botox royal oak

A Natural Approach to Looking Younger with Botox & Juvéderm

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Botox and Juvéderm Offer Natural Anti Aging Results

Many patients come to see integrative medicine specialist Dr. Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak because they want a natural approach to feeling and looking younger. So, while most people are aware of Botox and Juvéderm’s popularity for combating signs of aging, some of our patients have concerns about the safety of these injectable treatments.

However, many of our patients are surprised to learn that both Botox and hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers (like Juvéderm) are actually naturally occurring organic compounds. And when administered by a licensed and certified healthcare provider like Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak, MI, these treatments offer safe, effective, and natural anti aging solutions.

In this article, natural medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD explores the safety aspects of both Botox and HA dermal fillers such as Juvéderm, highlighting their natural properties and addressing the science behind how they work.

The Safety of Juvéderm

Several dermal filler brands are made from hyaluronic acid (HA). Some of the most popular and well-known dermal filler brands that utilize HA as their main ingredient include Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero and Revanesse. But many people are surprised to learn that hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally occurring substance in the human body, primarily found in the skin, joints, and connective tissues.

HA fillers, including Juvéderm, are composed of a biocompatible gel that closely resembles the HA naturally present in our bodies. This similarity makes hyaluronic acid fillers an ideal choice for restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours with a naturally occurring substance.

Hyaluronic acid fillers work by attracting and retaining moisture, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. When injected into specific areas, HA fillers replenish lost volume and stimulate collagen production, promoting a youthful and rejuvenated appearance. The ‘biocompatibility’ of hyaluronic acid fillers minimizes the risk of adverse reactions or allergies, as it closely mimics the body’s own substances.

The Safety of Botox

Botox is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a naturally occurring substance that has been used for both cosmetic and medical purposes for decades. When administered by a trained healthcare provider, such as Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD, Botox is also considered both safe and effective for anti aging results.

Botox has long been utilized by doctors for a wide range of medical uses. It is FDA-approved for various conditions, including chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), muscle stiffness (spasticity), overactive bladder, and even certain eye disorders such as strabismus (crossed eyes) and blepharospasm (eyelid spasms). Because Botox has so many diverse medical applications, there is extensive research on its long-term safety.

Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that control muscle contractions. By targeting specific facial muscles, it relaxes them, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines for spectacular anti aging results. The procedure is precise, with minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime. The effects typically last for several months, after which the muscles gradually regain their normal function.

Botox and Juvéderm that Don’t Look “Fake”

Almost everyone wants to look youthful and attractive – but absolutely one wants to look like they’ve “had work done.” In the past, there was a perception that Botox and dermal fillers created an artificial and “fake” appearance. This reputation was largely due to the misuse or overuse of these treatments, which resulted in exaggerated and unnatural looking outcomes. But when administered judiciously and by a skilled and certified provider like Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal, MI, Botox and fillers like Juvéderm can deliver natural-looking results that simply enhance one’s natural beauty.

One of the concerns associated with dermal fillers is the trend of achieving a “pillowy” or “overfilled” appearance. This approach aimed to create volume and plumpness, but often resulted in an unnatural and disproportionate look. However, the aesthetic industry has evolved, and the focus has shifted towards enhancing natural beauty rather than altering it dramatically. Skilled providers like Dr. Nishath Hakim understand the importance of maintaining facial harmony and balance, using fillers to restore volume and contour in a way that complements and balances an individual’s unique features and proportions.

Similarly, the notion of Botox creating a “frozen” or expressionless appearance is also outdated. With advancements in techniques and a better understanding of facial anatomy, Botox can now be precisely administered in a way that allows for natural facial movement while effectively reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines. The goal is not to completely immobilize facial muscles but rather to soften wrinkles and restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance. A skilled and certified provider like Dr. Nishath Hakim has the expertise to strategically place Botox injections to achieve natural-looking results. 

Natural Looking Botox & Juvéderm | Royal Oak

Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD, is a holistic and natural medicine doctor who takes a comprehensive approach to aesthetics, considering each patient’s individual needs and goals – focusing on safety and enhancing natural beauty. By understanding facial anatomy and employing precise techniques, Dr. Hakim ensures that patients achieve a more youthful, refreshed, and rejuvenated appearance without sacrificing their natural features.

Of course, it is essential to consult with a skilled and certified provider like Dr. Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak to discuss your aesthetic goals and receive personalized treatment recommendations. She will help you select the natural aesthetic treatments that are right for you – so you can achieve natural results that enhance your beauty and leave you looking and feeling your best, at any age.

Botox & Juvéderm | Royal Oak: 248.997.4242

 

 

natural anti aging royal oak troy, mi

Five Natural Anti Aging Treatments

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Look & Feel Years Younger with Natural Anti Aging Treatments

Integrative medicine doctors like Dr. Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak offer a holistic approach to healthcare, which includes an emphasis on natural anti aging. Rather than focusing solely on traditional medical interventions – like pills and surgery – Dr. Hakim takes a comprehensive and natural approach to help patients maintain their vitality and slow down the aging process.

By combining various strategies, such as bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), vitamins and supplements, heart and parasympathetic health strategies – as well as natural aesthetic treatments like hyaluronic dermal fillers and PRP microneedling – integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD provides patients with a well-rounded, natural, and personalized approach to anti-aging.

In this article, integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD discusses five natural anti aging treatments available at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI that can help patients maintain youthful vitality, good health, and a younger appearance – at any age.

BHRT for Natural Anti Aging

One of the key components of integrative medicine’s anti-aging approach is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Hormonal imbalances can play a significant role in the aging process, affecting energy levels, mood, weight gain, sex drive, and overall well-being. BHRT involves the use of hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced by the body. By carefully assessing hormone levels and tailoring treatment plans accordingly, Royal Oak integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD helps restore hormonal balance and optimize overall health.

For women, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offers a natural approach to restoring hormone balance during menopause, providing a range of anti-aging benefits to the skin, bones, weight, and more. Menopause is often accompanied by a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to various symptoms and age-related changes.

BHRT involves the use of hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced by the body, allowing for personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. By replenishing hormone levels, BHRT can alleviate menopausal symptoms, improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, strengthen bones, promote healthy weight management, and enhance overall well-being, helping individuals navigate the aging process with vitality and grace.

For men, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offers a natural approach to providing a range of anti-aging benefits, including improved sexual drive and performance, heart health, better body composition, and more. With age, men experience a decline in testosterone levels, often leading to symptoms such as reduced libido, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass.

BHRT involves the use of hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced by the body, allowing for personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. By replenishing testosterone levels, BHRT can improve sexual drive and performance, enhance energy levels, support cardiovascular health, aid in maintaining lean muscle mass, and contribute to a healthier body composition. By addressing hormonal imbalances, BHRT helps men age gracefully and maintain vitality and well-being as they navigate the aging process.

Vitamins & Supplements for Natural Anti Aging

Vitamins and supplements also play a crucial role in the natural, integrative medicine approach to anti aging. Through comprehensive evaluations and laboratory testing, integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD can identify specific nutrient deficiencies and develop targeted supplement regimens to address these gaps. By replenishing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, patients can support their bodies’ natural anti-aging processes and enhance their appearance and their overall well-being.

Several vitamins and supplements offer specific anti-aging benefits, targeting areas such as skin, hair, bones, heart health, and vitality. For example, Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, supporting collagen synthesis and promoting skin elasticity. Biotin helps maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails, while Vitamin D and calcium are crucial for bone health and can help prevent age-related bone loss.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supports heart health by aiding in energy production within cells and acting as an antioxidant. And Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, contribute to cardiovascular well-being, reducing inflammation and supporting brain function. Additionally, naturally derived adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and ginseng can promote vitality, reduce stress, and support overall well-being and anti aging.

Royal Oak integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD can customize a vitamin and supplement program just for you – with natural products conveniently available on our website to provide valuable anti aging benefits.

Heart Disease Prevention for Natural Anti Aging

Heart health is another area of focus for integrative medicine doctors in their anti-aging approach. Through lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and personalized exercise programs, integrative medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD can help patients improve cardiovascular health and promote a state of relaxation and youthful rejuvenation.

Dr. Hakim offers the renowned BaleDoneen method of cardiac risk assessment and personalized integrative prevention plans. This innovative approach to anti-aging by helps prevent heart disease before it even starts by emphasizing early detection and targeted intervention to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. By combining advanced diagnostic testing, including advanced lipoprotein analysis and genetic markers, with comprehensive health assessments, the BaleDoneen method enables Dr. Hakim to identify individuals at high risk for heart disease.

Then, through a personalized integrative prevention plan, which includes lifestyle modifications, nutrition guidance, exercise recommendations, stress management techniques, and, if necessary, appropriate medications, the BaleDoneen method helps patients optimize their cardiovascular health, prevent the onset of heart disease, and promote overall anti-aging benefits.

PRP & Microneedling for Natural Anti Aging

Of course, our Royal Oak patients also want to look as young as they feel! So Prosperity Health also provides natural aesthetic treatments to address signs of aging skin. PRP microneedling involves using the patient’s own blood platelets to stimulate collagen production and improve the texture and tone of the skin. These natural aesthetic treatments offer patients a way to enhance their appearance without resorting to synthetic or surgical procedures.

The history of PRP dates back to the 1970s when it was initially used in oral surgery, wound healing, and joint regeneration. Recently it has also been recognized for its potential to rejuvenate the skin, especially when combined with microneedling, a technique that involves creating micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate renewed collagen and elastin production.

The combination of PRP and microneedling, known as “collagen induction therapy,” reverses signs of skin aging improving skin texture and tone, reducing wrinkles, and promoting a more youthful appearance. This combination therapy is a natural and minimally invasive option to “turn back time” for our Royal Oak patients who are seeking skin rejuvenation and anti-aging.

Natural Fillers for Anti Aging

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm, are a natural and bioidentical anti aging treatment that has been extensively studied and proven to be safe – providing a non-surgical way to restore lost volume, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin’s appearance.

If you are seeking natural skin anti aging treatments, you’re probably thinking: “Hold on, facial fillers aren’t natural!” But, in fact, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) dermal fillers (like Juvéderm) are indeed made from a 100% ‘natural’ substance!

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies, particularly in our skin, where it plays a vital role in maintaining hydration and volume. HA dermal fillers are derived from non-animal sources and are formulated to closely resemble the hyaluronic acid found in our bodies. By injecting these natural fillers into specific areas of the face, they can restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.

Natural Anti Aging Treatments | Royal Oak

By focusing on proactive prevention, and natural intervention, Dr. Hakim in Royal Oak empowers individuals to take control of their health and improve their quality of life – and their appearance – as they age.

The integrative, holistic, natural treatments at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak offer a multifaceted approach to anti-aging, incorporating BHRT, vitamins and supplements, heart health strategies, natural aesthetic treatments, and much more. By combining these approaches, Dr. Hakim helps patients support the body’s natural processes and promote optimal health and vitality as patients navigate the aging process.

Dr. Hakim offers personalized care and a comprehensive, natural and holistic approach to anti-aging. Schedule your appointment at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak today, and enjoy health, vitality, and younger looks with our natural anti aging treatments.

Natural Anti Aging Treatments | Royal Oak: 248.997.4242

 

Holistic Doctors Explain the ‘Parasympathetic’ Approach to Wellness

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Holistic Support for Relaxation, Digestion, Immunity & Anti Aging

In the quest for healthy aging, improved wellness, and increased vitality, many patients seek a ‘holistic’ doctor like Dr. Hakim who takes an integrative, ‘big picture’ approach. Holistic or ‘integrative medicine’ doctors look at the body as a whole, with a focus on preventing illness before it occurs – while offering natural interventions as well as traditional medical treatments when disease strikes.

One area of health often overlooked by traditional doctors that holistic doctors emphasize is the importance of the ‘parasympathetic’ approach. By focusing on rest, digestion, and healing, holistic doctors optimize the body’s natural rejuvenation processes for better health at every age.

In this article, Royal Oak holistic doctor Nishath Hakim, MD explains the parasympathetic nervous system in layperson’s terms – and discusses how it relates to anti aging. She will also delve into specific holistic treatments, such as food intolerance testing, G-Map stool testing, targeted vitamins and supplements, and an integrative approach to wellness, that can support parasympathetic health and promote anti aging benefits at every age.

What Is the Body’s Parasympathetic System?

The body’s nervous system is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, and it consists of two main branches: the sympathetic system and parasympathetic system.

The sympathetic nervous system is associated with the “fight-or-flight” response – which helps mobilize the body’s resources to deal with potential dangers. When activated, the sympathetic system triggers a series of physiological changes to prepare the body for action. It releases stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and boost the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. The respiratory rate also increases, enhancing oxygen intake. In addition, the sympathetic system diverts blood away from non-essential organs, such as the digestive system, and towards the muscles and brain, priming the body for physical exertion or quick thinking.

Conversely, the parasympathetic system acts as the counterbalance to the sympathetic system, promoting relaxation, digestion, and restoration. Supporting the parasympathetic system can help restore balance, reduce stress, and support overall health and vitality.

The parasympathetic system governs various processes, including digestion, detoxification, immune function, and overall repair and regeneration. When activated, it slows the heart rate, enhances digestion, stimulates bowel movements, and promotes restorative sleep. By maintaining a balanced and well-functioning parasympathetic system, individuals can support their body’s natural anti-aging mechanisms and enhance overall wellness.

The parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the body’s “rest and digest” mode, plays a crucial role in immune health and regulation. It is intricately connected with the immune system through a network of communication pathways and chemical messengers. Balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems is crucial for overall well-being.

Parasympathetic System, Immune Health & Holistic Anti Aging

The parasympathetic system has been found to regulate and balance immune responses. This is important for maintaining a strong immune system, preventing excessive immune reactions, and reducing the risk of chronic inflammation, disease, and autoimmune disorders.

Inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more. Studies have shown that parasympathetic activation promotes the release of anti-inflammatory substances and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. This can help regulate immune responses and prevent excessive inflammation, which is associated with a range of health conditions.

The parasympathetic system also influences the function of immune cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural ‘killer cells.’ It can enhance their activity, increase their abilities to fight disease, and promote the production of protective antibodies.

Parasympathetic System, Stress & Holistic Anti Aging

The parasympathetic system also interacts with the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands, which all play a significant role in stress responses. Chronic stress results in constant activation of the sympathetic “fight or flight” system, and this can suppress immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other immune-related disorders.

By supporting the parasympathetic system, individuals can counteract the negative effects of chronic stress and promote immune resilience. Parasympathetic activation, through stress reducing activities such as such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques, have been shown to support immune health. These practices help reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and promote overall well-being, which positively influences immune function.

Holistic Treatments for Parasympathetic Health

Holistic doctor Nishath Hakim, MD offers several natural treatments that can support parasympathetic health – to improve immunity, reduce inflammation, fight disease, and reduce the signs of aging.

Food Intolerance Testing can be extremely helpful for supporting the parasympathetic system. Certain foods can trigger inflammation, stress the digestive system, and disrupt overall homeostasis. Holistic doctor Nishath Hakim may recommend comprehensive food intolerance testing to identify specific triggers and guide patients towards personalized dietary adjustments that support the parasympathetic nervous system. 

G-Map Stool Testing is also an excellent tool in promoting parasympathetic health. A healthy gut is essential for proper parasympathetic function, as it is intricately linked to immune function and overall well-being. G-Map stool testing analyzes the gut microbiome, identifying imbalances, pathogens, and beneficial bacteria. This enables holistic doctors like Nishath Hakim, MD to restore a healthy environment in the digestive system, supporting parasympathetic activation.

Certain targeted vitamins and supplements can also provide valuable support to the parasympathetic system. For example, magnesium helps relax muscles, promotes quality sleep, and supports digestive health. And ‘adaptogenic’ supplements – derived from herbs, roots, and other plant substances (like mushrooms) – can help the body manage stress and restore balance after a stressful situation. Ginsing, ashwagandha and rhodiola are just a few of the ingredients that can help the body naturally regulate stress responses, allowing the parasympathetic system to flourish.

Holistic Doctor | Royal Oak

Holistic doctor Nishath Hakim, MD understands that parasympathetic health cannot be isolated from overall wellness. By prioritizing rest, digestion, and healing, individuals can support their parasympathetic nervous system and activate the body’s innate rejuvenation processes.

Holistic doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak takes a comprehensive approach to gut health, lifestyle, stress management techniques (such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises), regular exercise, nutrition, and restorative sleep to help patients restore sympathetic health to promote wellness, anti aging and vitality.

Schedule your appointment with holistic doctor Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak and take the first step to nurturing your body’s natural healing mechanisms to achieve wellness, energy, and an improved quality of life at every age.

Holistic Doctor | Royal Oak: 248.997.4242

 

PRP Microneedling: Natural Anti Aging & Skin Resurfacing

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PRP + Microneedling for the Ultimate Skin Resurfacing Treatment

Ah, the joys of getting older. Your hair starts to turn gray – fortunately there’s Clairol! Expanding waistline? That’s what Spanx are for! But suddenly your skin is as dry and rough as a stale piece of bread, and those little wrinkles and lines are getting visibly deeper.  Unfortunately, drug store creams – and even expensive department store serums – are typically not enough to prevent or reverse the signs of aging skin.

As a patient of ours once said, wrinkle creams are like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound. And the reason for this is simple. Skin creams and serums only penetrate the skin’s superficial top layer or ‘epidermis’. But the deeper structural level of the skin – the ’dermis’ – is where wrinkles and lines form as the skin’s collagen and elastin scaffolding starts to deteriorate with age.

While your favorite face cream may not be delivering the results you hoped for, there is a solution that actually works to resurface skin from the inside out. Revolutionary PRP microneedling available at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak reverses the lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity of aging by stimulating the body to replenish its own collagen and elastin infrastructure.

PRP microneedling combines two of the most advanced skin resurfacing and repair treatments into a single antiaging procedure that reduces lines and wrinkles, minimizes age spots and redness, and plumps, tightens and smooths the complexion for a more youthful appearance.

The Science Behind Microneedling Skin Resurfacing

Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin, and elastin is a protein that helps the skin to stretch and “snap back”. Both are essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. However, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure available at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak that involves the use of a small, handheld device that contains multiple tiny needles. The device is passed over the skin, creating tiny ‘microchannels’ in the surface of the skin. This process is also sometimes referred to as “collagen induction therapy”.

The microchannels created by the microneedling device are perceived by the body as tiny wounds, which stimulates the skin’s natural healing process. The body responds to these micro-injuries by producing new collagen and elastin fibers to repair the skin. While the body goes to work repairing the microneedle skin pricks, the new collagen and elastin that it produces fills in lines and wrinkles and firms the skin.

Microneedling is a safe, effective, and natural procedure for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, dark spots, laxity, and uneven skin texture. And, unlike many laser skin resurfacing treatments, microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones – even sensitive skin and darker skin colors. Additionally, because microneedling is a minimally invasive skin resurfacing procedure it does not require downtime or recovery.

Microneedling is often performed in a series of treatments, with each treatment spaced several weeks apart. The number of treatments required will depend on the individual’s skin condition, extent of skin damage, and desired skin resurfacing results.

The Science Behind PRP Skin Resurfacing

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that involves the use of the patient’s own blood to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and improve the appearance of the skin. PRP is a component of blood that contains a high concentration of platelets, which are responsible for initiating the body’s natural healing response. Platelets contain growth factors that are essential for tissue repair and regeneration.

The PRP skin resurfacing procedure begins by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, typically from their arm. The blood is then processed using a centrifuge to separate the liquid PRP from the rest of the blood including the solid blood cells.

The PRP is then applied to the patient’s skin. Once the PRP is applied to the skin, the growth factors in the platelets stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. This results in the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, which resurface the damaged skin for a dramatically more healthy and youthful appearance.

Like microneedling, PRP skin resurfacing is a safe and effective procedure for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. PRP skin resurfacing is often performed in a series of treatments, with each treatment spaced several weeks apart. The number of treatments required depends on the individual’s skin condition and desired results.

Microneedling + PRP = Ultimate Skin Resurfacing

The combination of microneedling and PRP can provide superior results compared to microneedling or PRP applied by themselves.

When combined in a single treatment, microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) work together to enhance the results of each other’s skin resurfacing properties. This combination of microneedling and PRP is often referred to in the media as a “vampire facial” – which is popular among actors and influencers for maintaining their youthful beauty.

The microchannels created by the microneedling device enhance the PRP treatment by delivering the plasma to the deeper layer of the skin (dermis) where the collagen and elastin are produced. By increasing subdermal absorption of the PRP, the microchannels allow skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, where they can be more effective.

Once the PRP is delivered to the skin’s deeper layers, the growth factors in the platelets stimulate and enhance the body’s natural healing processes that go to work repairing the ‘micro-wounds’. This results in even greater production of new collagen and elastin fibers than microneedling alone – exponentially improving skin texture and tone. The growth factors in the platelets also reduce inflammation which promotes a more rapid recovery and faster visible skin resurfacing results.

PRP Microneedling Skin Resurfacing | Royal Oak

The microneedling and PRP combination can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, sun damage, uneven skin texture, and other signs of aging. By working together, PRP and microneedling elevate the production of new collagen and elastin fibers – resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.

If you would like to turn back the clock and see what PRP microneedling can do for you – safely, naturally, effectively and without downtime – schedule a skin resurfacing consultation at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak today!

Skin Resurfacing Treatments | Royal Oak: 248.997.4242

 

Microneedling: 100% Natural Skin Rejuvenation

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4 Things to Know About Microneedling Natural Skin Rejuvenation – 

Even those of us who live the healthiest lifestyle are not immune to the effects of aging on the skin. And, while fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin are all effected by lifestyle, nutrition, heredity, sun exposure and more, signs of aging are regrettably inevitable.

Yet, many of our patients who live a healthy, natural lifestyle do not want to consider fillers, lasers or synthetic antiaging treatments. And, painful, expensive facelift surgery, with weeks of recovery, is also out of the question for most of our patients.

The good news is that there is a relatively new, state-of-the-art, all-natural skin rejuvenation treatment available at Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills that can organically turn back the clock on aging skin. Microneedling – with or without PRP – is now available to tighten skin, reduce lines and wrinkles, and minimize sun damage and dark spots.

In this article Bloomfield Hills, MI natural skin care expert Dr. Nishath Hakim discusses 4 things you should know about microneedling for natural skin rejuvenation.

#1. Microneedling Activates the Skin’s Own Healing Mechanisms

Microneedling is an in-office, minimally invasive treatment in which Dr. Hakim creates tiny but very deep pricks in the skin using medical-grade, micro-fine needles. These tiny “wounds” caused by the needle pokes stimulate the body’s natural wound healing processes. As the body goes to work “healing” itself, it activates production of collagen and elastin – which are the fibers that form the “building block” of healthy, smooth skin.

The new collagen fibers tighten the skin’s structure, and fill i-n lines and wrinkles, while the renewed elastin imparts youthful elasticity and “snap-back” for smoother, younger skin.

In addition to reducing the lines and wrinkle, microneedling also helps heal and eliminate hyperpigmentation such as sun spots, and any roughness such as acne scars.

#2. Clinical Microneedling is Different than At Home, DIY Treatment

When it comes to microneedling, needle size matters, a lot! Microneedling instruments can range from .25mmto 3mm. Over-counter, “at home,” salon, and other non-medical DIY microblading equipment typically contain very short needles that are 0.3 mm or smaller and offer only superficial benefits.

However, licensed medical providers like Dr. Nishath Hakim in Bloomfield Hills are able to offer needles that penetrate up to a depth of 3 mm.  These longer needles penetrate deep into the dermis (lower lawyers of skin) where they can activate the production of collagen and elastin on a deep cellular level.

Additionally, microneedling in a medical setting can also incorporate all-natural PRP to further stimulate cellular regeneration of the skin cells.

#3. Microneedling + PRP Offers the Ultimate Natural Skin Rejuvenation

The addition of “Platelet Rich Plasma” (PRP) used conjunction with microneedling takes the skin rejuvenating abilities of microneedling to an entire new level.

This process – sometimes called a “vampire facial” by other providers – utilizes the same natural cellular regeneration technology that has been use in joint regeneration medicine for over a decade.

During PRP microneedling a routine blood draw is conducted. Then the “Platelet Rich Plasma” containing “growth factors” is extracted from the patient’s own blood using a centrifuge. This plasma or PRP contains levels of the body’s natural growth factors that are up to 10 times or more concentrated than that of full blood.

The purified “platelet rich plasma” or “PRP” is then applied to the skin, where it penetrates the skin through the deep “microchannels” that are created by microneedling. As both the microneedling and the PRP stimulate the skin’s cellular renewal process, collagen and elastin production is stimulated. The new collagen fibers cause the facial skin to become thicker, plumper and more elastic. As a result, wrinkles and lines are “filled in,” unwanted pigmentation is reduced and skin texture and tightness is improved.

#4. Medical Grade Skin Care Serums Improve Microneedling Results

Because of the deep “channels” created by microneedling, absorption of clinical-grade serums and nutritive formulas can be increased by 90%. After your microblading treatment, Dr. Hakim will apply specially formulated serums, customized for your unique skin care needs and aesthetic concerns.

These medical grade products contain hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C & E, and other ingredients. The deep product penetration supports the skin healing process, eliminates bacteria that clogs pores and causes acne, and provides nutritional support for the skin’s cellular regeneration process. The result is more rapid repair of lines and wrinkles, and unparalled glow and clarity, for healthy and younger looking skin.

 Microneedling – Bloomfield Hills, MI

Prosperity Health is operated by Bloomfield Hills, MI naturopathic physician Dr. Nishath Hakim. She will take the time to evaluate your skin, understand your appearance desires, and develop a natural skin treatment or anti-aging plan that incorporates the latest in cellular regenerative medicine.

Microneedling, PRP, natural hyaluronic dermal fillers, and bioidentical hormone replacement are just a few of the many anti-aging and appearance improving treatments we offer at Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, to help our patients look and feel healthier, younger and more beautiful! Call today and schedule a comprehensive, natural skin care consultation, so you too can look and feel your very best.

Microneedling Consultation – Bloomfield Hills: 248-997-4242

Natural Dermal Fillers: Safe & Long Lasting!

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Four Facts to Make You Comfortable with Dermal Fillers – 

While most of us have a facial feature we would like to improve or enhance – such as thin lips, or creases around the mouth – many people are scared or skeptical of dermal fillers. At Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, MI we understand. An injection into the face is not something to take lightly!

But, facial fillers have come a tremendously long-way since the over-inflated lips and “frozen faces” of the early 2000’s.  Today’s generation of dermal fillers are exceedingly safe, and in many cases more natural than you may assume.

Bloomfield Hills physician Dr. Nisrath Hakim is a homeopathic doctor who takes her responsibility to offer comprehensive, evidence-based natural therapies very seriously. In this article, she discusses some surprising facts about dermal fillers, that may make you more comfortable considering facial injectables to look younger, or to get the attractive features you have always desired!

#1. Dermal Fillers Fact: Hyaluronic Acid is Natural

The facial fillers formulas we use at Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, including Restylane and Belotero are made with hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally within the skin.

As a woman or man gets older, the levels of hyaluronic acid in their skin can diminish significantly. This is a primary cause of wrinkling and volume loss.  Restylane, Belotero and certain other dermal fillers use a synthetic formulation of hyaluronic acid, that is almost identical to the natural substance found in the human body.

#2. Dermal Fillers Fact: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Look & Feel Natural

Because hyaluronic acid dermal fillers replicate the substances naturally found within the skin, they both look and feel natural, when skillfully injected by Bloomfield Hills physician Dr. Nisrath Hakim.

Some older synthetic dermal fillers skilled left patients with unnatural features – such as stiff, hard “duck lips.” But newer dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid with a smaller “particle size” – making them softer, smoother and more natural looking.

At Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, MI we offer subtle, natural-looking changes to your appearance with hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers. You will leave looking more attractive, refreshed and younger  – but you will not look artificial or like you have “had work done.” And, these newer dermal filler formulas also leave skin and lips kissable soft.

#3. Dermal Fillers Fact: Fillers can Last a Year or Longer

One recent improvement in hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers is their longevity. Depending on the location of the injection, and formula of dermal filler used, results can last for a year or longer! This makes dermal fillers far more affordable than they used to be, since patients do not need to come in every 3 months for “touch ups.”

And, because hyaluronic acid dermal fillers also activate the skin’s natural production of collagen, the benefits of the dermal fillers will continue to offer long-lasting ant-aging results – even after the fillers have worn off!

#4. Dermal Fillers Fact: Facial Fillers Prevent New Wrinkles

Clinical studies have now also shown that beginning dermal fillers at a younger age may also have the long-term benefit of preventing new lines from forming!  Skin care experts like Bloomfield Hills physician Dr. Nisrath Hakim have noticed that when patient’s start with small amounts of dermal fillers earlier on, it can prevent lines and wrinkles from forming.

This is because, as a wrinkled expression continues over time, the line becomes “etched in” – much like the crease in a piece of paper that is folded for a long time. But, dermal fillers prevent the skin from “creasing” in the first place – so that lines never become “etched in”.

Natural Dermal Fillers – Bloomfield Hills, MI

At Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, Mi we honor our commitment to offering only the safest and most natural treatments available. And, thanks to modern innovations in dermal fillers, we can now help our patients improve their appearance and “turn back time” with facial injectables that are both natural and very safe.

If you live in the Bloomfield Hills, MI area, contact Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health today for a dermal filler consultation – and to see how we can help you look younger and more beautiful with safe, natural and long lasting, dermal fillers.

Natural Dermal Filler Consultation – Bloomfield Hills:  248-997-4242

What’s the Difference Between Botox, Xeomin & Dysport?

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What’s the Difference Between Botox, Xeomin & Dysport?

Most people are familiar with Botox – a well-advertised injectable that temporarily “freezes” wrinkles in the face. But many patients are not aware that there are alternatives to Botox – that are just as effective, but that can save patients money over “brand name” Botox.

There are actually three products on the market that all contain the same active ingredient (“Botulinum Type A”) and all eliminate facial wrinkles and lines in a similar way: Botox, Xeomin and Dysport. In this article the anti-aging experts at Prosperity Health in Bloomfield Hills, MI discuss the similarities and differences between Botox, Xeomin and Dysport.

The Origins of Botox, Xeomin & Dysport

Botox was actually the original Botulinum formulation that was FDA approved to temporarily improve moderate-to-severe frown lines (“elevens”) between the eyebrows. Because they were the first – coupled with their aggressive advertising campaigns, most people are familiar with Botox.

But, seven years after the introduction of Botox, another Botulinum Type A, called Dysport, was approved for for forehead lines and wrinkles in 2009. Shortly thereafter, in 2011, Xeomin, was FDA approved as the third.

While all three of these products work similarly to reduce wrinkles and lines, there are also significant differences between Botox, Xeomin & Dysport.

What Works Fastest: Botox, Xeomin or Dysport?

Dysport takes effect the fastest of the three – with results as soon as 1 -2 days. However, faster is not always better, as a gradual onset of freezing the muscles is decidedly more comfortable. Botox, while still not being as sudden as Dysport, works in about 72 hours.

Xeomin has the most gradual onset, with results requiring up to 4 days to fully take effect. This means the “freeze” of Xeomin is the most gentle and comfortable.

All 3 products – Botox, Dysport and Xeomin – reach their maximum effectiveness in 2-3 weeks. And all three typically deliver results faster in women than in men.

Which is Longer Lasting: Botox, Xeomin or Dysport?

Results of Botulinum formulas vary greatly from person to person – so it can be hard to pinpoint which of these three products lasts the longest. Most patients report that results from Botox, Xeomin or Dysport continue for from three to six months.

However, a few studies have reported that Botox and Xeomin both may last somewhat longer than Dysport. And the manufacturer of Xeomin reports that it lasts a few weeks longer than Botox. this means that Xeomin treatments generally need to be less frequent than Botox – which can save patients money.

Dysport’s shorter life span may be because of another important issue with Dysport – it has a tendency to “drift” or “diffuse” more than Botox or Xeomin after it is injected.

In addition to potentially making Dysport less long-lasting, this “drifting” may increase the risk of side effects such a drooping eyelid or unwanted sagging of nearby muscles.

Another Advantage of Xeomin over Botox and Dysport

Xeomin is considered a “naked” formulation because it does not contain complex proteins that cause antibody formation, like Botox and Dysport do. As a result, patients are less likely to develop a resistance to the effects of Xeomin over time.

This is important because developing a resistance to Botox or Dysport means it becomes less effective – and more and more will be needed to achieve the same results.

What Costs Less: Botox, Xeomin or Dysport?

When considering the cost of all three formulas it is important to “compare apples to apples.”

Dysport, is measured differently than Botox and Xeomin, which can be confusing. While all three formulas are sold by the “unit”, it takes 2 to 3 units of Dysport to equal one unit of Botox or Xeomin.

So, even though Dysport is less expensive “per unit” it requires 2 to 3 times as many units as Xeomin or Botox to achieve the same results! So Dysport is typically more expensive for the same treatment.

Prices for Botox and Xeomin are generally about the same per unit. But when you consider that Xeomin lasts longer than Botox, for the same price, Xeomin becomes the better value.

Xeomin – Bloomfield Hills, MI

Because Xeomin is more comfortable, offers longer lasting results, and does not come with the possibility of developing “resistance” (antibodies) Dr. Hakim typically prefers the use of Xeomin, instead of Botox, to achieve the same wrinkle reduction and ant-aging results.

Dr. Hakim is an experienced Bloomfield Hills injectable specialist. She will take the time to listen to your appearance goals, evaluate your facial condition, and develop a Xeomin treatment plan that is right for you.

If you would like to reduce or eliminate moderate to deep facial lines, schedule a consultation at our Bloomfield Hills office to see if Xeomin is right for you.

Xeomin Consultation – Bloomfield Hills, MI: 248-997-4242