Liquid Facelifts

Traditional facelifts are surgical procedures performed by a Board Certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Ali. He has extensive experience I n the field, and has been the surgeon of choice for other doctors and their patients. The results are typically permanent, although over the course of years, more procedures could be required.

Liquid facelifts, on the other hand, involve non-surgical procedures utilizing various fillers or other methods to sculpt the face and refine pores and skin tone. Although not as long-lasting as a surgical facelift, liquid facelifts can achieve excellent results for many. As the aging process continues, we lose fat, collage, elastin and muscle tone in our faces. This loss of volume results in the sagging, drooping appearance associated with age, and can be accelerated by sun exposure, heredity or lifestyle.

Dr. Ali employs a variety of FDA approved injectable products that help to replace lost volume and “fill in” wrinkles and deep creases and folds in the face. Although very effective at enhancing volume, injectables will not correct sagging jowls or drooping eyelids; surgical procedures are required to change these conditions. However, for a boost of youthfulness with no surgery and minimal recovery and downtime, the latest liquid facelift procedures can create outstanding results.

Results from liquid facelifts are often immediate, and may last between six months and one year, depending on the type of filler used and the procedure performed. Touch-ups will be needed over time to maintain the refreshed appearance, and to accommodate additional changes associated with aging. Liquid facelifts can correct the signs of aging, but they don’t actually slow down the aging process.

Dr. Ali will meet with you and perform a full evaluation of pre-existing conditions, medical history, previous procedures, medications and more. He prides himself on the time and care he devotes to each patient, to insure the procedure he performs is a good fit for them, that their expectations are realistic and that all of their questions are answered. Make an appointment with Dr. Ali to learn more about liquid facelift options, and determine if this procedure is right for you.

Trends in Cosmetic Surgery – The Later In Life Lift

One of the most recent trends in cosmetic surgery is treating patients who are approaching their golden years.  While this demographic isn’t new, the increase in patients considering cosmetic surgery is!  As baby boomers approach retirement, they are choosing to enter it with their best foot forward.  From 2012 to 2013, the number of elective procedures jumped 4% in the 55+ age group.

While nose reshaping is a popular cosmetic procedure across the board, the over 55 crowd tends to lean more towards facial procedures including lifts, forehead lifts, ear reshaping and hair transplants. Regardless of the procedure, the most common reason was that they finally have time to focus on themselves.

While many see cosmetic surgery as purely vain, we feel otherwise.  You work hard every single day to provide for yourself and loved ones – shouldn’t you feel your best?  Some of the unknown benefits that our patients experience are increased self-esteem and confidence!

Don’t believe us?  Check out what they have to say in our reviews section!  Dr. Ali is one of the best in the business, board certified and able to offer you a comprehensive experience – even with non-invasive procedures.

As you ease into your retirement, have you considered a nip or tuck?  Perhaps a procedure that will finally take care of the area that has been frustrating you?  Contact us today for a consultation!

Liquid Facelifts – A Possible Alternative to Surgery!

A Liquid Facelift can give you a more youthful look without committing to surgery. The patients that usually opt for a Liquid Facelift are the ones who want to restore their vibrant appearance without having a facelift or brow lift. A Liquid Facelift is a procedure that literally “plumps up” a facial area in order to minimize lines and wrinkles. It has become a mainstay facial rejuvenator. The liquid facelift is a nonsurgical way to take years off your appearance by strategically placing a variety of freezers and fillers that can help to turn back the clock.

To restore volume or to provide definition, your plastic surgeon can inject fillers along the cheekbone. Botox may be used to freeze the muscles, most notably between the eyebrows, which relaxes deep lines.While there are a variety of injectables available, different ones produce varying effects. Not all of them last the same length of time.

A Liquid Facelift treats many areas of concern, the most common include:

  • Reduce lines, wrinkles, folds, and creases
  • Subtly lift drooping facial features like the brows and jowls
  • Improve under-eye bags and dark circles under the eyes
  • Lift drooping corners of the mouth
  • Hide bumps on the nose
  • Create a fuller appearance in sunken areas
  • Add volume to flattened cheeks or temples
  • Create fuller lips
  • Minimize creases between the eyebrows

How long does a Liquid Facelift last?

The effects of a Liquid facelift can last for 1-2 years for a full correction. Depending on the areas treated and the products used, a Liquid facelift can have beautiful, non-evasive and natural looking results.

What products are used in a Liquid Facelift?

A variety of different facial fillers and freezers may be used to contour your face. Including:

It’s important to seek advice from a professional before undergoing any kind of cosmetic procedure. A good plastic surgeon will be able to offer advice and information in order to help you make an informed decision that is right for you. An experienced physician will generally have a better understanding of the advanced injection techniques and product combinations that will extend your results. Extensive experience also contributes to a physician’s treatment recommendation, which includes subtle product placement, injection locations and techniques and product selection.

If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure or would like to learn more about our Liquid Facelift procedures, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.

What is a Lightening Lift for Skin?

A lightening lift is a form of Lactic/Kolic Acid Resurfacing. This resurfacing solution is a pigmentation resurfacing peel that works to lighten, brighten and tighten your skin! The peel is intended for people who suffer from pigmentation, aging skin and/or dehydrated skin.

So what exactly is it?

Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy exfoliator and is derived from sour milk. We know – yuck right? Don’t worry; it’s just all the good parts that help your skin to be ultra-moisturized and hydrated! (Rumor has it this was a key element of Cleopatra’s beauty regimen)

Kojic Acid is a skin lightener that is a fine white powdery substance composed of small crystals. When applied to the skin in concentrated form, the components of the kojic acid interact with the melanocytes which interfere with melanin production. Melanin causes your skin to tan – reducing the production of melanin results in a lightening effect by changing the pigmentation of the skin.

In addition to lightening, Kojic Acid is also classified as an antioxidant and can help reduce the effects of free radicals on the skin, giving it wonderful anti-aging properties. Did we mention that it gets even better?! This wonder acid is also anti-bacterial, making it perfect for people who suffer from chronic acne.

The combination of these two ingredients makes for a skin treatment that is cleansing, that resurfaces skin, all while keeping it hydrated and saturated with anti-oxidants. From evening out your skin to treating acne spots and scars to kick-starting your anti-aging regimen this treatment does it all!

We offer two levels – Level 1 is the basic Lactic/Kojic Acid peel – this peel is the basic version that will help with hyper pigmentation, acne and skin discoloration. If you are looking to upgrade and add some additional anti-aging properties like retinol and vitamin-C we recommend our Level 2 peel.

Not sure which option 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.

Can You Get Liposuction On Your Face?

Liposuction is a procedure used to help slim and shape areas of the body by directly removing excess fat. It is often performed on various areas of the torso and even limbs, but what many people don’t know is that liposuction can also be performed on parts of the face!

There are three areas of the face where liposuction can be performed: the cheeks, chin and face. Liposuction on the cheeks and chin is done to help lift the cheeks and create a slimmer face. It can also reduce fat around the neck area to improve contours and proportion around your neck.

Liposuction on the face is typically performed in conjunction with other procedures. A neck lift is one of the most popular procedures because aging can cause fatty deposits and sagginess in the neck. The main purpose of a neck lift is to enhance the definition of the neck. It serves to correct loose skin in the neck, remove excess fat and tighten the stretched neck muscle. Your surgeon will determine if liposuction will be necessary during your consultation, prior to surgery.

A face lift is a similar procedure used to improve the appearance of facial skin. The skin is surgically lifted and tightened and many times liposuction is employed to get rid of excess fat in the cheeks and skin.

It’s important to seek advice from a professional before undergoing any kind of cosmetic surgery. A good plastic surgeon will be able to offer advice and information in order to help you make an informed decision.

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery of any kind or would like to learn more about our surgical and non-surgical procedures, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.

Solutions for “Sleepy Faces”

This morning you woke up after a restless night of sleep and a long week of work. You can’t help but shrug when you look in the mirror. Puffy eyes, dry-looking skin, fine wrinkles, dark circles … even the corners of your mouth are turned-down. Unfortunately, being fatigued isn’t just a feeling on the inside – your body gives away the telltale signs on the outside so that everyone you encounter today can see that you’re tired.

A recent report published in the September issue of Sleep shared the results of a study conducted by Tina Sundelin from the department of psychology at Stockholm University. The study revealed that looking sleepy can result in others making false character judgments. Those that observed someone who simply “looked sleepy” associated their look with irresponsibility and the concern of whether or not this sleepy person was competent or trustworthy.

So, is there a solution for “the sleepy face?” The solution for facial features that are directly related to fatigue is quite simple; it’s more sleep. Everyone should get at least 8 hours of sleep a day and if you aren’t, the effects will likely worsen over time. Sleep deprivation is linked to occupational injury, stress, decreased performance, memory and cognitive impairment and more in addition to what shows on your face.

However, it’s important to note that some facial features associated with sleep deprivation can’t necessarily be “slept away.” They may be associated with aging, which takes its own toll on the elasticity and health of your skin.

Some patients choose to undergo cosmetic surgeries such as eye lifts or facelifts to gain more permanent improvements for deep cheek folds or that “sunken” feeling in the face, both of which occur naturally with age. Less invasive solutions (in addition to getting enough sleep) include liquid face lifts, which use injectables and fillers to smooth out and/or “fill in” folds, wrinkles and marionette lines (the lines at the corner of your mouth that can make you appear sad).

We can’t stress enough that everyone is different and it takes a professional board certified plastic surgeon to help analyze your “facial health” and the health of your skin. If you currently feel as if you have a “sleepy face” day after day, and 8 hours of sleep each night does not seem to help, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ali. We look forward to hearing from you.

Is Social Media Driving a Trend?

In a recent survey of 753 plastic surgeons, doctors indicated they are seeing an increase in requests for plastic surgery and anti-aging procedures that is being driven by people’s desire to look good online and in social profiles. Some surgeons have speculated that this could be contributing to an increased demand for Botox, upper-arm lifts, nose re-shaping, and facelifts.

Of course, everyone wants to look good all the time, but plastic surgery is a very personal decision, and should only be undertaken to satisfy yourself, not others. In fact, there are many ways to improve your profile photo without plastic surgery.

First, make sure you have a great photo. Not surprisingly, photos taken by a professional photographer in a controlled and well lit setting are much higher quality and much more flattering than those “mug-shot” style photos taken against a white wall.

Also, an understanding of the application of cosmetics and your own physique can make a huge improvement in your profile pic. If you have a good side, make sure to get the shot from that side. If you’ve never had a professional makeup consultation, consider one.

There are many other ways to upgrade our profile photo. For a good article on this, visit check out Hello Gorgeous! 10 Tips to Look Great in Any Photo from Style Magazine.