift Surgery–

Birmingham, MI board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has successfully performed facelift surgery on thousands of thrilled men and women, who look love how they look younger and more attractive.

In this article he discusses some steps you can take to ensure you get the best results from your facelift surgery procedure.

Choosing a Facelift Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon is the first step toward successful facelift surgery. A board certified plastic surgeon will have hundreds of hours of training and experience performing facelifts – and will be up on the latest procedures and best techniques.

Avoid doctors (or dentists!) who do facelifts “on the side” of their regular practice and are not board certified. Although they may be cheaper, remember that you get what you pay for.

An inexperienced or untrained surgeon can make mistakes that end up causing a stretched appearance, lumps or bumps, facial drooping, or uneven facial features. More seriously, nerve damage, trouble swallowing, and vocal or vision problems can result if your facelift surgeon is not board certified and highly experienced.

Facelift Surgery: Realistic Expectation

The best facelift candidates have realistic expectations. A good facelift should make you look like a natural, younger, more attractive version of yourself. However, a facelift is not a procedure that will make you look like someone else. There are, however, other surgical procedures that can more dramatically change your appearance – including nose jobs (rhinoplasty), eyelid lifts, and even cheek and jaw implants.

A facelift alone typically offers the most satisfying results for patients who wish to tighten lose, lax, or sagging skin.  However, if you have specific features you wish to improve, a facelift can be combined with blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), rhinoplasty (facelift) or other plastic surgeries.

Dr. Ali will take the time to discuss your appearance goals – so you can make the right decision about which procedures are best for you.

Facelift Surgery: Following Instructions

The best results in facelift surgery are obtained by patients are committed to following their plastic surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions. Dr. Ali will provide you with detailed written instructions for both pre-operative and post-operative care.

Typically, should refrain from certain supplements, OTC medicines, and consuming alcohol, aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) before their facelift – and for several weeks afterwards.

Patients who walk around three or four times a day after their facelift, boost circulation and prevent the development of blood clots in the legs.  Not bending over, and not lifting heavy objects until the plastic surgeon allows it will also help the incisions to properly heal and will assist in keeping your results “in place.”

Of course, avoiding smoking before and after facelift surgery dramatically improves the body’s ability to heal quickly and properly. And taking your full course of prescribed antibiotics will prevent the risk of an infection after your facelift.

Sleeping position is also important post facelift surgery. Patients who sleep with their head elevated for about two to three weeks following a facelift will help prevent swelling.

Facelift Surgery – Birmingham, MI

If you are considering facelift surgery, Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation in his Birmingham, MI soffice to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the facelift procedure that is right for you.

Dr. Ali  is a board certified plastic surgeon, and one of the Birmingham, MI area’s top facelift doctors. He has helped hundreds of men and women in Birmingham, MI and the greater Detroit area, and Southeast Michigan look younger and more attractive with facelift surgery! And, financing options are also available.

Birmingham, MI Facelift Consultation: 248-335-7200

What You Need to Know About Mini Facelift Surgery

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Mini Facelift Surgery FAQs

Many women and men in their 40s and 50s start to see the first signs of facial skin laxity and sagging that begins to make them look and feel ‘older’. And while they aren’t ready for (and don’t really need) a ‘full’ facelift – they would like to reverse the drooping and deeper wrinkles that are starting to develop.

A mini facelift is an excellent option for women and men who have started noticing facial skin laxity and other effects of aging, including the beginning of jowls, neck looseness, and deepening nasolabial folds (“marionette lines”).

In this article, top Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers patient’s frequently asked questions about the revolutionary “mini facelift”.

What’s the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?

A mini facelift is similar to a full facelift, in that it addresses sagging skin, jawline and neck laxity, and folds in the lower part of the face – but in a less invasive manner. Since there is less extensive incisions and cutting in a mini facelift procedure, it can be performed in a few hours.

Generally, a mini facelift addresses the lower face, jowls and upper neck regions, while a full facelift often also includes the midface and the full neck. Because a mini facelift is less invasive, the downtime and recovery period is about half that of a full facelift.

Does a mini facelift last as long as a full facelift?

There are many factors that affect the longevity of both a mini facelift and a full facelift because every patient is different. The patient’s unique skin condition, lifestyle (smoking, tanning, athletics), sun exposure, and weight changes will affect how long any facelift lasts.

However, generally, since the mini facelift is a less invasive procedure, its results will typically last somewhat less than a full facelift. But in the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali, a good candidate who takes proper care of their skin, may see his or her mini facelift results for several years.

What’s the recovery time for a mini facelift?

In general, mini facelift patients can return to work and activities out of the house as early as one week after surgery. This is about half the time of full facelift surgery recovery. There is also much less swelling and bruising with a mini facelift – and usually minor bruising that may be covered with foundation or make-up.

What is the price difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?

In addition to less recovery time, a mini facelift is also cheaper than traditional face lift surgery. Typically, a full facelift costs roughly 2 to 3 times more than a mini facelift.

Who is a good candidate for a mini facelift?

A mini facelift is an excellent option for men and women who are starting to notice aging changes – such as skin laxity and jowls – and who desire an improvement in their appearance without a drastic transformation.

A mini facelift is also a good option for those who simply don’t have the time or desire to go through a more extensive surgery and opt instead for a mini facelift.

Most of our mini facelift patients at AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI are in their 40s, 50s or 60s. But there is no cut-off age for a mini facelift. Depending on patient’s overall health, skin condition, and treatment goals patients in their 70s and beyond may also undergo a mini facelift.

Can a mini facelift be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely! At AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI we offer a wide array of minimally invasive skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments that can be used in conjunction with a mini facelift.  The Profound, CO2RE and Morpheus8 microneedling use bipolar radiofrequency technology to help to increase elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. When these are added to the mini facelift, they can improve the tone and texture of the skin, making the results even better and longer lasting.

What Will My Mini Facelift Look Like?

AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI is among the first and only aesthetic practices in Michigan to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging during the patient’s mini facelift consultation.  This revolutionary technology provides a three-dimensional, computerized image of the patient’s face from every angle that shows your surgical options – and the expected results – before your mini facelift! With Vectra 3D imaging you can literally see your mini facelift “before and after” before you commit to undergoing surgery!

Mini Facelift Surgery | Birmingham, MI

If you are considering a mini facelift Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the surgery (or other antiaging procedure) that is right for you.

Dr. Ali is a board certified plastic surgeon, and one of the Birmingham Michigan area’s top facelift doctor. He has helped hundreds of men and women in Birmingham, the greater Detroit area, and Southeast Michigan look younger and more attractive with mini facelift and full facelift surgery! And, financing options are also available.

Birmingham, MI Mini Facelift Consultation: 248-335-7200

120 Years of Facelift Surgery: From Secret to Sensational

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The History of Facelift Surgery

When we look at the beautiful celebrities of today who have publicly discussed their plastic surgery, it’s easy to see how far these cosmetic procedures have come. From millennials like the Kardashian sisters, to ageless beauties like Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Cher, A-listers no longer feel the need to keep their plastic surgery secret.

But many people don’t realize that surgical procedures to enhance appearance or reverse facial aging have been performed for more than a century. In the early 1900’s when surgeons began performing facelift plastic surgery on aristocrats and entertainers, these procedures were kept “top secret”. It wasn’t until the 1930’s that surgeons began to openly discuss plastic surgery techniques and publish articles on their work.

Early 1900s Facelifts

In 1901 – which was still 25 years before most US homes in the U.S. had electric power – the first attempt at a facelift took place in Berlin. Dr. Eugen Holländer removed skin from a Polish aristocrat to lift her cheeks and the corners of her mouth. But there was no attempt to lift the actual underlying structures of the face or mouth. And 15 years later in 1916 the first actual facelift was performed by Dr. Erich Lexer, a German surgeon and former sculptor.

By the 1930s surgeons brought these procedures out of the cloak of secrecy and began to discuss them. However, their patients still kept their procedures very secret. At this time facelift surgery still relied mostly on excision (cutting and removing) of loose, ‘extra’ skin to tighten the face, forehead, and eyelids – but did not attempt to address the deeper structures of the face and neck that lead to appearance of facial aging.

And while plastic surgery techniques have vastly improved in the following 90 years – many of the same skin incisions are still used today that hide the scars within the hair, as well as around and behind the ear.

Mid-Century Facelifts

In the 1960’s and 1970’s a more comprehensive approach to plastic surgery was developed that also addressed the deeper muscles and structure of the face and neck. These new techniques allowed plastic surgeons to correct laxity and sagging of deeper support structures of the face, to restore the neck, jowls, and midface to a more elevated position.

By the 1970s and 1980s the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) facelift technique was widespread. Developed by Dr. Tord Skoog, ‘subfascial dissection’ was used to lift a deeper layer of tissue rather than just the skin to achieve antiaging results. The SMAS technique also involves suturing much deeper tissues for better and longer-lasting results.

Facelifts in the Late 1900s

In the 1900s, facelift pioneer Dr. Tessier continued to refine facial plastic surgery, using coronal incisions to also adjust the eyebrow, upper face, and soft tissues. The concept was to lift the skin over the skeletal structure of the skull for better results than traditional facelift techniques. During that decade, Dr. Sam Hamra developed a deep plane facelift technique, again targeting a lower layer of tissue for optimal outcomes.

Modern Facelift Surgery

Today’s modern facelift techniques address varied aspects of facial aging including not just the skin, but also laxity of the muscles and ligaments in the face, as well as restoring volume to sunken areas of the face that have lost subcutaneous fat (under the skin).

Plastic surgeons still use the SMAS facelift, but often combined with new techniques to restore lost facial volume. Incisions for full facelifts are often still best concealed within the hair and around the ear to hide any scars.

In addition to combining a facelift with fat grafting, a facelift can also be combined with laser or radiofrequency skin resurfacing to address sun damage, pigmentation and fine wrinkles of the top, ‘superficial’ layers of skin.

Advanced facelift surgery techniques remain the ‘gold standard’ for correcting advanced signs of aging – including neck laxity, ‘jowls,’ sagging checks, deep nasolabial folds around the mouth, and descending of the midface.

Mini Facelift Surgery

However, patients who do not need or desire a full face are often good candidates for the newer ‘mini facelift’. This procedure is suitable for patients who have less severe skin laxity and soft tissue sagging on the face. A mini facelift can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation and has a faster recovery period than a full facelift.

Top Facelift Surgery | Birmingham, MI

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali is one of the Birmingham Michigan area’s top facelift surgeons. He has helped hundreds of women and men in Birmingham, the greater Detroit area, and Southeast Michigan look younger and more attractive with facelift surgery! And financing options are also available.

Each facelift surgery is designed for the patient’s specific needs and will address lifting, tightening and rejuvenation of the lower face, as well as the around the eyes and forehead as needed.

If you are considering a facelift, Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation in his Birmingham surgical office to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the facelift procedure that is right for you.

Birmingham Facelift Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

Facelift Surgery for Men (It’s Not Just for Women! )

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All About Male Facelift Surgery – 

Facelift surgery is no longer just for women!  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 18,024 men underwent facelift surgery in the United States 2020. Visible signs of facial aging caused by a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck, are equally common among men and women. And, in fact, certain types of age-related facial issues – suck as “turkey neck” or “jowls” are even more prevalent among men than women.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports also indicates that face lifts for male patients increased by almost 20 percent from 2000 to 2020. One reason for this increase in male facelifts may be men’s heightened awareness of their appearance due to the recent surge in video conferencing – as well as selfies and social media posts. Seeing oneself on camera constantly can make it much harder to ignore the aging appearance created by saggy and drooping facial skin.

Additionally, many successful businessmen across a wide variety of professions are turning to facelift surgery so they can remain competitive in a youth-oriented job market. Still other middle-aged men may be re-entering the dating arena and don’t want to look like an “old man” when looking for new love.

Women’s vs. Men’s Facelifts

For women, loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck, can begin as early as age 35 – though it is more typical for lax facial skin to become problematic in the 40s. And while men’s skin generally ages about the same as women, they may not be bothered by a few lines or some laxity as early on as women are.

By age 50 drooping and lax skin typically becomes much more noticeable, and even the most expensive skin creams cannot prevent or correct the deepening skin folds, jowls and neck bands. This is often the age at which men decide to consider a facelift procedure. At AMAE plastic surgery in Birmingham, MI we have taken 10 years (or more!) off the faces of men in their 50s, 60s and even 70s.

The techniques of facelift procedure are typically the same for both sexes – and will depend more upon what the patient’s problem areas are, more than their gender. However, men’s skin and muscles are typically considerably thicker than women, thanks to Testosterone. So selecting a skilled plastic surgeon who has conducted hundreds of men’s facelifts, like Dr. Ali, will reveal the most spectacular results.

Facelift Techniques for Men

Men's Facelifts Birmingham MI
A “strong jaw” is associated with masculinity and male attractiveness. But loosening skin can cause jowls, or “turkey neck”, that make a man look old and tired rather than young and virile.

The good news is that facelifts are intended to target the mid and lower face – making it the perfect solution for restoring a man’s jaw to its strong, youthful shape. A neck lift can also be performed to tighten the loose skin in the neck, tighten the neck muscles, and help to better define the jawline. A facelift can also include tightening of the cheek and cheekbone area, if needed.

Years of stress and hard work can also result in a heavily furrowed or sagging brow, crow’s feet, and loose skin and bags around the eyes. A blepharoplasty surgery (eyelid lift) or a “brow lift” can be an effective component of a total facial rejuvenation to make a man’s eye area look young, rested and alive again!

Facelift Concerns of Men

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed facelifts on hundreds of men in the Birmingham, Michigan area. He understands that while the techniques may be the same as a woman’s facelift – certain issue are unique importance to many men.

For starters, most male patients want to be sure that their facelift will look completely “natural” and will not look like they have had surgery. This is a valid concern – and one of the main reasons men should invest in finding a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali who has performed hundreds of facelifts on men.

Although surgeons with less training and less experience may offer cheaper surgery, they can leave men looking unnaturally stretched, uneven, or in worst-case scenarios with neurological or vision damage. Dr. Ali will leave you looking like a younger and more refreshed version of yourself – but no one will even know you had surgery.

Many male facelift patients are also extremely concerned about how much time they need to take off work – and how long it will take for them to look “normal” after surgery. Dr. Ali will carefully explain the recovery process for each facelift technique that is available, so that together you can select the procedure(s) that fit your aesthetic goals and your work schedule.

Mini or endoscopic facelift procedures, for example, may be a better option for men with only moderate laxity and less time to spare from work. However, men who are retired – but who have more severe facial drooping – may opt for a full facelift even though it requires a longer recovery time.

What Will My Facelift Look Like?

AMAE Plastic Surgery is among the first and only aesthetic practices in Michigan to offer state-of-the-art Vectra 3D imaging during the patient’s facelift consultation.  This revolutionary technology provides a three-dimensional, computerized image of the patient’s face from every angle that shows your surgical options – and the expected results – before your facelift. With Vectra 3D imaging you can literally see your facelift “before and after” before you commit to undergoing surgery!

Best Men’s Facelift Surgeon- Birmingham, MI

If you are considering a facelift, Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the facelift or other antiaging procedures that are right for you.

He is a board certified plastic surgeon, and one of the top facelift surgeons in Birmingham, MI and the entire Detroit area. Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of men i look younger and more attractive with facelift surgery. And, easy and convenient financing options are also available.

Birmingham Men’s Facelift Consultation: 248-335-7200

The Facelift Recovery Process: Planning Your Surgery

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What is Facelift Recovery Like?

Facelifts were the 3rd most popular cosmetic surgery in 2020.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ most recently released statistics 234,374 facelifts were performed in this country alone in 2020 – even though we were in the middle of the pandemic! The popularity of facelift surgery comes as no surprise, as almost everyone wants to longer … especially in selfies, on social media and during those up-close-and-personal Zoom meetings and video conferences.

But while we all want to look younger, one consideration surrounding facelift surgery is how long the recovery takes. After all we all have busy lives – and have to get back to work, parenting and other daily activities as soon as possible! And, like any type of surgery, a facelift does require so time to rest and heal. Knowing what to expect and how long it will take can help you plan and prepare – to make your facelift recovery easier, speedier and more comfortable.

Facelift Recovery: Immediately After Surgery

Your sedation will wear off gradually after your surgery is complete. Some patients may feel cold and/or somewhat nauseated upon waking up in the recovery room, after face lift surgery. This is normal and nothing to cause concern. The patient’s  face may also feel tight and tender as they awaken after the facelift surgery, as the anesthesia wears off.

Most patients spend a few hours in observation as they wake up. Typically facelift patients will be able to go home the same day. But they will need someone there to drive you home. In cases of more extensive surgery a patient may stay overnight for observation at the hospital or surgical center.

In either case, patients usually have a bandage around the face to help minimize swelling and bruising – and may also have small drainage tubes. Before going home, Dr. Ali’s staff will give the patient specific instructions for facelift surgery recovery, including how to care for your incision site(s) and drains. You will also be given a prescription for medication to control pain, that you only need to take if necessary.

Facelift Recovery: Dressings, Drains and Pain

After some facelift procedures the plastic surgeons may apply a large, fluffy dressing to reduce swelling. If used, the dressing will typically be replaced with an elastic wrap within a day or two.

Again, depending on the extensiveness of the facelift procedure, a patient may also have one to three drainage tubes. These reduce swelling by removing any excess blood and fluids. These drainage tubes may be left in place for one to several days. Patients will be instructed on care and removal of any drainage tubes.

There may be mild to moderate discomfort in the hours and days following your facelift. Dr. Ali will prescribe painkillers that are very effective at relieving any discomfort. As long as you take your medication as directed, the pain is very manageable and will subside in the next week or two at most. Dr. Ali will also typically prescribed antibiotics to prevent the risk of an infection after your facelift.

Patients must sleep with their head elevated for about two weeks following a facelift to help prevent swelling. They may sleep on two pillows, use a wedge-shaped foam pillow, or even sleep upright in a recliner – whatever is most comfortable for them, as long as the head is elevated above the heart.

Facelift Recovery: Resuming Activities

As a general rule, most patients are up and about pretty much “as normal” doing mild activities within a few days after a facelift. Generally patients can wash their hair after two days.

However, because bruising and swelling are normal parts of the healing process, patients won’t be able to see what their face will look like for a few weeks. The swelling may gradually increase over the first three days, but then the swelling will start to dissipate. As a result of the bruising and swelling, be prepared to look worse before you look better! But be patient. Soon you will look younger and better than ever.

Patients will usually be advised to walk around three or four times a day after their facelift, in order to boost circulation as well as help prevent the development of blood clots in the legs.

Do not bend over, and do not lift heavy objects until your plastic surgeon tells you that you can!

Facelift Recovery: Things to Avoid

Patients are advised to avoid steam rooms, saunas, steam face masks, or anything that causes facial flushing. Patients must also avoid supplements containing niacin, niacinamide, or niacinamate.

Do not consume alcohol, aspirin, fish oil, or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) until your plastic surgeon tells you that it is OK.

If your facelift was the kind that involved mouth incisions, your diet may also be restricted. Dr. Ali will advise you what you can eat, and when, if you have mouth incisions.

Facelift Recovery: Returning to Work

Most people can go back to work within two weeks of their facelift. This will depend on the extensiveness of the procedure as well as how strenuous their job is. Dr. Ali will advise you during your consultation when you should be able to go back to work.

Many people choose to cover the residual bruising with makeup when they are ready to venture out into the world again.

Within one to four months after your facelift it should be completely healed, and the final results will be fully visible. So if you are getting a facelift for an occasion such as a wedding or reunion, make sure to schedule it at least 4 months (or more) in advance.

Facelifts are a very common plastic surgery with very high satisfaction rates. But, it is important that patients are in good general physical and mental health in order to heal rapidly. Everybody heals differently and the patients age, overall health, and the extensiveness of the surgery will all effect healing and recovery time.  Smoking can delay or prevent proper healing and increase the risk of complications – so facelift patients should try to quit or abstain from smoking both leading up to, and after, facelift surgery.

Top Facelift Plastic Surgeon – Birmingham, MI

If you are considering a facelift Dr. Ali will offer you a discreet, no pressure consultation in his Birmingham surgical office to explain your options, answer all of your questions, and help you select the facelift procedure that is right for you.

Dr. Ali is a board certified plastic surgeon, and one of the Birmingham Michigan area’s top facelift surgeons. He has helped hundreds of women and men in Birmingham, the greater Detroit area, and Southeast Michigan look younger and more attractive with facelift surgery! And, financing options are also available.

Birmingham Facelift Consultation: 248-335-7200

CO2RE Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs

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laser skin resurfacing troy, mi
CO2RE Laser Skin Resurfacing Frequently Asked Questions – 

CO2RE laser skin resurfacing treatments are faster, more comfortable, and require less downtime than other laser resurfacing systems. This powerful and versatile laser can address a wide variety of skin concerns – from wrinkles, to pigmentation, to scars and more.

In this article Troy, MI area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali answers our patient’s most frequently asked questions about CO2RE laser skin resurfacing.

What does CO2RE laser skin resurfacing treat?

The CO2RE laser is extremely versatile – making it “one stop shopping” for anti-aging and skin resurfacing. It treat a wide range of concerns, including:

  • Lines and wrinkles
  • Sun damage, such as brown spots or “age spots”
  • Rough & uneven skin texture
  • Pigmentation irregularities
  • Pitted acne scars and pock marks
  • Raised keloid and hypertrophic scars

How does CO2RE laser skin resurfacing work?

The CO2RE laser is so named because it is a fractional CO2 laser. But what makes it unique is that is utilizes dual laser waves that can be adjusted to treat both the superficial (epidermis) and deep (dermis) layers of skin simultaneously.

This integrated dual laser works two ways. First, it performs “ablative” resurfacing treatments to strip away the thin, top layer of aged, damaged skin – revealing fresh, healthy skin beneath.

And, the fractional laser component works by creating micro-channels in the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen production and cell renewal for repair of skin damage.

Is CO2RE laser skin resurfacing safe?

Yes. The CO2RE laser really is the “gold standard” in skin resurfacing. It is FDA cleared for more than 90 uses across many medical specialties from aesthetics, to dermatology, gynecology and more.

More than 52 million patients have had wrinkle reduction treatments with the CO2RE laser. And, more than 15 million patients have received CO2RE pigmentation treatment, with another 15 million having CO2RE scar reduction procedures.

What are the advantages of CO2RE laser skin resurfacing?

CO2RE is a powerful and versatile, yet gentle, fractional CO2 laser with energy waves that can be adjusted for each patient, to treat both superficial and deep skin tissue simultaneously.

As a result, CO2RE is faster, more comfortable and requires less recovery time than traditional laser skin resurfacing.

Am I good candidate for CO2RE laser skin resurfacing?

CO2RE fractional laser resurfacing is ideal for almost any man or woman who desires either smoother and/or younger-looking skin without the prolonged downtime of older laser treatments.

Ideal candidates for CO2RE treatment have mild, moderate or severe sun damage, age/dark spots, wrinkles and lines, rough skin texture, unwanted pigmentation or visible scars.

How many CO2RE laser skin resurfacing treatments will I need?

Typically patients achieve the skin resurfacing results they desire after only a single treatment.

When will I see results after CO2RE laser skin resurfacing?

Initially results will become visible once the skin has healed from the procedure. For light treatments, this typically only takes 2 to 3 days. Deeper skin resurfacing treatments may require up to 2 weeks of healing, before the initial improvements appear.

The skin will look softer, smoother and have less unwanted pigment. And, over time, the results will continue to improve for several months, as the skin regeneration process takes place.

Lines, wrinkles, age/dark spots, scars and uneven skin texture will continue to show improvement for up to six months as the body produces new collagen and elastin and repairs previous skin damage.

How long will CO2RE laser skin resurfacing results last?

There are a number of factors that will determine how long CO2RE skin resurfacing results will last including the patient’s age, genetics, overall health, lifestyle and how well the patient cares for their skin after treatment.

However, wrinkle reduction results can last several years. And improvement in the appearance of scaring and pigmentation is expected to be more or less permanent!

What is the recovery period after CO2RE laser skin resurfacing?

Immediately following the procedure, patients experience a sensation similar to a sunburn, that will dissipate in several hours.

For lighter treatments, recovery can only take a couple of days, while deeper and more intense treatments may need 10 to 14 days to heal completely. Peeling of the dead skin cells from most treatments will begin after about 4 or 5 days, and the natural exfoliation may continue to last for 7 to 10 days.

Dr. Ali will discuss your unique treatment with you so you know what to expect from your healing process.

Laser Skin Resurfacing – Troy, MI Area

If you would like to get reduce wrinkles and lines, smooth skin, or get rid of age spots and unwanted pigmentation, schedule a CO2RE laser skin resurfacing consultation at AMAE Plastic Surgery in the Troy, MI area today. This remarkable skin resurfacing and  wrinkle reduction technology can turn back time for a younger, more beautiful, you! 

Troy, MI Area Laser Skin Resurfacing: 248-335-7200

Seven Ways to Tighten Facial Skin (Part 1)

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Seven Ways to Tighten Facial Skin (Part 1)

Perhaps nothing “ages” a person more dramatically than sagging facial skin. One of the number one questions we get from our patients at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI is how to tighten facial skin.

The good news is that many new products and technologies can help tighten facial skin – from at-home skin care products, to non-invasive radiofrequency technologies, to minimally-invasive fillers, all the way to the gold standard of facial skin tightening, the surgical facelift.

Why Facial Skin Gets Saggy

Before we delve into how to tighten facial skin, it is important to understand why the skin on the face sags and droops as we age.

Sagging facial skin is due to three age-related reasons: loss of collagen, loss of elastin and loss of fat.

As skin ages, it decreases production of two important proteins – elastin and collagen. Elastin is what gives skin elasticity – or the ability to “snap back” in place when stretched. Collagen, on the other hand, is comprised of tightly-constructed fibers that maintain the skins structure and firmness.

And subcutaneous fat – fat beneath the skin – keeps facial skin plump and tight.

While elastin, collagen and facial fat decline as people age, external factors over time can also accelerate the sagging, including: heredity, sun exposure, environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke and alcohol.

7 Facial Skin Tightening Treatments:

#1. Skin Tightening Skincare Products

Properly nourishing the skin can help provide the essential elements needed to maintain elastin and collagen production. And, the good news, is that this can be done at home using facial skin tightening products from our online store.

At AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI we offer both Allastin  and ZO by Obagi skin care products that help tighten facial skin, both of which can be purchase through our online store.

For example Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer nourishes and hydrates the skin with a unique combination of peptides that target collagen and elastin. And ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum is formulated with plant and enzymatically derived growth factors, clinically proven to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

#2. Skin Tightening Dermalinfusion

For more intensive infusion of nutrients into the skin we offer skin tightening Dermalinfusion. After exfoliation, nutrient-containing serums penetrate deep into the skin to help support the skin’s natural ability to produce new healthy collagen and elastin, for younger-looking, supple skin.

#3. Skin Tightening Microneedling

Microneedling works on the same principle as fractional lasers. Numerous tiny wounds are created throughout the skin with ultrafine microneedles. As the skin goes into action to repair these micro-wounds, it stimulates the produce of new collagen and elastin.

The new collagen and elastin production remodel the skin by filling in lines, wrinkles and scars, while improving tone and elasticity – visibly tightening facial skin.

#4. Skin Tightening ThermiSmooth

ThermiSmooth is a non-invasive, non-ablative radiofrequency skin-tightening technology that uses a specially designed hand piece to gently treat the skin with controlled heat energy.

ThermiSmooth’s radiofrequency heat waves stimulate the skin’s natural production of collagen – which strengthens, thickens and tightens facial skin for a younger appearance.

CLICK HERE for Part 2 of Skin Tightening Treatments

Facial Skin Tightening – Birmingham, MI

AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI is one of the only premier facilities in the Detroit area to offer all of these state-of-the-art facial skin tightening procedures.

The facial skin tightening treatment that is right for you will depend upon your age and your skin condition, as well as factors such as your genetics and your lifestyle. Schedule a consultation today – including an at-home video consultation – to discuss your skin tightening options with Dr. Ali.

And, don’t forget to start at home with proper skin nutrition, with products from our ZO and ALLASTIN skincare store!

Birmingham, MI Facial Skin Tightening: 248-335-7200

Seven Ways to Tighten Facial Skin (Part 2)

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Seven Ways to Tighten Facial Skin (Part 2)

AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, Mi offers the newest and most innovative products, treatments and technologies that can help tighten facial skin – from at-home skin care products, to non-invasive radiofrequency technologies, to minimally-invasive fillers, all the way to the gold standard of facial skin tightening, the surgical facelift.

In this two part article renowned Birmingham, Mi plastic surgeon Dr. ALi shares the top 7 ways to tighten facial skin for a younger and more attractive appearance.

CLICK HERE for Part 1 of Skin Tightening Treatments

#5. Profound to Tighten Facial Skin

One of the news and most exciting treatments to tighten facial skin is state-of-the-art Profound. This revolutionary technology not only tightens facial skin and improves elasticity, it also reduces wrinkles, and creates more volume, and “plumpness”.

Profound also utilizes radiofrequency energy combined with microneedling to activate the skin’s healing processes and regenerate production of collagen and elastin.

Profound is so effective at facial skin tightening that it is often called a “non-surgical facelift”. Profound is especially effective at tightening sagging skin around the mouth and “jowls”.

In medical studies, Profound has been shown to achieve facial skin tightening results that are equal to an 37% of a surgical facelift.

#6. The “Liquid Facelift” to Tighten Facial Skin

Dr. Ali also employs a variety of FDA approved injectable products to replace lost volume and “fill in” wrinkles and deep creases and folds in the face and tighten facial skin. For immediate facial skin tightening results, with no surgery and no downtime, the so-called “liquid facelift” can create outstanding results.

Results from strategically placed injections of Juvéderm and other facial fillers can give the appearance of dramatically tightened skin –  and can last from six months to as long as two years.

VOLUMA® XC – the thickest, strongest formula of Juvéderm – can be used to add volume to a hollow or sagging cheek area, and lasts up to two years. VOLLURE™ XC can be used to plump and fill severe parentheses (“marionette”) lines in the area around the nose and mouth, and lasts up to 18 months.

In the hands of a skilled injector, like Birmingham, MI board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, skillfully placed fillers can create a “liquid face lift” that tightens facial skin and takes years off of your appearance.

#7. Mini Facelift Surgery to Tighten Facial Skin

Of course, the most dramatic and long lasting way to tighten facial skin is through facelift surgery at AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham , MI.  There are several different types of facelift procedures and techniques, offering different cosmetic results, and varying degrees of invasiveness, downtime and recovery.

The “Mini Facelift” and/or SMS Facelift refer to facelift procedures that help reduce visible signs of aging, by tightening and firming the cheeks, jawline and to some extent the neck.

During an SMAS facelift Birmingham, Mi board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali creates an incision at the temple, above the hairline, which extends downward, following the natural crease in front of the ear, below the ear lobe and then behind your ear. It is ideal for people with mild to moderate skin laxity.

#8. Full Facelift Surgery to Tighten Facial Skin

A “full” or “deep plane” facelift that is recommended for people with severe facial sagging and laxity, and for those men and women desiring a longer-lasting facelift.

As the aging process progresses, both the skin and the muscles of the facial region become loose and lax. Facelift surgery not only tightens facial skin, but also tightens the underlying muscles. No other cosmetic procedures besides a surgical facelift can tighten and restore the muscles as well as the facial skin.

The effects of a full facelift can last from 10 to 15 years, and sometimes longer. Because of the extensive nature of a full facelift, the recovery time is longer than other facelift procedures – but the dramatic and long lasting results are well worth it.

Tighten Facial Skin – Birmingham, MI

AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI is one of the only premier facilities in the Detroit area to offer all of these state-of-the-art facial skin tightening procedures.

The facial skin tightening treatment that is right for you will depend upon your age and your skin condition, as well as factors such as your genetics and your lifestyle. Schedule a consultation today – including an at-home video consultation – to discuss your skin tightening options with Dr. Ali.

And, don’t forget to start at home with proper skin nutrition, with products from our ZO and ALLASTIN skincare store!

Birmingham, MI Facial Skin Tightening: 248-335-7200

nonsurgical facelift Birmingham, MI

Profound: the New Non-Surgical Facelift

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Profound Revolutionizes Non-Surgical Facelift Alternatives – 

At AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, board certified Troy, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali is proud to be one of the only aesthetic doctors in the greater Detroit area to offer the revolutionary Profound Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative.

Using radio-frequency energy, the Profound micro-needling treatment acts as an excellent non-surgical facelift alternative. Like a facelift, Profound is able to tighten and tone the skin -only without the expense or downtime of surgery. This non-surgical facelift alternative is capable of significantly reducing the effects of the aging process – yielding natural-looking results that are long lasting.

In this article, we will discuss the many benefits of choosing the Profound non-surgical facelift alternative – for those who aren’t ready or are unwilling to undergo facelift surgery.

How Profound Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative Works

This non-surgical facelift alternative is performed by using tiny needles to penetrate the skin of the treatment area at a precise depth. A burst of radiofrequency heat energy will then be released into the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. This stimulates the production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid -the three elements required for tight, youthful skin.

While patients at our Troy, MI medical spa consistently express their satisfaction with the procedure, the Profound Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative has been clinically proven to result in younger, healthier looking skin. Clinical studies report that the Profound treatment is capable of improving sagging skin by an unprecedented 95%. And as if that wasn’t impressive enough, the study went on to report that the Profound Non-Surgical Facelift alternative demonstrated the ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with a response rate of an absolutely unheard of 100%!

Profound – the Best Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative

When compared to traditional facelift surgery, the Profound non-surgical facelift alternative has been proven to result in improvement to skin laxity by an impressive 37% of facelift. This means that anyone in the Troy, MI area who desires significant skin tightening now has an impressive, not-surgical facelift alternative.

While a traditional facelift is performed by incising and pulling back the patient’s skin, the Profound non-surgical facelift alternative works hand-in-hand with the body’s natural ability to heal. By stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid, elastin, and collagen, Profound is able to lift and tighten the skin without subjecting patients to lengthy downtime.

Truly the first treatment of its kind, Profound is unequivocally the best non-surgical facelift alternative available to men and women in the Troy, MI area. No other procedure on the market is capable of replicating the effects of facelift surgery, without using fillers or dangerous toxins.

The Profound non-surgical facelift alternative only takes about 60 minutes to perform, and is capable of producing long-lasting results in just one or two treatments.

Profound Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative – Troy, MI

If you are in the Birmingham, MI area and are looking for a safe and effective non-surgical facelift alternative, schedule a consultation with AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa. Board certified Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will answer all of your questions about the incredible Profound Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative, and help you decide if this procedure is right for you. Call today!

Profound Non-Surgical Facelift Alternative – Troy, MI: 248-335-7200