HOW PERMANENT MAKEUP CAN HELP CANCER PATIENTS

Learning that you’ve been diagnosed with cancer can be the most earth-shattering news a person could ever hear. Going through the doctor’s appointments, the treatments, the financial struggles and the emotional trauma is more than anyone should ever have to bear.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. After one has jumped through all of the hoops, they still have a massive one to face: their reflection. According to Cancer.org, “…Some [chemotherapy] drugs can cause hair loss on the scalp and the loss of pubic hair, arm and leg hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Some drugs cause only the loss of head hair…” One’s hair plays a crucial part in most people’s self-confidence, and this loss can come as a terrible blow in the middle of an already terrible situation.

Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer sometimes suffer a different type of torture, having to remove either one of or both of their breasts. A woman who has suffered the loss of her hair as well as either or both of her breasts has a different level of emotional trauma they must face. According to a study comparing 39 breast cancer survivors to 39 women suffering with different chronic illnesses, “[Breast Cancer] Survivors revealed significantly higher rates of full and partial PTSD, scored significantly higher on emotional distress, scored significantly lower on physical and psychological quality of life and exhibited coping styles significantly different from those of the control group.” One cannot even imagine what it is to live through this, and have to deal with the aesthetic trauma on top of it all.

Thankfully, in terms of aesthetics, there is a way to help: eyelash extensions, permanent makeup and microblading. Permanent makeup and microblading are defined as “The cosmetic implantation technique [that] deposits colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis…” In layman’s terms, it’s cosmetic tattooing of the brows, eyes, lips, face, and breasts. Eyelash extensions consist of a technician individually placing lashes to a client’s upper and lower eye water line using a specialized adhesive to ensure they last longer and look more natural.

There are several different techniques and tools used to accomplish these looks, referred to as microblading, micropigmentation, 3D Eyebrows, etc. While these techniques have been practiced for decades in other parts of the world, they have recently become big trends in America, as well as Europe and South America.

Permanent makeup technicians are able to mimic the look of natural eyebrow hairs, eyelashes, as well as recreate the appearance of a woman’s areolas. For cancer patients, this means a chance to restore features that were viciously torn from them as they battle for their lives.

How AAC would like to help

Academy of Advanced Cosmetics Announces Contest for Female Breast Cancer Survivors.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Academy of Advanced Cosmetics is honoring those who have survived the fight. If you know of a breast cancer survivor, we encourage you to nominate them for a chance to win a complimentary paramedical tattooing service valued at $850.00. The winner will also receive a full-face makeover, lash extensions, as well as a mini photoshoot and an AAC gift bag.

“In part of our yearly charitable endeavors, we are seeking to provide complimentary paramedical breast tattooing services and a makeover to one incredible breast cancer survivor.  This cause is important to us because we value the importance of survivorship and want to honor the strength of a woman for her ability to endure, fight, and beat cancer.” – Kilby White, the Business Development Manager of Academy of Advanced Cosmetics

The winner will be eligible to claim their prize starting six months after their final chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The procedure will be filmed, so it’s important to be comfortable while on camera, even though your face will not be shown.

The deadline for entries is November 15, 2017. Come visit our site to place your nomination. A winner will be selected and announced the first week of November.