Hair transplants and scalp micropigmentation (SMP) are two options you have when looking to address hair loss. SMP is a non-invasive, semi-permanent treatment involving scalp tattoos, while hair transplants are invasive regrowth surgeries. The two treatments use unique techniques and are suitable for different clients. Here are a few things to know about SMP vs hair transplants:
What Is SMP?
SMP is a non-surgical treatment that involves creating tiny dots that mimic the appearance of natural hair follicles. Experienced scalp micropigmentation artists create the dots using a special pigment and SMP machine that features microneedles. SMP is performed over a few sessions spaced several weeks apart to allow healing. Each session creates a layer of follicle-looking tattoos that may be barely distinguishable from your hair.
Results are visible within days, and you need a couple of days for the scalp to heal and the pigment to settle. The tattoos camouflage hair loss by replicating the natural look of hair follicles emerging from your scalp. You can also use it to create the illusion of denser hair in thinning areas. SMP was originally designed for scalp hair loss, but the technique also enhances the appearance of beards, sideburns, mustaches, and goatees.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves using donor hair follicles from the back or sides of your scalp. The donor hairs are then transplanted to the balding or thinning area. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) are the two common hair transplant options.
FUE involves using individual follicular units, while FUT uses a long strip of hair cut into smaller pieces under a microscope. Hair transplants require anesthesia and result in the natural regrowth of transplanted follicles. The treatment also leaves scars on your scalp, especially if you use FUT. Recovery takes a couple of weeks, and full hair regrowth may take several months.
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What’s the Maintenance Like?
SMP treatment produces immediate tattoos that settle within a few days, creating the appearance of a buzzed haircut. Results may last several years and require occasional retouching to maintain the appearance. You can use it to camouflage hair loss caused by male or female pattern baldness and alopecia. Immediate aftercare involves avoiding activities that make you sweat, swimming pools, and sun exposure. Once the pigments are settled and the scalp is fully healed, you can clean your head and resume normal activities.
Hair transplants result in natural, growing hair that can be styled, cut, and washed. The results are permanent, but you may need additional sessions to achieve full coverage. Maintenance may involve medication to preserve existing hair. Transplants also leave scars that may be difficult to disguise when wearing shorter styles.
Which Should I Choose?
SMP is a suitable solution if you want a non-invasive cosmetic treatment for thinning hair, bald patches, or complete baldness. The treatment eliminates the need for surgery and provides a long-term solution with minimal maintenance. SMP also doesn’t require donor hair and may be used to camouflage scars caused by hair transplants and injuries. Since SMP involves scalp tattoos, practitioners can achieve more customization by creating unique styles, including widow’s peaks.
Hair transplants are suitable if you have sufficient donor hair and want actual regrowth and styling options. You must be willing to undergo surgery and commit to long-term aftercare and restoration. The treatment may also result in permanent scars, which sometimes require additional SMP treatment.
Who Performs the Procedure?
Scalp tattoos are offered by experienced practitioners, and they are familiar with different styles and techniques used to produce them. They also handle pigment preparation and provide professional insight into sessions, aftercare, maintenance, and retouching. Artists are able to match the pigmentation color to a variety of skin tones.
Hair transplants are complex surgeries that can only be performed by experienced, board-certified surgeons. The procedure requires extensive consultation and pre-surgery preparations. This could include identifying donor areas, harvesting follicles, and processing the hair.
Speak to a Scalp Micropigmentation Practitioner
SMP allows you to conceal hair loss without having to undergo advanced surgical operations. The procedure doesn’t require medications, and recovery is shorter. You also have more control over the final appearance because the tattoos are carefully placed to fit your style. Contact a scalp micropigmentation practitioner today to find out more about their services.
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