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What to Know Before Plastic Surgery

6 Tips to Get the Best Plastic Surgery Results

Considering plastic surgery is a big decision that can impact the rest of your life! So you need to be sure you’ve carefully thought it through. It’s important that you make your decision carefully, and select the best plastic surgeon –  and don’t just settle on the plastic surgeon who offers rhinoplasty or breast augmentation for the lowest price.

In this article the plastic surgery experts at AMAE in the Detroit area share six tips to ensure that you get the best results from your plastic surgery procedure.

(1.) Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

“Plastic surgery is an art and requires expertise and specialized knowledge,” says Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali. “You want to be sure your surgeon can provide beautiful, natural looking results, so it’s important to choose one who has the experience you need. That means looking for one who is certified in plastic surgery because he or she will be committed to maintaining the highest standards in the field.”

(2.) Have Realistic Expectations for Plastic Surgery

It’s also important to have realistic expectations when undergoing plastic surgery. Dr. Ali sees many patients who bring along a photo of a favorite celebrity to show him the look they’d like. While Dr. Ali may be able to give you a nose that looks similar to Natalie Portman’s, or a bottom as full as Kim Kardashian’s, he won’t be able to transform you into someone you aren’t. Plastic surgery is meant to enhance your already natural beauty, and not transform you into a different person overnight.

“Patients must have a realistic idea of what plastic surgery can accomplish for them,” says Dr. Ali. “I can enhance your bustline, but I can’t make you into a supermodel. My goal is to help you become the best, most confident version of yourself.”

(3.) Do it for YOU!

Patients should never seek out surgery for anyone but themselves. If patients come to a plastic surgeon because someone else encouraged them or pressured them, the surgeon may decline to perform surgery. Plastic surgery should never be performed because you feel pressured to do so.

“Undergoing plastic surgery won’t automatically repair problems in your life,” says Dr. Ali. “If you and your boyfriend are in a rough patch, getting a liposuction isn’t going to repair that. Surgery can make you more confident and sure of yourself, but it can’t fix all the problems you may have.”

(4.) Be Honest with your Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgery patients need to be completely honest with their surgeon about their medical history, smoking, alcohol and drug use (even prescription, herbal and over-the-counter medications). Failure to do so can result in complications and side effects. All nicotine products should be stopped at least a month prior to surgery (and for several weeks afterward) as nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that interferes with healing. Alcohol use should stop two weeks before surgery and for several weeks after surgery, as it can interfere with anesthesia and can cause excessive bleeding.

Patients should also be at or near their ideal weight and in good physical health. Underlying health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, can increase the risks of plastic surgery.

“It’s important to be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight,” says Dr. Ali. “Gaining or losing large amounts of weight after your procedure can alter your results. Before any body contouring surgery, such as a tummy tuck, it’s important to be at a stable weight that you are able to maintain.”

(5.) Follow Your Post Surgery Instructions & Recovery Plan

It is also important that you have a complete understanding of the recovery period following your surgery. Plastic surgery is elective, and may result in a body that make you more confident, but that won’t happen overnight.

“Plastic surgery is like any other surgery, and requires very real recovery time,” says Dr. Ali. “It’s important that you have a complete understanding of what is expected during recovery, and don’t try to rush through. Failing to follow your surgeons post-surgery guidelines can alter your results, and can lead to complications and additional pain and discomfort. Plastic surgery may be elective, but recovery from a procedure like a tummy tuck requires patience.”

(6.) You Get What You Pay for with Plastic Surgery

Dr. Ali also warns that when it comes to plastic surgery, you usually get what you pay for. Because these cosmetic procedures are very complex surgeries, he warns that you should never shop based on price alone.

“When it comes to your health, you shouldn’t bargain hunt,” says Dr. Ali. “If you needed heart surgery, chances are you’d want the most experienced surgeon performing it. It should be the same with plastic surgery. It is an art, and for the best results, choose someone based on their skills, not on their price.”

Plastic surgery can offer patients increased confidence and a renewed outlook on life. But it’s important to choose a well-qualified and skilled, board certified plastic surgeon like Doctor Ali – who has performed thousands of plastic surgeries – to ensure you get the best cosmetic results.

Top Detroit Area Plastic Surgery

If you have questions about what plastic surgery can do for you, please schedule a consultation with award-winning Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

The vast majority of people who choose to get plastic surgery say it has helped them feel more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and give them a greater feeling of well-being.

Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers a plastic surgery consultation to help you learn about your options and decide what plastic surgeries are a good option for you.

Detroit Area Plastic Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

The Rhinoplasty Recovery Process

What to Expect When Recovering from Rhinoplasty

While rhinoplasty – aka a “nose job” – is a serious surgery, it is also very common and safe surgical procedure. When performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Ali, recovery problems are extremely rare and you are ensured beautiful, long-lasting results.

However, following the advice of your plastic surgeon after a rhinoplasty procedure is crucial to ensuring the long-term success of your nasal procedure! The information in this article is general in nature only to give you an idea what a person can typically expect after a nose job surgery. However, every surgery is different – so always discuss your procedure with your surgeon and follow their specific suggestions and recommendations for your rhinoplasty aftercare and recovery.

The First Week After Rhinoplasty Surgery

  1. Immediately after your surgery is completed, you’ll be given a small, aluminum frame to cover your nose. This will ensure your nose is protected adequately during the first week of recovery.
  2. In some situations the physician may need to use nasal packing to stabilize the nose after the procedure. Soft silicone splints can also be used to stabilize the internal structures of the nose during the first week of recovery.
  3. You will experience a bit of discomfort or pain after the surgery, however with the use of long-term anesthetic, discomfort after a rhinoplasty is very minimal. (Note that any significant increase in pain after your procedure is a sign to call your surgeon immediately.)
  4. Swelling will occur after surgery, so you can expect to feel congested for a while after. Your nasal passages may be partially or completely obstructed. However, splints can prevent complete blockage. To ease this congestion, you can take an over-the-counter decongestant with your doctor’s approval.
  5. To reduce swelling, keep your head elevated higher than your heart. Bruising and swelling are usually worse on the second day after your surgery, but will improve after that.
  6. For about 48 hours after your nose job, you will have a drip pad under your nostrils for nasal discharge. This will collect blood or excess liquid – which is normal for the first few days. Be sure to clean the drop pad every time you clean your nasal area.
  7. It is important to keep the area clean and free of blood and other liquids. Dip a Q-tip in hydrogen peroxide and gently clean the inside of your nostrils. You can then use an antibiotic ointment to prevent dried blood, with the permission of your doctor.

1 Week After Rhinoplasty

  1. Any external sutures used will be removed about a week after your surgery. If splints were used, they will be removed when your cast is removed.
  2. Keep the now exposed incision area clean by wiping it very gently with a Q-tip soaked in hydrogen peroxide, and apply an antibiotic ointment to the incision two to three times a day.
  3. After 1 week the pain and discomfort should have subsided substantially.
  4. It is normal to experience a temporary loss of sensation in the tip of your nose, upper front teeth and/or roof of your mouth after a rhinoplasty. Nasal surgery causes a temporary disruption in the nerves in this area. Over the weeks following surgery, all sensation should return to normal.
  5. Just as with numbness, your sense of smell may be altered due to disruption of some nerves during the procedure. You may notice a slight decrease or alteration in both your sense of smell and taste. However, after about a week, this should improve, as well.

What to Avoid After Rhinoplasty

  1. For the first month following your rhinoplasty, you should plan to wear contact lenses instead of glasses. Avoid resting your glasses on the bridge of your nose until your surgeon gives you the okay.
  2. Do not travel by plane for at least two weeks to avoid problems with sinus blockage.
  3. Avoid any activity that can accidentally jar or injury the nose, such as vigorous sex, sports, or athletic activities until your physician gives you the go ahead.
  4. Once the incision has healed, be sure to wear sunblock for 6 months after your surgery to avoid discoloration.

When to Call Your Doctor After Rhinoplasty

If you notice any of the following, it is important to contact your surgeon right away:

  • Fever exceeding 100 degrees
  • Unusual or excessive bleeding from the nose
  • Injury to the nose
  • Significant increase in pain that cannot be managed by prescribed medication

 

Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon – Troy Michigan

Rhinoplasty is a routine procedure, and if you follow all after-care instructions as provided by your surgeon, you should have beautiful, long-lasting results. If you ever have questions or concerns during your recovery period, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon.

Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation with a Troy, MI area Rhinoplasty Surgeon: 248-335-7200

Medical Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty Offers Cosmetic and Medical Benefits

When most people think of a “nose job” they assume it is strictly a cosmetic procedure. But rhinoplasty is much more than just a remedy for living with a nose that leaves you unhappy when looking in the mirror.  When performed by a skilled Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, rhinoplasty can also have a very real and positive medical impact on your life.

Rhinoplasty: More than Just Cosmetic Surgery

“The most obvious impact of a nose job is that it can improve your appearance,” says Birmingham, Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. Ali. “An improved appearance can then lead to improved self-esteem, which can improve your quality of life. If you’ve been self-conscious of your appearance your entire life because of your nose, after surgery is finished, you may find a renewed sense of self and happiness. Because you feel better about yourself, you’ll feel more confident and feel a desire to improve other areas of your life.”

But a rhinoplasty can also help you live a better and healthier life.  A nose job not only improves the look of the nose, it improves its function, too. So if you have breathing problems or even sleeping problems, a rhinoplasty may be the answer for you.

Rhinoplasty for Breathing Problems

People often assume when someone says they have a deviated septum, it’s just a “cover up” for a nose job surgery. But deviated septums are a very real medical condition that can lead to difficulty breathing, seriously impacting a person’s quality of life.  In a patient with a deviated septum, the center piece of cartilage is deviated, or off center. It can occur due to an injury, but is most often genetic. Because the cartilage is off center, it can impede airflow between your nostrils and passageways.

Other patients may have narrowed nasal airways that lead to decreased oxygenation – this is not only uncomfortable but can lead to lethargy, lack of stamina and increased risk of infection. Breathing issues due to narrowed or obstructed airways may also lead to decreased sense of smell, frequent nosebleeds, sleeping problems, hypertension and even heart disease.

For many breathing problems, rhinoplasty surgery is the ideal medical solution – improving your health and your quality of life.

Rhinoplasty for Sleep Issues & Snoring

If you experience sleep issues, your nose and nasal passages (airways) are likely playing a big role in the problem. Loud snoring might be annoying to your partner, but it may also indicate a much more serious health issue for you. Loud snoring may indicate that you have an obstructed airway, which can be dangerous and shouldn’t be ignored. It may indicate a more serious condition, known as “obstructive sleep apnea” or OSA.

OSA is caused by poor nasal airways, and is characterized by stoppages in breathing in the middle of the night that can jolt you awake. Not only does it result in a restless night’s sleep for you, it is also dangerous. While some cases of sleep apnea are caused by throat muscles that relax too much, others cases are caused by a severely deviated septum. In these cases, rhinoplasty performed by a Board Certified surgeon can improve both your breathing, your sleep, your snoring and your overall health.

Rhinoplasty for Sinus Headaches

Rhinoplasty can also offer relief for some sufferers of sinus headaches. If sinuses don’t drain properly, you may think you are just constantly fighting colds, or blame it on allergies. But in reality, if your nasal passageways are not able to properly drain the mucus from your sinuses it can lead to pressure, sinus infections and severe headaches.

A skilled board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali can correct a deviated septum and clear your airways and nasal passageways – providing lifelong relief from sinus pressure and headaches.

Best Birmingham Rhinoplasty Surgeon

“Many people may think a nose job is only performed to make someone look better,” says Dr. Ali. “And truthfully, if that is your reason for surgery, that is more than enough, because when you feel better about the way you look, you’ll also feel better about life. But, for many people, a rhinoplasty can offer relief from serious issues that affect them. The ability to breath and sleep better, and say goodbye to sinus pressure are amazing benefits that can greatly improve your life.”

Schedule a Consultation with a Birmingham, Michigan Rhinoplasty Surgeon: 248-335-7200

portrait of beautiful young female face with bandage on her nose

Open Vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

Bloomfield Hills, MI – Are you interested in a nose job procedure, but aren’t sure what type will be best for you? Dr. Ali, a Michigan plastic surgeon, explains the type of procedures you may hear about at a consultation.

“Open and closed rhinoplasty procedures are two ways plastic surgeons reshape the nose,” says Dr. Ali. “Which one your surgeon uses will depend on the current shape of your nose, as well as the preference of your surgeon. Both types of surgery have advantages and disadvantages to them, so it is important you ask your surgeon which he or she is most comfortable with, and which is recommended for you.”

A closed rhinoplasty, also known as an endonasal rhinoplasty, leaves all of the incisions inside the nostrils. This is an advantage for the patient as no visible scars will be seen. However, there are some challenges to this type of procedure. The incisions in each nostril are disconnected, which can make it harder for the nasal skin to be repositioned.

Additionally, the incisions are very small, reducing visibility for the surgeon. This can make the surgery more difficult in complex nose jobs, such as changing the shape or position of the tip of the nose. However, this can be a great technique for bridge augmentation or minor refinements of the bridge. This procedure can also be used in correcting deviated septums, as long as there aren’t major cosmetic changes needed, as well.

An open rhinoplasty is also referred to as an external rhinoplasty. There are a few hidden, internal incisions, as well as an incision along the columella, the skin that attaches the right and left nostrils. This incision adds much greater visibility for the surgeon because it allows for the skin to be lifted back, allowing the surgeon better access to the structures of the nose.

An open procedure also allows for the cartilage of the nose to be less distorted during surgery, allowing the surgeon to see all aspects of the nasal cavity in a more undisturbed manner.

“While many patients may come to a consultation with a closed rhinoplasty in mind, it’s important to remember that the scar an open procedure will leave is tiny,” says Dr. Ali. “While I perform closed rhinoplasty procedures, it is hard to deny that better accuracy can come from an open procedure. The results would far outweigh a tiny scar. Open rhinoplasty has transformed how we are able to reshape noses, giving plastic surgeons better control and precision in treating more complex cases.”

When performed by a skilled and well-trained surgeon, such as Dr. Ali, an open rhinoplasty scar will heal excellently, making it practically invisible to the naked eye. Two layers of incisions will ensure the incision will close properly, allowing for healing that will make the incisions almost imperceptible to friends.

If you are ready to discuss a nose job procedure, call Dr. Ali today.

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Is Winter a Good Season for Cosmetic Procedures?

While it is safe to get cosmetic surgeries and procedures done at any time of the year, many people favor the winter and spring months. There are quite a few benefits to selecting the cooler months to take the steps to your best self!

Are you considering a surgery like breast augmentation or liposuction? The colder months may be the best time, as it’s easier to conceal swelling and wraps under bulkier clothing. Additionally as it’s typically a more sedentary time of year, it’s more conducive to resting and healing.

Perhaps you are doing something topical like a chemical peel? The winter months are perfect, as not only does this procedure allow you to get rid of the dry, dull winter skin but it also makes it easier to avoid direct sunlight during recovery. And, if you have kids, recovery is much easier if they’re still in school.

And finally, making improvements in the winter months insures you’re ready to go when spring arrives.