Why Skin Needs Hyaluronic Acid & How to Get More of It

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Why Skin Needs Hyaluronic Acid – And the Best Way to Get It

Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients in skincare products that every manufacturer is touting. In fact, you can barely turn on the TV or scroll the web without seeing multiple adds for something containing hyaluronic acid or “HA”.

So, what is this miracle product, and is it as important (and effective) as everyone is saying? Is it really an acid? And how (and where) should one apply it?

In this article the skincare experts at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa discuss everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid (HA) – including how you can naturally increase your body’s own production of this amazing substance!

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance that is produced by the body. Its primary job is to hydrate the connective tissue that maintains the skin’s strength and elasticity. 50% of the body’s HA is found in the skin – with the rest being found in the eyes, lips and joints.

What makes hyaluronic acid so amazing is that it can retain over 1,000 times its weight in water, so it is super hydrating. It holds in the moisture that supports a bright, youthful complexion by keeping skin cells plump and strong. There is really no other substance that can help boost moisture levels in the skin like hyaluronic acid does.

Getting Enough Hyaluronic Acid

Many people wonder why they need to get hyaluronic acid from skincare products and treatments if the body already produces HA naturally.

Unfortunately, as we age, the body’s production of natural hyaluronic acid decreases. Babies are born with very high amounts of hyaluronic acid, which is why their skin is so soft, smooth and plump. But by the time we reach the age of 40 the HA levels in our body have already decreased by one-third.

So, people turn to high quality beauty products that contain HA – including moisturizers and night creams –to prevent dry skin and help stave off the effects of aging. Maintaining high levels of hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture and elasticity in the skin, to fight the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging or dull skin.

And, don’t be concerned that HA is an acid. Not all acids strip cells and cause irritation. In fact, hyaluronic acid is actually a type of sugar molecule!

How to Get More Hyaluronic Acid

There are 3 way to improve and increase the amount of HA in the skin – to restore plumpness and elasticity and to fight the signs of aging.

#1. Topical Hyaluronic Skincare Products

When applied directly to the skin, hyaluronic acid will hydrate the skin cells for a plumper appearance that can also minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

HA also has some antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from UV sun exposure and other harsh environmental or chemical exposure.

However, it is important to purchase hyaluronic acid skincare products from a reputable, medical grade brand such as Elastin or ZO. This is because, hyaluronic acid molecules are often too big for skin absorption if they are not formulated properly.

#2. Hyaluronic Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid can be injected directly into the skin and facial tissue, using dermal fillers to help fill wrinkles, and plump thinning or sagging areas of the face.

Popular facial fillers Juvéderm and Restylane are made of hyaluronic acid formulas. And because they are made of a naturally occurring sugar molecule, they are extremely safe, as well as natural looking and feeling, when injected into the skin.

Hyaluronic acid facial filler injections can last from a few months up to an amazing two years – depending on which formula is chosen and where it is injected.

#3. Aesthetic Treatments that Stimulate Hyaluronic Production

The most effective and long-lasting way to maintain high hyaluronic acid levels in the skin is through medical grade skin care treatments that actually stimulate the body to start producing more of its own HA.

At AMAE Med Spa we offer several Laser, Radiofrequency and Microneedling treatments that can activate the body’s natural hyaluronic acid production process – for dramatic and long-lasting anti-aging results.

Topical creams can provide excellent temporary improvements in skin over time. And fillers can offer immediate, impressive skin plumping results that typically last from 6 months to a year. But when you restore the body’s own HA production with laser or radiofrequency treatments you are actually causing the skin to rejuvenate itself from the inside out for continuing improvement.

Our CO2RE and IPL laser treatments, as well as our revolutionary new Profound and Morpheus8 radiofrequency procedures, all deliver thermal energy deep into the dermis (lower layer of skin) to renew production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

This rebuilds and repair the skin on a deep cellular level – smoothing wrinkles, tightening sagging skin, and plumping hollow, flat contours. And the tissue then continues to produce hyaluronic acid, so results are continuing and very long-lasting.

Hyaluronic Acid Products & Treatments

Hyaluronic Acid is known to prevent and reverse the signs of aging – often giving it the nickname ‘fountain of youth’. It helps reduce wrinkles and promote tighter, smoother younger-looking skin by hydrating the cells.

HA also works on all skin-types, even those with oily skin. Additionally, it is safe for all skin tones and colors – even darker skin. And it is also gentle enough for those who have sensitive skin.

If you would like to “turn back time”, schedule a consultation at AMAE Med Spa in Birmingham, MI and see whether hyaluronic acid skincare products, HA dermal fillers, or one of our advanced laser or radiofrequency treatments is right for you!

Hyaluronic Acid Products & Treatments | Birmingham, MI: 248.335.7200

Turn Back Time with New Co2RE Laser Anti Aging Treatments

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Anti Aging with the New Co2RE Laser – 

Wanting to look younger isn’t just about being more attractive. A more youthful appearance has been proven to help men and women remain competitive in the workplace, as well as in the fields of sports and politics. Anti Aging treatments also help you look on the outside the youthful way that you feel on the inside – so that you aren’t perceived or treated like a “senior citizen” when you feel like a thirty-year-old!

AMAE Plastic Surgery is one of the first and only providers in the greater Detroit area to offer the amazing new Co2re Laser. This state-of-the-art anti aging technology actually treats 7 different signs of aging with a single innovative laser device.

What Is “Anti Aging”?

The sun’s damaging UV rays, inflamed blemishes, smoking, alcohol consumption, dehydration, medications, pregnancy, and heredity all contribute to lines, wrinkles, discoloration and other signs of aging.

But while wearing SPF 50 on your face every day can help prevent sun damage, it does not slow down the skin’s natural aging process. And, while a good diet and adequate sleep can help as well, the skin continues to age, no matter how healthy your lifestyle.  In fact, a person’s first wrinkles start to get etched as soon as they begin to make facial expressions in the womb!

Many women (and men!) rely on a variety of treatments and medical grade skincare products to turn back time. These can help delay or minimize some of the signs of aging, as well.  But true “anti aging” treatments do more than just hydrate and/or slough off the outer layer of skin. To actually reverse aging involves rejuvenating the skin on a cellular level.

Anti Aging on a Cellular Level

New, state-of-the-art Co2re laser technology does not just remove or reduce signs of aging – it actually regenerates new, healthy skin on a deep cellular level.

Collagen and elastin are the building blocks of healthy skin. These essential proteins form the “matrix” or “scaffolding” of cells that keep the skin firm and elastic and keep it from wrinkling and sagging. But as we age the body produces less and less collagen and elastin.

The CO2RE laser is a state-of-the-art anti aging fractional CO2 laser treatment, now available in the Troy, MI area at AMAE Med Spa.  It is unique in that it incorporates two laser technologies that simultaneously treat both the top layer (epidermis) and the deep layers (dermis) of the skin.

Superficially, CO2RE performs “ablative” resurfacing by removing the top layer of aging or damaged skin – revealing the new, healthy skin cells below. These results are almost immediately visible once the skin has healed.

But, unlike other treatments, CO2RE also delivers fractional laser waves that create microscopic channels far below the skins surface. This re-activates the body’s collagen production and cell renewal processes. The skin then begins to produce collagen and elastin again, like it did when it was younger – naturally repairing skin damaging, tightening & plumping skin, and “filling in” lines and wrinkles.

Co2RE Laser Anti Aging – Troy, MI Area

Because CO2RE laser anti aging treatments don’t just treat the skin’s surface – but actually stimulate the skin cells to behave like younger skin – it is truly a revolutionary anti aging treatment. And, because it is anti-aging on a deep cellular level, a one-time treatment can last up to 15 years!

Troy, MI area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali offers the most advanced, state-of-the-art technologies in anti aging, skin resurfacing, and wrinkle and line reduction.

Each CO2RE laser anti aging appointment begins with a professional skin consultation, so that the treatment can be customized to meet the specific aesthetic needs of each patient.

Schedule a CO2RE laser anti aging treatment – and then relax in our Troy, MI area Med Spa, while we make you look and feel younger and even more attractive!

Laser Anti Aging Treatments – Troy, MI Area – 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

Chemical Peel Healing Time

How Long Do Skin Peels Take to Heal?

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Bloomfield Hills, MI– Wrinkles. Acne scars. Sun damage. Pigment changes or irregularities. These and other problems are common reasons for getting a chemical peel done.

“Chemical peels are a great solution for evening out your skin and revitalizing it overall,” says Detroit-area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali. “While destroying old skin cells, this process allows new, healthy cells to emerge and grow.”

Healing Time: It Depends

Since there are several kinds of chemical peels used for skin treatment, recovery times also vary. All in all, depending on the type of peel used, skin usually heals itself in anywhere from one day to several months.

Dr. Ali explains, “There are three main classes of chemical peels: superficial, medium, and deep. Each one uses different chemicals and application lengths, and each affects the skin differently. We at Amae Medspa very much customize our treatments; we offer nine types of chemical peels and devise a care plan unique to each person.”

Superficial Peels

In superficial peels, the target is removing only the outermost layer of skin, called the epidermis. First, the skin is cleaned and then a combination of mild acids is used to expose younger, healthier skin beneath the surface.

The acid is left on the skin for a few minutes and then neutralized with alcohol or water, which stops the chemical reaction. While the chemicals are on the skin, many people report feeling a burning sensation, which can easily be relieved using a handheld fan.

Immediately afterwards, the skin will peel a bit and will likely turn pink. Though it might take redness a little while to subside, it is still safe to wear makeup after the procedure. Typical healing time is just a few days.

Medium Peels

Medium peels typically use similar chemicals to those in a superficial peel, but the mixture is kept on the skin longer: up to about 30-40 minutes, depending on the skin’s condition and desired results.

These peels are more painful, as the targeted areas are both the epidermis and top portion of the dermis. Pain relievers and oral sedatives are sometimes offered to help with the discomfort. A fan or cool compress may also alleviate any burning sensations.

Due to the nature of this treatment, a longer healing time should be anticipated. After a few days, skin will likely begin to crust and peel, only fully healing after a week or so. It’s best not to wear makeup for the first week after treatment, as this can slow the healing process. Typical healing time is approximately 5-7 days.

Deep Peels

As the name implies, deep peels target the deepest layer of the dermis possible without causing long-term damage. While it’s the most aggressive and painful treatment, it also provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results. With this procedure, it’s best to wait two weeks or more before using makeup again. Skin will likely take a few months to completely heal and repair, so antibiotics and/or antivirals may be prescribed to keep infections at bay. Typical healing time is anywhere from three weeks to two months.

Achieving Optimal Results

Pre- and post-peel care is crucial for achieving healthy, lasting results. Preparation for a chemical peel should be done two to three weeks beforehand and consists of washing the face twice daily, applying a special moisturizing cream once or twice each day, using sunscreen, and avoiding direct sunlight. These measures will ensure more even results and allow skin to heal faster after treatment.

After a peel, the acne medication Retin-A (tretinoin) is sometimes used to promote healing. To prevent viral infections, acyclovir or a similar prescription may be given especially to those who have had cold sores and had a chemical peel near the eyes or mouth.

Like pre-peel care, it’s also important to liberally apply sunscreen and limit sun exposure after a peel. Moisturizers should also be used for several weeks afterwards. This course of action keeps skin healthy and able to heal itself more efficiently.

To get started on your way to smoother skin, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali today! You can also call 855-335-7200 to speak with the office directly.

© 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.

Micro needling MI

How to Radically Rejuvenate Your Skin

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – Long gone are the days when the only options for better skin were vast amounts of makeup or painful, time-consuming procedures. While a healthy lifestyle goes a long way, sometimes it’s just not enough to keep skin youthful, even, and smooth. Luckily, there are more options now than ever before for getting –and maintaining– perfection.

“We have so many ways to help people have the appearance they’ve always dreamed of,” says top Michigan surgeon, Dr. Ali. The board-certified doctor, with more than 6,000 plastic surgeries to his credit, continues, “Contrary to popular belief, facial treatments don’t have to be painful or expensive, and they may take less time than most people think. For some procedures, patients can come in during the morning and return to work after lunch.” Below are some of the newest offerings from Dr. Ali’s Amae Plastic Surgery Center.

Non-ablative Laser Facial Treatments

This popular procedure is ideal for treating age spots, scars, wrinkles, and sun-damaged skin. As it doesn’t damage the skin’s surface, healing is relatively fast. Also called fractional resurfacing, non-ablative treatments can give the skin a more even tone with a very minimal amount of pain. What’s better, this type of procedure can have pronounced results for even those under 50 with non-sagging skin.

Photo Facials

Depending on the patient’s goals, photo facials are used for everything from reducing brown spots, acne, spider veins, and redness, to boosting the body’s production of collagen. “There are several different versions of this treatment, so it’s important to talk with your doctor to best match your needs,” advises Dr. Ali. The two main types of photo facials utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or intense pulsed light (IPL). “Since these treatments have different modalities and outcomes, I carefully consult with each patient to decide which will yield the best results possible.”

While prices can vary on photo facials, it’s still a fairly inexpensive way to revitalize skin.

Micro Needling

Micro needling is a fast, simple and nearly painless procedure that doesn’t use chemicals or abrasives. Instead, it uses a series of tiny needles that stimulate the body’s production of collagen and skin repair mechanisms. “What’s great about micro needling,” notes Dr. Ali, “is that it can be done easily and on any area of the body. You can return to work immediately following treatment, and the outcome is fantastic.” Drastic improvements are noticeable within a few weeks, though multiple visits are usually recommended for optimal benefits.

Micro needling can treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, stretch marks, scars, aging hands, and loosening skin. It can also be effective as a way to fill in acne scars and improve overall skin tone.

The cost of this procedure can vary, so a conversation with a doctor is crucial. “The treatment can include a numbing agent or not, growth factor serum or not, aftercare or not, so I’m happy to discuss options with each patient,” says Dr. Ali, noting that such customization is key to attaining lasting results.

Using a Combination of Cosmetic Surgery Treatments

“When trying to achieve your ideal skin, it’s often best to use a combination of treatments,” notes Dr. Ali. “Using multiple methods can get you the desired results in a timely and sustainable manner.” Since many of these procedures may require several repetitions, it’s important to keep in mind your ultimate goals.

“Of course,” Dr. Ali adds, “taking care of yourself is also paramount. A good diet, regular exercise, good sleep, and at-home skincare all contribute to having a healthy life. However, there are now other ways we can improve upon your physique, so why not take advantage of that as well?”

Dr. Ali is happy to consult with patients to develop a detailed care plan perfectly suited to their desires.

To find out more about the various options available, and to get a detailed consultation, contact Dr. Ali at Amae Plastic Surgery Center in Blomfield Hills, Michigan today to schedule an 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 skin treatments

How Photofacial Treatments Give You the Radiant Complexion You’ve Always Wanted

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – If you are unhappy with your skin’s complexion or you have a skin ailment that has been bothering you for some time, there is a revolutionary new cosmetic surgery treatment you’ll certainly want to know about.

The treatment that can give you more youthful, radiant, and blemish-free skin is known as the “Photofacial,” also referred to photorejuvenation, and uses the power of mere light to help you look your very best.

Here is all you need to know about photofacial treatments so you can start planning the procedure that can give you the smooth, even-textured you’ve always wanted.

What Does Photofacial Treatment Consist Of?

When you go to the office of top Detroit plastic surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali for a photofacial treatment, you can expect to experience Selective Waveband Technology (SWT) first-hand.

Dr. Ali uses a device called the Frax 1550 Nordlys Hybrid System to administer SWT, which consists of highly-filtered light pulses that break up the upper skin layer and invigorate the skin underneath, bringing your natural radiance to the surface.

The Frax 1550 is technology handcrafted in Denmark and sports 15 FDA-approved treatments.

What is Photofacial Treatment Used For?

You would schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali if you wanted to get rid of damaged or wrinkled skin, or skin that’s marred by stretch marks, scars, acne, or age spots.

You would also come to Dr. Ali for a photofacial treatment if you notice uneven pigmentation, redness, and other skin problems you’ve tried to address yourself to no avail. The treatment can also be used for hand rejuvenation.

How Does a Photofacial Work?

Dr. Ali will ensure you are comfortable; then he will use an apparatus that emits a pulsing light over the affected area. The treatment time varies, but should only last around 15-30 minutes on average.

Is There Any Discomfort or Downtime?

Dr. Ali is one of the first plastic surgeons to offer the Nordlys Hybrid System. He chose the system because it is non-invasive, safe, and virtually painless. There is also minimal downtime.

Do the Treatments Work Right Away?

While every cosmetic surgery case is different, you should see an improvement in your skin color and tone following the very first treatment. If you have a severe case of sun damage or other skin problem, you may require additional treatments to achieve the desired results.

You may also require additional treatments if you tend to be of the fairer skinned variety, as Dr. Ali will be forced to lower the settings on the Frax 1550 to keep from burning your skin.

On average, patients visit Dr. Ali for 3-4 sessions of photofacial treatments before noticing maximum results.

Are the Results Permanent?

The results of a photofacial treatment can be extremely long lasting if you protect your skin from the sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen while out and about during the day.
If you don’t care for your skin as Dr. Ali recommends, you may have to return for re-treatment in the near future.

What Results Can Be Expected?

SWT technology uses longer wavelengths of light than the sunlight that reach deep into your skin to stimulate new collagen production. This gives your skin a more youthful and radiant glow.

You will also see an improvement in the texture of your skin. It will be smoother and softer to the touch, allowing you to not only look your best but feel that way too.

How Much is a Photofacial?

While your cost may vary depending on the areas that need to be treated and how many treatments you opt to receive, the average price for a photofacial treatment is around $450.

Do you still have questions about photofacial treatments (photorejuvenation) and how they can give you glowing and more youthful skin? Contact Dr. Ali at Amae Plastic Surgery Center in Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Michigan to schedule a consultation.

© 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.

microdermabrasion

The Wonders of Microdermabrasion for Sun Baked Skin

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Detroit, MI – Sunbathers are well aware of the effects the sun can have on the skin.

Spend a little time in the sun and you get a nice healthy tan.

Too much sun, on the other hand, can leave you looking much older than your years.

When the skin has taken a beating from the sun, one plastic surgeon suggests a technique that many are raving about.

“Microdermabrasion is a simple technique that can make a person look years younger and restore a healthy glow to the skin,” says Plastic Surgeon Dr. M Azhar Ali who operates AMAE Plastic Surgery Center in Detroit.

Dr. Ali is referring to one of the most popular choices among patients for improving the appearance of dull, aged or uneven skin.

The procedure is a favorite of patients because it is fairly affordable and doesn’t involve any invasive cosmetic procedures.

“Patients like microdermabrasion because it addresses a person’s flaws on the surface level, only treating the outermost layer of skin,” says Dr. Ali.

Using a handheld machine known as the diamond tome device attached to suction tubing, the plastic surgeon will gently exfoliate the patient’s skin, which removes dead skin cells and reveals the healthy younger skin underneath.

Nearly 900,000 microdermabrasion techniques were performed in 2014, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the number of patients opting for the treatments have steadily risen since then.

When asked to delve deeper into the specifics of the procedure, Dr. Ali says, “The treatment is quick, relatively painless and is safe for all skin types.”

The treatment is also incredibly versatile. Not only can it be used on sun damaged skin, but it can also treat textured skin, acne, acne scars, and minimize large pores.

As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, Dr. Ali suggests that more than one treatment may be needed to reduce or completely remove fine wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation.

“By the end of the treatment phases, however, a patient can look good as new,” Dr. Ali says.
To learn more about microdermabrasion and how it can help to improve the look and health of a patient’s skin, visit https://drali.com/skin-and-body/microdermabrasion/.

© 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.

scare

Does Plastic Surgery Leave Scars?

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – Does the thought of plastic surgery scars keep you from saying “Yes!” to life-improving surgery? It shouldn’t. While other surgical procedures may leave scars, cosmetic surgery scarring is almost unheard of – sort of.

Think about it. Celebrities engage in plastic surgery all the time. These stars and starlets even go so far as to keep their procedures a secret, even when they look nothing like their former selves.

If cosmetic surgery left glaring scars, these A-list celebs wouldn’t be so successful at keeping their procedures under wraps.

So how come regular surgery procedures, such as those used to repair the heart, lungs or other organs, leave scars, but plastic surgeons are able to avoid them (almost) completely?
Here are the answers you seek. Hopefully after reading them, you’ll finally schedule those procedures that could immeasurably improve your life.

All Surgeries Leave Scars

First, let’s face facts: Cosmetic surgery does involve cutting into the skin, so it does leave scars. Anytime you are performing surgery on the skin, a scar is going to result.

Don’t let that fact cause you to avoid bettering your life through a life changing operation, however.

While scars are unavoidable, they may not be as bad as you imagine.

Cosmetic surgeons are using very precise instruments, so they are able to place incisions strategically so that any scars left behind aren’t very noticeable.

Your doctor can also use techniques like layered closures, which involve deeply-embedded, dissolving stitches that are placed in regions of the body with greater tension and thicker skin. The increased pressure prevents the scar from widening during the body’s natural healing process.

Your surgeon can also use techniques like following natural skin creases to hide scars. Natural skin creases are parallel to wrinkle lines and act as camouflage to make the scar nearly invisible.

Common Surgeries and the Resulting Scars

Now let’s look at some examples using one or more procedures you may be considering.

If you are thinking about a breast augmentation, you’ll be happy to know that scars are a non-issue. During this type of procedure, your surgeon will place the implant through a tiny incision around the areola border or in the fold below the breast.

Considering a facelift? Here’s another procedure with minimal scars. These small lines can also be hidden behind the ear, along the junction between the cheek and ear, or around the posterior hairline.

For a chin implant, the incision is made inside the mouth or within the natural crease of the chin fold, leaving no visible scarring behind.

Unavoidable Visible Scars

There are some procedures, such as those involving the back, where unsightly scars are inevitable. But a skilled plastic surgeon can help to minimize these scars so that they aren’t so obvious.

What do the Scars Look Like?

Immediately after surgery and possibly for a few months afterward, the scars left behind from surgery will appear red and raised. Given enough time, they will eventually fade to minuscule white lines.

Keloid Scars

If you have darker skin, you may be prone to keloid scars, which are thicker and appear raised outside of the circumference of a standard scar. This doesn’t mean that you are destined to live with them, however. Your surgeon will just have to be more aggressive at treating them.

Post-Surgery Scar Care

Even if a scar is unavoidable, plastic surgeons are trained body artists. Using their skill and years of training, they are often able to diminish visible scars using a variety of techniques.

Your surgeon may avoid your skin from scarring by removing stitches at certain times post-procedure. For example, removing facelift sutures 6 days after the procedure lowers the risk of developing permanent marks, also referred as “track marks”, along the line of incision.
Scars can also be treated post-surgery using a Vitamin E solution, silicone spray or steroid injections.

How You Can Help to Minimize Scarring

To help your scars heal properly, your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for the body part that has been operated on. If you don’t want scars to last, you should follow those instructions exactly as described.

You may have to change out silicone pads, which are designed to shrink plastic surgery scars. Your surgeon may even suggest that you take Vitamin C and Zinc orally, which can help to reduce the appearance of scars.

You should also use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for a year post-surgery as the scars mature. That’s because scars may become darker or lighter than the adjacent skin (hypopigmentation) if they are immature and exposed to significant UV rays. This is true even on otherwise cloudy days.

With a skilled surgeon and the right treatment after surgery, even scars left behind post-surgery can be faded to appear next to nothing. What you’re left with is the ideal nose, tummy or pair of breasts without a single scar to show for it.

With your fears abated, it’s now time to schedule those procedures you’ve been putting off for so long. Call Dr. Ali for a consultation.

© 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.

Acne in women

What is Micro Needling?

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – Micro needling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that is taking the cosmetic world by storm. Fine needles puncture the skin to create deliberate and controlled injuries that then lead the body to produce new collagen and elastin.

“The theory behind micro needling has been around for some years, taking various forms,” says Dr. Ali, a plastic surgeon in Michigan. “In the 1990s, a Canadian plastic surgeon played around with the idea of using ink-less tattoo guns to help treat scars after surgery. In 1996, a South African plastic surgeon introduced the idea of skin needling using a roller to treat wrinkles, and this is the form of micro needling we recognize today.”

Micro needling, also known as skin needling or dermarolling, has been used to minimize acne scars, fine lines, brown spots and even stretch marks and cellulite.

Depending on the area to be treating, micro needling can take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour. The day of treatment, patients will need to avoid using any make-up or lotions on the area to be treated.

Before the procedure, the technician will apply a topical numbing cream to the area to be treated to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Then, the skin needling device will be rolled over the area in a specific pattern to generate the most collagen and elastin production.

Each fine needle in the device creates a miniscule puncture wound in the skin, which then stimulates cell regeneration. It can then take about six weeks for the new collagen to fully form.

There are many benefits to skin needling. First, it is often a much more cost-effective solution for minimizing lines and reducing the appearance of scars. Most patients are good candidates for the procedure, including those with thin or sensitive skin. And patients with darker skin are also good candidates, as it has a lower risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring than other procedures.

Some procedures, such as laser resurfacing, create a clear difference in appearance between the skin that was treated, and the skin that wasn’t. This means the treatment needs to be blended to minimize the appearance of the treatment itself. But with micro needling, there will be no difference between the treated and untreated skin.

Following the procedure, patients may experience dryness, scaling, redness and slight swelling. This may last a few days, depending on the length of needles used during treatment. Patients will need to take special care to avoid sun exposure for several weeks following the procedure.

In as little as two weeks, patients will have noticeable skin rejuvenation, and the effects can last up to eight months. The procedure can be repeated as needed to reach the desired results.

There are now a host of products and devices on the market that allow home use, however, Dr. Ali advises against home use. Because a micro needling device does puncture the skin, the treatment should only be performed by a someone skilled in the procedure who can control the depth at which the needles enter the skin.

Because there are many products on the market, people who opt for at-home treatment should pay close attention to the brand and quality of the product they choose. The quality of the needle is essential, and many less expensive products can result in needles breaking off, sometimes even in the skin.

Cleanliness and sterilization are also crucial to the micro needling process. Using needles that are not clean can introduce harmful agents to the skin, and cause damage.

When in skilled hands, micro needling is a safe and effective way to improve the texture and tone of skin, and reduce the appearance of surface scars and fine lines.

© 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.

Permanent Makeup MI

Is Permanent Makeup Right for You?

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – Do you get tired of having to reapply your eyeliner, or making it through the day and realizing it was smudged? With permanent makeup, you no longer have to spend time applying and reapplying eyeliner, lip line, or trying to sculpt your eyebrows.

“Permanent makeup is gaining a lot of popularity,” says Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. Ali. “Through tattoos, women can have the benefit of permanent color enhancement on the eyes, lips, eyebrows and other areas of the face. We also can use tattoos to restore or enhance the areola following breast reconstructive surgery.”

Patients in Dr. Ali’s office can enjoy the benefits of permanently enhanced eyebrows, permanent eyeliner and permanent lip liner.

Do you spend a lot of time trying to shape the perfect eyebrow? Or are you missing fullness in your eyebrows, due to aging, chemotherapy or another issue? Permanent makeup is a great way to enhance and beautifully shape your eyebrows.

A medical aesthetician will work with you to determine the best look for you, and use the technique to either simply fill in areas that are missing hair, or two create dramatically colored brows that can add new expression and definition to your face.

All women know that good eyeliner can dramatically alter the appearance of one’s eyes. But bad eyeliner can leave you looking like a clown or a raccoon. And if you suffer from allergies or limited dexterity, applying eyeliner can be a nightmare. But with permanent eyeliner, you never have to worry about it again. Your aesthetician will work with you to create a look that is natural and that will bring out the beauty of your eyes. Permanent eyeliner can be applied above or below the eye, or both.

Permanent lip liner can improve the definition of your lips by making them appear fuller. The tattoed pigment can make subtle corrections in the shape of the lip, or restore color that has been lost over time. Your aesthetician will work to help you find the ideal color and shape to give you beautiful, natural-looking and fuller lips.

Permanent makeup is like any other tattoo – while it is long lasting, it can fade over time, especially when proper care isn’t taken to protect from the elements. Patients may want to touch up their makeup periodically.

Having permanent makeup applied can be mildly painful, as any tattoo can be. Your aesthetician can use topical anesthetics and analgesics to minimize your discomfort.

Dr. Ali’s team follows the strictest sanitation and safety standards, so you can always be sure receiving permanent makeup at Amae Plastic Surgery Center is safe. Always do proper research before having permanent makeup applied to be sure you receive your treatment from only those with the highest care standards.

If you’d like to learn more about permanent makeup, call Dr. Ali’s office 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.