Kaelan Reynolds, a Millerton, NY, native, has recently opened Village Aesthetics & Wellness at 1 John Street in the heart of Millerton. Below, Reynolds talks about her background in nursing, the cosmetic injections and other services that Village Aesthetics & Wellness offers, and prioritizing patient safety and trust.
Can you tell us about your path into aesthetic injections?
I am a registered nurse with ten years of experience, I have my BS in nursing, and am currently working towards my masters at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. I will graduate in 2027 with my family nurse practitioner certification. Before becoming an injector, I was a patient of Elaine Suderio, DNP, FNP-BC, who is co-owner and operator of Vivash Med Spa in Beacon, NY. We became friends quickly, and it was Elaine who really encouraged me to take her Botox and dermal filler injection course.
My previous work in nursing has mainly been with the geriatric population, and end-of-life care is something I am extremely passionate about.
Kaelan Reynolds, co-owner of Village Aesthetics & Wellness
Aesthetic nursing offers me a balance between my regular job – which can be emotionally taxing – and some fun, where I can be creative and help women enhance their natural beauty. Elaine introduced me to Nicole Bajcar, a family nurse practitioner and a young mother of two little girls, who was also interested in learning more about aesthetics and injecting. We immediately hit it off, and the dream of opening something together started to form. This was the beginning of our partnership and the start of Village Aesthetics & Wellness.
What services do you offer?
At Village Aesthetics & Wellness, we currently offer neurotoxin injections to help treat wrinkles, migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and TMJ; dermal fillers and biostimulators help with volume loss as we age and facial balancing; weight management and GLP-1 injections; vitamin IV infusions and vitamin B12 injections; and platelet rich plasma for facials and hair growth. We are happy to share that we also offer Morpheus8, which is an advanced microneedling treatment that uses heat (radiofrequency energy) and tiny needles (trauma) to trigger collagen production, which in turn leads to firmer, smoother, tighter skin all with minimal down time and long-lasting results.
As to our injections, I have been injecting for over three years, Nicole has been injecting for five years, and Elaine, our expert, has over twenty years of experience in the aesthetic industry. This industry is all about collaborating and learning, which is one of the reasons why I have enjoyed it so much. We are constantly attending conferences, seminars, and courses to learn about the newest technology and injecting techniques in order to provide our patients with the latest and greatest care.
Are there any side effects that people should be aware of?
All medical procedures have risks and side effects. For example, bruising is possible anytime we are using a needle. Redness and swelling are also common side effects after certain procedures, such as dermal filler injections. At Village Aesthetics, we are highly trained in aesthetic procedures. Elaine is not only an expert injector, but also a trainer for many of the brands we inject and on the equipment we use, and she even travels all over the United States to train medical spas and plastic surgeons on the latest and greatest technology. Nicole and I have been blessed to be able to train under her expertise. We have been to many conferences, training, and even cadaver courses. This training background is vital to minimize risk for adverse muscle reactions. When looking for an injector, the most important part is building trust. Read reviews, speak to others to learn about their experiences, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! I love educating my patients on the product that we are using, as well as their facial anatomy. I want my patients to be aware of the reasons we do certain things for them or choose a specific product.
How do you ensure patient safety during the procedure?
Patient safety is our number one priority. We screen all patients and review medical history and allergies. Consents are signed before treatment, medical emergency policies and protocols are in place with all necessary medications on site, and proper hygiene and sterile techniques are used to promote optimal patient outcomes.
What should people do before an appointment to prepare? What about after to recover?
Preparing for your appointment is easy! We just ask that you come with a clean, make-up free face. If treatments require any special instructions (for example, not taking a blood thinner prior to your appointment), we will make sure to let you know beforehand. We ask that you see us for treatment at least three to four weeks before a big event in order to give time for the treatment to settle and allow for any adjustments that may need to be made. Consent forms are sent via text prior to appointment as well. Typically, some bruising is expected following treatments, and slight redness and swelling is common with the Morpheus8 treatment. Everything settles within two weeks and a follow-up appointment is always available if needed.
What are the pros and cons of cosmetic injections?
The benefits for cosmetic injections include the creativity and the ability to enhance our appearance with minimal time needed. Potential drawbacks that may be considered are the cost and the maintenance needed to keep up with treatments. For example, for the best long-term results, we advise patients to schedule Botox treatments every three to four months.
Nicole Bajcar injecting.
What is your business model?
Prior to opening our current location, we were renting space out of local salons and treating many of their clients. Thank you to the Hair Lounge by Loren for believing in us, trusting us, and helping us to get here today!
Over time, we gained the trust of many and built up our own clientele. Elaine, Nicole, and myself are very excited to announce we now have a permanent location right in the heart of Millerton at 1 John Street. We share the space with Taylor’d Aesthetics, who is your go-to girl for all your waxing, spray tan, and lash/brow services. We are currently offering services by appointment two days per month and are looking to add a “Walk-In Wednesday” as well. We are able to accommodate and see patients throughout the month if the dates that we have picked do not work for them – just reach out!
How has your business changed since first starting? What are some of the biggest lessons that you’ve learned?
Being in the medical aesthetics business has taught me how important it is to foster trust with our patients. Trust and education will not only make our patients feel comfortable and safe, but in turn, will encourage them to come back time and time again. No two patients are the same and therefore, the same treatment plan won’t work for everyone. For us, it’s all about really listening to our patients and hearing their concerns, and then giving them multiple treatment options to pick for themselves.
How do you know if injections or treatments are right for you?
Patients often ask me when they should begin aesthetic treatments, and that is a question that I cannot answer. Everyone is different, and I am always able to offer a safe solution.
These treatments are not all for vanity; I once saw Elaine treat a woman whose lip was disfigured from a dog bite. Elaine was able to use her skills and artistry to resculpt this woman’s lips and smile using dermal filler.
We take pride in offering solutions to many issues that arise with age, but it’s important to note that not all treatment is created equal. For patients looking for a non-surgical option, we offer Empower by Inmode, which is a multi-functional platform that uses radiofrequency and electrical muscle stimulation to treat many intimate health issues including pelvic floor weakness and incontinence.
Some people come to Village Aesthetics & Wellness in the hopes of looking like their best selves as they age, while others come with concerns that have been affecting their mental health. A good example of a patient who left feeling emotional after her results was a woman who disliked the shape of her nose, but could not afford a rhinoplasty. She did not think that there were any other options for her, but we were able to use dermal filler to give her the nose shape she wanted in less than 30 minutes in the office.
How much is too much?
We are big believers in looking natural. There is a saying in aesthetics: “The best injectables are undetectable!” There is a science and balance to facial harmony, and that is what we are looking to achieve with each patient. We want them to leave looking like themselves, but perhaps a little more rested and refreshed.
What would you say to someone who wants to learn more, but is nervous or scared?
If someone is hesitant or unsure if injections are right for them, I always suggest coming in for a free consultation with myself, Nicole, or Elaine. We are passionate about educating our patients so that they are equipped to make the best decision for themselves.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is giving, restoring, or solidifying my patients’ confidence in themselves. Many of our patients return, and over time, they become friends too. We often get to be a part of many of their special occasions, whether it’s getting ready for a wedding, a high school reunion, or a birthday party. Whatever the special event may be, or even if it’s simply to do something to make yourself happy, we are so honored that you trust us to help you achieve it.
Do you have any short or long term goals that you’d like to share with our readers?
We look forward to bringing new equipment and technology to help our patients achieve whatever goal they may have. If there is something you are interested in that we do not have, we would be happy to refer you and schedule you at Elaine’s Vivash Med Spa in Beacon, NY. •
Village Aesthetics & Wellness is located at 1 John Street, Millerton, NY. To schedule a consultation or appointment, you can contact Kaelan Reynolds at (845) 532-6313. Follow Kaelan on Instagram at @aesthetics_by_kael to stay up-to-date with all of Village Aesthetics & Wellness’ upcoming events.