Hair loss has now become a common problem. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, male and female pattern baldness and thinning are quite common. In fact, 40% of women experience female pattern baldness by 50 years of age.
A hair transplant is one of the most effective ways to treat hair loss and regrow natural hair. However, the effectiveness of a hair transplant can vary widely based on numerous factors. This can lead to poor hair transplant density in some surgeries.
Scalp micropigmentation can help overcome this issue. But how? Let’s find out.
Understanding Hair Transplants
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair from one body part to another. It’s typically used to treat male pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia or AGA. Hair transplants can also restore hair in women with thinning hair caused by chemotherapy or hormonal changes.
It has proven to be very effective at overcoming the baldness problem. Hence, a lot of people are getting hair transplants for their problems. In fact, Fact.MR states that the hair transplant market share in North America is 27%. People in the US and Canada usually undergo this procedure to get back natural hair.
The Role of Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
The role of scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is to create the illusion of a full head of hair. Therefore, it can enhance the results of your hair transplant. SMP is not permanent but can last many years with proper care and maintenance.
As mentioned in an article by Elle, the process involves the injection of pigments into the upper dermis of the scalp. These pigments appear like the real hair follicles. The process emulates the appearance of a freshly shaven head.
When you undergo a hair transplant, some or all of your donor areas will be shaved off during surgery. This creates scarring that may be visible when wearing short-hair styles like military buzzcuts or crew cuts. It can even be visible sometimes in longer hairstyles.
Additionally, the recipient area may or may not be filled with natural hair. In such cases, using scalp micropigmentation in combination with a hair transplant can create an illusion of dense, natural-looking hair. This is especially helpful during the initial stages of hair regrowth. It takes time after a hair transplant to regain natural hair, and scalp micropigmentation can be the solution.
Since these procedures can be time-consuming, it is best to get them done by a local clinic. This will ensure that you don’t miss appointments due to travel issues. This can even help with the costs, as you will save on travel expenses.
Consider the example of Toronto, Canada. Suppose you live in this city but opt to get hair transplant surgery and micropigmentation done in New York. In this case, you will either have to travel frequently or stay at a hotel in New York. In both cases, your spending will increase. Hence, in this situation, finding a clinic for Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) in Toronto will be best.
SMP for Non-Surgical Hair Density Enhancement
As highlighted by Ink2Scalp SMP Studios, scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical procedure that uses special ink to create the illusion of hair growth. The process involves injecting tiny dots of pigment into the scalp, which mimics the look and feel of real hair.
The SMP process is performed by skilled technicians who use micro-needles to deposit pigment into the upper dermis of the scalp. This meticulous approach results in the replication of natural hair follicles, giving the appearance of a fuller head of hair. The pigments used are carefully selected to match the client’s existing hair color, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.
The SMP procedure typically requires multiple sessions to achieve optimal results as the pigments settle and the desired density is gradually built up. The longevity of SMP varies among individuals, but maintenance sessions can be scheduled to refresh the appearance.
The number of sessions needed to achieve the desired result depends on how thick you want your SMP to be. But generally, it takes between two and six sessions before you can see full results.
The cost also varies depending on how many treatments are required and where you go. In general, though, expect to pay around $1 per millimeter (mm) for each session. According to Medical News Today, the total cost may revolve around $2,000–$4,000.
Who Are the Right Candidates for SMP?
The ideal candidates for SMP typically include individuals experiencing different degrees of hair loss. This can include male and female pattern baldness, alopecia, or thinning hair. SMP can effectively camouflage these issues by creating the illusion of fuller hair or a closely shaved head.
Men and women who have undergone hair transplant surgeries may also benefit from SMP to add density. Additionally, individuals with receding hairlines or those who prefer a shaved head look can opt for SMP.
People with certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata, may find SMP to be a suitable solution to restore a natural-looking hairline. SMP is a versatile option for those seeking a non-invasive and relatively low-maintenance solution for their hair loss concerns.
Candidates for SMP should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. While SMP can create the appearance of hair density, it does not promote actual hair growth. Therefore, individuals seeking a permanent solution to stimulate hair follicle growth may need to explore alternative treatments.
SMP Aftercare and Maintenance
Aftercare and maintenance are crucial for achieving optimal results and ensuring the longevity of the SMP treatment. Here are some general guidelines for SMP aftercare and maintenance:
- Avoid sun exposure: Protect your scalp from direct sunlight for the first few days after the procedure. Use a wide-brimmed hat or sunscreen with high SPF.
- Gentle cleaning: Clean your scalp gently using a mild, fragrance-free, and non-alcoholic cleanser recommended by your SMP technician. Avoid harsh chemicals and vigorous scrubbing.
- No swimming: Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least a week after the procedure.
- Avoid sweating: Minimize activities that cause excessive sweating for the first few days.
- Avoid touching: Refrain from touching or scratching the treated area to prevent infection.
- Moisturize: Keep your scalp moisturized with a water-based, non-greasy moisturizer recommended by your technician.
- Regular touch-ups: SMP is a semi-permanent procedure, and regular touch-ups may be necessary to maintain the desired appearance. The frequency of touch-ups depends on individual factors and the quality of the initial procedure.
- Protect from fading: Minimize sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent the pigments from fading.
- Avoid abrasive activities: Avoid activities that may cause abrasion on the scalp, such as rough towel-drying or abrasive hairbrushes.
- Maintain a healthy scalp: Follow a healthy scalp care routine, including regular cleansing and moisturizing.
In conclusion, hair transplantation is a great option for those who want to increase their hair density and restore their hairline. However, if you’re not a good candidate for this procedure, combining it with scalp micropigmentation might be the best solution for you. This technique uses tattoos to create natural-looking hair follicles.
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