Turning Back the Clock at 65: Facelifts for Senior Patients

Bloomfield Hills, MI – Shakespeare once wrote, “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” While fine lines and crows’ feet may be evidence of a long and joyous life, not everyone is so convinced that face creases have to come with age.

For years, the facelift procedure has offered respite from those wishing to reverse the clock on their well-worn facades. A nip here and a tuck there and the person can look twenty years younger, or more.

Now, a recent trend has seen those ages 65 or older choosing this time-honored plastic surgery technique. But many wonder:

Is a facelift safe for senior patients, or is there such a thing as “too old” for plastic surgery?

Plastic Surgeon, M. Azhar Ali, who was awarded Top Doc 2016 by Hour-Detroit Magazine said, “When it comes to age, the number is not as important as the overall health of the patient when considering plastic surgery. A patient is never too old for surgery as long as they are healthy enough.”

Dr. Ali, who serves patients in Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, and other areas throughout Detroit, has noticed a significant upsurge in senior patients seeking plastic surgery of all types, but facelifts in particular. And the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that the number of patients 65 or older opting for facelifts, and accompanying procedures like eyelid surgery, has more than doubled in the past 20 years. Much of that increase has been within the past five years.

Dr. Ali sees a clear reason for the increase in senior patients seeking out facelifts and other life-changing procedures.

“People are living longer, and we enjoy a better quality of life as we get older compared to previous generations. It’s understandable that older patients would want to look as young as they feel so they can get the most out of life,” Dr. Ali said.

There are a few considerations for patients age 65 or older that may not be necessary for younger patients considering facial cosmetic surgery.

Guidelines for Facelift Patients 65 Year or Older

Getting a Doctor’s Clearance: Facelifts and other elective surgeries need to be cleared by the patient’s primary healthcare provider before surgery can be scheduled. The plastic surgeon will also need to know about any medications the patient may be taking at the time of surgery.

Avoiding Complications: Complications during and after plastic surgery are rare, for younger and older patients alike. Still, all surgery comes with some element of risk. Therefore, senior patients should be prepared for such risk, as they may not be able to tolerate complications as well as their younger counterparts. The plastic surgeon will discuss any and all complications prior to surgery so that contingency plans can be made, and all concerns alleviated.

The fact is, a facelift is as safe at 65 as it is at 45, and in conjunction with eyelid surgery or other procedures, the patient can indeed begin to feel like an all new and much younger person.

For senior patients interested in learning more about facelifts and even liquid facelifts, call (248) 335-7200 or

email Detroit Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali for a consultation.

About Dr. Ali: With thousands of plastic surgery procedures to his credit and a patient satisfaction rating of 99%, Dr. M. Azhar Ali has become one of the most prominent Plastic Surgeons in the Detroit, Michigan area.

© 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.

The Stigma of Plastic Surgery

The Stigma of Plastic Surgery Is Going Away

Bloomfield Hills, MI– Plastic surgery. The phrase alone used to make people immediately link the term with others like fake, plastic, silicone, or not genuine. However, with nearly 16 million plastic surgery procedures done each year in the U.S. alone, it’s clear that many people are opting for something shunned a few decades ago. The stigma of cosmetic and plastic surgery is decreasing as time goes on, and this is good news for many people.

Detroit plastic surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali says, “The days of stigma for plastic surgery are over. With so many procedures available to patients today, it’s easier than ever to attain the body you’ve always wanted.”

Whether it’s a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, a facelift, or any other procedure, plastic surgery has come a long way. The options are virtually limitless, and people around the globe are taking notice. Since the year 2000, overall plastic procedures have increased 115% in the United States, and are still on the rise.

Many celebrities are now openly discussing the work they’ve had done, as they know they’re far from the exception anymore. Nowadays, one in five women report actively considering plastic surgery, with a growing number of procedures available.

What Are the Barriers to Plastic Surgery and How Can They Be Overcome?

“Plastic surgery can be a wonderful solution to a problem area or to help with self-confidence,” says Dr. Ali. “While it was more expensive and problematic in the past, it’s come a long way. Modern-day procedures are done by very experienced, highly-qualified surgeons, leading to fewer complications and better outcomes.”

Barriers to plastic surgery, for most people, include one or more of the following:

  • Cost
  • Recovery time
  • Fear of:
    o    Pain
    o    Complications
    o    Death
    o    Looking worse than before
  • Worry about not finding a good doctor

“Overcoming fear can be difficult for many patients,” Dr. Ali sympathizes. “However, if you find a board-certified, qualified plastic surgeon with great reviews, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.”

Many practices now have plastic surgery financing plans for people who are worried about costs. If the procedure is deemed medically necessary, that can help with insurance coverage. For example, a rhinoplasty (nose restructuring) can sometimes be done to help improve one’s breathing.

“Know that for most people, plastic surgery is a wonderful opportunity to have the body you’ve always wanted,” Dr. Ali encourages. “While it might set you back slightly in the short-term, in the long run, you’ll be very glad you did it. And don’t forget: You’re in good company!”

To get started on your new body, make an appointment with Dr. Ali today! If you prefer, you may also call 855-335-7200 to speak with the office directly.

About Us: Detroit-based Dr. M. Azhar Ali is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has done over 6,000 procedures.  He and his team are competent professionals who are well-versed in many types of surgery. The outstanding staff at Dr. Ali’s Plastic Surgery Center and Amae MedSpa offer experienced, compassionate care to all patients.

© 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.

How to Get a Movie Star Pout

Bloomfield Hills, MI – Many celebrities are famous for their full lips and pouts, recently highlighted by Kylie Jenner in her #kyliejennerlipchallenge, encouraging people to highlight their favorite features. It also helped many feel more comfortable talking about augmentation out in the open, proudly owning up to any enhancements they may have had.

“Lip augmentation is more popular now than ever,” says American Society of Plastic Surgeons member Dr. Ali. “With injectable treatments like Botox or hyaluronic acids, full and luscious lips are very easy to attain.”

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that less than every 20 minutes, someone in the U.S. opts for lip implant procedures. There were over 27,000 such treatments completed in 2015, and that number is only expected to rise.

Part of the popularity, opines Dr. Ali, is the ease of lip enhancements. “It’s a very straightforward process,” the Michigan plastic surgeon says, “involving just a local anesthetic and then injections with a tiny needle to fill out areas where you desire volume and rejuvenation. Injectables are a safe and easy procedure that can produce wonderful results.”

What’s more is that you’ll notice results almost instantly and can get back to work right after the injections. Depending on the filler type used, there may be some initial bruising and/or swelling, but that will subside within a few days, leaving fuller, more supple skin behind.

You can expect results to last six months or even years, depending on which type of filler you choose. And the treatments themselves are fast and simple. “Depending on what kind of results you want,” says Dr. Ali, “your actual procedure time can be just 15-20 minutes!”

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Treatments

Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our bodies. It’s a water-soluble substance that allows skin cells to retain more water, keeping the treated areas plump and firm.

  • Restylane is one option and lasts about six months. Regular treatments with Restylane can increase your body’s ability to produce collagen, helping to counter the effects of aging naturally.
  • Juvederm boasts the longest lasting results on the market today; patients can expect to see results for up to a year and will notice a change immediately, unlike botulin-based products.

Other Options

While hyaluronic compounds are increasingly popular, there are other choices available not just for lip augmentation, but for the surrounding areas as well.

  • Botox is comprised of the botulinum toxin, which sounds alarming, but when used in small doses, the results can be fantastic. It functions by reducing muscle contractions in your face, causing wrinkles to disappear.
  • Radiesse is a dermal filler also made from naturally-occurring substances. This treatment works by filling in the skin gaps that we know as wrinkles. Over time, Radiesse adds volume to your skin, diminishing the lines. The best part of this option is that Radiesse helps your body produce new cells after a few months, meaning the results can last for up to two years!

With these fast, simple, and safe procedures widely available, now is a wonderful time to plump up your smile for the perfect pout! All of the treatments listed above are FDA approved non-surgical treatments that can help you easily achieve the look you want.

If you’re interested in getting a facial filler or any other type of enhancement procedure, schedule a consultation with award-winning Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

© 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.

bikini season

Get Bikini Ready This Summer with a Mommy Makeover

Bloomfield Hills, MI– With the abundance of plastic and cosmetic surgery options available today, it’s easier than ever for mothers to become just as beach-ready as they were before children drastically changed their bodies. While there is no doubt an elegance and beauty that goes along with motherhood, there can also be less-than-desirable effects on one’s physique.

Dr. Ali, a Detroit plastic surgeon, says, “With the joy of parenthood can come some unwanted consequences, like extra body fat or sagging skin. Fortunately, there’s now a combination of procedures that are together called the mommy makeover. This can allow women to reap all the benefits of motherhood while still being happy with how they look in a swimsuit.”

What Is a Mommy Makeover, Exactly?

The mommy makeover usually consists of three parts: a tummy tuck, breast lift and/or augmentation, and liposuction. The combination of these procedures is ideal for mothers who’ve seen their bodies change in ways they may not like.

Tummy Tuck

Once mothers have their children, excess skin may be left over in the belly area. This skin may sag and the abs may loosen over time. A tummy tuck pulls the loose skin taut, and abdominal muscles may be tightened or repaired to give a flatter stomach.

Breast Lift and/or Augmentation

Mothers, especially those who have breastfed, may notice that their breasts lose some volume after pregnancy, or droop more than they did in years prior. Women who have had multiple children may notice an even more pronounced difference in breast size and consistency.

A breast lift can greatly decrease sagginess, giving women perkier breasts. Augmentation can add volume and firmness that can help recover tissue lost after childbirth. Together these procedures can help women restore their breasts to the way they were before pregnancy, correcting any other imperfections along the way. This can include reconstruction, reduction, and/or nipple correction.

Liposuction

Finally, for stubborn fat that just won’t leave a mother’s body, liposuction can rid of these deposits permanently. Liposuction is an option that helps smooth, flatten, and contour areas to the mother’s specifications.

Why Get a Mommy Makeover?

“Most women love the fact that their recovery time is condensed into one timeframe, instead of multiple surgeries requiring multiple recoveries,” says Dr. Ali.

Furthermore, the consultation between surgeon and patient is paramount to achieving a desired, lasting outcome.

“The more I know about what you want, the more I can help you get the look you really want,” explains Dr. Ali. “And the beautiful thing about a mommy makeover is that you can get everything done at once.”
To get started on your mommy makeover, make 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.

No Smoking

Why Your Plastic Surgeon Urges You Not to Smoke

Bloomfield Hills, MI – We know by now that smoking is bad. It wreaks havoc on our body’s systems. Yet despite all this knowledge, about 15% of Americans still light up on a regular basis. If you’re considering getting plastic surgery, there are so many reasons you should quit smoking once and for all.

“From a plastic surgeon’s perspective, I can say that nonsmokers will have a more successful outcome after their procedures,” says Michigan doctor Dr. M. Azhar Ali, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Many patients don’t consider the effects their tobacco use will have on their face lift of breast augmentation, but this is a topic worth discussing.”

What Does Smoking Do to the Body?

For many decades, the science has been clear: Smoking very much harms our bodies in many ways. Here are some:

  • Altered blood vessel size and efficiency: Smoking damages blood vessels by thickening their walls, causing them to narrow inside. This makes it much harder for the body to pump blood and thus life-giving oxygen. This usually results in elevated pulse and blood pressure, as well as a build-up of dangerous plaque and blood clots.
  • Higher risk of heart and brain problems: Coronary heart disease and stroke are directly caused by smoking. For the reasons listed above, many body systems cannot cope with the combination of ingested nicotine and tar.
  • Lung problems: While it sounds obvious, smoking very quickly and efficiently kills lung tissue. When problems like emphysema arise, some lung function may never fully recover, causing many to feel like they can’t ever get enough air.
  • Cosmetic effects: If these aren’t enough problems to consider, then think about the cosmetic effects. Smoking causes yellowed fingertips from holding cigarettes and can blacken fingernails as well. Teeth are tinged with the tar from cigarettes, tongues can develop a hair-like overgrowth of taste buds (try Googling black hairy tongue for fun), and breath will have a distinctive smoker’s smell. A smoker’s skin will wrinkle more and age faster than a nonsmoker’s. And don’t forget the smell that lingers on hair, clothing, and furniture.

How Does Smoking Affect Plastic Surgery Results?

Your entire body relies on oxygen for survival. While this may sound basic, consider that your skin, muscles, and fat cells also need oxygen. When plastic surgery procedures like tummy tucks or face lifts are done, the remaining tissue needs an oxygen supply to repair properly.

“Smoking greatly reduces the size of blood vessels, depriving cells of oxygen,” says Dr. Ali. “Oxygen is so important to good recovery after plastic surgery; without it, skin will not rejuvenate as well as it normally could.”

Other risks of smokers undergoing plastic surgery include:

  • Delayed healing of surgical wounds
  • Thicker or wider scarring
  • Increased pain after the procedure
  • Fat necrosis (death of fat cells), which can cause hard lumps in surrounding areas
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Blood clots, which can become deadly
  • Permanent small blood vessel damage
  • Loss of or damage to remaining skin and fat cells, making breast surgery much less successful

Are e-Cigarettes, Vaping, Nicotine Patches/Gum, and Smokeless Tobacco Good Alternatives?

In a word: No. These alternatives, while better for your lungs, will still have detrimental effects on your body after any surgery or medical procedure. As these alternatives still contain nicotine, they will affect your vascular system the same way as cigarettes, making recovery after surgery much more difficult and less successful.

“While it’s hard to quit, there are options available,” notes Dr. Ali. “You can consider calling a quitline, getting a phone app, or seeking counseling. Trust me: quitting smoking now will make so many aspects of life your life much better.”

If you’re interested in getting any type of plastic surgery done or to learn more about the use of nicotine and its effects on your health, schedule a consultation with award-winning Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.