If you tend to keep up with the latest advancements in cosmetic medicine, you’ve likely heard about a treatment dubbed the “vampire facial.” The reason it is referred to as such is that the specialized facial rejuvenation treatment works via the patient’s blood. Contrary to the way it sounds, a vampire facial does not involve slathering blood over the skin. It involves a blood product called PRP, platelet-rich plasma. There are two components that make up the blood. These are the red blood cells and the plasma. The latter is a colorless substance that is rich in growth factors. These substances act as messengers in the body. Depending on the need, growth factors signal various cells to function. In the case of the vampire facial,

Millions of people are living with some degree of hair loss. While it may be a common problem, it’s certainly a frustrating one. Historically, people who wanted to correct their hair loss had to do so via complicated, sometimes painful hair transplant surgery. This is still done, though with much more finesse. As an alternative, some physicians offer PRP hair restoration treatment. Platelet-rich plasma is an integral part of our hair restoration program. Here, we discuss how the process works,  how PRP works, and why you may want to schedule your consultation now. What Is PRP Hair Restoration? Platelet-rich plasma is a substance that is found in your own blood. This makes it very safe and easy to obtain. To get PRP, Dr. Ong or

As we reflect on our appearance after a certain age, we cannot help but notice fine lines, wrinkles, and some sagging in certain areas. When these common signs of aging occur, we have three basic choices. We can simply care for our skin with good products and sunscreen, prolong more youthful tissue behaviors with lasers and other collagen-inducing treatments, or we can have plastic surgery. If you fall somewhere in the middle, you may be interested in evaluating whether or not the Silhouette InstaLift procedure would give you the degree of rejuvenation you want. What is a Thread Lift? The term thread lift describes the Silhouette InstaLift process to a T. It is also a term that may cause some people to look for other

In our Scottsdale office, we focus on bringing the most effective and innovative treatments to our patients. While Dr. Ong is a respected board-certified plastic surgeon, he recognizes the value of proven nonsurgical modalities. Here, we discuss what you may want to know about the MicroLaserPeel®, especially if you want to refresh your skin before the busy holiday season just ahead.  What is a MicroLaser Peel? A MicroLaser Peel is a light resurfacing procedure that achieves more significant improvements than your average chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment. Still, in the world of skin resurfacing, the MicroLaser Peel is pretty conservative. It is designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, and pigment problems with very little downtime and minimal discomfort.  Some of

As we have made our way through the mess of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have begun hearing more about certain vitamins and supplements that they’d never thought much about before. Magnesium is one of them, and one in which most people are deficient. The body requires an adequate amount of this particular mineral to sustain functions like heart rhythm, bone density, and blood pressure regulation. People who are deficient in magnesium may experience medical conditions such as depression, insulin resistance and diabetes, migraines, and other problems. Here, we discuss what magnesium can do for the body and how you can find out if you’re getting enough of this nutrient.  Benefits of Magnesium Better rest and less stress. Magnesium is a calming mineral. It regulates

Historically, the Mommy Makeover has been perceived as a series of procedures that help correct the changes that occur during pregnancy and afterward. There is no escaping motherhood without permanent changes. While we support a woman taking all the time she needs to restore her body from the inside out through healthy lifestyle habits, we also realize that some of the effects of carrying a life, bringing it into the world, and then feeding it cannot be reversed to the extent that a woman would like. That’s where a Mommy Makeover comes in. That said, going back to the initial perception of this treatment protocol, we’ve got to set some things straight.  At Ong Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, a Mommy Makeover is a makeover at