Scalp Micropigmentation - Procedure and Advantages

Introduction

Hair loss is generally distressing and can have a significant effect on the quality of life of the person suffering from it. Millions of people have cosmetic problems with their hair and scalps because of genetic and dermatologic conditions. There are also iatrogenic deformities due to hair restoration procedures. Hair loss is a progressive process, and iatrogenic and genetic conditions become pronounced over time. Scalp micro-pigmentation helps in dealing with hair loss by using a tattoo that mimics the hair follicles cut close to the scalp. It does not treat the cause of hair loss, but it helps to create the look of thick hair on the head.

What Is Scalp Micro-pigmentation?

Scalp micro-pigmentation is a cosmetic nonsurgical treatment done for hair loss or hair thinning. It is also known as a hair tattoo. This procedure does not grow hair or change natural hair growth. It emulates the appearance of a shaved head. It is not a treatment for hair loss or its underlying cause. This procedure will not cause any damage to the existing hair follicles as it is a way to make the hair look fuller and thicker. This treatment gives an illusion of having saved hair or a buzz cut on people with baldness. It is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia or surgery.

The effects of scalp micro-pigmentation can be noticed immediately after the first session, but for desired results, usually, two or three sessions are required depending on the condition of the patient. Scalp micro-pigmentation generally retains the appearance for four years or more. The pigments used in the procedure are permanent cosmetic pigments, and they are not the same as normal tattoo ink. Minimum exposure to the sun increases the longevity of the results of the procedure. However, the effects of the procedure may fade over time as all skin exfoliates itself naturally. For those with very dry skin, fading is likely to occur more quickly. Hence aftercare of scalp pigmentation is very crucial to keep the desired results for a long period of time.

Who Needs Scalp Micropigmentation?

Scalp micro-pigmentation is a procedure done to create an appearance of thick hair in people who have the following problems:

• Alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes loss of hair).

• Hair loss due to hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Hair loss due to chemotherapy or any other cancer treatment.

• Male and female pattern baldness.

• Scalp show-through or thin hair.

• Birthmarks or scars on the scalp.

How Is Scalp Micropigmentation Performed?

• Before the Procedure: Patients undergoing this procedure are advised to wash their hair and scalp before their appointment. The practitioner will start by marking the areas on the scalp that they will treat. If the patient is bald, the practitioner will create a hairline based on the facial structure, age, and shape of the head of the patient. In consultation with the patient, the practitioner will choose pigments that match the hair color. Then he will apply numbing medicine to the patient’s scalp to alleviate any pain during the procedure. The needles used in this procedure are smaller and thinner than tattoo needles which makes this procedure less painful than getting a tattoo.

• During the Procedure: The practitioner using a thin and small needle, deposits tiny dots of medical-grade pigment (color) in the outer layer of the skin on the desired areas of the scalp. These dots and stippling patterns give the appearance of thick hair by giving the effect of hair follicles. To provide a natural hair-like appearance, the pigmented dots differ in size, angle, and depth. The procedure may take about five hours, depending on the size of the area to be treated. People may need three or more such treatments spaced several weeks apart. This is done to add more pigment to create a look of thick hair. It is important for the patient to know that there may be a green or blue tint to the pigment. The greenish tint to the gray or black pigment is similar to how red blood cells appear green under the skin. The actual color of some pigments can change as well because of direct ultraviolet light exposure to the pigment through the skin.

• After the Procedure: As this is not surgical and does not require anesthesia, the patient can return to normal daily life quickly. There are a few precautions that the patient needs to follow, such as avoiding swimming, avoiding steam rooms and saunas for 28 days after the final procedure, and also avoiding strenuous exercise for five days after the final treatment. The patient is advised to moisturize the scalp after the fourth day of the final treatment session. Patients should also avoid sun exposure on the scalp and sweating or being in a hot environment.

What Are the Advantages of Scalp Micropigmentation?

The advantages of scalp micro-pigmentation, when compared to hair transplantation surgery, are:

• Less pain.

• No downtime.

• Noninvasive.

• Lower cost.

What Are the Side Effects of Scalp Micropigmentation?

Scalp pigmentation is a safe procedure when done by a licensed practitioner. However, some of the possible risks of scalp micro-pigmentation include:

• Redness and itching in the treated area of the scalp, which goes away in a few days.

• Allergic reactions to the pigments used.

• Scalp tightness.

• Infection due to unsterilized needles. Consult the doctor if experiencing any of the possible signs of infections, such as pus or drainage, fever, severe pain, swelling, and severe redness.

• The undesirable or unnatural appearance of the scalp and hair after the treatment.

• Quick fading of the pigmentation.

Who Should Not Get Scalp Micropigmentation?

Although scalp pigmentation helps men and women of all ages, some people should avoid getting this treatment. People who have skin sensitivities such as psoriasis (a skin disease that causes scaly, itchy patches on the skin), those prone to have keloids (scars that grow larger in size than normal), or experience breakouts more frequently.

Conclusion

Scalp micro-pigmentation is a shaved style micro-pigmentation that lets individuals choose where to create their hairline. Most of the complications of scalp micro-pigmentation occur when the procedure is performed by an inexperienced or unlicensed practitioner who may not take the necessary precautions. Hence, it is very important to choose the right licensed practitioner to get the desired results.