Cosmetic injection

Injectables Are on the Rise… and They’re Not Going Anywhere

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Bloomfield Hills, MI– Botox. Radiesse. Aquamid. Renuva. Juvederm and other hyaluronic acid derivatives. These and many other injectables are becoming household names throughout modern society. What’s more is that they’re on the rise in the United States, and don’t show any sign of slowing.

In fact, according to The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were over 7 million injectable treatments in the United States in 2016 alone. That’s a 10% increase since 2015 and a nearly 7,000% percent change in the past 20 years.

What Are Injectables?

These treatments are perfect for those who want to confront some of the less-glamorous effects of aging but prefer not to undergo surgery. Be it fine lines, wrinkles, or a desire to improve skin tone and texture, injectables are a great alternative to more invasive procedures.

There are several main types of injectables:

  • Botulinum Toxin Derivatives: This includes Botox and the newer Xeomin. These are both injected by a fine needle that introduces the treatment into the body. The substances block the release of some chemicals responsible for facial muscle contraction, ultimately relaxing the muscles. This leads to a drastic reduction in the appearance of everything from crow’s feet to frown lines and wrinkles across the forehead. The effects of this treatment take a few days to be fully noticeable, and can last up to about six months.
  • Hyaluronic Acid Derivatives: This includes Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero Balance, and many others. These gel fillers act by restoring the skin’s volume while at the same time smoothing away folds, wrinkles, and lines. Unlike Botox, these fillers are visible immediately and can even last up to a year.
  • Adipose Transfer Treatments: This includes Renuva and is basically transferring a small amount of fat to desired areas like scars, aging hands, or other small skin defects. Transfer treatments are ideal for giving skin a firmer, more youthful look and for smoothing out any irregularities.
  • Calcium Hydroxylapatite: This includes Radiesse and is derived from a mineral-like compound that naturally exists in human bones. With a long history first in dentistry and then reconstructive surgery, this dermal filler has a strong safety record and is effective for treating fine lines. It can also enhance fullness in cheeks and facial contours and add volume throughout the face as needed.
  • Polylactic Acid: This includes Sculptra and is a synthetic dermal filler that stimulates the body’s own collagen production. It is ideal for plumping lips and filling deep lines caused by laughing. Typically, three monthly treatments are needed, and it can take several weeks to see results.

Why Are Injectables So Popular?

Since the thought of plastic surgery frightens many people, injectables are ideal for those who want a marked improvement of their skin but who don’t want the downtime surgery often requires. Most injectable treatments have a very small recovery period and allow patients to return to work the same day as the treatment.

Furthermore, they are generally far less expensive than their surgical counterparts, averaging just hundreds, not thousands, of dollars per treatment. It’s an easy way to see if cosmetic procedures are something people want to pursue further.

If you’re interested in rejuvenating your skin with an injectable, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali today! You can also call 855-335-7200 to speak with the office directly.

About Us: Dr. M. Azhar Ali is a board-certified, Detroit area plastic surgeon. He and his team are experienced and knowledgeable aesthetic care professionals, skilled in providing treatments like injectables and other cosmetic treatments. Dr. Ali, with thousands of surgeries to his name, offers expert and 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.

Cost Plastic Surgery

$16 Billion Spent on Plastic Surgery in the U.S. in 2016

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It’s no secret that plastic surgery is becoming increasingly popular around the world, and is losing its stigma to boot! Whether it’s a simple filler, a mommy makeover, or anything in between, one thing is clear: cosmetic procedures aren’t going anywhere.

A new study done by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that Americans spent a total of about $16 billion on plastic surgery last year. That’s billion, and that number is only growing. The study very specifically broke down what procedures are popular these days, and about how much they cost on average. It also identified trends around the country in the realm of cosmetic surgery.

Changes in Price

While nearly all procedures’ costs increased from 2015 to 2016, breast augmentation surgery proved to be an exception. The present study found that procedure to have actually decreased nearly 3% last year. If you’re considering getting an augmentation yourself, now may be the best time!

Some notable price differences between 2015 and 2016 were: liposuction and nose reshaping (each up 6%); chemical peels and hyaluronic acid fillers (+5% or more each); and Botox (an increase of less than 1%). Nonetheless, these procedures continue to top the list in terms of popularity!

What Types of Procedures Are Popular and How Much Do They Cost?

The study noted that prices vary for cosmetic procedures based on a variety of factors including:

  • Type of surgery
  • Surgeon’s experience
  • Location of surgeon’s office or hospital
  • Insurance coverage

Furthermore, anesthesia and operating room costs are not typically included in the prices quoted to patients. With these variables in mind, the prices below may not exactly reflect your geographic area, but represent the national averages for certain cosmetic procedures.

The most popular non-invasive treatments, in order of popularity in 2016, were:

  • 7 million injections (like Botox or Dysport); average cost: $385 each
  • 2 million hyaluronic acid fillers: $644 on average
  • 3 million chemical peels: an average of $673
  • More than 775,000 microdermabrasion procedures: $138 each
  • Over 656,000 laser treatments (Intense Pulsed Light): $433 on average

© 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.

male liposuction

Men, Get Ready for the Beach with Liposuction

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – With summer in full swing, you’ve likely been inundated with images of scantily-clad models smiling amidst tropical backgrounds. You may think to yourself, I’d gladly pose in my bathing suit if only I could lose those pesky extra pounds.

If, despite trying to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, you find you still have the problem of accumulating fat, liposuction may be an option for you!

 While it’s clear that females get lots of cosmetic procedures done, men aren’t always so keen to try it. After all, any Google image search for “plastic surgery” will likely be catered to women. However, men are getting cosmetic surgery at a growing rate, and that trend is only predicted to continue.

“Every year, we’re seeing more and more men opt for procedures like liposuction,” says Detroit-area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali. “Many men find they can achieve the more sculpted, athletic physique they’ve always wanted. It’s great that liposuction gives us that possibility.”

Even though females get the procedure at nearly seven times the rate of men, liposuction remains the number one plastic surgery for both genders. Men tend to accumulate fat around their abdominal area, chest, hips, neck, and chin. Liposuction offers a great option if you’re looking to rid yourself of those few stubborn pounds that just won’t leave.

What Does Liposuction Entail?

 Dr. Ali explains, “The beauty of liposuction is that you can directly target the areas of your body where you’d like to lose fat tissue. With this method, we can make sure your problematic areas are rid of this nuisance once and for all.”

The procedure itself is usually done under general anesthesia, though smaller areas might only require intravenous (IV) sedation. Local anesthetic is usually applied to the targeted spots as well, to prevent blood loss during liposuction. A suctioning machine then uses small tubes called cannulas to literally suck the fat from your body.

Variations on this theme include power-assisted liposuction (PAL) and ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). PAL utilizes an electric motor that physically breaks up fat, and UAL uses ultrasound energy to melt the fat. Thus, both of these techniques make the fat removal process easier on patient and surgeon alike.

Are There Other Options?

If you find that diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, liposuction (as described above) may be a good choice for you. However, if you don’t want to commit to such a dramatic procedure, there is a newer alternative available.

“Another wonderful technology available today is called CoolSculpting,” says Dr. Ali. “Unlike other options, CoolSculpting freezes fat cells and lets the body eliminate them naturally.”

CoolSculpting is a minimally invasive procedure and doesn’t require any surgery. The downtime may be less than liposuction, yet the results will be similar: a dramatic reduction of fat that will be noticeable and permanent.

Who Should Get These Procedures?

Liposuction and CoolSculpting aren’t for everyone. If you’re already near your ideal weight, but just can’t lose those last few pounds, these procedures are ideal for you. However, they’re not meant to treat obesity, nor should they be seen as a drastic weight loss option.

As with any other procedure, it’s essential that you contact a professional and find out what your choices are.

“With technology improving all the time,” says Dr. Ali, “you might be surprised at all the options available to you!” Time has allowed cosmetic procedures to become remarkably refined, giving you the best chance ever to have your ideal figure.

If you’re interested in learning more about ways to achieve the body you’ve always dreamed of, schedule a consultation with award-winning, board certified 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.

Bloomfield Hills Lip Reductions

Reducing the Size of Your Lips: The Next Trend in Plastic Surgery?

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – We’ve all seen images of celebrities with artificially plumped pouts. For years, celebrities and everyday people alike have been getting fillers injected into their lips. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that lip enhancement surgeries have increased by 50% between 2000 and 2016.

However, in a strange turn of events, lip reduction procedures have seen a massive surge, and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. M. Azhar Ali, of Detroit, Michigan, is on the front lines of this recent plastic surgery trend.

Lip Reduction Surgery?

Lip reductions have been popular in Asian countries for quite some time, and most patients who opt for the procedure tend to be in their 20s and 30s.

One of the theories as to why lip reductions are making their way stateside is because of the stigma associated with overdone lip augmentations.

How Are Lip Reductions Performed?

After being prepped for surgery, you will first be placed under local anesthesia. According to Dr. Ali, lip reductions involve the removal of skin from the lips along the dry-wet border of the vermillion. Stitches are then implemented to create a new, thinner lip line.

The lip reduction procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery and takes as little as 15 to 30 minutes to complete per lip, depending on how much tissue needs to be removed.

After the procedure is finished, the stitches will remain for a period of one week, after which they will either dissolve, or Dr. Ali will remove them manually.

Is There Any Pain?

Most patients feel very little discomfort. If there is pain, it is usually tolerable, and over the counter pain medication should help.

Dr. Ali recommends that you eat a soft diet until the swelling goes down, which could take anywhere from a few days to a week’s time.

How Much Does Lip Reduction Cost?

Lip injections cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000 per syringe. However, lip reduction tends to be a bit costlier, running anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. The cost could vary depending on where you live.

Unlike lip injections, which are temporary and usually begin to dissolve within a year, lip reductions are permanent. You may have to repeat the filler procedure, but you won’t have to repeat a lip reduction.

While lip reductions are seeing a surge, lip injections still tend to be the procedure of choice for celebrities and non-celebs alike.

To learn more about lip fillers or lip reduction surgery, call (248) 335-7200 or email prominent Plastic Surgery Dr. M. Azhar Ali, serving Detroit, Clarkston, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, and Troy.

About Dr. Ali: Considered one of the top Plastic Surgeons in the country, Dr. M. Azhar Ali has thousands of cosmetic procedures to his credit and sports a 99% patient approval rating.

© 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.

Is Plastic Surgery a Good Graduation Gift?

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Rochester Hills, MI – Graduation marks a time of great accomplishment, and students who flip their tassels are about to embark on a life-changing journey filled with not only self-discovery but also reinvention. In previous years, parents proud of their progeny graduating high school gifted their sons or daughters a car, if they could afford it. Now, more parents are giving their children plastic surgery as a gift, and Detroit’s own Dr. M. Azhar Ali has definitely noticed the trend in his Detroit area plastic surgery practice.

Plastic Surgery for Grads on the Rise

Dr. Ali said, “Plastic surgery as a gift after graduation makes sense. This is a time when the student is going off to college and wants to make the very best first impression. The months following high school graduation and before college begins is also an optimum time to heal following surgery.”

The increase in procedures for younger patients isn’t exclusive to Detroit. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, millennials (those aged 19-34) accounted for nearly 18% of all cosmetic procedures performed last year.

Cosmetic Procedures for Men & Women

One might suspect that primarily women would represent the upsurge in plastic surgery procedures for recent high school grads, but that would be incorrect. While most younger patients are female, and breast implants are one of the most common procedures requested by young women as graduation presents, a growing number of men are also asking for plastic surgery gift certificates.

In fact, cosmetic procedures for men have seen an increase of 100% over the last five years, with liposuction, nose jobs, ear shaping, and gynecomastia surgery being the most preferred.

Dr. Ali said, “Many of my younger female patients spent their entire high school years feeling ashamed of their smaller busts. Breast augmentation gives them a surge of confidence that can serve them in all areas of life. But both men and women are opting for facial procedures like facelifts, eyelid reshaping, and rhinoplasty to give them an edge in college, and in the business world beyond college.”

Dr. Ali has noticed that other procedures are also experiencing a boost in popularity with recent grads, such as laser treatments to treat acne scars, and the new fat-freezing technique known as CoolSculpting.

With college looming, many grads fear they won’t fit in. Still, others want an edge when they head into corporate world with fresh degrees under their arms. Will this trend of plastic surgery as graduation gifts continue to rise?

“I expect to see more procedures performed on grads in the coming years. As technology makes plastic surgery safer and more effective, there is no better time to give your college grad a significant boost of self-esteem, and to start them on the next phase of their life on the right foot.

To learn more about plastic surgery procedures for young college grads, call (248) 335-7200 or email Michigan Plastic Surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali, serving the areas of Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, Troy, and Farmington Hills.

About Dr. Ali: With over 11 years of training following medical school and thousands of plastic surgery procedures to his credit, Dr. M. Azhar Ali has become one of the most prominent Plastic Surgeons in the Detroit, Michigan area.

Cosmetic botox injection in the female face.

The Latest Advancements in Face Lift & Cosmetic Facial Surgery

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Clarkston, MI – Anti-aging is all the rage, with most people trying their hardest to look, act, and feel younger than their chronological years. Botox has reigned supreme for years as the preferred injectable cosmetic procedure to erase fine lines and wrinkles.

Fillers, too, have become a mainstream way to add volume to the cheeks and other facial areas.

But, while injectables and fillers can give the patient more facial volume and return a more youthful appearance, nothing will replace the effects of the traditional facelift.

It should be no surprise, then, that facelift surgeries have remained one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, mostly due to the recent upsurge in cutting-edge plastic surgery technology.

In fact, recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal that, since the year 2000, facelifts have remained steady as one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, with over 130,000 lifts being performed on patients every year.

Facelifts aren’t the only surgery benefitting from this new technology. Now, other facial cosmetic surgeries are also proving popular with patients of all ages.

What is this new technology?

Endoscopes for More Precision

A recent advancement in plastic surgery is the endoscope used in facial rejuvenation. An endoscope consists of a small camera that can be inserted through a tiny incision in the skin. The device then transmits an image of the underlying tissues onto a nearby monitor. Endoscopes have been used for years by orthopedic surgeons to treat cartilage damage and by gynecologists to examine pelvic organs.

Endoscopes Used in Facelifts

Now, endoscopes are being used in cosmetic surgery. Not only are facelifts more precise with these devices, but brow lifts can be performed through several minuscule incisions in the scalp. Prior to endoscopes, brow lifts required an “ear to ear” incision.

Patients who complain about an abundance of wrinkles and sagging jowls will be happy to know that the endoscope now makes facial plastic surgery much easier. By placing several tiny incisions in the scalp region and lower eyelids, a plastic surgeon can erase those wrinkles and diminish the appearance of jowls.

The best candidates for these types of procedures are patients in their thirties or forties with good skin tone. Recovery time is significantly longer than one would experience with a traditional facelift, and this is due to the swelling that typically persists for several weeks.

While an extended recovery period sounds daunting, these advanced procedures have finally brought the possibility of facelifts to much younger patients with better and longer-lasting results.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Lasers have revolutionized the way the medical community administers treatments. Lasers are used by dentists, doctors, and plastic surgeons. One of the newest and most interesting uses of lasers is in the procedure known as skin resurfacing.

Using a carbon dioxide laser that pulses at extremely high frequencies, the plastic surgeon can perform a procedure similar to dermabrasion. In a single treatment, the surgeon can erase fine wrinkles around the mouth, and folds along the eyelids can be significantly reduced. This is all with less tissue destruction than is typically seen with traditional dermabrasion methods.

Conclusion

Your appearance can have a major impact on your self-esteem and your performance at work and in life. The good news is that plastic surgeons now have more ways than ever of making you look as young as you feel.

Non-invasive fillers, injectables, and topical cosmetic procedures can help you dip your toes in the water, so to speak, before you commit to a procedure like a facelift. However, with technology making procedures like the facelift and eyebrow lift easier and more effective, it will be exciting to see what comes next for this life-changing industry.

Want to know if a facelift is right for you? Call 248-335-7200 or email prominent Plastic Surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali, serving Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Farmington Hills, Troy, and Clarkston.

© 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.

Plastic Surgeon Birmingham MI

My breasts are healthy and beautiful.

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PATIENT TESTIMONIAL: BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Where to even begin? Dr. Ali and his staff were compassionate and understanding from the moment I stepped foot in their office. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and petrified of having surgery. This staff held my hand the entire time. Not only were they concerned about making sure I was healthy physically, but they went above and beyond to make sure I was OK emotionally too. They became family to me. My scarring is minimal, my breasts are healthy and beautifully ‘saved’, and I never felt alone.

Joani M.
Breast Reconstruction
8/01/17

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