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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.

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.

Banishing Under-Eye Bags

BANISHING UNDER-EYE BAGS

Under-eye bags have been with us since the beginning of time and they are one of the first facial irregularities people see. They make the face look old and tired. No matter how much sleep one gets, they never seem to disappear. Make-up helps a bit but the original underlying problem is still there.

What Causes Under-Eye Bags?

There are many causes of under-eye bags, and they include:

• Genetic makeup
• Weak eye muscles
• Shifting fat in the orbital rim
• Protruding fat which causes contour changes
• Excess skin due to lack of elasticity

Williams Rejuva Center

Welcome to The Williams Rejuva Center!

1072 Troy-Schenectady Road
Latham, NY 12110
(518)-786-7004

Let us start by answering the question most of our potential patients have.

What is a Rejuva Center?

There are several innovative beauty breakthroughs that can rejuvenate the face instantly and affordably without the risks and downtime of surgery. The Williams Rejuva Center offers these non surgical innovations to reduce wrinkles, improve your skin, and beautifully reshape your face in one simple office treatment that can last for 3 months or longer. We offer convenient scheduling, efficient, courteous service and follow-up care all within a private, secure setting.

The Williams Rejuva Center assures clinical excellence under the direction of Dr. Edwin F. Williams III, M.D., F.A.C.S. Our Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are highly trained registered nurses and nurse practitioners practicing under the direction of Dr. Edwin Williams. The Williams Rejuva Center Cosmetic Nurse Specialists attend advanced training sessions on an annual basis to continue to support and enhance the benefits of our treatments, ensuring the beauty of your skin.

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What to expect

A visit to The Williams Rejuva Center begins with an in-depth consultation with the Nurse Practitioner and/or Cosmetic Nurse Specialist under the direction of Dr. Edwin Williams.

 You will learn about the latest techniques, innovative procedures and medically based skin care treatments that will noticeably improve your skins overall look, vitality, and performance. Dr. Edwin Williams, the Nurse Practitioner, and/or Cosmetic Nurse Specialists will then design a program to help you meet your individual goals and needs.

Same day consultations as well as treatments are available for your convenience.

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Understanding Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures require little or no downtime. The Williams Rejuva Center offers a number of minimally invasive procedures including BOTOX, Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra, Radiesse, Perlane, medicated skin creams, medical facial peels, laser treatments, and facial rejuvenation programs.

While BOTOX Cosmetic acts to relax the muscles and smooth lines, Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse, and Juvederm act to plump up or fill in lines. Medicated creams, medical facial peels, and Candela Lite Touch laser treatments are all scientifically proven to stimulate collagen production. As we age, we lose collagen, so why not stimulate it!

BOTOX Cosmetic and the new state-of-the-art dermal fillers, such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Radiesse, have transformed the war against wrinkles. BOTOX Cosmetic is used to reduce wrinkles in the forehead (parallels), around the eyes (smile lines), upper lip (vertical lip lines), and mouth. Soft tissue dermal fillers are used in creative ways to compliment each other, such as our Layering Technique. After extensive training we found that each filler has a specific purpose and/or areas in which it works the best. For example we’ve found that Restylane and Juvederm give lip enhancement a soft more natural feel where Radiesse, being a firmer product, gets a great result in the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. These products provide an ideal and safe alternative for patients who are not quite ready for surgery, or are looking for ways to maintain results for the years following their surgical procedure. 

Medicated skin creams that contain Tretenoin (Retin-A) are scientifically proven to stimulate collagen production. The Williams Rejuva Center makes these creams available to our patients. We have found that, in the past, many patients have not been properly instructed on the use of these medicated creams. Our highly trained Cosmetic Nurse Specialists are here to teach you how to apply these creams to obtain their maximum benefits. Dr. Edwin Williams feels that most patients benefit from tretinoin, and has formulated this ingredient into products with a creamier, less irritating base. These products stimulate collagen, lighten brown spots, and are to be used in conjunction with the cleansers and moisturizers that are also available at our office, or may already be part of your daily skin care routine.

Medical facial peels are also proven to stimulate collagen production which helps tighten the skin and smooth out lines. The surface layer of old skin peels off and a new layer of skin is revealed.

Then medicated creams and miosturizers are able to penetrate the new cells more effectively. These peels are also effective for pigmentation irregularites and help to even out skin tone. These require a 3 day recovery period or longer depending on the strength of the peel.

Candela lite touch laser treatments also stimulate collagen and are effective in the treatment of rosacea and spider veins (nose veins). The Pulse Dye and Smooth Beam Lasers were scientifically proven to stimulate the production of collagen in a study conducted by Dr. Edwin Williams, the findings of his study were published in the Facial Plastic Surgery Archives magazine in 2001. These laser treatments will effect the color, texture, and tone of your skin, giving you a brighter more youthful look.

The Williams Rejuva Center’s 6-month Skin Rejuvenation program incorporates treatments that stimulate collagen, improve hyper pigmentation problems (brown spots / age spots), and erase redness or spider veins. It improves skin texture, tone, and color. This program offers two medical level (TCA) peels, four Candela light touch laser treatments, medicated creams, and a basic skin care regime to maintain your beautiful results. The Williams Rejuva Center also offers two additional programs to continue maintaining results: The Next Step, and the Smooth Beam package. The Next Step includes three 10% TCA peels, while the Smooth Beam Package includes four full face treatments with the Candela Smooth Beam Laser. These programs will help you continue improving the healthy look of your skin.

For more information or to book a consultation please contact The WIlliams Rejuva Center at (518) 786-7004.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Do I have to wait for a BOTOX clinic day?

A. No. The Williams Rejuva Center is recognized by BOTOX Cosmetic as a National Training Center. We offer BOTOX Cosmetic treatments daily, and have a large number of clients enjoying their results. Since the Williams Rejuva Center provides such a high volume of BOTOX Cosmetic, Allergan the makers of BOTOX offers our patients an exclusive rewards program.

Q.How long does it take to make an appointment at the Williams Rejuva Center?

A. The Williams Rejuva Center offers many non surgicial procedures where patients can be treated on the same day as consultation. Walkins are welcome, but we Highly recommend calling prior to coming in to ensure a nurse will be available at a specific time.

Q.Are there things I can do to help slow down the aging process?

A. Yes. The key is to stimulate collagen. There are many treatments offered at The Williams Rejuva Center to do just that. We have a growing patient base including most age groups. Some of our patients are coming in as early as their twenties. They are looking to help prevent lines from forming, and to slow the aging process by stimulating collagen production.

Q.Does Dr. Edwin Williams perform the treatments?

A. No, a team of highly trained Cosmetic Nurse Specialists perform the cosmetic treatments. A treatment plan is formulated by either Dr. Edwin Williams and/or a Cosmetic Nurse Specialist.

Q.Does Juvederm work for people of all skin tones?

A. Yes. People of all skin tones can receive treatment with Juvederm

Q.Does Radiesse provide permanent or temporary relief of facial wrinkles.

A. Radiesse replaces volume in the areas of the face such as cheeks, nasal labial folds or narrowing neck line areas. It is temporary and usually lasts approximately one year in most cases.

Q.I had laser hair removal of my upper lip, and now have some hyperpigmentation. Is there anything that can be done to improve this?

A. Treatment with hydroquinolone and constant use of sun block can help with this problem.

Q.How often do most women need to get laser hair removal treatment on their legs, or once the hair is gone, are there no more treatments necessary?

A. We usually treat patients every four to six weeks until all hair is gone, which means the hair follicles are destroyed. This usually takes four to seven treatments if the patients are consistent.

Q.I hear that Botox can be used for migraines. Is there any truth to this?

A. We have found several patients suffering from migraines, had expressed a decrease in frequency and severity of migraines. Many are eliminated all together.

Q.What are some of the risks associated of getting Botox?

A. The risks we find are local and temporary; the most common risk we find is bruising.

Q.I am a 46-year-old woman and I have a lot of wrinkles under my eyes, which makes me appear at least 10 years older. Is it safe to have Botox injections under my eyes?

A. You would need to be evaluated prior to treatment to determine if this is the correct treatment for you. Other options such as filler or surgery may be more appropriate.

Q.These days, almost everything is digital and high tech, even in the aesthetic world. Is a chemical peel done by mostly surgical instruments or is it hands-on application?

A. It is hands-on and done by a professional RN or an MD.

Q.Although I took Accutane for several months, I still have acne stars. Would the Accutane affect any future acne treatments such as skin dermabrasion.

A. You should be off Accutane for at least 9 to 12 months before other treatments are started.

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Schedule your cosmetic consultation today.

• What is a Rejuva Center?
• What to Expect
• Understanding Minimally Invasive Procedures
• FAQ’s
• Do’s and Don’ts
• Take A Tour

Fat Transfers

Fat Transfers (Injections & Contouring)

Fat injections are cosmetic procedures able to treat loss of volume in the face and restore a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. Fat injection, also known as autologous fat transplantation or microlipoinjection, may be used to fill in hollow areas under the eyes and cheekbones, laugh lines, smile lines, crow’s feet, jowl lines, and other facial creases and wrinkles. Fat injections may be used to fill in some types of scarring and to plump the lips. Good candidates for fat injections include men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and looking to improve the appearance of the facial skin. Fat injections can be long lasting, however, results can vary depending on lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and or stressful life events. A large factor in the lifespan of the fat transfer will be how the patients body continues to age.

Fat injection procedures are often performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility or Ambulatory Surgery setting and typically take about an hour to complete. Local anesthesia is used on both the donor and recipient sites and, if desired, sedation may be used as well. For the procedure, fat is removed from a donor site, often the abdomen or thighs, using a syringe and a cannula attached to a suction device. The donor fat is then prepared and injected with a cannula into the recipient site.

After the procedure, the treated area may appear puffy and swollen and this can last for several weeks. Bruising and redness can also occur on both the recipient and donor sites. Despite this, patients are typically able to return to work and other normal activities immediately after treatment, though sun exposure will need to be avoided for about two days. There are few possible side effects associated with fat injection, such as redness, swelling, tenderness and infection.

For questions or additional informatiom, patients are welcomed, and encouraged to call to make an appointment for a consultation. 

Click here to view before and after photos of fat injections some times called lipo contouring

Testimonials

FAT INJECTIONS

RESTYLANE

RADIESSE

Click here to see Post-op Care Instructions for Fat Transfer / Lipo Contouring