Post-mastectomy survivors take heart!

Local esthetician and salon/spa owner Sharon LeFore is a leader who is passionate in the field of areola reconstruction. For the past 11 years, Sharon has been active in her education in the field of micro-pigmentation, she is a member of American Academy of Micropigmention. The Academy was the first in permanent makeup organizations (ASOMSI-1985), certification, studies, publications and so much more. The leaders and members of the Academy are highly respected for their contributions to Permanent makeup starting in 1979. The members of the Academy strive to achieve an extra measure of protection to the public, the profession, and other professionals. Formed in 1992 by Dr. Charles S. Zwerling, MD, the Academy has grown from a handful of members to hundreds of professionals over the past decade. Active Board Certified Members have passed a rigorous Board Certification examination process, and a three-part objective measure of their knowledge base. From eyeliner to brows, from lipcolor to breast restoration after cancer surgery, from cleft lips to scars and vitiligo to alopecia, permanent makeup professionals handle many challenging and rewarding cases. For women who have undergone mastectomies, or who may have irregular or fading areolas, breast restoration procedures are nothing short of a miracle. Sharon's areola repigmentation and nipple restoration techniques employs cosmetically tattooed micropigmentation as a way to restore the natural beauty of your breasts so you can regain confidence in your own femininity. After the trauma of breast cancer, to be able to help another women gain confidence through this procedure is the reason Sharon is so passionate about wanting to help. The tattooing procedure, called micropigmentation, is usually performed as the final stage of a complete breast reconstruction, only after the nipple itself has been reconstructed. This procedure is performed with equipment that is very similar to what one might find in use at a tattoo shop. Its main advantage is that it is a relatively quick and simple. Micropigmentation is used to camouflage the color and even soften the texture of existing scars left behind after the initial breast reconstruction procedure. Primarily, this technique is used to simulate the color, shape and texture of the area surrounding the nipple (called the areola). However, for those patients who do not wish to undergo further surgery after their primary breast reconstruction, the appearance of the nipple itself may be re-created using only tattooing. The obvious disadvantage of this method is that it can only create the optical illusion of texture and dimension, offering no nipple projection. Sharon will mix various pigments to come up with just the right color to complement your skin tones to match your remaining nipple, or create both nipples. Achieving the perfect shades may require more than one visit, and as with any tattoo, the pigment will fade in time, necessitating a return visit for a color touch-up. As the owner of LeFore's Skin Care & Health Spa Sharon wants every women to know that cost is not an issue when considering areola repigmentation. Sharon is willing to help every breast cancer survivor with no out of pocket cost. In most cases, reconstruction of the nipple and areola are considered to be the final step in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Therefore, by law, the costs would be covered by the patient’s insurance. LeFore's Spa will bill your insurance company.

Pink Ball 2013

What an amazing group of ladies! LeFore's was honored to be asked to work our hair and makeup magic on these beautiful women. Each of them have been or are currently battling breast cancer. Local photographer Melissa Brown donated her talents during the Pink Ball, and posted here are just a few of her photos of the Gala Event! The local formal clothing store The Purple Parasol's goal is to help you look as stunningly beautiful as possible for any special day. The pink ball is an annual event by the J.U.G.S. organization that strives to positively impact our local community through awareness, strength, courage and hope for a cure.

Experience the next generation of sleek. Brocato Supersilk™ tames frizz, reduces unwanted volume, strengthens and controls unmanageable hair. Our stylist first model with Brocato's no damage and formaldehyde free straightening system. No offensive smell and reduces the time spent in the stylist chair against other straightening products, and more importantly the time spent at home with your daily styling. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Did you know that some of your makeup may be the cause of breakouts? Using makeup that contains mineral oil can cause pores to clog which may lead to acne. Switching to foundations that are free of oils allow the skin to retain the necessary moisture and nutrients needed so that breakouts are minimal. All Youngblood mineral makeup formulations are free of oil, so your sure to have beautiful skin even after you wash your makeup off! In addition Youngblood does not test on animals. Many of the formulations are made with plant and vegetable derived ingredients. Youngblood is included on PETA's cruelty-free program! So, every time you see the Leaping Bunny the packaging, you'll know the product was created without the harm of any animals.

Krystin, one of nail techs, loves doing nail art. She is always willing to learn what you would like, or sample something she has created for the different seasons and holidays. It's a fun little add on to perk up your manicure!

Did you see? Apple Brides announced their top 10 weddings of 2012, and guess who made number two?! Congratulations on the beautiful Hair and Makeup done by Amanda Vandel, and Katie Cooley and Photography by http://parkroadphotography.com/ What a way to start the New Year!

After waiting 4 years, Ciara decided to trust someone with haircolor! Gretchen did a beautiful job, and Ciara loves her new look!! Color blocking is a great way to add some spice to your haircolor.

Quoted from Ciara's facebook page: I'm sweaty, I'm tired, but I Promised Gretchen I would post a picture of my hair. She did a wonderful job. I adore her. The first person I let touch my hair after 4 years. #red #bangs #hair #tired #trust #leforespa #haveheart #longhairdontcare