Skin Care Archives - Page 3 of 3

Professional Make-Up – All the Glam, None of the Hassle!

January 15, 2015/0 Comments/in Skin Care /by admin

Do you ever find yourself leaving the house feeling less than glamorous, just for the sake of time? The first step to feeling our best is looking our best and we know that when it comes down to it, we usually place other commitments ahead of making ourselves feel fabulous.

What if we told you that we have a solution and a way to cut the time you spend in front of the mirror? We offer a few different options for you to feel fabulous !

Looking for a way to refresh your look and cut down on the time you spend getting dolled up? Not only can our professional, licensed make-up artist show you the best look for your face, they will also show you how to do your make-up efficiently!

Do you have a big event like a wedding or gala? Our team is available to provide special occasion make up applications. These ensure that you have a polished, finished look that will last throughout your event! Our licensed artists know how to make your features pop, enhancing your natural beauty!

Have you ever held off on booking a treatment because you knew you had to jet off to a lunch meeting or head back to the office? Well now you can – our professional make-up artists will do a quick touch up to make sure that you look like you just left your home, not your spa! They can give you a refreshed look that hides the visible signs of injections and treatments.

Contact us today to book your appointment!

New Product Spotlight: Rejuvapen Skin Therapy System

December 19, 2014/0 Comments/in Juvederm, Skin Care /by admin

Dr. Ali’s office is thrilled to have recently augmented our skin therapy offerings with the Rejuvapen Skin Therapy system. This state of the art procedure leverages the body’s natural healing mechanism to improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Unlike many other procedures, this comprehensive treatment is able to manage everything from pore size to fine lines and wrinkles. Acne scars? Covers that too! Looking for a lift? Rejuvapen works!

The nine micro-needles create invisible perforations in the top layer of the skin – this process triggers the skin to produce collagen and elastin to repair the invisible breaks. Not only does this natural process renew your skin from the inside out, but it’s affordable.

Unlike many other skincare solutions which just mask the problem, Rejuvapen fixes your skin at the cellular level. The regeneration process is natural and will result in increased elasticity, reduced fine lines and wrinkles and stimulated circulation, which leaves your skin looking and feeling better than before!

Sound too good to be true? Check out some reviews from clients and also before and after case studies!

This would make a great holiday gift for yourself or a loved one. Contact us today as we have special introductory pricing that ends on December 30th!

Liquid Facelifts – A Possible Alternative to Surgery!

November 30, 2014/0 Comments/in Face Lift, Juvederm, Skin Care /by admin

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?

October 15, 2014/0 Comments/in Face Lift, Skin Care /by admin

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!

Saving Your Skin This Summer

May 31, 2014/0 Comments/in Skin Care /by admin

Like our clients, we love escaping the cold Michigan winters and welcoming the warmer summer temperatures! Being able to enjoy ourselves outside is something that we certainly don’t take for granted, thanks to the harsh climate of Michigan.

However, the summer can wreak havoc on your skin! Between the excessive sun, the water and the heat, your skin can be left feeling less than flawless. We have some tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing all summer long.

1. Sunscreen, sunscreen and MORE sunscreen! We cannot stress the importance of sunscreen enough. It is the best thing you can do to keep your skin safe and to prevent wrinkles and aging. Amae carries high-quality sunscreen products from Image and other top skin-care lines.

2. Hydrate! The skin is predominantly water – it is important that you increase your water intake, as the summer heat is so dehydrating.

3. Moisturize! We highly recommend considering an oil-free moisturizer for summer as well as adding a tinted moisturizer to your makeup regiment. Making sure you keep your skin moisturized will help you stay glowing all summer long! Contact us for help selecting the perfect moisturizer and skin care regimen from Image, NeoCutis or Obagi.

4. Get a facial! This is a good skin care practice to have year round, but especially in the summer. Skin can become dull, and a facial is sure to brighten it up! Amae offers a variety of facial options.

Contact Dr. Ali’s office today to discuss your skin care needs and keep your skin glowing this summer!

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments are Needed for Permanent Hair Removal?

April 30, 2014/0 Comments/in Laser hair removal, Skin Care /by admin

Are you considering laser hair removal (electrolysis)? It’s definitely a fast, comfortable and permanent alternative to shaving and waxing.

Hair growth is a result of hormone levels and hereditary traits; sometimes drugs and illness can also stimulate hair growth. Many of us have hair in areas we’d rather not, which is why laser hair removal is such a popular procedure. Let’s face it; waxing routinely gets expensive and shaving each day can be a hassle!

But, laser hair removal is rarely accomplished in one visit. Successful laser hair removal requires the hairs to be actively growing and because the human hair growth cycle is staggered in nature, some hairs may be dormant during the first appointment. They will need to be “zapped” at the next visit when they are in their active growth phase.

Additionally, the number of laser hair removal treatments necessary for complete hair removal varies from one person to another. Most patients require 4-6 visits but some patients see satisfactory results in as little as 2.

Nearly any part of the body can undergo laser hair removal treatment. Visit our Laser Hair Removal page to learn more about the various procedure sites and costs.

The results of laser hair removal can be great, but it’s important to visit a certified doctor that you personally trust. Many states permit non-physicians to use lasers and if a patient is treated with the wrong laser or it’s simply on the wrong setting, you will not get the maximum results.

Call Dr. Ali’s Bloomfield Hills’ office at (855) 335-7200 to schedule your appointment or to learn more!

What’s The Big Difference? Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peels

April 15, 2014/0 Comments/in Cosmetic Surgery, Skin Care /by admin

With all of the options available to us today in the world of beauty and skin, understanding the procedures and the differences between them can become extremely overwhelming. Seeking advice or knowledge from a seasoned professional is one of the best ways to determine which procedure is right for you!

Dr. Ali and team want to help you take that first step and have done a comparison of microdermabrasion and chemical peels to help you better understand your options. Please note that no amount of online research should substitute for a professional consultation!

The primary difference between the two procedures is the way they are completed. Microdermabrasion is performed by an aesthetician under the supervision of a plastic surgeon. In Dr. Ali’s office, we use a diamond tome device that is attached to suction tubing which removes dead skin cells and makeup, leaving the skin refreshed.

Chemical Peels are performed by the plastic surgeon, all of which are completed using a chemical solution that is applied to the face after cleansing and then removed, taking a layer or multiple layers of the skin off, depending on the deepness of the peel.

With microdermabrasion there is little to no “downtime” after the procedure. You can generally resume normal activity immediately. Chemical peels require a bit more after-care as you need to be conscious of the new layer of skin that has just been revealed. A light peel requires less, but one of the deeper peels may require up to a few weeks of recovery time where strenuous activity, outdoor exposure and product usage are kept to a minimum.

One commonality between the two is that the best results are seen with multiple procedures. It may be difficult to reverse years of damage in a single treatment, so we may recommend a series of treatments. When combined, the two procedures yield excellent results! By combining microdermabrasion with a light peel and a hydration treatment you can truly hit the reset button on your skin!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation – every patient and their needs are different!

Sun Protective Clothing

July 18, 2012/0 Comments/in Skin Care /by admin

Part Four of Our Sun & Skin Series

It’s well known that the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to cover up. But not all clothing is created equal when it comes to sun protection. If you’re going to spend the day in the sun, consider what you are wearing and follow these guidelines.

Obviously, more coverage is better. But did you know that color and fabric are also factors in the level of sun protection provided by clothing? A tighter weave will allow less UV through, effectively increasing the UV protection factor. Conversely, open weave fabrics provide much less protection.

Fabric fiber makes a difference. Synthetic fibers like polyester, Lycra, nylon and acrylic often contain elastic threads that pull the fibers tightly together, providing improved protection. Additionally, shiny semi-synthetic fabrics like rayon reflect more UV than matte fabrics like linen.

Color also can be a factor. Many fabric dyes absorb UV, offering extra protection. Dark colors tend to absorb more UV than light colors, and many bright colors, like red, also absorb UV. Vivid colors provide more protection than pale colors.

UV-filtering sunglasses and a hat will protect your face and eyes. Select a hat with a wide brim (at least 3”) to help shade your neck, face and ears.

Some clothing now comes labeled with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating. This rating indicates how much of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the skin (a factor of 50 means 1/50 reaches your skin). UPF ratings for clothing have become standardized from country to country, and UPF protective clothing is often constructed of materials that provide superior comfort and coolness.

While part of your sun defense regimen may include protective clothing, make sure to use sunscreen on exposed areas and apply regularly. Sun exposure is the number one cause of skin aging, and remember: your best defense is a good offense.

About Dr. Ali

Dr. M. Azhar Ali is a top Michigan Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience and training. Dr. Ali offers:

Ten Tips for Keeping Kids Sun-Safe

July 3, 2012/0 Comments/in Skin Care /by admin

Part Three of Our Sun & Skin Series

Pediatricians are recommending kids get outside and get more exercise. But what should you do to keep your kids safe from the sun? Here are some top tips.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about skin safety to make sure you have the latest information.
Encourage your kids to use sunscreen SPF 15 or above, and make sure they understand why it’s important.
Teach your child to monitor his or her skin while outside; if skin turns white when pressed on with a finger it may be starting to sunburn.
Have your child wear a hat or baseball cap when playing out in the sun.
Have your child wear UV-blocking sunglasses when in the sun.
When playing outside have your child wear a shirt and pants that provide good coverage. Some clothing now comes with the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) listed on the tags.
Encourage outside play before 10am or after 4pm when the sun is less intense.
Medications can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light, so be aware of any medications your child may be taking. Common drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and antibiotics can cause increased sensitivity, so talk to your doctor about your children’s medications.
Insure your kids get adequate amounts of vitamin D from food and supplements, rather than from sun exposure only.
Urge local schools and youth programs to adopt sun protection policies, such as providing shade on playgrounds and outdoor sports venues.

Sunscreen Reduces Melanoma Risk

May 31, 2012/0 Comments/in Skin Care /by admin

Part One of Our Sun & Skin Series

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

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

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

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

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