Cosmetic Enhancements

If you want to enhance your image, you have more options than ever before. Like any surgery or procedure, there are always risks involved. But cosmetic enhancements have become easier, less expensive, and more mainstream than you may realize. We are taking a closer look at some of the more commonplace and minimally invasive procedures on the market today.

Permanent Cosmetics

More people are popping up with perfect liner, great brows, and fuller-looking hair, all thanks to the permanent makeup industry. I had to see what this was all about so I shadowed traveling permanent cosmetic artist Bobbie Craft Woodworth. Woodworth specializes in permanent makeup and scalp micropigmentation — the ultimate in non-surgical male and female scalp grooming. The procedure has been hailed by some as a life-changing treatment where natural pigments are applied at the epidermal level of the scalp to replicate the natural appearance of real hair follicles. Woodworth invited me for a behind-the-scenes look at Permanent Cosmetics on the eyebrows.

STEP 1
The initial conversation is crucial, Woodworth said. This is the time when you decide on the shape, color, length, and overall look of your new brows. Taking care to be sure a client is voicing all of their expectations is crucial, she said.

Pro tip: Have several different looks drawn on and spend time looking at each one before you decide.

STEP 2
Woodworth begins the process of drawing on the brows as a guide for the tattoo. She takes great care to get them just how the client wants, and even measures several different points to be sure they are even. She checks several times and has her client check as well.

Pro tip: Be sure that your PC artist is checking distance from bridge of nose to brow, end of eyes to end of brows, eyelid to mid-brow, and total length of brow.

STEP 3
After the brows are drawn on and even, there is a short tweezing break to clean up the area around the new brow design, set up a sterile work space, and prepare her tools.

STEP 4
Woodworth calls this her “first pass” step. She tattoos four to five hairstroke lines along the length of the brow on each side that just scratch the surface area, and then numbs the brow with a lidocaine anesthetic gel. This allows the gel to penetrate the brow area so you feel no pain. She gives this
a few minutes to take effect.

STEP 5
Now Woodworth goes to work making precision hairline tattoo strokes throughout the entire new brow area, pausing to wipe clean the area and even numbing again midway through. She checks in several times with her client for a comfort check. I checked in with the client myself several times and she reported zero pain or discomfort and even nodded off for a few minutes.

STEP 6
After finishing the hair strokes, Woodworth does a last tweezing pass for stragglers, measures again to be sure, and hands over the mirror. Her client was beyond pleased. I checked in with the client after seven days and she reported feeling no pain or side effects at all, and loves her new look!

Total time (including consult) 1 hour, 10 minutes
Average price: $395.00
Healing Time: about 7 days
After Care: No makeup on the brow line for seven days. Moisturize daily with Vaseline or Aquaphor.

Bobbie Craft Woodworth
360.244.3222 | Hangtensalon.com

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting technology safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin while leaving the skin itself unaffected. The treated fat cells are frozen, then die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you.

Q: How much does CoolSculpting cost?
A: The price varies depending on your areas of concern, the number of sessions needed, and your ultimate goals.
Q: Does it work?
A: Yes. The CoolSculpting procedure is based on proven science and was created by two Harvard doctors, according to a story on the CBS This Morning website that detailed how, in 2014, the FDA cleared CoolSculpting for specific areas of the body.
Q: What does it feel like?
A: During your treatment, a gel pad and applicator are applied to the targeted area. Applicators vacuum the tissue into the applicator cup. You may feel pulling, tugging, and mild pinching. Controlled cooling is then delivered to the targeted fat, so you may feel intense cold. This sensation typically subsides within 10 minutes as the area becomes numb. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities immediately following the procedure.

Dr. Tianna Tsitsis, MD
Owner RejuvenationMD
360.685.8408 | rejuvenationmdmedspa.com

Exploring Botox

Botox relaxes wrinkle lines in the face caused by expressive muscles. The wrinkle-softening effect typically lasts three to four months, though some patients see benefits lasting up to six months.

Pro tip: You’ll want to make sure that your injector is experienced and an expert for the specific area being treated (usually the face or an area on the face).

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS:
Q: Is there a giant needle?
A: No. The needle is tiny.
Q: Are the injections painful?
A: Typically, the injections are not uncomfortable.They may sting a little, but any slight pain usually abates in a few seconds. Your care provider may apply numbing cream if needed.
Q: Does it work immediately?
A: Botox starts working as soon as the day after injection, but it can take up to two weeks or more before you see the full effect.
Q: If I stop using Botox will my wrinkle lines look worse?
A: This is a common question and the short answer is yes and no. If you stop using Botox your wrinkle lines can look worse than when you were getting the treatment. However, stopping Botox doesn’t make your wrinkle lines look worse than they did originally.

Dr. Jonathan R. Grant, MD, FACS
Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics
360.336.1947 | cascadeface.com