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Brow Options with Permanent Makeup

1/19/2022

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One of the things I’m striving to do is to continuously educate potential clients that there are ALOT of options when it comes to permanent brows! This picture shows 3 different examples!

First and foremost you must decide what type of look are you truly going for...so how do you determine what will best suit you? Consult is key. Discussing your everyday look and desired look is very important in creating the brows you have been dreaming about!

Couple ways to help determine the direction to go in:
Do you fill your brows in daily? If yes, you will probably opt for some shading! If no, you will probably opt for microblading with minimal shading!
Do you want to create a brand-new shape outside of your natural brow? If so, shading will be required to help pull the brow together. It can be combined with microblading!

Are you used to a very out together/dramatic brow? If so, microblading the entire brow will be a waste of time (unless you’re looking to have a more natural look)! Fully shading with slight microblading in the front is a very suitable option!
You have no eyebrows! We have an empty canvas! Consult is truly the best in determining what direction you want to go in!

You have a pretty full brow but just want some more definition! Light powder shading is a perfect option!

You have Brows, but they are sparse! Combination of microblading and shading could be a perfect option!

These are just suggestions! Of course, consult is key and one of the many reasons your first appointment with me is 3 hours! Spending time figuring out exactly what you’re looking for is what this job is about!
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Why do I need touchup's?

7/7/2019

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There are TONS of factors that require you to need a touchup: oily skin, dry skin, medication, products used, use of sunblock or lack of, lifestyle and the list goes on! BUT the main nitty gritty is skin depth...so lets talk depth and why permanent makeup nowadays requires more touch ups versus the old school brows that are on peoples faces forever (like mine 😕) and why potentially needing more touchup's down the road is actually a good thing!

Normal body tattoos and old school style permanent makeup enters 7-8 layers of the skin, basically the skin is blasted with ink/pigment. Permanent makeup, if done correctly, enters 3-4 layers of the skin meaning the pigment is in a much more shallow area.
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Permanent Makeup 7-8 layers deep:
👉Pros: the tattoo is never going away...not  necessarily good...keep reading
👉Cons: with time, we lose our collagen and fatty tissue resulting in our skin becoming thinner. If the skin is blasted with ink/pigment and the skin is thinning, the ink/pigment can start to spread.

I ask my clients if they have ever seen an older person, maybe an older veteran, with tattoos on their arms, if so, what is the first thing you notice? Typically the tattoo is greenish/bluish and it is blurred and/or migrated under the skin. It is unfortunately what happens as we get older and our skin thins. It's literally inevitable and the reason you do not want your permanent makeup done this way! Who wants blown out eyebrows when they are 80?!









Permanent Makeup 3-4 layers deep:
👉Pros: you won't have blown out eyebrows when your skin starts to thin!
👉Cons: you do have to maintain your new brows when they start to fade.

Is it annoying to think that you might have to repeat the same process annually or every couple of years? Maybe, but I think you will ultimately be thankful when you're a little older and you don't have eyebrows that are half an inch thick blown out under your skin!



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Ways to prepare for your upcoming permanent makeup procedure!

5/21/2019

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1. Avoid alcohol 2 days prior to your appointment! A glass of wine or 1 drink won’t kill you, but alcohol thins the blood, if your blood is thinned to much, you will push 90% of the pigment we implant out! AKA you’re wasting your money! Plan to party it up AFTER your appointment!

2. Brow Hair: first and foremost, DO NOT shave your brows! Salina tries to keep every hair possible that fits within your new brow shape! At your appointment, Salina will be cleaning up your brows if needed! If you prefer to come in with your brows already cleaned up, you can!

3. Avoid heavy sun or tanning bed exposure! If you come in with skin that is burnt or recovering from a burn, we will not be able to work on you until it’s healed!

4. Aftercare: Salina provides you with thorough instructions and everything you need EXCEPT antibacterial soap and recommended lotion (brow clients only) link below has a few examples of recommended soaps and lotions! If you need to buy a lotion, buy a very small bottle, a travel size bottle is perfect! You will need to have it on you throughout the first week!

5. Medications: you will be providing Salina with a list of medications that you currently take, this includes skin products from an esthetician, dermatologist and/or products you can access from other countries.

6. Rest and Stress: come in well rested and as de-stressed as possible! Lack of sleep and stress can lower your pain receptors meaning numbing may not work as well as you would like!

7. Paperwork: you will have paperwork to fill out. You can arrive a few minutes early if you would like or you can print out the paperwork and fill it out in advance! The link is below!

8. Any additional questions, reach out to Salina! She’s had her brows done multiple times over an 18 year span and she can provide you with more insight and info if needed! 520-437-2944!
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Bumps on the Skin After Waxing

7/5/2018

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After you visit the esthetician or wax body hair yourself, you may notice red bumps where the hair was removed. This is a common reaction to waxing, but it can be embarrassing if the bumps are located in visible areas. The bumps might be uncomfortable or itch as well. Post-waxing bumps are usually due to a short-term reaction of the hair follicles, but may be due to other causes.

Short-Term IrritationEach hair is attached to living tissue within the hair follicle beneath the skin surface. When you remove hair with waxing, the tissue within the follicle is traumatized when the hair is pulled out. As with any type of skin injury, the body respond with an inflammatory reaction. So the pinkish bumps you see after waxing are simply your hair follicles responding to the minor trauma of having the hairs pulled out. This short-term irritation typically appears almost immediately after waxing and usually goes away within a day or two.

FolliculitisFolliculitis refers to a pimple-like rash involving the hair follicles. Each tender pink bump has a small fluid-filled head at the skin surface with folliculitis. If the waxing was done on the face or chest, folliculitis can be easily confused with an acne breakout. In most cases, folliculitis after waxing represents a minor infection of the hair follicles that have been left open to bacteria on the skin surface due to pulling out the hair. In some people, there is no infection of the hair follicles and folliculitis develops due to the irritation alone. Friction caused by wearing tighten clothes can contribute to the development of folliculitis after body or bikini waxing.
Late BumpsBumps that develop a week or more after waxing are likely due to ingrown hairs. This condition, known medically as pseudofolliculitis, is most likely when the waxing treatment involves removal of coarse, curly hairs. Therefore, ingrown hairs are more likely to develop with pubic or chest waxing than with brow or upper lip waxing. As the name implies, an ingrown hair occurs when the removed hair regrows but curls back into the skin as it emerges at the skin surface. This causes bumps that are often tender, inflamed and pimple-like. In contrast to the irritant bumps that appear immediately after waxing, late bumps due to ingrown hairs are usually less numerous.
Preventive MeasuresThe likelihood of developing skin bumps after waxing differs depending on how sensitive your skin is, the area being waxed, the product being used and the waxing technique. Although there is no guarantee that you'll be able to completely avoid this common problem, there are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood or severity of post-waxing skin bumps. -- Clean the skin before waxing. -- Be sure the wax and spatula are clean and new. -- If your waxing is done professionally, check to be sure the salon and esthetician are using proper techniques to avoid possible infection.
Post-Wax Care and Precautions
A cool compress or shower after waxing may help reduce immediate, post-waxing irritation. Using an over-the-counter cortisone cream on the involved area for a day or two might also reduce inflammation and any itching that may be present. A soothing, moisturizing lotion can also be helpful. It's best to avoid swimming in unchlorinated water or using a hot tub for 24 to 48 hours after body or bikini waxing to avoid folliculitis.
Superficial folliculitis typically doesn't require topical or oral antibiotics, and will go away on its own. You'll need to keep the area clean, and avoid sharing towels or clothing with others until the infection clears. See your doctor if you develop large or growing bumps, especially if you experience a fever, the redness appears to be spreading or you experience other symptoms.

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Dry Skin In the Summer?

6/11/2018

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5 Reasons For Dry Skin In Summer

Dry skin has always been associated with the dry winter weather but it’s not rare to notice dry skin in summer as well. The summer heat can cause your skin to dehydrate from the inside leading to dry skin on your face and body.  In order to treat this condition properly one must know the exact reason for dry skin in summer.
Not drinking enough water
Even though you think you drink sufficient amount of water during summer, it may not be enough to replenish the fluids you lose out on while you sweat. Increase your water intake subsequently for better skin during summer.
Air conditioners
People tend to spend a lot of time around air conditioners during summer. While this helps you skip the heat, it also soaks up the skin’s natural oils, thereby causing dryness.
Clogged pores
Clogged pores are another reason for dry skin. Clogged pores block sweat glands and cause dryness.
Taking a hot shower
Some of us are habituated to taking a hot shower and don’t change our ways in summer either. But a hot shower in summer will lead to dehydration of the skin and lead to dryness.
Excessive exfoliation
Even though exfoliation is a good idea in summer to scrub away the dead and dry skin, if you over-exfoliate your skin, it can trigger dryness. This happen because the exfoliated skin reacts to the heat exposure during summer and causes dryness.

Home Remedies to Help Re-hydrate your Skin:

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The link below has some pretty awesome DIY homemade face/body masks for dry summer skin!!
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/summer-face-packs-for-dry-skin/#gref
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Frequently Asked Questions

12/4/2017

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What are Permanent Cosmetics?
Permanent cosmetics describe non-surgical procedures that use specialized tattooing methods. Colored pigments are implanted into the Dermis (middle layer) of the skin through microscopic injections with an extremely fine needle or cluster of needles. This process is also called Micropigmentation, Microdermal Pigmentation, Dermagraphics, Intradermal Cosmetics, Dermal Implantation, or Micropigment Implantation. Permanent Makeup is the term used to describe the cosmetic tattooing of facial features (eyebrows, eyelids, or lips) to improve color and shape.
Are Permanent Cosmetics safe?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), permanent cosmetics are safe when the technician is educated in the control of Blood Borne Pathogens and follows all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines. However, permanent cosmetics are not licensed or regulated in most states including Arizona. Ask you technician to show certification of Blood Borne Pathogens certification.
What are some of the CDC and OSHA Guidelines for Permanent Cosmetics?
The tattooing equipment used should have parts that are completely disposable or can be autoclaved. If an autoclave is used, it must be functioning properly at the correct temperature with periodic testing. All needles should be individually wrapped, sterile, disposable, and for single use. All pigments and anesthetics should be dispensed from the manufacturers’ original containers. The procedure area should be sanitary with hand washing capabilities (running hot and cold water, soap, paper towels). Any products used during the procedure should be discarded afterward every time. Unfortunately, unless the technician and facility are inspected by the health department, there is no guarantee that the CDC and OSHA guidelines are followed.
How are the procedures performed?
Cosmetic tattooing is performed in different ways using different types of equipment. The name of the device that holds the needle describes the application method. The categories of equipment and methods are as follows: Manual Hand Tool method (also called Hand Tap or Non-Machine method); Coil Machine method (a smaller version of the traditional tattoo machine); Analog Pen or Rotary Machine method (most commonly used); and Computerized Digital Machine method (most sophisticated technology).
Is a Cosmetic Tattooing procedure painful?
Due to the invasiveness of the process, some people may feel minor discomfort that varies according to their pain threshold and response to anesthetics. People describe what they feel in different ways such as “irritation”, “scratching”, “vibration”, or “a slight burning sensation.” Salina uses topical anesthetic creams and gels before and during all procedures to numb the area and minimize discomfort. Most of her patients remark that their procedure was “far more comfortable than I thought it would be.” Those with body art comment that the cosmetic tattooing is painless compared to traditional tattooing. Overall, people feel the benefits from the results far outweigh any brief discomfort they might have experienced during the process.
Are the pigments that are used safe?
Permanent cosmetics utilize sterile pigments with cosmetic grade colorants that are approved by the FDA as safe for human use. Technically, the colored pigments used are suspensions containing insoluble inert compounds, usually iron or titanium oxides. The microscopic particles that appear to be dissolved are actually suspended in a clear liquid base of alcohol, distilled water, and glycerin. The traditional body tattooing process is different because it uses colored “inks” or “dyes” that are completely dissolved liquids with transparent color.
Are people allergic to the colored pigments?
Most of the pigments used for cosmetic tattooing are made to be hypo-allergenic. Studies have shown that acute (“immediate”) allergic reactions to these products are extremely rare. Delayed-hypersensitivity reactions (“delayed onset”) allergic reactions are also uncommon. Medical professionals believe that most “allergic reactions” are not reactions to the pigments. They believe a reaction is caused by a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction to a topical after care product. In 2004, the FDA recalled one pigment line by one manufacturer when allergic reactions occurred. The cause was determined to be a new preservative added to the formula. No other product recalls have occurred before or after that one.
What will the final color look like?
Permanent makeup colors should be selected to compliment a person’s skin tone, hair, and eye color. A conservative approach is best because it is easier to make an existing color darker versus lighter. Colors will always look darker and more intense immediately following a procedure, and then gradually lighten and soften upon healing. All reputable permanent cosmetic professionals will record the pigment(s) used for a client in her or his file for future reference.
Why is the color so dark right after the procedure?
When wet clothing is removed from a clothes washer, it looks darker than when it was dry. The same principle applies to permanent cosmetics. The pigments contain dry microscopic powder particles that are suspended in a clear liquid. As the body absorbs the liquid, the colored particles remain where they were implanted and gradually return to (“dry to”) their original powder color. In addition, the skin underneath the tattoo turns red and “flushed” from blood flow to the area during the process. The background redness contributes to the darker appearance and once the redness subsides, the color appears lighter.
How long do Permanent Cosmetics last?
The results are considered permanent because the tattooed color cannot be washed off. However, the color should be considered “semi-permanent” because some fading will occur over time. Color retention is affected by different factors including the shade of the original color, the person’s age and metabolism, skin type and condition, exposure to UV radiation (sun, tanning booths), smoking, certain drugs and medications, and skin peeling treatments such as Retin-A or microdermabrasion. In general, the color lasts from one to five years and can be enhanced and refreshed by a maintenance visit when needed (usually at a lower fee than the initial procedure when performed by the original artist).
What is a Touch-up appointment?
During the initial procedure (first application), the tattooed area(s) will be saturated with as much color as possible. Due to swelling, there may be some areas where the tissue will no longer allow pigment to be implanted. Those areas will show less color after healing and may need another visit to be filled-in (a touch-up). Because everyone’s tissue reaction is different, some clients may have better retention than others. First, the tattooed area must heal before a refinement procedure can be performed. It is best to wait 4 to 8 weeks for complete tissue healing and color stabilization. Once the desired results are achieved, the client can keep the color looking fresh with a maintenance visit every few years.
Can I remove or change my Permanent Makeup?
The removal of permanent makeup is not an easy process, if at all possible. That is why it is important to select a qualified and experienced professional who has a conservative approach. During the initial application, a “less is more” philosophy works best. A lighter, more natural color can always be changed or supplemented later with conventional makeup. It can also be adjusted or darkened if necessary with another application at a second (touch-up) appointment. Shape can also be refined at a follow-up visit, but not drastically, so a good original design is a must.
What is the recovery period like?
Immediately following a procedure, there will be mild swelling, redness, or tenderness that lasts a few hours to a few days (eyebrows swell less than eyes). The color looks much darker immediately afterward for any procedure. It will lighten a lot within 5 to 7 days and will continue to lighten over several weeks. During the first week ointments (aftercare kit and instructions supplied by Salina)  must be applied to the tattooed area for protection and to minimize scabbing. Most people are amazed at how “normal” they look immediately after and do not feel it is necessary to take time off of work.
How long does each procedure take?
Many important steps are followed when a procedure is done correctly. A well-trained and experienced permanent cosmetics specialist will take a minimum of 2 hours or more for an initial appointment. Most of Salina’s Permanent Makeup procedures are scheduled for 3 hours. It should include a consultation (if not done before) and a review of the person’s medical history. Time is then used for determining the best design, color selection, numbing, the actual procedure, photos, after care instructions, and answering all questions. Follow-up visits usually require less time.
Will Permanent Makeup continue to look good as I age?
It is true that as we age, our skin and its elasticity changes. However, there are many older women who look good wearing conventional makeup as long as it is correctly applied. Those women would look just as good with correctly applied permanent makeup. The best looking permanent makeup can be altered, however, if any facial surgery is performed that changes the position of the tattooed area. For example, if a brow lift is performed after a permanent eyebrow procedure, the eyebrows could be raised and look different. Therefore, anyone planning to have facial plastic surgery should discuss this with her surgeon and permanent cosmetics specialist.
Can I have an MRI procedure after Cosmetic Tattooing?
Yes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and electromagnetic fields to create pictures of internal human organs. The magnetism and temperature changes during these procedures may cause mild temporary discomfort in tattoos containing large amounts of iron oxide metals. Studies showed that only a few patients with an iron oxide tattoo reported a mild pulling or burning sensation during an MRI test. Most people with tattoos have had no problems. The size of a tattoo and the total number of tattoos seems to affect the amount of magnetic pull. According to MRI safety experts, the iron particles in most cosmetic tattooing pigments are too microscopic to react as metal pieces. However, they recommend that a patient with a tattoo informs the radiologist and technician where it is located because it may create a small artificial image (artifact).
Is a Cosmetic Tattooing procedure expensive?
Permanent cosmetics are affordable for most people, and the long term benefits make procedures fairly inexpensive. Other non-surgical procedures like Botox or fillers cost the same or more. But they may last for only three to twelve months while cosmetic tattooing lasts for years. The savings from not having to buy regular makeup products that are applied every day adds up quickly. Also, the convenience and time saved from not applying makeup every day are worth a lot, and the self-esteem that is restored by medical tattooing is priceless. Nationwide, permanent makeup fees can vary greatly for the initial procedure and one follow up. Prices can start as low as $75 for “discount” or “coupon” offers (usually by new or inexperienced artists) to as high as $2,000 (usually by “celebrity” artists profiled on television). Permanent makeup performed by legitimately certified and experienced artists generally ranges from $250-$650 for two applications. Pricing also varies by makeup procedure type and region of the country (city and state). So it is important to ask questions to see what you will get for your money.


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Do your research...

10/15/2017

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Ok first off I want to say I am NOT ONE to bash other people’s work. I am posting to spread awareness!!!! I have removed the business name...I will never claim to be perfect, but I do follow health and safety guidelines! I am posting this because this business is in a state that has no regulations regarding facial tattooing. Guess what people, Arizona doesn’t either 😱😱😱 Anyone can order the products and offer the services...it’s ridiculously scary! Yes I went to school, trained, got certified and have insurance for my business, but some people don’t care about that! This lady is offering Microblading and literally butchering peoples faces! She claims it will have a natural look when healed 😰 I have watched the videos she posts, her pictures...no gloves, nothing sanitary about the environment, strokes are incredibly deep, etc etc etc...AND she’s charging $300 for this service! People please for the love of god, do some research before you let someone touch your face!!!!
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Previous Permanent Makeup

10/15/2017

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Let’s talk previous permanent makeup...first and foremost, I have had my brows tattooed for 16 years...they are overly saturated with ink! There is literally very little I can do with my current brows unless I want to laser remove them 😰 or go drastically thicker 😱 sooooo I stick with the old school style of tattooed brows (some say the “cholla” look 🤣) and I’m ok with that! 


BUT not everyone is ok with that and they come in with brows previously done that are uneven, different colors (sometimes pink, blue, green 😧), saturated in ink, one is shorter, one is thicker, one is crooked, the list goes on!!!!! I actually love working on brows with previous permanent makeup...it’s a challenge...it’s a bitch, but I love the idea of creating something beautiful and better! 


The reason for this post is when you’re going to see a permanent makeup artist, INSIST they measure you! INSIST they show you the color options! INSIST they show you a outline that you approve before they start!!! I have 2 examples with this post that shows these women mapped out where they would be even. Both of there previous work is so off that it made them very interesting to work on BUT we have created better brows!!! (Those pics included too!)I explain to these clients that they may not have 100% perfect brows when its all said and done (depending on the condition they are in), I will try my absolute hardest to get them to an even better  place! Long story short, be a part of the process! My clients know everything going on, approve everything and don’t leave until they are happy!!!! It’s how it should be for everyone! 


Thanks for reading! 

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After Photos:

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Coming Soon: Henna Brows!!!

8/21/2017

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COMING SOON!!!!!!! I'm beyond excited to add this service to my business! Products have been ordered!!! Skin stain lasts 10-14 days and eyebrows remain tinted for 4-6 weeks! Henna Brows is a natural alternative to other chemical dyes that not only tints your eyebrows, it also creates a stain on the skin giving the illusion of darker more full brows! Hair tint results last 4-6 weeks and skin stain lasts 7-14 days. Have a wedding or honeymoon coming up? Scared about permanent makeup? Trying to decide if you want permanent makeup? This is a perfect solution! This procedure includes brow consultation, complimentary brow wax (if needed), brow shaping (if needed) and you leave with a more complete set of eyebrows! Symmetrically Beautiful by Salina will be offering a wide range of henna tints to accommodate almost every client! See what a full set of brows can do for your face!!! 😍😍😍
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Who gets Permanent Makeup?

8/21/2017

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Who gets permanent makeup? That's a good question! Alot of women get it for the following reasons:
• To naturally enhance their current appearance.
•To wear makeup when traditional makeup results in allergic reactions or skin sensitivity.
• To look their best even when working out, something that’s especially important for athletes who train all the time.
• To never worry about sweating off or smudging makeup.
• To be able to wear makeup even when visually challenged, which can make applying makeup difficult.
• To be able to wear makeup even when faced with dexterity problems like arthritis.
• To always have makeup applied even when their life or career provides little personal time.

Butttttt permanent makeup has truly evolved! One procedure that I currently offer in my studio is called scalp micropigmentation or scalp esthetics! Scalp micropigmenation is an advanced non-surgical procedure, where cosmetic, semi permanent pigments are used to create the idea of a fuller head of hair. This is a procedure I personally have done on myself and I can tell you, that it has truly done wonders for my self confidence! This procedure isn't just for "balding men". It can be used to treat men AND women whom have areas of density on their scalp. I started losing my hair towards the front of my hairline about 4 years ago (after my pregnancy) and it never grew back in as full as it used to be! You could see my scalp in most pictures if my hair wasn't positioned in just the correct spot! In my mid 30's, I cringed at my options...Hair implants are costly and not an option! Using powders to achieve a more full look just gets messy! Rogaine burned my scalp and didn't do anything! Having scalp micropigmentation as an option was a life saver!
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Other services that are offered within the permanent makeup industry include areola tattoos also know as 3D nipples. This procedure is a realistic looking solution for breast cancer survivors, people have very fair areolas and breast reconstruction. (Symmetrically Beautiful by Salina is not currently offering this service) Another procedure offered is scar camoflauge! Have old superficial acne scars that bother you? A darker scar that bothers you? Scar camoflauge might be the answer! Below is an example of a client who has bad scarring from an accident! She has black spots permanently on her face! Picture shows 2 treatments, but we have since completed her 4th treatment and she has about 95% coverage on the areas! She will need to come in every 6 - 12 months for a touchup but otherwise, her treatments are complete!
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