Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a safe and effective way to help you look younger and feel better about your hairline. Similar to a tattoo, micropigmentation uses natural dyes or pigments to simulate the appearance of hair that is starting to regrow out from your scalp. Expert technicians apply the pigmentation so that it follows your natural hairline, and of course, color is custom matched for your skin tone and hair color.
If you are completely bald, the effect is like a “five o’clock shadow” for the area that is being treated. This mimics the close cut “shaved” look that is so popular among men today. Women also can benefit from micropigmentation if they need an area of skin or scalp to appear if there is hair coverage there. If you have hair but it’s thinning, the pigmentation also makes your hair look fuller and more “filled-in.”
Now that you have a better idea of what scalp micropigmentation is, you probably have a lot of questions to help you determine if this procedure is right for you. Here are some more of the frequently asked questions about scalp micropigmentation to help you come to that a well-informed and educated decision.
Q: Who is a candidate for scalp micropigmentation?
A: Anyone who is bald or has thinning hair is a great candidate for micropigmentation. Those who shave their heads or have minimal hair, as well as those, wear their hair short for a profession or preferential reasons are the best candidates. This includes individuals who are affected by conditions like alopecia or those with scars perhaps due to trauma.
Q: What are the benefits of scalp micropigmentation?
Micropigmentation is practically foolproof; there is no risk that the hair may not “take” after being transplanted. Scalp micropigmentation is affordable, fast and safe. There’s no down time, no recovery time, and no need to schedule time off from work. Plus, scalp micropigmentation is long lasting and will not wear off or wash away off over time.
Q: How does scalp micro-pigmentation compare to hair transplant surgery?
A: Unlike a hair transplant, scalp micropigmentation is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure. It is also less expensive than a hair transplant. Those who choose micropigmentation usually do not seek to have a luxurious, full head of hair; they want to give the appearance of having a neatly cropped, fashionably shorn head, or to cover areas that may be scarred or patchy. If you want hair you can grow and style, then consider hair transplant surgery.
Q: How is the scalp micropigmentation procedure performed?
The procedure is performed by a certified technician who uses a pen-like instrument to perform the scalp micro-pigmentation by injecting permanent dye into the skin to give the appearance of tiny hair follicles. The procedure is performed in your doctor’s office; when the patient leaves the office he has the appearance of hair follicles where there once was once thinning or no hair.
Q: Is scalp micropigmentation the same process as a traditional tattoo?
Scalp micropigmentation is similar to tattooing, but not completely the same. Unlike scalp tattooing, which uses regular ink, 3D scalp micropigmentation uses advanced medical grade pigment for a more natural look. It isn’t as painful and the instruments used are different. Scalp micropigmentation needles, for instance, are thinner and are designed to create the appearance of hair follicles, which means the needles aren’t perfectly round as needles for tattooing are.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
Scalp micropigmentation is a fairly quick procedure. Depending on the surface area that is to be covered, the procedure could take as little as two hours over the course of a few sessions.
Q: Is scalp micro-pigmentation painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and there is very little pain involved during the process. Following the procedure, there may be some slight discomfort, due to the needle injections. The pain is manageable with over the counter medications.
Q: How long does it take to heal?
The healing process is shorter for scalp micropigmentation than it is for those who undergo hair transplants. Plus, there’s less trauma to the scalp. As a rule, patients can expect the healing process to take about a week.
Q: Can I still have scalp micropigmentation if I’ve previously tried other hair treatments?
Yes. The procedure is just as effective following other hair restoration treatments, including a hair transplant.
Q: How safe is the procedure?
Scalp micropigmentation is a safe procedure if administered correctly by a certified professional in a medical setting. It is performed under local anesthesia and the pigments that are injected into the skin are safe to use.
Q: Are there any skin conditions that I should make my technician aware of?
A: If you have a skin condition like psoriasis, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis, you will want to consult your medical professional to see if this process is right for you. The same is true if you have excessively dry scalp or chronic dandruff. Be sure to have an honest conversation with your micropigmentation specialist to make sure the procedure is successful and the expectations are realistic.
During your scalp micropigmentation procedure – which is performed by trained and certified specialists at MAXiM Hair Restoration centers – your own, shaved follicles are matched with tiny ink deposits that mimic stubble hair. Small hair strokes are then applied wherever hair has thinned or been lost.
If you would like to learn more about the scalp micropigmentation process, contact Maxim Scalp Micropigmentation for more information. MAXiM Scalp Micropigmentation has offices conveniently located throughout the United States and internationally, and is equipped to meet the needs of its clients.