Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a promising treatment for people with hair loss. Most people think of hair loss as a man’s problem, but millions of women also experience hair loss and thinning hair.
Schedule consultationHair loss can be devastating for both men and women. It can affect their personal relationships and even their professional lives. By helping conceal hair loss, scalp micropigmentation can help restore self-confidence.
Scalp micropigmentation involves applying different shades of pigmentation (with a needle device, like a tattoo) to the scalp, usually in multiple sessions. The timeline for treatment is usually around 3-4 hours for the first session, 2-3 hours for the second session, and (if needed), 1-2.5 hours for the third session. It all depends on the amount of work needed.
The technician will typically apply lighter shades in the first session, followed by darker shades in subsequent sessions.
A tiny wound forms and scabs over with each dot of pigment applied. When the scab falls away it will inevitably take some of the pigment with it. This fading makes it necessary to have multiple sessions in order to achieve the right shade.
Scalp micropigmentation can be used not only as a cosmetic treatment for balding and surgery-related hair loss, but also for scar camouflage. And it can help cover up blemishes and birthmarks.
Scalp micropigmentation is permanent, but you may need periodic touchups.
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) will affect most men at some point. By age 35, two-thirds of American men will have some level of hair loss. By age 50, approximately 85% of men will have significant hair loss. For some men, this process begins as early as late adolescence.
Almost all cases (95%) of male hair loss are caused by male pattern baldness. It’s characterized by a receding hairline, crown balding, and hair loss around the perimeter of the head. In severe cases, men may be left only with a ring of hair around the bottom section of the scalp.
Scalp micropigmentation is not hair restoration, like a transplant. Men who are comfortable wearing their hair shaved are good candidates for scalp micropigmentation. The procedure involves applying dots of pigment to the scalp to replicate the look of shaven hair follicles.
Female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) causes slow thinning of the hair all over the scalp, although the thinning may be especially noticeable where the woman’s hair parts.
Patterns of female hair loss are classified into three categories:
Women don’t usually experience a receding hairline, and it’s very rare for women to go completely bald.
Scalp micropigmentation is used differently for women than for men. For female patients, the technician parts the hair, section by section, and uses pigments to shade exposed areas of the scalp. This shading helps conceal hair loss and creates the appearance of thicker hair.
Most patients will experience some discomfort, but it usually becomes more tolerable as the session progresses. Some areas of the scalp may be more sensitive than others, including the temples and the skin just above the ears. Everyone has a different pain threshold. SMP is less painful than a regular tattoo or a hair transplant.
There are no reported side effects with scalp micropigmentation. Pigments with heavy metals or chemicals can cause an allergic reaction or interfere with an MRI machine. That’s why it’s vital to choose a qualified, reputable provider to perform the procedure like a board certified cosmetic surgery center.
There is no recovery period after scalp micropigmentation sessions, but you may have slight redness on the skin for 24 to 48 hours. You can usually return to work right away. Time between treatments is usually around a week.
You will need to avoid certain activities after each procedure, including washing your head/hair, sunlight, sweating, swimming, and shaving your head. Your technician will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.
Contact us or call at (713) 892-5476 for a free consultation and to learn more about scalp micropigmentation in Houston.
You may also consider these complementary procedures:
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person
The average cost of microneedling is $300 per session. Your cost may be higher or lower, depending on your needs and situation. You may need between 4-6 sessions, depending on your goals. The Aesthetic Surgery Institute offers financing (subject to credit approval).
Call us at (832) 721-5560 for a free consultation and to learn more about a microneedling procedure in Houston.
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