A collaborative effort to empower people with madarosis
A young Indian-Filipino boy, Raj Stephen Saravana, once struggled with self-consciousness due to a medical condition called madarosis. This condition, characterized by the loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, can be caused by dermatological or systemic diseases.
At the age of 5, Saravana’s introverted nature stemmed from his discomfort with his appearance. His parents sought a solution and found it in brow micropigmentation, a procedure that involves injecting pigments into the skin to create the appearance of natural brows.
The parents had asked Susan Ong dela Fuente, founder and chair of Prettylooks, a chain of aesthetics clinics, for a discount, given their meager budget. Recognizing the boy’s emotional distress, Dela Fuente immediately agreed to provide the treatment at no cost.
“The boy covered his face. Raj couldn’t look at any of my staff,” recalls Dela Fuente. However, after the micropigmentation procedure, Raj’s life began to change. Now 13, he is a confident student enrolled in a science high school and has undergone a follow-up procedure to maintain the appearance of his brows as he matures.
Affordable alternative
Micropigmentation has proven to be a beneficial solution for individuals with madarosis, providing a more permanent and affordable alternative to traditional eyebrow makeup or eyebrow restoration. By restoring a natural appearance, it can significantly improve self-esteem and overall quality of life.
The Rotary Club of San Juan del Monte (RCSJDM) and Prettylooks have joined forces to offer free brow micropigmentation services to indigent or low-income patients suffering from madarosis. This initiative extends beyond providing medical treatments and aims to inspire other eyebrow artists and aesthetic centers worldwide to contribute their skills to this cause.
“Madarosis is a condition that causes the eyebrow and eyelash follicles to fall out, often as early as five years old,” explains Dela Fuente. “It can have a profound impact on self-esteem, leading to bullying and social isolation.”
Esparaz, RCSJDM’s director for services, highlights the organization’s advocacy, titled “Empowering People with Madarosis,” which falls under the Disease, Prevention and Treatment program. “Patients undergoing chemotherapy or those living with HIV often experience eyebrow and eyelash loss,” she explains. “This can lead to mental and psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. While girls may attempt to disguise the condition with makeup, boys often feel helpless and may face social challenges.”
To qualify for the free micropigmentation services, prospective patients must undergo an evaluation by the Rotary Club to assess their income status and medical condition. A doctor will then screen them to confirm the diagnosis of madarosis.
Inspiring stories
Dela Fuente has shared inspiring stories of patients who have benefited from the free brow micropigmentation services. Khristine Mae Legacion, who suffered from complete baldness and alopecia, faced discrimination and ridicule due to her condition. However, with the support of a benefactor who provided a wig and the expertise of Dela Fuente, Legacion has regained her confidence. She now works at a call center, has participated in the RCSJDM induction of officers and even aspires to join a beauty contest.
AJ Sampang, another patient who experienced alopecia at a young age, faced similar challenges. Taunts and bullying from strangers often left him feeling isolated and discouraged. Despite his academic achievements, Sampang lacked the confidence to fully engage with the world. The brow pigmentation procedure provided him a much-needed boost, enabling him to move forward with renewed self-esteem.
By raising awareness and providing access to necessary treatments, the RCSJDM and Prettylooks are working to improve the lives of individuals affected by madarosis and empower them to overcome the challenges associated with this condition.
For details, contact tel. 0917-6895144, 0917-1374164, 8834-5523 and 8886-9667.
