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WHAT IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION?

WHAT IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION?

Are you tired of dealing with the issue of how to preserve your thinning hair? Scalp Micropigmentation, also known as SMP, could be the right option for you. Instead of shaving off your remaining crowning glory, SMP can help you look your best. 

What is scalp micropigmentation (SMP) treatment?

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a delicate process wherein, the iron-oxide pigment is tattooed onto the scalp using a medical-grade pigment. Unlike hair transplants, it is a contemporary, non-surgical procedure. And it does not promote new hair growth. But instead, micro scalp pigmentation conceals your hair loss problem. 

What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?

 Other terms are synonymous with micro-pigmentation, but they all mean the same thing.

  • Derma Pigmentation – refers to the permanent pigmentation of the dermis.
  • Cosmetic tattooing
  • Permanent tattooing
  • Scalp Tattoo
  • Hair Tattoo
  • Head Tattoo
  • Medical Hairline Restoration
  • Hair Follicle Simulation
  • Micro Scalp Pigmentation (MSP)

History of Scalp Micropigmentation

Micro-pigmentation was first performed in the early 1900s. Wherein, a tattoo artist offered a permanent “pink complexion”. The procedure is done by electrically tattooing a permanent complexion. The tattoo artist used vegetable dyes, like the ink, onto the face. And aimed to enhance a woman’s facial complexion.

Micro-pigmentation has come a long way. From the day of tattooing vegetable dye beneath the top layer of skin up to now. Wherein, micro-pigmentation is utilized for cosmetic reasons. As well as a procedure following treatments for chronic illness.

Scalp micropigmentation: A non-surgical procedure

If you don’t want to undergo hair transplant surgery, then SMP is a great alternative option for you. Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure. The pigment particles will be drawn onto the scalp of the affected area. And it needs a pen-like instrument like a tattoo gun. Unlike traditional tattooing, the process of SMP is much more involved. And it requires specialized skill and training. 

How Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Works?

Scalp micro pigmentation (SMP) is tantamount to tattooing. Yet, it should be done by a licensed professional or clinician. In many States, permanent makeup or comparable license may be required. Ideally, SMP should be performed in a clinic where there is some medical supervision. And it needs a machine fitted with a microneedle to implant the pigments underneath your scalp. Administering SMP takes time to form a series of tiny dots. This is to resemble hair follicles’ imitation that is almost natural. Also, asking how much will Scalp Micropigmentation Cost?

Although SMP is like a tattoo, the medical-grade color pigments used in the treatment for the scalp do not go beyond the epidermis. SMP professionals use anti-allergic dyes. So that the clients generally do not develop side effects after the treatment. 

Typically, the procedure could be done in a couple of hours. Afterward, the patient could leave the clinic with the appearance of hair follicles

The process of scalp micro pigmentation is like the process of microblading eyebrows. The only difference is that SMP employs the artistic method of pointillism. Wherein, the SMP professional creates dots on the scalp of the person. Also, it follows a strategic process of making your hair look fuller than never. But in the case of balding men, the SMP artist tries to emulate a buzz cut. 

The scalp micropigmentation treatment process

Before the procedure, the scalp area that suffers hair loss needs to be shaved and cleaned. Afterward, an outline will be marked on the target area. This outline will serve as a guide on where the hairline should begin. 

Next is the microdots application. The SMP professional uses a particular micro-needling device that utilizes between 1-6 needles. And it should not penetrate your skin as much as a tattoo gun does. The SMP will appear real and imitates the rest of the scalp. And it does not look overly bold. 

How many sessions does SMP take?

Micro scalp pigmentation is a very delicate procedure. And it requires accuracy that is why it usually consumes time. At most, it takes up to 2-3 sessions with 10-14 days between each session for the treatment to be fully applied. 

For better results, the 1st session will determine how well the scalp micropigmentation is retained. During this period, it gives the SMP professional enough time to check how the micro dotting looks on your scalp. By this time the SMP artist can determine whether the process is in the right shade. After the 1st session, you will notice some fading. But this is quite normal. The 2nd and 3rd session will help create more fullness and density on your scalp. 

How long does the result of MSP or SMP last?

Many consider scalp micropigmentation a permanent procedure. Usually, the results will last for up to six years or more. However, it depends on your body’s immune system as well. By the moment the scalp micro is applied, your immune system will begin to fight the pigments. As a result, the SMP will fade eventually. A touch-up procedure may be required to restore the result. Read here the benefits of Scalp Micropigmentation.

Likewise, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on how the procedure is performed. Moreover, it also depends on how you take care of your crowning glory. Usually, the micropigmentation lightens after 4-6 years and it may need a touchup to maintain its fullness. 

Does Scalp Micropigmentation hair look real?

SMP is very popular amongst people with bald spots and thinning hair problems. And when it is done by a well-trained and experienced professional with the right equipment, it can mimic a hair follicle. And it looks very natural and extremely realistic. SMP looks best on shaved hair as it can match the natural look of a shaved head. The aesthetic procedure of micro scalp pigmentation has drawn the attention of most male patients rather than female although it’s not uncommon for women to have this procedure if they have sporadic hair loss limited to certain areas of the scalp. 

Can micro scalp pigmentation be removed?

Although permanence is the main feature of SMP, yes, it can be removed and is reversible although that’s not an easy process and by no means perfect. But you shouldn’t consider having a scalp tattoo while thinking about removing it later at the back of your mind. SMP can be life-changing. If you are very concerned about it, then more often than not, you will end up removing your scalp tattoo. 

Although there is nothing wrong with being aware of the removal process, you don’t need to panic. The SMP pigment can be removed using a tattoo removal laser or saline removal. Some clinics perform scalp micropigmentation removal. 

Am I a good candidate for scalp micropigmentation?

A person who has a problem with thinning hair, bald spots, or alopecia is generally the best candidate for SMP. Also, patients who undergo cancer treatments can have scalp micropigmentation. 

Have you shaved your head, but the coverage of the very short hair is minimal? Or, are you completely bald in certain areas?

Then you are a good candidate for scalp micropigmentation. Besides, it can cover those obvious thinned-out spaces on your scalp. Moreover, if you have a permanent scar from a head or brain surgery, your hair most likely will not regrow. In addition, MSP can help you hide those bald patches. 

SMP as per client’s specifications

SMP can be applied to the client’s specific requests for density and scalp placement. Moreover, the sky’s the limit when it comes to hairstyle choices. That is because scalp micropigmentation is not dependent upon hair that is removed from a donor site. 

What should I do after SMP?

So, you have finished all your scalp micropigmentation sessions. Nevertheless, what about the SMP aftercare? Your SMP artist will give you specific SMP care instructions after each treatment. 

For the first 4 days of each session:

  1. Avoid touching the treated area.
  2. Avoid showering or do not let the water hit the treated scalp. Moreover, do not go swimming. 
  3. For at least 10 days, do not shave the treated area.
  4. Avoid strenuous activities that could make you sweat a lot. 
  5. Stay out of direct sun exposure. 
  6. Also, avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, or anything that could make you sweat a lot. 
  7. Refrain yourself from using shampoo, conditioners, or moisturizers on the treated scalp area. 
  8. Nonetheless, keep the treated area clean and dry always. 

After the 5th day of your session, you can gently wash your head with cold water. Instead of using shampoo, use a mild soap. Also, put a non-perfumed moisturizer on your scalp, 3x a day.

Furthermore, do not let your hair grow too long. There is a big chance that it will recreate the appearance of thinness and patches. So, if you have SMP treatment, keep your hair shaved. Likewise, avoid using a wet shaving razor blade for the first 10 days after the procedure. 

Final say:

There is very little, if any, long-term maintenance involved for those that choose SMP. After the SMP treatment, you can go back to your normal activities immediately. However, you also need to follow the SMP aftercare list that your provider gives you. 

The doctors and clinicians at MAXIM Hair Restoration have performed thousands of hair restorative procedures. Moreover, we offer scalp micropigmentation (SMP) services both in the United States and abroad. MAXIM Hair Restoration wants you to look and feel your best. Are you interested in learning more about scalp-micropigmentation or SMPO? In addition, do you want to find out if the procedure is the best choice for you? Do not hesitate to contact MAXIM Hair Restoration today for a complimentary consultation.

What Is MicroPoint Hair Restoration?

mircopoint hair weave maxim restorationA MicroPoint hair restoration is one of the many non-surgical hair restoration procedures available to patients who have experienced thinning hair or hair loss. The MicroPoint procedure is similar to many other weaving procedures in which synthetic hair is attached to the patient’s existing hair follicles, thereby achieving greater volume and coverage. The artificial follicles are secured to the patient’s existing hair follicles via a knot, which is why there are several notable limitations associated with this specific procedure.

What are MciroPoing Procedures?

MicroPoint procedures might hold some appeal with patients seeking a non-surgical option that does not require the use of an adhesive, MicroPoint procedures do require a fairly rigorous upkeep schedule in which the process is repeated once every four to six weeks or so. This is because the artificial hair follicles fall out when the patient’s existing hair follicles fall out, a process that occurs naturally in all areas of the scalp and not just the areas in which the thinning hair or hair loss has occurred.

hair weave hair restorationAs a result, the MicroPoint procedure, like many of the other weaving procedures available, is considered a temporary solution to the issues associated with thinning hair and hair loss. As a non-surgical procedure that delivers immediate results, there are many patients who find the MicroPoint procedure to be appealing. Others prefer to select a procedure that represents a long-term solution to hair loss or thinning hair, which is why it is always worthwhile for patients to consult a hair restoration expert in order to explore the full range of options that may be available to them.

WHICH HAIR LOSS PRODUCT WORK BEST!

There are quite a few hair restoration products available on the market today, and many of these products make fairly extraordinary claims regarding the extent to which an individual’s hair loss or thinning hair can be addressed through the use of one of these hair restoration products. Consumers who view these products with a healthy dose of skepticism certainly have reason for doing so, as few products are capable of producing the kinds of results promised in the marketing materials. The predisposition to skepticism is not always beneficial, however, as there are indeed products capable of living up to the promises made to the set of consumers affected by hair loss or thinning hair.

There are only two products clinically proven to have an effect on hair loss or thinning hair: Propecia and Rogaine. In both cases, the use of these products does not stimulate the growth of new hair; instead, Propecia and Rogaine are effective in combating the loss or thinning of hair the patient already possesses. These products are effective when used on an individual basis, but it is worth noting that there is ample evidence that the simultaneous use of both Rogaine and Propecia has a synergistic effect that yields even greater results for patients experiencing hair loss or thinning hair.

Propecia is an oral medication available via prescription, and it is able to the loss of hair by blocking DHT, also known as dihydrotestosterone, which is the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. In essence, Propecia protects the follicles most vulnerable to DHT, thereby preventing any further loss of hair. Rogaine is a topical solution available over the counter, and it protects hair follicles from the miniaturization process that occurs due to the effects of DHT. This is why the combined use of these two products delivers improved results when compared to either one being used on its own.

While Propecia and Rogaine are the only products capable of having a positive effect that contributes to the prevention of hair loss or thinning hair, there is a multitude of other surgical and non-surgical hair restoration procedures available to those currently experiencing some form of hair loss. Among the most effective non-surgical options available, patients may opt for a Scalp Micropigmentation procedure, a MicroPoint hair restoration procedure, a laser hair therapy session, along with several other options designed to address hair loss or thinning hair.

What Is Hair Weaving?

Weaving is a non-surgical hair restoration procedure in which real or synthetic hair fibers are attached to existing hair follicles or to the areas of the scalp affected by hair loss or thinning hair. Weaving procedures attach synthetic or real hair fibers to the scalp or existing hair follicles through a variety of methods, and which method is ultimately utilized often depends on the hairstyle the patient is trying to achieve through the hair restoration process.

It is most often the case that weaving procedures can be completed without the use of adhesives, and a skilled specialist can indeed produce a natural-looking result with a weave. This requires that the weave is completed using synthetic hair fibers matching the specific characteristics of the patient’s natural hair, otherwise the presence of the weave will be almost painfully obvious to even the most casual of observers. The weaving method — as well as the manner in which the synthetic hair fibers are arranged and blended — will play an important role in whether or not the weave is indistinguishable from the patient’s naturally occurring hair.

Patients who ultimately opt for a weave as a solution to the hair loss or thinning hair they have thus far experienced typically prefer a non-surgical solution to a surgical one, or they may simply be looking for a temporary solution that delivers immediate results. While weaving procedures do result in an immediate solution, a weave is not a permanent solution and will require the patient to abide by several ongoing care procedures that are sometimes viewed as an inconvenience. It is therefore the case that patients must carefully weigh the potential benefits of a weaving procedure against the drawbacks and inherent limitations associated with a weave.

Limitations Of Hair Weaving

Weaving procedures are known for delivering an immediate — albeit temporary — solution intended to address the issues associated with hair loss or thinning hair. Weaving procedures are typically performed without any need for an adhesive, and there are a wide range of synthetic or real hair fiber options available to those who choose to address their hair loss or thinning hair in this way.

Since weaving is a non-surgical procedure, patients who wish to avoid even a minimally invasive surgical procedure might consider a weave when selecting a hair restoration option. When one considers the limitations associated with weaving procedures, however, even those who express a serious aversion to any kind of surgery might consider a course of action that actually involves a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

It is important to note that the aforementioned advantages associated with weaving procedures are often mitigated to a substantial degree by the limitations of these procedures. While many patients like the idea of an immediate solution, a weave requires quite a bit of regular upkeep and care, not to mention the need to undergo future weaving procedures. The impermanence of a weave is also worth noting, as individuals seeking a solution to hair loss or thinning hair overwhelmingly prefer a permanent solution as opposed to a temporary one.

Finally, weaving procedures are inherently limited by the type of hair fibers available. No matter how many different fibers might be available for patients to choose from, it is undeniably difficult to match synthetic hair fibers to naturally occurring fibers. Even the most skilled weaving specialists will find it difficult to blend synthetic fibers with the patient’s naturally growing hair follicles, which in turn limits the likelihood that a weave will be indistinguishable from the patient’s remaining natural hair.

What Is Better: Hair Transplant Or Weaving?

hair weaving maxim hair restorationMen and women dealing with issues stemming from thinning hair or hair loss have a wide variety of options from which to choose, including several surgical and non-surgical options. Hair transplant procedures fall into the category of surgical options, while weaving procedures fall into the category of non-surgical options. It is quite common for patients to wonder which procedure is best for addressing their hair loss or thinning hair before deciding to undergo a surgical or non-surgical hair restoration procedure.

From an objective, results-oriented perspective, hair transplants are the better option between the two, particularly since a hair transplant delivers a permanent solution to hair loss or thinning hair in such way that the transplanted hair is indistinguishable from the patient’s naturally growing hair. Many weaving procedures also rely on the patient’s own hair, but it is often the case that synthetic hair materials must be utilized to ensure adequate coverage of the areas of the scalp affected by hair loss of thinning hair.

Patients seeking a natural-looking hairline through a hair restoration procedure are far more likely to achieve a positive outcome through the use of a surgical hair transplant procedure such as a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), also known as the Strip hair transplant procedure or a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), also known as the No Stitch, No Linear Scar Technique. Among the best surgical options, patients can select a minimally invasive procedure or a procedure requiring very little downtime, but it is always a sound idea to discuss the different choices available to a patient during the initial consultation process.

Of course, some patients may simply view a surgical procedure as a non-starter and will only select from the non-surgical options available to them. It is only in this circumstance that one can logically conclude that a weaving procedure is better than a surgical hair transplant procedure, but that does not necessarily mean that weaving procedures are the best option among the different non-surgical hair restoration procedures that are currently performed by hair restoration surgery specialists. Other non-surgical hair restoration procedures include Scalp Micropigmentation, and Laser Hair Therapy, among quite a few others.

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