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Health & Fitness

Healing the Skin and the Souls of Cancer Patients

Meet Mary McAndrews, owner of Lasting Looks of Sarasota, a nutritional skin care and body treatment center. Why is Mary and Lasting Looks unique?  Mary specializes in oncological aesthetics, helping patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation feel beautiful. For Mary and her team, they nourish not only the skin, but the whole person from the inside out.

ER: Tell us about the mission and values of Lasting Looks?

LL: The mission of Lasting Looks of Sarasota is to help women and men look and feel their best from the inside out. We take lifestyle, nutritional habits and hormones all into consideration when treating the skin.  As a business and community leader our team of like-minded professionals takes pride in giving back to the community and being able to practice what we preach. Our tag line is "nurture and nourish the way nature intended".

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ER: What is your background and how did you get into skincare?


LL: My formal education is that of a medical esthetician and permanent makeup makeup artist.  I specialize in oncology esthetics due to the overwhelming need for cancer patients to have skin treatments and areola/nipple regimentation.  I got into this area of skincare after a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and I was able to help her look and feel better about her scars post mastectomy.  I was a makeup artist in Las Vegas for over 10 years which allowed me to master the art of makeup artistry.  Working with many performers I was involved in times with very complex stage/film makeup.  I took this talent, dexterity and vision and was able to become permanent makeup artist specializing in facial art as well as areola/nipple and scar revision for breast cancer patients.

ER: I understand that skincare and beauty are difficult subjects for some cancer patients to discuss. How do you and your staff take make this subject more approachable?

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LL: When a patient comes in while going through chemotherapy or radiation we really try to address what is effecting her the most.  Most times it is because their skin is so very dry.  A lot of times it is the skin on top of her head because she no longer has any hair.  Other times it may be that she may have dilated or broken capillaries on her face. 

ER:  What types of skincare and nutritional services are available to those currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation?

LL: We will nourish our patients’ skin by using vegan, non-toxic skincare products by a line we carry called 100% Pure.  We find using homeopathic herbs like calendula and arnica are excellent for soothing radiation burns and help splitting of the skin.  We use the most non-toxic, clean products on our cancer patients.  After all, the last thing they want or need is to put more chemicals in the body. 

ER: I have heard you created support group called "Bosom Buddies. How long have you been providing this free service to our community? 


LL: As the Sarasota satellite office for The Center for Building Hope in Lakewood Ranch, I created a cancer support group called "Bosom Buddies”. After many years of listening to all the heartfelt stories of cancer patients and survivors, I wanted to do something to help.  About every three months, The Center for Building Hope and area oncologists send patients to our office for a free morning breakfast, seminar and mini treatment sessions.  We lock our doors from 9am until noon and welcome any patients struggling with cancer to learn more about what they can do nutritionally and for skin, nails, hair and makeup.  We also invite survivors to be there so they can be a support for those who are currently undergoing treatment.  It is fun, educational, everyone gets touched with a mini facial, massage or makeover and a gift for coming. 

ER: What exactly is areola restoration, and what does it entail? 


LL: Areola restoration or repigmentation is the recoloring of the areola/nipple post mastectomy. Many women have scar tissue after surgery, so I break down the scar tissue through a dry needle process and then use flesh colored pigments to camouflage the area.  After about six weeks of healing, I start adding color to the areola and nipple to give them the look had before surgery.  This process is very safe, confidential and sterile setting using the most state-of-the-art equipment.  I have many photos and testimonials of my work for patients to view before they make a decision.

ER: How much do your oncological services cost for those in treatment or for caregivers?

LL: We offer a special menu of services to all our cancer patients and caregivers.  A one-hour facial or massage is usually about 70.00.  

On October 25th, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Lasting Looks is hosting "Herbs for the Cure," Lasting Looks of Sarasota is hosting an open house to support cancer patients in the Sarasota community. Supporters can make a donation $10.00 to receive a cancer-fighting herb to plant in their gardens. The evening will feature skincare, permanent makeup and massage demonstrations and education, and complimentary refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

All proceeds of the event will benefit the Center for Building Hope, a non-profit organization providing free psychological and educational services for cancer patients and their loved ones. Lasting Looks of Sarasota is proud to act as the Sarasota satellite office for the Center for Building Hope. Click here to learn more about the Center or visit: http://www.centerforbuildinghope.org/.

Lasting Looks of Sarasota is located at 3300 South Tamiami Trial in Suite #6 in Sarasota. If you would like to meet with Mary for a complimentary skincare consultation or to learn more about oncological aesthetics services, please contact her at info@lastinglooksofsarasota.com or call 941-539-7990. Her hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10am until 6pm. Saturday or evening services will be provided by appointment only. To learn more about Mary and her staff at Lasting Looks of Sarasota, please visit their website: www.LastingLooksofSarasota.com.

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