Microblading FAQs

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Microblading is an effective way to create natural-looking eyebrows. Because this is an innovative eyebrow treatment that combines artistic development with a classic look, many people are interested.

Common Questions About Microblading

The practice of creating a new facial appearance is as old as time. By shaping, coloring and spacing eyebrows, the eye is drawn to different features of the face. Highlighting the assets of one’s facial structure can shape individual beauty.

What Is Microblading?

Microblading is a cosmetic process where color pigment is implanted beneath the surface of the skin. Tiny, sterilized needles can procure a natural brow by designing natural hair strokes. Unlike a tattoo, this is a semi-permanent way to use ink on skin. For fuller brows without plucking or using makeup, microblading can easily shape the face.

Does Microblading Hurt?

Microblading is usually described as a tingling sensation. Since some skin is more sensitive than others, it can be tested out beforehand. Before starting treatment, an anesthetic is applied to numb the area. This helps alleviate any potential discomfort.

How Do I Get the Right Eyebrow Shape?

A trained eyebrow technician can help you find the right shape eyebrow for your face. By measuring the eyebrow length with a microblading ruler, many specialists will freehand the final shape of the eyebrows. During this stage, the client can then approve or adjust what needs to be done to create the perfect brow.

How Long Does Microblading Take?

The amount of time a microblading session lasts depends on the type of session. The first session typically takes one to two hours. This is where the eyebrow technician will shape and style the brows, color, and then begin with actual pigment. After the first session, a follow up is necessary. This is usually scheduled eight weeks in advance. This session is shorter than the first, as it is used to fill in any gaps or touch up anything that needs to be done.

How Long Does Microblading Last?

Microblading is a semi-permanent treatment. Typically, microblading lasts anywhere from twelve to eighteen months, depending on the skin type. To make brows last longer, treating oily skin is recommended. After eighteen months, the brows can be retreated for another pigment cycle. This usually does not take as long as the initial appointment.

How Do I Take Care of My Brows After Treatment?

To help keep skin healthy, wearing sunscreen is advised. Not only will this help moisten the skin, but it will extend the treatment of the brows. Sessions often do not need to be scheduled as close together if the individual applies sunscreen on a regular basis. In addition to using sunscreen, avoiding retinol is advised. Retinol that is applied directly on or near the eyebrows can cause pigment to fade.

How Can I Try Microblading?

Setting up a consultation can help you understand more about microblading. In this session, you can voice any concerns or focus on your individual look. To schedule an appointment, email Michelle: michelle@mebymichelle.biz or message her directly from her contact page.  

Microblading vs. Eyebrow Tattoo: What’s The Difference?

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Microblading is a common practice in the modern world. If you are not blessed with fuller eyebrows or do not want to waste a lot of time getting your brows just right when getting ready, microblading is the best option. Microblading is a semi-permanent procedure that uses ink and needles to place pigments under the top layer of the skin to help shape and thicken the eyebrows.

Microblading and eyebrow tattooing are closely related. There are, however, some significant differences as follows.

Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent

Microblading is a semi-permanent procedure, meaning it lasts for a shorter period. The ink starts to fade over time to a lighter brown or black. The eyebrows can last for 1-3 years.

Eyebrow tattooing, on the other hand, is a permanent procedure that lasts a lifetime. This is because the ink penetrates deeper into the brows. It is, therefore, vital to ensure this procedure is done right because there is no going back.

Pigment vs. Ink

For eyebrow tattoos, the tattoo artist uses ink to perform the procedure. On the other hand, microblading technicians use pigment instead of ink. Pigment tends to fade to a lighter color depending on the used color, whereas tattoo ink fades to a blueish-green color.

Microblading Brow Strokes Vs. Tatoo Brow Lines

With microblading, the technician will create individual hair strokes that look like your natural brow hair. The microblading technician studies your natural brow patterns, creates new lines, then fills the areas following the pattern created by the borders with hair strokes to give you a natural-looking brow. With brow tattooing, a tattoo artist creates one thick dark brow. The artist does not necessarily follow a pattern, and this means that you get a less natural look.

Hand-Drawn Vs. Machine

Microblading technicians will hand-draw the brows following your natural eyebrow line before carrying out the microblading procedure. The good thing about this technique is that the impact on the skin will be less, and the ink will not bleed out over time. With tattooing, a tattoo artist uses a machine that significantly injures the skin. The fine lines created by a machine are not as descent and will bleed out over time.

Natural Looking Vs. Artificial Looking

The microblading technique ensures you have natural-looking brows. The method makes use of individual hair-like strokes that are similar to the natural eyebrow hair. The results are fuller and thicker brows, which clients have a hard time distinguishing from their natural eyebrows. With a brow tattoo, you end up with thick and dark brows that are less natural-looking.

Painful Vs. Painless

The microblading procedure is more or less painless. An experienced microblading technician uses topical anesthetics to numb the pain. Getting a brow tattoo, on the other hand, is a painful experience.

Me by Michelle ensures you get the best service. Our Licensed Aesthetician and trusted skincare expert Michelle Cesena, who is the owner of Me by Michelle, will ensure you get the best care. Michelle has plenty of experience in microblading. Her treatments are under the direction of Lewis A. Andres. Book a consultation today!

Which Laser is Best for Me?

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Laser treatments can help treat a huge variety of common skin problems. However, if you’re discovering your options for laser treatments, it can seem overwhelming to pick the one that fits you best. Although your laser technician can give you the best idea of which treatment package will be best for you at Me by Michelle, here are some of our best options based on your unique skin concerns.

Brown Spots: Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

Known as Photo Rejuvenation or the Photofacial, IPL is the gold standard in tackling pigmentation with laser energy. IPL works by emitting light energy that is absorbed by the melanin in pigmented areas which heats and destroys the targeted cells. IPL lasers can remove brown spots as well as some vascular concerns, making it one of the best options for pigmentation. You’ll likely need a handful of treatments for best results, but each procedure only takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

Textured Skin: Micro Laser Peel

Next, the Micro Laser resurfacing device is best for non-invasive skin resurfacing. Sometimes called a laser peel, this option can turn over a healthy new layer of skin, making it an excellent option for wrinkles and acne. However, it can be used on many different types of skin with excellent results. You’ll likely need a handful of sessions for best results, but this can vary based on your unique goals. It may come with a day or two of downtime while your skin recovers.

Lines and Aging: Forever Young BBL

Forever Young BBL is the only device that can alter the expression of genes associated with aging, which increases the lifespan and longevity of skin cells. The skin is refreshed over time and the appearance improves through skin elasticity, firmness and even pigmentation. With the BBL applicator, large areas of the skin can be treated all at once. Most BBL procedures can be completed within 15-30 minutes.

Laser Hair Removal: LightSheer Diode Laser

The LightSheer Diode Laser is very effective in removing unwanted hair in as little as two treatment sessions. Each patient is different depending on the color, thickness and location of the unwanted hair. There are very minimal side effects and no downtime associated with laser hair removal. It is a quick, effective treatment that helps to stop hair growth in the desired area.

Wrinkles, Scars, and Sun Damage: Profractional Laser

The Profractional Laser by Sciton which helps to smooth out wrinkles, tighten skin, and even out texture and tone. Profractional uses a microbeam to target the areas of the skin needing treatment. This practice helps to remove the damaged skin cells and promote collagen production which helps the firmness of the skin. Most patients need one to three treatments to get the best results.

Schedule a Consultation

There are many different lasers available, but it’s important to remember that your technician can recommend the ideal option for you during a consultation. To meet with our expert team and get started on your laser treatment, we invite you to contact our Scottsdale office by calling or texting us at (602) 410-4739 or filling out our online form.

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Laser hair removal is one of the best ways to remove unwanted hair from your body. While shaving and other hair removal methods require you to repeat every week or few days, laser hair removal can achieve long-term results and greatly reduce the work you need to do at home to remove unwanted hair. If you’re considering laser hair removal, though, keep in mind that there are some steps you’ll need to take before each session.

Stop tanning

If you regularly tan, you’ll need to stop immediately. With tan skin, the laser has a hard time distinguishing between the hair follicle and your skin tone. Most dermatologists recommend that you wait at least six weeks after tanning before going in for a laser removal session. If you do go out into the sun, you’ll need to make sure that you are wearing sunscreen and protecting it from sunlight. This also applies to using self-tanner.

No waxing or plucking

Although it can be tempting, you’ll need to avoid doing any waxing or plucking of your hair. This method will take out the root, which will decrease the effectiveness of the laser treatment. Shaving is still allowed, but you will need to make sure that your hair follicles stay intact. In some cases, you’ll need to make sure that your hairs are of a certain length for each treatment session.

Avoid medications

There are some medications that can interfere with the process of laser hair removal. That’s why you’ll discuss your health history during your consultation to determine which medications you’re on. Medications that can interfere include oral contraceptives, hormonal treatments, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, Retinol, acne medication, and photosensitizing medications. You’ll receive complete instructions on when to stop taking these medications before your treatment session.

Shaving

Between 24-48 hours before your laser hair removal treatment, you’ll need to shave the hair from the area. This helps prevent any kind of damage from burned hairs. The hair shaft as well as the follicle will be there for the laser to work like it should to remove the hair.

Schedule a Consultation

Laser hair removal is an excellent way to achieve your body goals. To learn more about your options and how we can help, we invite you to contact our Scottsdale office by calling or filling out our online form.

Is Microblading Right for Me?

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

We all want to look our best, and eyebrows can make a significant difference in your overall look. Microblading is an option many people choose to give their eyebrows a fuller and more defined shape.

What Is Microblading?

Microblading is a form of tattooed, semi-permanent makeup. A trained, licensed professional will use a specially designed tool to deposit pigment into your skin and give you the appearance of fuller, well-groomed eyebrows. Your technician will be able to give your eyebrows a shape that compliments your facial features and aesthetic goals.

What Are Some Reasons To Choose A Microblading Procedure?

1. Great-looking Brows That Last: Microblading is considered a semi-permanent procedure. That means the treatment can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months before it begins to fade. This is an appealing choice to many clients as opposed to redoing the look daily with make-up.

2. Save Time And Money: This procedure will allow you to avoid spending a chunk of your morning every day working on your brows. You will not have to wonder if you have achieved the correct size, shape, and symmetry while doing your brows day after day.

Another great part of having a microblading procedure is the fact that you won’t need powders, pencils, pens, or other makeup for your eyebrows, which gives you more disposable income to use on other things. The inital cost for microblading will be offset when your are able to save on your monthly cosmetic budget!

3. Treatment Is Quick, Safe And Comfortable: Microblading is usually done in two sessions, spaced roughly 4 to 5 weeks apart, to allow for full healing between sessions. The initial session is approximately 90 to 120 minutes and the follow-up is about an hour long. In total, your microblading artist will need a time commitment of about 3 hours or less.

This procedure is pretty painless overall. Your technician will put topical numbing cream on beforehand. The feeling can be compared to little scratches on the area of treatment, but nothing unbearable.

Going to a trained professional for your microblading treatment will ensure high standards of hygiene and safety. This means that instead of worrying about what could go wrong, you can simply be excited to enjoy your new, upgraded brows.

4. Regain Eyebrows And Confidence: There are many motives for choosing a microblading procedure, including inadvertant hair loss.  This change can negatively impact your confidence. Microblading is a great way to achieve shapely, natural-looking brows to help regain some of your confidence.

Request a Consultation

If you are interested in getting a microblading treatment, call today and book an appointment with Me By Michelle. We can deliver incredible results that you’ll love.

What to know about medical grade facials

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Whether it be from aging, environmental factors like sun exposure, or other factors, we may find our skin looks less than stellar. There are an overwhelming amount of at-home skincare options, but it can sometimes be more beneficial to go for a medical-grade facial treatment instead.

What Is A Medical Grade Facial?

We are all familiar with at-home facials or spa facials. There is nothing wrong with them, but medical-grade facials have some superior benefits. Medical-grade facials are supervised and/or administered by licensed physicians. They also include the use of stronger products than some spa and home options.

Medical-grade facials usually involve multiple steps, including:

  • Cleansing
  • Steaming
  • Exfoliating
  • Extraction
  • Moisturizing
  • Massage

They are customized to each patient’s skin needs and goals. They may also involve treatments such as:

Additionally, clients often choose to use their facial as an opportunity to prepare their skin for further treatments. Preparing the skin can improve the results of additional treatments. Some of these can include:

Benefits Of Medical Grade Facials

Some reasons people choose medical-grade facials for themselves include:

  • Safety of being overseen by trained physicians
  • Stronger chemicals that can give better results
  • Combination treatments such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and microneedling by stimulating collagen and elastin production

What Do Medical Grade Facials Treat?

Before your facial, you will meet with  Michelle to have an assessment and consultation. You will discuss your goals, medical history, and have your skin examined carefully to prepare.

You and Michelle will work together to come up with a treatment protocol that addresses your particular needs and problem areas. Medical-grade facials and the complementary treatment options can treat skin issues or conditions such as:

  • Sun damage
  • Uneven pigmentation
  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Acne scarring
  • Unpleasant texture

The treatment goes beyond the surface level and is also able to help your skin become healthier. You can get glowing, youthful skin after treatments. The number of treatments and which treatments are up to you and your provider.

Some people find that one session meets their needs. Other people need multiple sessions or want to come in simply to maintain their results. As long as you have a realistic view and expectation of your results, there is no issue.

If you are looking for a medical-grade facial and/or other skincare treatments in the Scottsdale area, you can schedule a consultation today at  Me By Michelle. Our team can get started on improving your skin today.

Is permanent makeup right for you?

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Why Permanent Makeup?

Some clients choose permanent makeup because they don’t want to “put on their face” every single morning. Some get the procedure done because they are allergic to makeup. Others can’t apply makeup due to their disabilities. Many of the clients who get permanent makeup choose eyeliner, colored lips, or eyebrows. Whatever the motivation, permanent makeup is a great way to cut down on the time and cost of getting ready each day. Michelle is a licensed aesthetician and is known for her permanent makeup services. 

Tips For Getting Permanent Makeup

While there is some pain to be expected after a permanent makeup procedure, it’s not a significant discomfort. Michelle will go through the procedure slowly so that pain and discomfort are lessened. Gels and creams are also available both before and after the procedure to lessen pain and recovery time.

It is important to make sure that you are seeing a licensed, experienced technician. When you visit the office of your potential technician, look for inspection certificates from the health department of your state. You want to make sure the facility is clean and professional. 

On the day of your session, apply makeup so that the technician knows exactly how to achieve your desired look. 

Because permanent makeup ink is very different from traditional tattoo ink, the results of permanent makeup don’t last as long as some might like. That’s why you will need to make plans to get touch-ups when the time comes. Most experts say you should get touch-ups for your permanent makeup every year. Talk to Michelle about your goals to determine how long is right for you to wait between touch-ups. 

Me by Michelle aims to make all of her customers look their very best through a wide variety of cosmetic procedures. Michelle Cesena is a licensed permanent makeup artist. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling or filling out an online form. 

Still have questions? Check out our FAQ page to see if anyone else has had the same ones!

What you need to know about lash extensions

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Eyelash extensions have been on the beauty scene since 2012 when the very first individual lash extension was semi-permanently applied to a person’s natural lash. Nowadays, everyone and their mother seems to have gotten lash extensions at least once. If you’re getting ready to try on your first set of silk, mink, or synthetic eyelash extensions, here are four things you should know.

1. The process is simple and painless

Some people might even describe it as luxurious. Most eyelash technicians provide a spa-like experience for their clients. You can expect to lay down on a massage chair or table as soothing music plays in the background. Then, you will be instructed to close your eyes as your technician separates your lashes, applies a special, semi-permanent glue, and places an extension on each lash. The process can take thirty minutes to one hour on each eye, but you’re free to relax the whole time. Since you have to keep your eyes closed, you can even take a nap!

2. You can customize your eyelash extensions

Eyelash extensions come in varying lengths and curls. Lengths can range from 9-15mm, while curls are expressed as letters in the alphabet. A “J” curl is a mild, natural curl while “B”, “C”, and “D” curls are more dramatic. Eyelash extensions can be found in mink, faux-mink, silk, or even human hair. They can also come in different thicknesses, as single lashes, or as “fans” for a fluffier, more voluminous look. With all these different options available to them, a technician can mix and match lashes to customize a perfect set for each client.

3. Eyelash extensions can last for a long time

As long as you take care of them. A full set is expected to last about a month and a half. Most people will lose some extensions and see gaps after about two weeks, which is when most technicians will suggest coming in for a touch-up. It’s possible to continue wearing eye makeup with lash extensions as long as the formulas are oil-free. To remove makeup, use a cotton swab and an oil-free makeup remover, and avoid vigorously rubbing the eyes. Your eyelash technician may also instruct you to keep your new lashes brushed with a brush.

4. They have to be removed professionally

Removing lash extensions is as simple as returning to the same technician who put them on for you. The technician will use special solvents and tools to safely remove the extensions without damaging the underlying lashes. You can also wait for the extensions to fall out on their own as your body sheds its lashes naturally. What you should never do is try to pull them off on your own. The eyelash adhesive used by professionals is much stronger than the kind you buy in the drugstore, and you risk damaging your existing lashes if you remove your extensions by hand.

Eyelash extensions are fun, beautiful, and safe, as long as they’re applied by a trained professional. If you’re ready to look your best, reach out to Me by Michelle to book a consultation today.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Are you annoyed by the need to constantly eliminate unwanted hair from your face or body? Tedious activities like shaving, waxing, or plucking can become a thing of the past when you undergo a convenient laser hair removal procedure. Choosing laser hair removal may be the most convenient option, but does it really work? 

What is laser hair removal?

Laser removal is a treatment involving the utilization of a laser that sends focused wavelengths of light into hair follicles. The laser light that is sent into the treatment site is converted to heat, which is absorbed by melanin, or pigmented parts of the hair Shaft. This “zaps” the hair follicle, keeping it from producing hair at the site of treatment. Your practitioner can treat many hair follicles simultaneously for the permanent removal of hair in the treatment area. The ability to treat a large quantity of hair makes it a much more effective treatment than plucking, and the permanency is more convenient than shaving.  

Who makes a good candidate for the treatment?

Since the laser targets melanin, the best candidates are those with dark hair. However, if you have lighter hair, you could still make a good candidate for this treatment. Your practitioner can decide if this treatment would benefit you at your initial consultation.

How many treatments are required?

Some patients are surprised to learn that multiple treatments are necessary for the removal of unwanted hair. To understand why this is the case, it may be helpful to understand how hair actually grows from hair follicles. Individual hair follicles have individual growth phases. A given hair follicle may be in a growth phase while another is in its dormant phase. Since the laser requires the presence of a hair for accurate targeting, hair follicles in a dormant phase can’t be treated until they move into a growth phase.

What should I expect at my treatment?

Your treatment begins by shaving down hair in the treatment site. Your technician will specifically set the laser equipment based upon your unique specifications and perform a test. Both of you may need to wear protective eye gear during the treatment. Your technician will then transmit laser energy into hair follicles to eliminate them and block the growth of unwanted hair in the treatment site.

Are there any precautions that I should follow before or after my treatment?

You need to ensure that you do not have prolonged UV radiation exposure for a week or so prior to your appointment, including the use of tanning beds. This is because UV radiation can negatively impact the treatment process and hinder your recovery.

You should also refrain from undergoing  other types of laser procedures in the treatment area for a couple of weeks before and after your laser hair removal session. Avoid applying anything that could irritate your skin, like chemical peels or retinoids, following your procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

Interested in having a laser hair removal treatment? Schedule a Consultation at Me by Michelle! You can reach us through our website, or by call or text.

Areola Repigmentation For Restoring Breasts’ Natural Beauty

Posted on by Michelle Cesena

Your areolas are as unique and attractive as you are and come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. When your areolas have been lost due to breast surgery, have altered because of hormonal changes from childbirth or a medical condition, or yours are naturally faint in color and barely there, you can have your areolas redefined at Me by Michelle.

Safe, Non-Surgical And Artistic

It’s a tattooing procedure called areola repigmentation, and the amazing results can recover your areolas and nipples in the most realistic-looking way and enhance your appearance. There is zero surgery, and skilled experts in micropigmentation can deliver incredible results and the areolas you desire. Michelle Cesena of Me by Michelle, happens to be one of the finest professionals in the Scottsdale area when it comes to the artistry of 3D areola pigmentation. As a woman, she understands what a female’s breasts mean to each individual and the often sensitive topic of nipples and areolas. Michelle wants every woman to love the skin they’re in, and that is why she did her training in medical aesthetics and now offers these wonderful and safe procedures at her skin rejuvenation practice.

3D Effects: Enlarge, Darken, Redefine

Micropigmentation is a tattooing technique that can recreate a long-lasting, semi-permanent image of a natural-looking areola and/or nipple. A special handheld tattoo pen containing fine needles is used to apply ink to the top layer of the skin. The procedure takes about two sessions to complete, but it really depends on how quickly your skin heals. It can take up to 4-6 weeks or longer to fully heal. At first, the pigment will appear quite dark in color, but as healing goes on, the shade will lighten by about 50 percent. The technique can even be successfully performed over scars you may have, but the pigment may heal with a bit of a darker pigment hue.

Client Participate In Areola Design

At Me by Michelle, the client plays a key role in areola repigmentation because she knows exactly how she wants her breasts to naturally appear. The client communicates with Michelle about the shape, size, and color she wants for her areolas and/or nipples. You do not have to have both areolas or nipples tattooed during the procedure. Some women want to correct an areola that is smaller in size than the other, for instance. A topical anesthetic cream can be applied to the area before the 3D areola pigmentation is started. Every individual has a unique pain tolerance. The
procedure should not be painful, but some clients feel some tingling. Touch-ups are recommended when the pigment starts to fade, and some women go beyond a year and still see rich-hued results.

If you’re interested in restoring your breasts’ natural beauty and would like to have areola repigmentation, then schedule a personal consultation with Michelle Cesena at Me by Michelle. She is a licensed, certified and gifted artist.