Scalp Micropigmentation Vs. Hair Loss

Hair loss is a delicate subject for all sorts of reasons. For some men and women, baldness and thinning hair can be emotionally devastating and lead to anxiety and depression. This is not a new problem. Since ancient times, people have tried to reduce or conceal hair loss through an extensive range of lotions, creams, supplements and dietary changes, which never worked. Texts reveal that the mother of one Egyptian king recommended a preparation that included ground asses’ hooves, dogs’ paws and dates cooked in oil and rubbed into the scalp in a bid to halt the balding process. Fortunately, today technology has come to our aid and is making hair loss a thing of the past.

If you’re worried about your disappearing locks, you may be wondering which procedure is better for you. Two of the most popular are scalp micropigmentation (SMP) and hair transplants. Here we examine both to help your decision making.

The Restoration Procedure

Scalp Micropigmentation: SMP is a noninvasive treatment that uses micro-needles and pigment to replicate tiny hair follicles throughout hair loss areas, so the individual looks like they have a full head of hair. The results are instantaneous, and minimal recovery time is needed.

Hair Transplant: A hair transplant is an invasive surgical procedure that involves moving hair you already have to an area that is bald or has thinning hair. The two most popular types of hair transplantation are:

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) – where individual follicles from the back of the head are inserted into bald areas through tiny incisions.

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) – where a strip of scalp is removed from the back of the head and one or two hairs are removed and inserted into bald areas through incisions.

Hair transplants are typically more expensive than SMP, and it can be six to twelve months before the results are seen. Often, there’s not enough donor hair at the back of the head to cover the scalp of an individual who has suffered significant hair loss. Therefore several surgeries may need to be performed to achieve substantial coverage. This means more surgical scars at the back of the head, which will need to be covered up. As it is a surgical procedure, you will need to take some time off work to recover and for the swelling to go down.

The Reaction

Scalp Micropigmentation: The process is relatively painless, although some discomfort may be felt. SMP is less painful than a body tattoo because it is only done on the surface of the skin. Furthermore, the risk of an allergic reaction is minimal because hypoallergenic pigments are used.

Hair Transplant:  Patients typically do not feel pain during the procedure because a local anesthetic is applied. However, some individuals experience pain in the days following their surgery because the numbing agent has worn off. For this reason, they are usually prescribed pain killers. There can also be some considerable swelling, which may need to be controlled with a pressure band. And although infections of the scalp are rare, there is always a risk following any surgery.

The Results

Scalp Micropigmentation:  SMP gives the recipient the appearance of a freshly shaved head of hair, a natural look that is very easy to maintain. The incredible results last for several years, after which time minor touch up sessions will be required.

Hair Transplant: Although the results are permanent, the hair transplant failure rate is high. Either the follicles don’t produce growth or growth starts and then stops suddenly.

SMP Versus Hair Transplantation: Which Procedure Is The Right One For You?

Of course, the answer to this question is down to you and what you are hoping to achieve. But remember that scalp micropigmentation is the only hair restoration treatment that boasts a 100% success rate.