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