Although hair loss affects the scalp, it damages the patient’s self-image and how one portrays himself or herself. The good news is that medical advancements have made it easier for patients to get effective treatments in a short period. One can opt for procedures such as hair transplant, PRP, or medications for hair restoration. Another way to make your hair appear thicker is known as scalp micropigmentation. Today we will be looking at this method of hair restoration as a cheaper option for those suffering from hair loss. 

If you have heard about microblading, the scalp micropigmentation is almost the same thing. The difference is that SMP is done in the scalp rather than the brow area. Scalp micro pigmentation creates a full hair illusion. The difference between microblading and SMP is that in microblading, the surgeon uses a manual blade to implant pigment in the brow area. On the other hand, the surgeon in SMP uses an electric tattoo device since the scalp skin is thicker and hard to penetrate. 

Who can benefit from SMP, and how does it work? 

In microblading, the aim of this procedure is to create hairlike lines in the brow area. In SMP, the practitioner uses tiny layered black dots of different hues to make the scalp look like it has full hair. This procedure is also called pointillism, and many who suffer from hair loss undergo SMP to create an impression of natural-looking depth and definition.

If you want to get the best results when opting for SMP, you need to look for a reliable specialist who will ensure that the black dots blend in seamlessly with the patient’s complexion and the dots also look like natural hair. It is a great hair restoration method that anyone suffering from hair loss can benefit from. Some of the people who will benefit from this method include those suffering from:

  • Female and male pattern baldness 
  • Alopecia
  • Thinning hair
  • Cancer

What should the patient feel like when undergoing this treatment? 

The doctor performing the SMP treatment on a patient will first apply local anesthesia to numb the scalp area where the procedure is to take place. This is meant to reduce the pain that the patient would otherwise feel. The patient’s pain tolerance will determine the discomfort felt. 

SMP may not be good for the following people 

SMP is not meant for everyone who is suffering from hair loss. During a breakup of acne, the patient shouldn’t opt for these procedures. This is because the doctor will have a hard time applying pigment in the inflamed scalp. 

You are also not a good candidate if you have darker skin that is likely to develop keloids. After a thorough scrutiny trying to find the best doctor for these procedures and settling for one, the first thing that will happen is consulting with the doctor. While consulting with the doctor, you will then be told by the surgeon what is expected during and after the procedure. 

Guidelines Before scalp Micropigmentation 

Before having SMP, the doctor will tell the patient to wash thoroughly before the procedure because, after the procedure, the patient will avoid water for four days. Each treatment session takes 4 – 5 hours. The number of sessions depends on the size of the scalp that needs the pigment. For long term retention, the patient will need about three to four treatments.

Treatment sessions are separated but by a few weeks apart. The patient will have to avoid steam rooms, swimming pools, and very hot showers that may cause a steam storm. The first four days after the procedure, the patient will have to avoid exposing the scalp to direct sunlight. People with very fair skin may expose their scalp to the sun for 45 minutes or an hour on the fifth after the procedure. Long term retention is achieved from a lack of exposure to sunlight. 

After the last treatment, the patient will have to observe the following instruction:

  • For 28 days, the patient will have to stay away from steam rooms, swimming pools, and saunas after the final treatment. 
  • Avoid direct sunlight for 28 days or a month after the last treatment. When those days are over, the patient can use SPF 30–50 sunscreen.
  • The patient should not do heavy exercises that will make him or her sweat heavily. 
  • On the fourth day after the final treatment, the person can start moisturizing regularly, even in between treatments. 

How much does a scalp micropigmentation cost? 

The cost of having an SMP can vary based on the size of the scalp that needs to be covered with the pigment. Each session of treatment done by a professional may cost between $400 and $1,000.

Conclusion 

SMP is viewed as a semi-permanent treatment since it fades away after eight years. It is a good treatment for those who are suffering from partial hair thinning or mild hair loss. Before opting for this procedure, you need to search for A professional practitioner who will do it perfectly without any risk of infections. You need to understand that health insurance providers view this procedure as cosmetic and don’t offer any policy to cover scalp micropigmentation.