Monella
One of the popular treatments for hair loss is the scalp micropigmentation or SMP. It is a tattoo procedure that involves the use of needles to put tiny pigments in the scalp. When a process consists of a needle, most people get nervous. Questions play into mind if it hurts, or is it the right method. Thus, we will talk about what SMP is and determine if it is right for you or not.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation is a process that entails the tattooing of tiny hair follicles into a scalp using a microneedle. This procedure creates a look of fuller head since the small hair follicles add density to thinning areas. It is also ideal for men who only have minor hair recessions. The tiny dots created on the scalp gradually fade and result in pigment shades. This practice of pigmentation has been used to treat hair loss since the 1970s. However, the process was only fully developed in early 2000 and was offered to the public in 2006.
Scalp micropigmentation is a highly technical process that should only be done by professional and trained SMP technicians. The treatment is commonly divided into three sessions, depending on the style you want and the extent of hair loss. Light pigments will be applied during the first session, and the darker shades will be used in the succeeding ones. Due to the complexity of the procedure, you must consult with your SMP practitioner first before getting the actual treatment.
Is SMP Painful?
Scalp micropigmentation is generally not excessively painful. Nevertheless, since the procedure uses a needle, you may feel an amount of discomfort or some level of pain during the treatment. But, every person has a different threshold when it comes to pain. Most patients can tolerate the pain during an SMP procedure, and others who feel much more uncomfortable. There are parts of the head that can become more painful, including the skin above the ears and your temples. Although generally, the whole procedure should only make you feel very mild pain.
But if you are worried about the possibility of feeling any pain, you can ask your doctor for a pain reliever prescription. It will help you feel a little bit comfortable, especially if you have a low pain threshold. Just make sure that there is somebody to take care of you and drive you home if ever you decide to take in pain reliever before the SMP treatment. Your practitioner is also most likely to apply a topical agent to numb the scalp.
Whereas most people who undergo SMP procedures experience a bit of discomfort, especially during the first session, the treatment becomes more and more tolerable in the succeeding sessions. Some patients also focus on the final results of the procedure to overcome the pain and their fear. And, it might give patients more encouragement to know that the recovery period only takes about 24 to 48 hours every after each session.
Who Can Get SMP?
Remember that hair loss is not a unique problem. More than 40% of men who are 18 to 49 years old suffer from moderate to extensive loss of hair. There are a variety of treatments to solve the problem of hair loss. Some take medications, while others get hair transplants. But, many others resort to scalp micropigmentation or hair tattooing to restore their receding hairlines.
Although hair loss is more common to men, SMP treatment is not exclusive for them. Just like men, women also experience baldness due to stress, surgery, childbirth, and other reasons. SMP is now also becoming a popular hair treatment for the female population, as it is with the male populace.
However, there is a difference in the way SMP treatment is administered between men and women. The goal for women who undergo SMP procedure is to lessen the color contrast between the hair and the scalp. And since it is improbable that women will get completely bald, they do not need to shave their heads before the treatment. It can also be noted that scalp pigmentation works best on dark and brunette hair. In general, blonde women are not recommended to undergo the procedure.
The scalp pigmentation is also useful for those who experience all types of hair loss, including people with:
- Cancer
- Alopecia
- Pattern baldness
- Thinning hair
Although SMP is not advisable for those people who have scalp acne and psoriasis. They should avoid the procedure during breakouts since it is hard to apply pigments on inflamed scalps. Also, those who are prone to having keloids should avoid the treatment.
The result of scalp micropigmentation looks astonishingly real if done right. However, there are times when the outcome may not be as you expected. Thus, it is essential to get treatments only from experienced professionals. Luxe Micro is a leading company that offers quality scalp micropigmentation. They also provide the most natural solutions for other scalp problems such as balding, alopecia, thinning areas and surgical scars.
