| April 22, 2005 | Las Vegas
Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun (Special Promotional Feature) |
The "feminine touch" has a whole new meaning in Southern Nevada.
Thanks to a handful of local female health care professionals, more women in the Las Vegas valley are looking and feeling better than ever. Among the sought-after professionals are: Mary Arnold, a former registered nurse and owner of Professional Permanent Cosmetics (sm); Dr. Kristina Shurtleff of Rainbow Medical Centers; Reva Frey, a registered nurse and certified Botox and Restylane specialist; Desiree Fultz, owner of The Cellulite Center; and Sandie Harvey.
When these women pursued their health and beauty careers, they didn't realize at the same time there would be a growing demand for services, products, and cosmetic solutions to create more youthful appearances for women and keep their bodies in prime shape. And as the general public pursues everlasting physical well-being, these professionals have also been forced to keep up with trends and maintain cutting edge knowledge in their industries.
Permanent Cosmetics
Looking vibrant and fresh 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a dream come true for many women. Permanent makeup can help accomplish this."When it comes to permanent makeup, the trend has shifted in that all ages of women are pursuing it," said Mary Arnold, a permanent makeup artist for more than 12 years. "While I still see many women requesting eyebrows, lip color, lip liner, and eyeliner, others are turning to permanent cosmetics for other needs, such as scar camouflage or hair simulation."
Arnold said prime candidates for permanent cosmetics include: Seniors who need to highlight features that have faded with age, such as eyebrows, eyes, and lips; business professionals on the go, who don't have time to apply makeup in the morning; environmental allergy sufferers, who encounter smearing makeup off their faces; skin allergy sufferers, who are more prone to cosmetic irritation and breakouts; men who need hair simulation to camouflage or fill in bald spots, thinning hairlines, beards, or mustaches; people who want to camouflage scars from burns or reconstructive surgery.
"Permanent makeup has a softer, more natural look than topical makeup," said Arnold. "It has gained in popularity over the last several years."
Considered one of the best technicians in Southern Nevada, Arnold has more than a dozen years experience in permanent makeup and more than 30 years of nursing experience. Among her many accomplishments are that she is a Board Member for the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and is also certified by the Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.
Professional Permanent Cosmetics (sm) provides safe, sterile permanent makeup procedures for appearance enhancement and restoration. The business, located at 6879-B W. Charleston Blvd., can be reached by phone at 702-360-4260, and the website can be accessed online at www.makeup-permanent.com.
Cosmetic Specialists
Besides permanent makeup, a growing number of women and men are opting for cosmetic surgery or non-invasive enhancements. Reva Frey, a registered nurse, offers Botox and Restylane to her patients at her business at 2020 Goldring Ave. Botox diminishes wrinkles, and Restylane, a new procedure, "plumps" up facial lines to help make them disappear.In addition, Frey offers "sculpture" and "radiance" - a natural substance that fills the lines around the face, chin, eyes and cheeks.
"My clients have seen phenomenal results and return for ongoing treatments," Frey said. "These procedures take years off your face and continue to become popular methods for youthful appearances."
Frey's appointment line is 702-382-7055.
Sandi Harvey, a nurse who manages the office for Dr. Carl Williams Jr., said Williams has also seen an influx of women for both noninvasive procedures as well as cosmetic surgery.
Botox works to diminish the appearance of wrinkles by paralyzing certain muscles in the forehead and around the eyes. Purified injections of Botox block nerve impulses that trigger facial muscles that commonly cause wrinkles.
Effects of the injections last three to six months. Williams, a cosmetic surgeon who offers Botox injections and Botox Parties, said the treatments are effective but should only be administered by a licensed health-care professional.
Harvey said another alternative is laser treatments, which have fewer side effects and lower costs than surgical procedures but still provide noticeable improvements. A major benefit of laser treatments is the minimal recovery time.
Williams is the only physician in Southern Nevada to offer treatments with the revolutionary new Fraxel laser; which has proven to eliminate wrinkles, as well as age spots and other facial discoloration.
For more than 20 years, Williams has dedicated his surgical expertise to improving the health and outlook of patients through surgical intervention. With offices at 11201 S. Eastern Ave. in Henderson, he can be reached at 702-380-1834.
Nutrition and Energy
Besides looking good, more women are trying to "feel good" as well. By maintaining proper nutrition, alleviating stress and following through on a good exercise regimen, women can expect to have increased energy levels and a healthier lifestyle, according to Dr. Kristina Shurtleff of Rainbow Medical Centers, Gallaria Drive location.Stress and incomplete diet are frequently responsible for fatigue; therefore, exercise and good nutrition are important. Relaxation exercises are especially beneficial for relieving stress and for improving overall health. Some programs, such as yoga and tai chi, are designed to improve health and reduce stress, so these may be advised.
From a nutritional standpoint, Shurtleff said eating a balanced diet can help balance blood sugar and electrolytes, deterring stress from deficiencies in these products. Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, as well as drinking plenty of water, can increase energy and combat fatigue. A daily vitamin is also recommended.
Treating Cellulite
Women of all ages have it and want nothing more than to get rid of it. Cellulite has been a perplexing problem for ages, but treatments are now available to help diminish the unsightly cellulite zones.Desiree Fultz, who owns The Cellulite Center, located in Mary Arnold's office, is helping women combat the problem of cellulite. Fultz's clients don a one-piece body suit and then receive a "vacuum-like massage" from her non-invasive, computerized LPG-Endermologie machine. The machine's strong suction and rolling motion stimulates the circulatory system, creating a detoxifying effect.
"It helps melt away cellulite and tighten and tone the skin," Fultz said. "If maintained once a month, the cellulite should not come back."
Fultz, along with the other women health-care professionals, agrees that her job of helping other women has been rewarding.
"It makes it all worthwhile when they leave your offices with a smile on their faces and you know you made a difference in their lives," she said.
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