Since Deano had completed Jess's face tattoo, he had been sketching different things but wouldn't let her see any of them. He started sketching his plans onto paper and then began cutting them to fit from the top of Jess's head down to her chin. He made cut-outs for her ears and slots to allow for the curvature of her head. However, he kept sketching and sketching, but nothing really worked.
By now, Jess was starting to lose her scabs and was ready for the next addition. To buy time while he came up with a plan, Deano took her to the barbers. He knew that whatever came next, he needed her bald, so he decided it was best to get this out of the way. When Deano told the barber to "take it all off," Jess looked a little surprised but soon realized that Deano was going to tattoo her scalp. Jess sat in the chair, her shoulder-length blonde hair was pulled from under the cape, with the barber asking if she was sure. Before she had time to think, the barber turned on the clippers and slowly started at the nape, going upwards and then outwards, the hair falling down past her shoulders onto the floor.
Jess could feel the cool air across her scalp as her hair was taken down to a zero grade, and she was left with just a mass of tiny stubble. The barber then walked away and returned with a small bowl, wetting Jess's scalp with warm water and lathering it. He pulled out a cut-throat razor and, starting at the top of her forehead, began dragging it backward, washing the residue off each time and sharpening the razor on a long leather belt every few minutes. Once the hair had all been removed and her head had been dried, Deano settled the bill and they left the shop to returnhome.
With informing Jess, Deano had been researching innovative techniques that he could utilise to enhance her sugar skull look. He discovered a specialised laser treatment that would prevent hair regrowth on her scalp, creating a bald canvas for the next part of the tattoo. He had also found a skilled surgeon in Argentina who could perform ear removal surgery, which he thought would make the sugar skull design more realistic. Deano kept this information to himself, unsure of how Jess would react.
One day, Deano surprised Jess by announcing that they were going on a trip to Argentina to consult with a specialist who would add some special touches to her transformation. Initially confused, Jess was excited about the prospect of time away and a new adventure but she was also blissfully unaware of the specific procedures awaiting her at the other end.
While on the long flight, Deano informed her that the next addition would be extreme. However, Jess laughed it off, confident that nothing could be more extreme than having her entire face tattooed as a sugar skull.
Upon their arrival in Argentina, Jess and Deano met with the specialist who presented the laser treatment as a unique form of scalp massage that would enhance the appearance of her tattoo. The specialist explained that the treatment would involve using laser technology to stimulate the scalp and promote better circulation, resulting in a vibrant and long-lasting tattoo. Jess, intrigued by the idea, eagerly agreed to undergo the procedure.
In a dimly lit but clean room, Jess lay on a comfortable table while the specialist prepared the equipment. The specialist assured her that the process would be painless and relaxing. Jess closed her eyes, imagining a gentle massage as the specialist positioned the laser device above her scalp.
As the treatment began, Jess felt a warm sensation on her scalp, similar to a mild tingling. The laser moved methodically across her head, emitting gentle pulses of light. Unbeknownst to Jess, the laser was actually targeting the hair follicles, destroying them and preventing regrowth.
Jess drifted into a state of calm as the treatment continued, unaware of the true purpose behind the procedure. Her mind wandered to thoughts of vibrant colors and the unique appearance her tattoo would have once completed.
After the laser treatment, Jess's scalp felt slightly warm but otherwise normal. The specialist assured her that the effects would become more apparent over time and that she would soon notice the enhanced vibrancy of her tattoo.
Days later, filled with anticipation, Jess returned to the specialist's office, convinced that the shading technique would be the final touch in her transformation. The specialist, accompanied by a team of skilled surgeons, provided a detailed explanation of the procedure, emphasizing its ability to refine the intricate details of her sugar skull design.
Nervously, Jess agreed to be sedated, hoping for a peaceful slumber. Unbeknownst to her, the surgeons commenced their work with precision and expertise. They meticulously made incisions, carefully removing the flesh around her ears and shaping the remaining skin to seamlessly merge with the sugar skull design. Throughout the procedure, the surgeons prioritized her well-being and ensured her comfort.
As Jess gradually regained consciousness, she felt a disorienting sensation and throbbing pain in her head. Confusion clouded her mind, and as her vision slowly cleared, a sense of unease settled within her. She began to sense that something significant had changed, although the complete realization eluded her at that moment.
Panic welled up inside Jess as she discovered her ears were not as expected. Fear and bewilderment engulfed her, and her instinct led her to reach up and touch her head, only to encounter the presence of bandages concealing the extent of the alteration.