Blog in Albany, NY

Rising Trends in Bridal Makeovers

After compiling 2012 statistics from member surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found a 28 percent increase in cosmetic procedures in brides under the age of 25. To look radiant on their wedding day, many brides are choosing popular non-surgical procedures like Botox Cosmetic injections, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, chemical peels, and CoolSculpting.

Botox Cosmetic

Over time, simple acts like smiling, squinting, and even frowning can etch lines on your forehead, around your eyes, and around your lips. Many brides do not want to see these lines and creases appearing in wedding portraits, and there is an easy fix.

Botox Cosmetic is an injectable that helps relax the muscles on your face. Injections made into the brow muscles help alleviate the appearance of forehead wrinkles and brow furrows. Near the mouth, the injectable eases lip wrinkles and smile lines. Botox also makes crow’s feet fade.

The injections take little time to administer, about 10 minutes per area. Ice is used to numb the injection site, the injection is given, and then the process is repeated, if necessary. Following the injections, you can get back to normal activities right away.

There is a risk of bruising and swelling following the injections, much like you experience with a vaccination. As a result, brides may want to schedule a Botox appointment at least a week before their wedding. It’s best not to go too early, however, as the effects of Botox wear off after about four months.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found within your body and, unlike collagen injections, there is no risk for an allergic reaction. Both dermal fillers add volume to the injection site. This helps smooth the skin and reduce the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

Juvederm Ultra is beneficial filler for fine lines or plumping the lips. Juvederm Ultra Plus is thicker and better for deep lines and creases. Like Botox, the side effects from Juvederm injections include swelling, bruising, and some tenderness at the injection site. Typically, the bruising and swelling do not last for more than seven days. The effects of Juvederm last six months or longer, so brides should plan accordingly to ensure they are picture perfect for their wedding photos.

Restylane is the other option for hyaluronic acid fillers. It’s used to fill in lines and hollows on the cheeks, lips, and tear troughs under the eyes. The filler also helps smooth scars. Restylane also has a lifespan of six months or longer. There are many other options available in injectable fillers and a qualified plastic surgeon can help you to determine which is right for you.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels help smooth the surface of the skin and improve skin tone by sloughing off the dull upper layers of skin. A chemical solution is spread over the problem areas. The acid in the peel causes the top skin layers to peel off and reveal the newer, younger-looking skin layers beneath. These chemical peels come in a range of strengths with the TCA chemical peel being a popular choice with brides.

Following a TCA peel, the recovery time depends on the strength of the peel. A solution that is 10 percent TCA usually requires a recovery period of two or three days. The stronger solution that is upwards of 35 percent may require you to allow two weeks of healing time. As you heal, stay out of the sun.

During the healing process, your skin looks red, like a sunburn, and peels away. Some people experience scabs and crusting skin. You must protect your skin for several months following a peel. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s best to schedule your TCA peel well in advance of your wedding day.

CoolSculpting

While your skin tone is being improved and the fine lines and wrinkles of the face are being diminished, the rest of the body can also benefit from a little attention. CoolSculpting helps blushing brides reduce fat deposits in areas of the body where they are common, such as the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, and bra line. The results of a CoolSculpting procedure are particularly desirable to upcoming brides who have selected form-fitting, strapless dresses, or who have planned a honeymoon to a sunny location where a bathing suit will be the main attire.

CoolSculpting is non-surgical. Fat cells are crystallized by freezing temperatures delivered through a handheld device. The cells then undergo a form of natural cell death called apoptosis and are used by the body as energy or excreted through metabolic processes. The skin and underlying tissues and nerves are left unharmed by the carefully controlled temperature change.

The skin may temporarily appear pink following a session of CoolSculpting. The coloration will return to normal after a couple hours. There may also be some tenderness at the treatment site from the suction of the device, as well as minor bruising lasting up to two weeks. No downtime is needed, though, allowing you to return to planning your wedding right away.

You will need to plan your CoolSculpting procedure well in advance of the big day. Initial results take about three weeks to become visible. The appearance of the treated area’s contour will continue to improve over two to four months.

Attend special events hosted by the Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists or receive discounts offered only to fans of Dr. Edwin Williams’ Facebook page. Dr. Williams has more than two decades of experience in cosmetic plastic surgery in the Albany, New York, area. The facial plastic surgeon also has an office in Manhattan. Schedule a pre-wedding consultation with Dr. Williams by calling the Albany office at (518) 786-7000. If Manhattan is a better location, call (212) 799-2100.

Rhinophyma – What is it and How is it Treated?

Rosacea is a skin condition that a large percentage of men and women deal with on a daily basis. For many, the symptoms include persistent redness that makes them look flushed. Some develop dry skin that may crack or feel itchy. Acne-like bumps are another symptom of rosacea. There’s another problem people, particularly men, face and that’s a subtype of the skin condition known as rhinophyma.

While rosacea and its varying forms are not dangerous, those afflicted with the condition do feel embarrassment to be seen in public or social situations. Dietary changes, such as avoiding all spicy foods, and medications can help alleviate the symptoms, but there is no cure for rosacea or rhinophyma. We also offer skin care products that help to decrease the redness and also protect against the sun.

What is Rhinophyma?

While rhinophyma is not common, it is something that is hard to hide. If you’re familiar with the actor W.C. Fields, you’ve seen his nose and may even know that he suffered from the skin condition.

With rhinophyma, the nose often appears very red and has bulbous growths on it. Skin thickens and may seem waxy and even yellowish. Someone with rhinophyma also has more oil glands in the nose than the average person. View these photos of a rhinophyma patient to see exactly what rhinophyma looks like.

Treatments for Rhinophyma

Originally, the only treatment for rhinophyma was the surgical removal of the tissue causing the protrusions. Modern technology has advanced treatment options so that there are now less invasive alternatives offering decreased recovery. To treat rhinophyma, laser surgery is often the best option. It is important to know, however, that even with a rhinophyma treatment, the condition can return. Laser treatments are not a cure, they only help restore the nose to a more normal-looking state and boost a patient’s self-esteem.

The pulse dye laser is drawn to the redness of the skin, making it a popular treatment for people suffering from mild cases of rhinophyma. A number of treatments may be needed before improvements are seen. Skin may be bruised or red for upwards of a week and there may be some swelling. Following the pulse dye laser treatments, the cosmetic improvements last between 12 to 18 months.

The CO2 laser is another specific treatment for rhinophyma. The laser energy targets the thicker skin layers, causing them to shed. This allows healthier skin to reach the surface. At the same time, the precision of the laser allows the facial plastic surgeon to help contour the nose so that it looks normal. The laser treatment takes approximately an hour and requires a recovery period of up to two weeks.

Prior to any rhinophyma treatment, you need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edwin Williams, a New York facial plastic surgeon. The consultation takes about an hour. Read more about how to make the most of your time during this plastic surgery consultation. Dr. Williams has offices in both Albany and New York City. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-742-2797.

Birthmarks: Types, Causes & Treatments

Birthmarks come in a couple of types. Pigmented birthmarks, like moles, are caused by pigment cells in the body, and they are usually gray, black, or a shade of brown. Vascular birthmarks are the ones that lead people to visit a plastic surgeon. Vascular birthmarks include hemangiomas, strawberry marks, salmon patches, or port wine stains. If you have a vascular birthmark and dislike its appearance, you’ll want to discuss treatment options with a plastic surgeon.

Are Birthmarks Safe?

Birthmarks are usually safe and do not require removal unless you dislike their appearance. You should watch your birthmarks for changes, however. If you notice any moles or birthmarks bleeding, becoming itchy, or starting to hurt, make an appointment with your physician or a dermatologist. This is especially important because you want to make sure they are not skin cancer.

What Causes Birthmarks?

There’s really no known cause for some birthmarks, so it’s impossible to prevent them. They do have a tendency to run in families. Some babies are born with a noticeable birthmark, a strawberry mark, that is raised and red. These birthmarks may clear up over time and don’t need treatments. Adults may find small red dots on their bodies. These cherry angiomas are normal and do not require treatment. You’ll also find that pigmented birthmarks do not benefit from treatment.

Vascular birthmarks are different. They are caused by malformed blood vessels. This makes them easier to treat.

Treating Vascular Birthmarks

A trip to a board certified facial plastic surgeon is the best way to safely remove birthmarks from your face or neck. While many birthmarks cause no harm, their unsightly appearance may affect your confidence and require removal.

Treatments for your birthmarks depend on the type of birthmark. Red birthmarks that cover part of your face are known as port wine stains. The pulse dye laser is the best treatment for port wine stains.  The laser helps lighten the red color and keep the skin texture from changing by breaking down red blood cells. Pulse dye lasers are also effective in treating hemangiomas. One or two treatment is usually all that is necessary. This treatment can be painful. We are able to offer sedation to our patients in our on –site Surgery Center which makes the procedure very easy for the patients.

For a facial plastic surgeon to decide the best approach at treating your birthmark, an evaluation is needed. Dr. Edwin Williams has offices in both Albany and New York City. View these birthmark before and after treatment photos to see the quality of Dr. Williams’ work. The board certified facial plastic surgeon was a board of director member and co-founder of the National Vascular Birthmark Foundation. His insight into treating birthmarks is exceptional. To schedule a consultation, call (212) 799-2100 in New York City or (518) 786-7000 in Albany.

Treatments for Smile Lines

Smile lines, also known as crow’s feet, are the pesky lines that appear at the sides of your eyes when you smile or squint. It’s impossible to avoid them completely because they are a natural process of aging. As your skin loses fat and elasticity, the loosening skin leads to these creases. There are, however, non-surgical cosmetic solutions that make them go away.

Botox Cosmetic

Botox Cosmetic is a non-surgical solution that takes little time to administer and lasts for up to four months. The injectable works by relaxing the nerves that control the muscles. As the muscle relaxes, the skin smoothes out and reduces the appearance of crow’s feet.

Botox Cosmetic does not require any recovery time, so you don’t have to take time off from work or social activities. It’s a safe, FDA-approved treatment with very few side effects. The biggest concerns are pain at the injection site, bruising, and swelling. Your facial plastic surgeon may apply ice prior to the injections of Botox in order to help alleviate some of the discomfort.

Perlane

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice because they contain no animal products and occur naturally within the human body. Perlane is a hyaluronic acid filler that is safe and effective at adding volume. It’s useful in correcting crow’s feet and other lines and wrinkles.

With Perlane, the benefits last anywhere from six months to a year. Perlane is naturally absorbed by the body, so period touch-ups are necessary if you want to maintain volume. Most people go in for twice yearly or yearly treatments. If you decide not to go for touch-ups, your skin simply returns to its pre-Perlane appearance.

Restylane

Restylane is another hyaluronic filler that adds volume to the tissue under the skin, but is less concentrated than Perlane. It’s useful in reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, lip lines, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and worry lines. The injections take little time to complete, about 30 minutes, and have few side effects. Bruising and pain at the injection site are the most common complaints.

Following Restylane injections, you get back to normal routines immediately. Improvements last for six months or longer. Over time, the body naturally absorbs Restylane, so your skin will revert back to how it looked before the treatments.

Save time before your appointment by printing out and completing Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists patient forms in advance. Dr. Edwin Williams, board certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, is conveniently located thanks to offices in both Manhattan and Albany, New York. To schedule a consultation with the New York facial plastic surgeon call (518) 786-7000 in Albany or (212) 799-2100 in Manhattan.

Fat Transfer: Five Need-to-Know Facts

Fat transfers add volume to the face in both men and women. This helps smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fills in hollows that appear with aging. A fat transfer is a long-lasting procedure, but the final results and longevity do rely on your habits. If you’re considering the procedure, here are five things you need to know about fat transfers.

There are Two Areas of Focus for Harvesting the Fat

In order to perform a fat transfer to your face, the fat needs to be harvested from another area of the body. The two key sites are the abdomen and the thighs. During the fat harvesting, local anesthesia is used to help alleviate any discomfort. A cannula is inserted into the donor site and then suction draws the fat out. This fat is then prepared for the fat transfer.

Fat is Injected into the Muscle

With a fat transfer, the facial plastic surgeon injects the prepared fat into your muscle. The entire procedure takes approximately one hour.

Allergic Reactions Are Extremely Rare

Collagen is another kind of injectable treatment, but it is one that requires allergy tests to prevent a reaction after the injection. Because the fat being injected into your face came from your body, it is very rare to have any kind of an allergic reaction with autologous fat injections.

You May Look Swollen for a Few Weeks

Following a fat transfer, the area that received the fat may form bruises and swell up. The swelling can last a few weeks. You should be physically ready to return to work within a day or two after the procedure, but you may find that the swelling makes it harder to want to be around people. For that reason, you may want to time a fat transfer with a vacation.

Your Lifestyle Impacts the Longevity of a Fat Transfer

After a fat transfer, the longevity of the procedure is highly dependent on your lifestyle choices. While fat transfers can help fill in hollows and add volume, it cannot stop the signs of aging completely. Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Plastic Surgery monitored 79 sets of twins to see how smoking affects aging and the results clearly showed that people who smoke age far more quickly than non-smokers. Not only does smoking lead to an earlier appearance of lip wrinkles, but it also led to the earlier development of lower eyelid bags and jowls. Other lifestyle choices that speed up aging are stress and consumption of alcohol.

Before making any decision, it’s in your best interest to check out before and after pictures of fat transfers. Dr. Edwin Williams offers a good selection of fat transfer pictures on his website. After earning his medical degree, Dr. Williams completed residency training in Syracuse, New York. He then entered into an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the University of Illinois. Following that specialized training, he opened Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists in New York. To schedule a consultation with the New York facial plastic surgeon, call (518) 786-7000 in Albany or (212) 799-2100 in Manhattan.

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