People often place a high value on a slender, attractive and well-formed nose. Being the anchor feature of the human face, it’s one of the first things we notice meeting someone. If a person’s nose is bent or crooked, that can leave a lasting negative impression.
Have you ever wondered why so many boxers, rugby athletes, soccer players, and mixed martial arts fighters have misshapen ears? It’s because they have absorbed so many repeated blows that the framework of the ear has collapsed from the ongoing damage.
Cauliflower Ear is the non-technical term used to describe the formation of excess scar tissue and irregular healing following a single or repeated trauma to the ear shell. Small pools of blood called hematomas begin to form in the ear tissue, depriving ear cartilage of normal blood supply so that the cartilage eventually dies. The scar tissue that replaces or accompanies the formation of new cartilage appears malformed, lumpy, and warped, looking very much like the surface of a cauliflower plant.
Read More
One of the first signs of aging is facial sag and a droopy nose tip which can make a person appear as though their nose has actually grown longer.
It’s an illusion, of course, created by changes in the nasal skin as well as a general weakening of the cartilage framework and nasal bones which once provided excellent support to the nose. The process that causes Droopy Nose Tip is called ptosis.
Read More
Youth has its advantages when it comes to one’s facial appearance. The skin is generally smoother and plump with volumizing collagen and a plentiful supply of cheek fat.
However, not every young woman or man is blessed with full cheeks. Some people’s cheeks stop short of being fully developed while in their teens or early 20s, or they are naturally flat.
Fortunately, there are a number of cosmetic options to choose from that can add fullness to the cheeks through a generic procedure known as Cheek Augmentation . The purpose of this procedure is to provide sufficient contour to the face for long-term results that appear natural and are satisfying to the patient.
Read More
Once the undisputed domain of women, sporting a nice-looking derrièreisn’t just about women any longer, thanks to the wonders of the Buttocks Lift.
This has been a noticeable trend and cultural shift among men between the ages of 18 and 65, who are finding answers to the sagging buttocks and diminished glutes through the power of plastic surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported there were 10,000 butt augmentation procedures performed in 2013, up 1,500, or 16 percent, from the previous year. While the precise number of men having the procedure is unclear, there is plenty of professional anecdotal evidence to show thatmen are having butt lifts.
Read MoreIs there any doubt that social media is constantly expanding? One of the more popular aspects of social media is the “selfie,” a quick snapshot you take of yourself and then post to a social media site like Instagram. There is a growing trend of men and women who see their selfies and dislike what they see. In fact, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s recent study reveals that approximately 3 out of 10 facial plastic surgeons have patients who come to them looking to improve their appearance because of social media sites.
In Albany and Manhattan, New York, Dr. Edwin Williams specializes in a number of cosmetic procedures that help correct any problems you have with your skin or facial features. The AAFPRS reports that rhinoplasty and Botox Cosmetic are the two most common requests in terms of social media-driven cosmetic procedures. Learn more about these two cosmetic procedures and see if they’re right for you.
The safety and effectiveness of Botox Cosmetic makes it an ideal treatment for easing dynamic wrinkles without undergoing an invasive surgery. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscle contractions. This allows the skin to smooth out and ease wrinkles and creases on the forehead, around the eyes, near the lips, on the chin, and on the neck. Following a treatment, you do not need any recovery time, which makes it perfect for today’s busy men and women.
The one thing you do need to know about Botox is that it is not a permanent solution to wrinkles. It eases their appearance for an average of four months. To maintain your appearance, you need to see Dr. Williams for touch-ups every three months or so.
Rhinoplasty is a popular surgery for men and women who dislike the size or shape of their nose. While it is one of the two most common requests for people concerned with their appearance on social media, rhinoplasty is also one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries overall. In 2013, more than 39,900 rhinoplasty surgeries were performed by AAFPRS members.
The surgical procedure is useful in narrowing a wide nose, lifting a drooping tip, or reducing a bump or hump appearing on the bridge of the nose. Incisions are made either within the nostril or at the bottom of the nose on the column of skin that separates the nostrils. A surgery can last an hour or two, and after it’s done, you spend a small amount of time in the recovery room before going home. At home, it’s important to take it easy for about a week. You’ll have stitches removed at the end of the week. You should be able to return to work in the next week. Avoid strenuous activities for eight weeks.
Learn more about the safety of Botox by watching Dr. Williams’ video about this non-invasive treatment. When you’re ready to discuss Botox treatments or a rhinoplasty with the New York facial plastic surgeon, call the Williams Center at 1-800-742-2797.
Read MoreScars form when the skin is broken in some fashion and then heals, forming scar tissue in the process. This could be the result of an accident, severe acne, or a planned surgery. The size of a scar is dependent on the depth, width, and length of the break in the skin, your genetic traits, and your skin’s qualities (thickness, skin tone, etc.) Some people form more noticeable scars than others, so it’s best to seek the advice of a surgeon who deals with scars when the skin is cut. Otherwise, if a scar bothers you, you may need to visit a cosmetic surgeon for a scar revision procedure.
There are numerous ways a plastic surgeon can repair a scar. Here are three of the most common techniques:
Surgical Scar Revision
Facial plastic surgeons generally use one of two techniques for scar repair. The shape and size of the scar dictates the best method and the number of procedures required to reduce a scar’s appearance. The surgeon may excise all of the scar tissue and then stitch the wound up carefully to avoid leaving a scar. An alternative option is to perform a z-plasty. This involves cutting two equal triangle flaps over the area of the scar and then stitching the new incisions closed without creating tension that can lead to scars. The z-plasty is also useful in helping the surgeon to move the scar to a natural crease in the skin.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is an effective, yet aggressive technique that is used on scars, including acne scars. During this procedure, the skin is buffed away using a handheld rotating device. This removes the upper layers of tissue, including scar tissue. After the procedure, your face is red and crusts may form over the treatment areas. After these scabs fall away, the new skin appears and is much smoother and the appearance of the scar is minimized. You may need up to two weeks off work or social activities following dermabrasion.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments involve the use of lasers to remove the dull, upper layers of skin and scar tissue. While this does not get rid of the scar, it makes it less noticeable. It’s best performed on scars that are in the upper layers of skin tissue rather than deep scars.
It is important to protect the treated area from sun while it heals.It could take a number of weeks to fully heal. During this time your skin may appear red, similar to that of a skin burn.
You might be surprised by the improvement scar repair can make. Check out these pictures of patients with scars and the pictures of that same scar after a treatment with Dr. Williams, a New York facial plastic surgeon. The scars go from being extremely visible to barely noticeable. Talk to Dr. Williams about a scar repair in his Albany or Manhattan office. Call 1-800-742-2797 to arrange a consultation.
Read MoreThe results from 2013 are in. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery’s surgeon members, more patients came to their offices seeking breast augmentations, eyelid lifts, and facelifts in 2013. While the increase for breast augmentation stands at one percent, the other two saw substantial increases of six percent.
Breast Augmentation
During puberty some girls’ breasts grow unevenly. Some reach womanhood and dislike the size of their breasts. Weight loss may leave you with breasts that are too small. All of the above are common reasons women consider breast augmentation surgery. This cosmetic procedure involves the insertion of saline or silicone gel implants below the breast tissue or the muscle. These implants increase the size of the breasts.
There are three common incisions used in breast augmentation. One involves making an incision around the areola. Another involves incisions made below the breast within the crease. Finally, the incision can be made in the armpit. The implant is then inserted through the incision and placed into the proper position. After the placement, incisions are closed with sutures. Dr. Polynice typically inserts the implants below the breast within the crease.
Following a breast augmentation, you have bandages wrapped around your chest for up to three days. After this, you wear a supportive sports bra for four weeks. Bruises and swelling dissipate over the span of a few weeks, but you’ll be ready to return to work after a week. Dr. Polynice offers to his patients the option of a pain pump. This greatly reduces the need for narcotic use and affords patients a more comfortable healing period.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) corrects two issues. One involves the upper eyelids where the surgeon can trim excess skin, muscle, and fat to help ease drooping lids. The other involves the lower eyelids where surgery helps get rid of under eye bags. You can have blepharoplasty on just an upper or lower eyelid or have both corrected at the same time. Incisions are hidden within the crease on the upper eyelid, under the eyelashes and or on the inside of the lower eyelid. Dr. Williams will usually offer fat transfers to under the eyes and the mid-face area in conjunction with lower eyelid surgery.
Common side effects following the surgery include itching, some discomfort, bruising and tightness. If you sleep with your head elevated with extra pillows or by sitting in a recliner, you can reduce some of the swelling that causes the tightness. Stitches come out after about a week and then you should be ready to return to work. Avoid strenuous tasks for three weeks.
Facelift
A facelift cannot stop you from aging, but it can help make you look younger, with results lasting for approximately 10 years. This surgical procedure starts with incisions made in the hairline at the temples and then continuing in front of the ear, around the earlobe, and then back into the hairline. Once the incisions are made, your facial plastic surgeon lifts the skin from the muscle and fat. After removing fat and tightening the muscles, the skin is re-draped over the new frame. Any excess skin is removed and the incisions are sutured closed.
This surgery corrects sagging skin on the lower cheeks, jowls, and the “turkey waddle” neck. It takes about two weeks before you can return to work, but stitches come out after approximately one week. Following the surgery, you may experience bruising and swelling. If you keep your head elevated by sleeping in a recliner or with your head propped up, it will help alleviate some of the swelling.
Dr. Williams is proud to announce his new technique “The True Williams Facelift” It helps to correct all of the above besides adding a mid-facelift and also improving the area under your eyes.
Men and women in New York who want to discuss one of these three surgeries with a specialist do well by contacting Dr. Edwin Williams. Read more about what to expect during a consultation at the Williams Center. Dr. Williams is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices in Albany and Manhattan. Schedule an appointment by calling (800) 742-2797.
Read MoreMany people have birthmarks, which are generally present at birth or appear soon after. All they are is an area where the skin pigmentation is different. Some birthmarks are easily ignored, but some cause problems because of their looks or size. Generally, the only time doctors insist on treating birthmarks is when they become infected, bleed, hurt, or itch. If the birthmark is in a visible area, parents may want to seek cosmetic laser skin resurfacing treatments help reduce a birthmark that might make a child feel self-conscious.
Identifying Pigmented Birthmarks
Pigmented birthmarks occur when cells of pigment group together and form a discolored patch. These birthmarks range from moles to Mongolian spots. Moles need to be monitored for changes as a child grows. Cafe-au-lait spots look like coffee stains on the skin. They may fade over the years, but they rarely go away. Finally, Mongolian spots are often concerning to people who see them. They are more common on children of Asian descent and look a lot like bruises that form on the back or buttocks. Again, they may fade over time.
Identifying Vascular Birthmarks
When blood vessels clump together under the skin, they can form vascular birthmarks. Angel’s kisses, also known as salmon patches or stork bites, are one kind of vascular birthmark. They appear as red spots that almost look like small bites. Hemangiomas are a benign birthmark that range from a purple color to bright red and usually fade away by the time a child turns 10.
Port wine stains are a very noticeable birthmark. The patches of skin look like someone spilled grape juice over the skin and stained it. These often grow bigger as a child grows up. View pictures of vascular birthmarks to get an idea of what they look like.
Birthmarks Can Be an Indicator of a Disorder or Syndrome
Some birthmarks are symptoms of certain disorders or syndromes. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare defect in which the vessels, bone tissue, and soft tissue grow incorrectly. Common symptoms include hemangiomas and varicose veins. Some of the afflicted also have toes or fingers that are fused together. Treatments can help decrease the appearance of the hemangiomas.
Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurological condition that appears at birth. One of the key symptoms is a port wine birthmark that covers the forehead and part of the upper eyelid. Children with Sturge-Weber syndrome often deal with seizures, glaucoma, and a delayed development. For children with Sturge-Weber, medications can help control seizures and cosmetic treatments can help reduce the size and coloring of the port wine birthmark.
Increased Cancer Risks Comes With Some Birthmarks
Moles can increase your risk of skin cancer by a small percentage, specifically moles known as congenital nevi. Larger congenital nevi are more prone to becoming skin cancer. Because of this, it is essential that you have moles checked regularly.
Some Birthmarks Go Away on Their Own
While port wine stains rarely go away on their own, some hemangiomas, cafe-au-lait stains, and Mongolian spots do fade over time. You may not need to seek cosmetic treatment of these birthmarks. If they remain and cause your child or yourself embarrassment, it’s worth talking to a facial plastic surgeon about treatment options.
Treatments That Reduce the Size and Color of Birthmarks
Laser skin resurfacing is a helpful treatment for improving the appearance of many birthmarks. During this treatment, a laser is passed over the birthmark and targets the pigmentation or blood vessels with the laser light. Laser treatments are usually completed within 90 minutes, though this depends on the size of the scar. During the procedure, you are under local anesthesia and a mild sedative. For younger children, general anesthesia may be the preferred method.
View videos of children with birthmarks who have been treated by Dr. Edwin Williams. Dr. Williams of the Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists has offices in both New York City and Albany, New York. He is a board member for the National Birthmark Foundation, too. He’s happy to discuss the best method to reduce the appearance of unsightly birthmarks. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams, call (518) 786-7000 in Albany or (212) 799-2100 in New York City.
Read MoreYou might be surprised by the number of men and women who feel stressed by having skin that is not flawless. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately five percent of Americans over the age of 18 deal with suicidal thoughts when psoriasis flares up, and 26 percent forgo regular activities because of their flare ups. Those with skin disorders like rosacea are also more likely to withdraw from social activities because of their skin. Adults who suffer from acne have a harder time finding a job.
Acne, age spots, psoriasis, rosacea, spider veins, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles plague many adults across the country. If your skin is causing you embarrassment, destroying your self-confidence, or keeping you from going out and having fun, it’s time to consider a non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment. Here are five non-surgical treatments available to you.
Candela SmoothBeam Laser
People who have dealt with acne in their teen or adult years likely have some acne scars. Candela SmoothBeam laser treatments are suitable for easing the appearance of these scars. This laser treatment also helps correct problems with skin tone or texture.
Most patients need five to eight SmoothBeam laser treatments to correct skin issues. These treatments take approximately 30 to 60 minutes and allow you to return to normal activities immediately. You can wear makeup and sunscreen right after your treatment. You may notice your skin feels swollen following the treatment, but this dissipates within a day or two.
Dermal Fillers
Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane,Voluma and Sculptra are four popular dermal fillers that help add volume and boost collagen production. This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Some of the fillers also help add volume to the tissue surrounding a scar, thus helping to reduce the appearance of that scar.
One thing to consider with dermal fillers is that they do need touch-up injections from time to time. Juvederm and Radiesse last for six months to a year. Restylane generally needs additional injections twice a year. Many patients find Sculptra and Voulma’s benefits to last upwards of two years.
Chemical Peel
The Chemical Peel is perfect for evening out uneven skin pigmentation, such as age spots and freckles. During the treatment, the chemical solution is applied to the face and left to sit for a specific amount of time. You leave your facial plastic surgeon’s office being a little red and with a shinny face due to the ointment that is applied.. After the peel, you need to follow a skin care regimen provided by your doctor. As the skin starts to peel away, it is important that you avoid pulling the skin off. Let the body do this on its own so that the new layers of skin reveal themselves naturally.
Pulse Dye Laser
The pulse dye laser is a suitable treatment for embarrassing skin conditions like spider veins and rosacea. The laser treatment targets the capillaries below the skin surface and then destroys them. This ends the redness associated with rosacea and also clears up the spider veins that appear on the face. Following pulse dye laser treatments your skin may appear red or even bruised.Bruising is not typically seen, but if it occurs, it fades within 10 days, but you can hide these symptoms with make-up.
Hear what one of Dr. Williams’ patients had to say about her experience in a short video about dermal filler injections. Discuss your own skin concerns with Dr. Williams, a New York facial plastic surgeon, and discover the treatments that can improve your skin’s appearance. Schedule this consultation by calling (800) 742-2797. The Williams Center is conveniently located with offices in Albany and Manhattan.
Read More
