SMP (Scalp Micropigmentation)
What Is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation, or SMP, is basically a medical scalp tattoo. It is a great way to add the appearance of density to areas where a hair transplant is not the best or viable option. The tattoo pigment is placed less than 1 mm apart and in microdots that are no more than 1 mm in size to give the look of hair follicles on the scalp after a shave or buzz cut. This non-surgical process is a great way to treat any level of balding and is a great compliment to any hair transplant treatment. It is also a semi permanent solution to hair loss. SMP needs to be touched up only every couple of years and is also relatively inexpensive compared to other possible treatments. The ink used in an SMP procedure is designed specifically for this treatment and will not have the migration or colour change that you would typically see in body art tattoo because it is not placed at the same sub-dermal level of the skin.
How It Works
SMP works by tattooing into the epidermal and upper dermis of the scalp to give the appearance of a natural-looking follicle. It takes away from the colour contrast between the hair and the scalp and creates an illusion of having hair where there is none. This is an ideal treatment for patients who have an advanced level of balding and therefore do not have enough grafts available in the donor area to properly cover the entire area affected by hair loss. This hair loss treatment can be used by men and women of every ethnicity. The ink and placement are adapted to match the hair type is that is being replicated.
SMP can be used to mask scars on the scalp and head. Patients who have had the FUT or “strip method” of hair transplant can also use scalp micro-pigmentation to cover up the linear scar on the back of the head.
How Long Does It Take?
The average human head will have roughly 2,000 hair follicles per square inch. Therefore, the process can take some time to make sure it is done properly. The average treatment will take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours per session. Some cases may require multiple sessions. The treatment itself is similar to the pain level of getting a tattoo, but medication can sometimes be given to help moderate the pain for patients who have a lower pain threshold.
SMP To Combat Hair Loss
Hair loss affects millions of men and women across the world and can cause low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and even severe depression. Having options for the best way to treat your hair loss is essential. For example, if you are a woman in your early thirties and you are suffering from an advanced level of hair loss to the point that a hair transplant will not be enough to restore the total hair loss, adding a treatment such as SMP or even PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to your hair transplant is the only real option to combat this horrible issue that you are suffering from every day.
