The New Year Calls for a Fresh Start

Special Advertising Section

Are you ready to kick off your New Year’s resolutions? If your efforts to make “positive lifestyle changes” fell short last year, you may want to simplify your goals. For example, instead of pledging to “eat a healthy diet,” start by choosing specific and attainable actions. Vow to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Cut down on saturated fat, sugar, or salt. Drink water instead of sugary beverages. Skip the fast food and cook at home more often. Focusing on just one or two changes will put you on the path to success.

Having a support network of family and friends, as well as your physician and other wellness providers, will keep you on track when the going gets tough. Metro Detroit medical professionals can help you reach your goals with solutions for losing weight, relieving back and arthritis pain, and optimizing your health. Whether you want younger-looking skin, a healthier and more attractive smile, or a beautiful head of hair, there are many options to choose from.

This year, improve your life one step at a time. You deserve it!

Q: I have missing and damaged teeth, but I don’t want to wear dentures that can shift or slip, and need to be removed for cleaning. Is there a better option?

A: If you’re tired of living with the pain, inconvenience, and embarrassment that comes with major dental problems, Teeth Tomorrow Prettau zirconia implant bridges can be the proven permanent solution you’re looking for.

“In the past, patients had to wear a removable complete denture, often for more than six months, before their fixed bridges could be made,” says Dr. Craig Goldin. “With the Teeth Tomorrow technique, hopeless teeth are removed, a set of implants is placed, and customized temporary bridges are securely attached to the implants. Your final Prettau zirconia bridge is made four to six months later, when your implants have stabilized.”

Each Teeth Tomorrow dental bridge is precision-sculpted from a solid block of Prettau zirconia, the most durable, state-of-the-art dental material. “Unlike other bridge materials, Prettau zirconia is extremely resistant to chipping, cracking, and breaking. It’s nonporous, so it doesn’t stain, discolor, retain odors, or attract plaque and harmful bacteria,” Dr. Marcy Goldin explains. “Your custom-made, hand-finished dental bridges are held firmly in place by your implants, so you don’t have to take them out of your mouth.”

“Designed to last a lifetime, Prettau zirconia implant bridges look and function like natural, beautiful, teeth and gums,” Dr. David Whalen adds. “It’s a life-changing option that allows you to smile, chew, and speak with renewed confidence.”

The award-winning Cosmetic Dentistry Institute is the exclusive Teeth Tomorrow provider in Michigan. To learn if implant bridges are the right choice for you, call to schedule a consultation.

Q: What is one of the more revolutionary procedures in aesthetic medicine?

A: Laser hair removal has greatly advanced over the years, making treatments quicker, more effective, and more comfortable, according to facial plastic surgeon Dr. Myra Danish.

“In the past, the treatments were quite painful. The handpieces were small, so the procedure would take longer. The latest generation of high-speed lasers has a larger handpiece that suctions the skin, drawing hair follicles closer to the surface. The laser wavelength is adjusted for your hair and skin type, to optimize the procedure. The results are fantastic.”

Typically, a series of six treatments will remove hair permanently from the legs, back, face, underarms, or bikini area.

“A man’s back can be treated in 20 minutes; a woman’s legs can be treated in a half-hour. Underarms can take as little as five minutes,” Dr. Danish says. “People love permanent laser hair removal because it saves time and the expense of shaving, waxing, and other typical methods. You don’t have to worry and skip a pool party or other engagement because you haven’t shaved. Laser hair removal boosts your self-image and self-confidence, and leaves you with silky-smooth, hair-free skin.”

Dr. Myra Danish, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Facial Plastic Surgery
4550 Investment Drive, Ste. 290
Troy, MI 4809
248-267-9700
drdanish.com

Q: What can I do to help relieve my back pain?

A: While there’s no substitute for seeking professional medical advice, there are things you can do at home to improve your symptoms. Lifestyle changes are among the most important thing you can do to help your condition. The first thing is to work on your posture, remembering to sit and stand straight, flexing your abdominal muscles. This means no slouching!

Secondly, change your sleep patterns by finding the best position for pain relief, which varies from person to person and condition to condition. Try to get six to eight hours of sleep, depending on your current patterns. Third, improve your diet and eating times. Weight loss, especially in the abdominal area, will strengthen the overstretched back ligaments, muscles, and tendons that worsen posture and worsen back pain. Typically, a series of six treatments will remove hair permanently from the legs, back, face, underarms, or bikini area.

Fourth, and certainly not least, is exercise. There are many types of exercises you may choose from, depending on your goals, but the single most important exercise you can do will be one that focuses on core conditioning. Properly coordinated core muscles stabilize the spine and create an incredibly firm base of support for practically all movements. If these lifestyle modifications fail to relieve your pain, you may benefit from a formal consultation.

Michigan Advanced Pain & Spine
Martin F. Quiroga, D.O.
27101 Schoenherr Rd., Ste. 200
Warren, MI 48088
586-806-6466
ControlOverPain.com

Q: My sagging forehead and brows make me look older, tired, and grumpy. What type of treatment can give me a younger and more relaxed appearance?

A: An endoscopic forehead-lift can reverse the effects of aging and can also give long-term results, unlike Botox and fillers. Ophthalmic and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Evan Black says the endoscopic technique offers many benefits.

“The lift is done through small incisions placed behind the hairline above the forehead and over the temples. There’s no need to shave the hair. Using a fiber-optic camera and a small scope, we raise the forehead and the brows, which will reduce horizontal forehead wrinkles. Lines between the brows and crow’s feet are also reduced, leaving the patient with smoother skin.

“A natural brow position — not too high or too low — creates a nice, open face with a relaxed, pleasant appearance,” Dr. Black explains. “Brows should be positioned differently for women and for men, which is why it’s important to choose a surgeon who’s experienced with forehead-lift techniques and how to contour and adjust the brow so it looks appropriate.”

The endoscopic forehead-lift is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure using sedation medicine. “We’ve developed a number of innovative techniques over the last 20 years to make the procedure more effective and well-tolerated,” Dr. Black says. “Patients have a shorter recovery, less pain, and long-lasting, excellent results.”

Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery, PC
248-357-5100
facialworks.com

Q: My thinning hair makes me look and feel older and unattractive. Is there any help for me?

A: Yes! Hair restoration is the No. 1 anti-aging solution, and Shear Pointe offers the latest treatment, including nonsurgical and surgical hair restoration solutions, for women and men of all ethnicities. Their experienced hair restoration experts help you choose which treatments and techniques will give you the hair you desire.

For those who know hair loss is progressive and want to stop it before it gets worse, there are topical treatments, supplements, PRP injections, FDA-approved laser therapy, and prescription medication. Some of these options not only stop hair loss but reverse it, too.

For those who have hair and want more than what treatments can provide, without surgery, Shear Pointe can help with ultra-custom and pre-custom hair systems, fibers, the most luxurious hair extensions not found in most salons, and top-of-head hair extensions. Top-of-head hair extensions consist of four pre-knotted hairs tied to one scalp hair, and can thicken front hairlines, parting areas, and the top of the head.

For those who have no hair or advanced alopecia, must cover their hair for religious devotion, or will be receiving chemotherapy, ultra-custom and pre-custom medical-grade wigs and hair prostheses are available.

For those who want to surgically restore their hair, Shear Pointe offers the best hair transplant experience you could ever imagine.

As a Michigan based, family-owned and operated company for 50 years, with a BBB A+ rating, the team at Shear Pointe understands the emotional, physical, and psychological impact of hair loss. They are committed to helping you regain your hair and the feelings that only a beautiful head of hair can provide. Please call 248-645-1310 to schedule your free consultation.

Q: How can a smile be improved with cosmetic periodontal surgery?

A: As some people age, their gums recede, making their teeth look much longer and their smile appear older. Periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth uses the minimally invasive Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Technique to lengthen the gums, typically with no incisions, no stitches, and virtually no pain.

“We make a small pinhole in the gum above the teeth to be treated. With special instruments, we loosen up the gum tissue and bring it down over the receded areas where it should be. The Pinhole Technique improves the smile tremendously. Patients are extremely happy, and we’re seeing excellent, longterm results,” says Dr. Nemeth, the first gum specialist in Michigan to be certified in this innovative technique.

Some people are embarrassed because they have a “gummy” smile. Dr. Nemeth can perform periodontal plastic surgery to sculpt the excess gum tissue, so the teeth will look appropriate and beautiful.

“With these procedures, patients have little to no discomfort. We typically use intravenous sedation so that patients are asleep or in a very relaxed state during their treatment,” says Dr. Nemeth, who has certification as a Master in the College of Sedation in Dentistry.

“We love doing cosmetic periodontal surgery,” he adds. “Our patients enjoy a healthier, more attractive smile, and it changes their life.”

Q: Can Pilates help manage arthritis pain?

A: Research shows that exercise is an essential tool in managing arthritis pain. Not only does exercise build stronger muscle around the joints, but it also increases flexibility and endurance while lubricating the joints and building cartilage. The type of exercise is key. There must be proper joint alignment within any movement, and this is where Pilates helps.

“Motion is lotion,” says Ron Jegadeesh, physical therapist, Pilates instructor, and owner of Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center. “Stimulating joint surfaces results in the production of synovial fluid, which essentially is the ‘motor oil’ of the joints.”

As Pilates involves structured, intentional, and informed movements, it’s ideal for those with arthritis and can be tailored to meet individual needs.

“With the assistance of springs and/or straps, almost all of our arthritis sufferers can move their joints in safe and controlled angles that would otherwise create too much pressure,” Jegadeesh says. “By working in a pain-free range of motion, our goal is to strengthen the muscles around the problem joint areas. This, is turn, provides support when these joints are called upon to perform a task.”

The end result? The aligned movements and proper biomechanics of Pilates protect arthritic joints by strengthening the surrounding tissue and improving flexibility. That means less pressure on the joints, and less pressure means less pain. It’s that simple.

Q: My skin looks and feels so dry and damaged. What can I do this winter for a more vibrant and younger-looking appearance?

A: There are many options for winter skin care. More often than not, we just need to refresh our skin with a custom-blended chemical peel. For a more aggressive approach to anti-aging winter skin maintenance, plastic surgeon Dr. Ellen Janetzke suggests collagen induction therapy, which will leave your skin smoother, firmer, and more toned.

Because we have less sun exposure, winter is also the best time for antiaging and brightening laser treatments, and Dr. Ellen offers the transformative Sciton Forever Young BBL. With custom settings, this innovative laser treats signs of aging and sun damage, as well as vascular issues, all in one treatment session. Combining these treatment options with topical skin care maintenance, patients will be feeling rejuvenated and ready for spring!

Q: What’s the best way to optimize and maintain one’s health and beauty as you age?

A: The answer is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

As we age, levels of all of our vital hormones decline, leading to hormone imbalance. Optimal hormone levels are essential for optimal health and quality of life. The benefits of balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy includes significant improvements in fat loss, muscle tone, muscle mass and strength, skin integrity resulting in reduction of wrinkles, energy levels, sex drive, sexual function and orgasms, sleep, memory and concentration, emotional well-being and stability, mood, the immune system, inflammation, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, bone strength, vision, reduction of menopause symptoms, and much more!

Dr. George Shanlikian, medical director of Genemedics, is a national leader in the field of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and preventive health. He’s a pioneer in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and one of just a few cutting-edge physicians in the country with the expertise to properly balance these hormones. Fellowship-trained and board-certified in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, Dr. Shanlikian has helped alleviate symptoms of hormone imbalance in thousands of patients through customized programs of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, nutritional supplements, and exercise.

Contact Genemedics today and get on the path to looking and feeling better than ever while optimizing your health, beauty, and quality of life!

Genemedics Health Institute
George Shanlikian, M.D.
280 N. Old Woodward, Ste. 210
Birmingham, MI 48009
800-277-4041
genemedics.com​

Q: I need to schedule an MRI but I don’t want to go to the hospital. What makes Basha Diagnostics a better choice?

A: Since 1980, Basha Diagnostics, PC has offered patients and their physicians an alternative to a hospital visit for diagnostic imaging. Dr. Yahya M. Basha, the founder and president of Basha Diagnostics, says there are many benefits when choosing Basha for your medical testing.

“Our pricing is affordable. Exams at other diagnostic centers and hospitals may cost thousands of dollars, while we charge much less. At the same time, we don’t compromise the quality of our patient care and comfort. The technology we use is state-of-the-art; it’s the best in the world. Our highly credentialed interpreting physicians are board-certified and subspecialized, and all of our facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology.”

Basha Diagnostics provides sedation for people who are claustrophobic — something you may not find at other imaging centers. And while you might have to wait for days or weeks to get an appointment at the hospital, Basha diagnostic centers can get you in for an exam on short notice.

“We’ve doubled our capacity in the Royal Oak office and have added a new Siemens MRI. We can do same-day and next-day testing, or even take a walk-in patient, based on the need and urgency for the test,” Dr. Basha explains. “Our patients, including doctors and their families, come to us from Canada and throughout Michigan. That’s a testament for the superior service we provide.”

Basha Diagnostics, PC
Dr. Yahya M. Basha, Founder & President
bashaopenmri.com
Email: info@bashaopenmri.com

Royal Oak Diagnostic Center
30701 Woodward Ave.
Royal Oak, MI 48073
248-288-1600

Sterling Heights Diagnostic Center
13753 19 Mile Rd.
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
586-566-8680

Dearborn Diagnostic Center
4407 Roemer St.
Dearborn, MI 48126
313-584-0768

Q: I have arthritis. Can physical therapy help me?

A: Arthritis is caused by loss of cartilage in our joints. This places stress on bones and joints, leading to inflammation, pain, bone spurs, and stiffness. In turn, these can cause pain during day-to-day activities and result in reduced activity tolerance.

Physical therapists are specialists in human movement, and arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting movement. Physical therapy for arthritis begins with a detailed assessment of range of motion, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns. This information, along with the client’s goals, will allow the therapist to develop a customized treatment program.

Treatments usually involve manual therapy techniques and specific therapeutic exercises aimed at strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight muscles. To reduce stress on arthritic joints, movement patterns — such as the way a person gets up from a chair or goes down the stairs — are identified and addressed. Modalities for pain relief, such as heat therapy or electric stimulation, may also be incorporated.

Whether your goal is to golf 18 holes without “paying for it” the next day, or to simply get up from a chair without groaning and creaking, physical therapy may help with the pain of arthritis and allow you to lead a more active life.

Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy
51 locations in Michigan –
We have a clinic near you!
team-rehab.com

Q: I’ve tried for years to lose weight, but I’m still obese. Can weight loss surgery help me?

A: Minimally invasive weight loss surgery, either laparoscopic or robotic, reduces the amount of space in your stomach, so you eat less food and consume fewer calories. Unlike medical diets, surgery changes the body’s metabolism. This allows for sustainable and long-lasting weight loss when combined with proper lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.

Gastric bypass makes the stomach into a small pouch and redirects the intestines. Sleeve gastrectomy removes a portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube. Surgical complications are extremely low, and patients are usually home in one day.

With surgical treatment, weight loss is substantial, typically 80-100 pounds. The reduced weight can resolve or markedly improve illnesses that are linked to obesity, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension, giving you a better quality of life.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, PC
David L. Chengelis, M.D.
3535 W. 13 Mile Rd., Ste. 209
Royal Oak, MI 48073
248-289-5723
dlcsurgery.com

Q: Is there a connection between beauty, health, and happiness?

A: Aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Mune Gowda finds that when patients have cosmetic procedures, they feel happier and tend to become more conscious of their health.

“You can’t separate one from the other. Studies have shown that when someone improves their appearance, whether that’s surgically or by putting on makeup or a nice outfit, the brain releases neurotransmitters — ‘happy chemicals’ —that make them feel good.

“One patient came into the office and said, ‘When I look in the mirror I look sad, although I’m not sad.’ After she had some facial work done, she said, ‘Dr. Gowda, I’m so happy. I love to look at myself in the mirror now.’”

Dr. Gowda points out that patients who undergo body contouring, for example, often become more disciplined about their eating habits and exercise. “They want to protect their new body and shape,” he says. “Their attitude changes, they have more confidence, and they feel more comfortable, healthier, and happier.”