The Biology of hair loss
Male and female pattern hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia (AGA) because both androgens (andro) and genes (genetic) are involved.
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss.
Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation -SMP- is a non-invasive treatment that uses micro-needles to deposit pigment into the scalp. It can create the illusion of small follicles in bald or thinning areas of the scalp, helping to thicken and restore the look of fuller hair.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
How does micropigmentation differ from a hair transplant?
Scalp micropigmentation differs from a hair transplant because it does not involve removing hair follicles from a donor site or implanting them into a recipient site. As a result, you don’t grow any new hair.
On the other hand, scalp micropigmentation requires no surgery and is less expensive than a hair transplant in the UK. It can be used in all forms of hair loss, while a hair transplant is mainly indicated for male and female pattern hair loss.
What role does scalp micropigmentation play in treating hair loss?
Scalp micropigmentation is a form of tattoo that can be used to hide the appearance of bald spots on a person’s scalp. Scalp micropigmentation is an alternative treatment option for patients who are not candidates for hair transplant surgery and want to keep their hair very short or shave their hair to scalp level.
Is SMP permanent?
Scalp micropigmentation fades over time and requires top-ups every three to five years. If your hair colour changes in the future, the pigment can also be changed.
What results can you expect with Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a treatment for baldness that does not make hair grow back. It creates the look of a shadow or buzz cut and works well for men who buzz their heads or men and women who want to fill in thinning areas without undergoing a hair transplant.
The SMP procedure is typically done over three sessions, spread out two weeks apart from each other. Each session reinforces the pigment for long-term retention and may take one to three hours.
Can you get a hair transplant if you have SMP?
SMP does not affect hair transplants. The transplanted hair can be placed directly over the SMP without any problems or complications.
Can you get SMP after a hair transplant?
If you just had a hair transplant, it’s recommended to wait at least nine months before you get SMP, so that all the transplanted hair grows out. This is because if you get SMP too soon, it can cause damage to the grafts and result in hair loss.
Does micropigmentation have any risks?
The micropigmentation procedure is non-surgical and has few if any, risks of adverse side effects. However, some allergic reactions to or infections from the ink can occur.
More research is needed to determine the potential long-term health effects of pigments in your skin. You can minimise risks by finding a clinic with experience using high-quality ink and sterile instrumentation and has extensive experience in best practices for micropigmentation.
There are many options for hair restoration. Before you decide on scalp micropigmentation, make sure you’re comparing all your options. Schedule a consultation with Dr Bonaros to get his expert opinion on the best hair restoration option for you.
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