Scalp Micropigmentation by SMP Hair Tattoo Coventry
What is Scalp Micro pigmentation
Hair loss stems from various causes and differs in both the individual and nature, cases can potentially be episodic, sporadic and on-going. In search of solutions, people are finding themselves drawn to alternatives in times where hair transplants are not always as successful. Good results are not always guaranteed.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) has emerged as a popular option for those dealing with any conditions leading to hair loss. Also known as the “scalp tattoo,” it’s the process in which microdots are pricked onto your scalp with an ink solution, leaving a pigment on the skin that holds a similar look to hair follicles. The outcome gives you an illusion of thicker hair.
The practice is a non-surgical treatment, its initial use reported as far back as 2001 from a report by Traquina who claimed to have performed on 62 patients with scalp scars (Micropigmentation as an adjuvant in cosmetic surgery of the scalp; Traquina.) It has, since then, received widespread interest due to the many successful accounts of those treated by it. The attention on this procedure was also warranted in SMP being used to help as a cosmetic tool, working effectively to cover scarred or unpleasant scalp tissue to produce a more appealing look. Additionally, it can be seen as an option for those with thinning hair.
Micropigmentation does have some differences compared to standard tattooing, as the skin on the scalp is much more fragile and sensitive in contrast to other locations on your body. The practice also requires a skilled application from the operator to ensure quality results.
The Process of Scalp Micro pigmentation
SMP is tattoo-like in application, puncturing a specialised pigment with a technical stippling pattern (very similar technique to pointillism seen from art painters) on the epidermal layer of the scalp, unlike traditional tattoos which leave ink in the deeper layers of the skin. The process is performed using manual or electrically driven needles on an ink pen (or gun) and the pigment is introduced on the skin surface, below the dermal–epidermal junction.
Microdots at approx. 1 mm are generated by pronged needles over surface area where the hair loss has occurred, creating an illusion of hair by decreasing the contrast between hair and skin. The dots collectively replicate the appearance of shaved hair, something less likely to notice in pubic because of its natural look.
Once the ink settles it is retained for a considerable amount of time, producing an indelible change of colour on the skin’s surface in the form of a concealing design. The visibility of cosmetic deformities decreases quite effectively.
This procedure is again, non-surgical and doesn’t require a specialised doctor to be carried out, however I would recommend visiting trained specialists to carry out the treatment to get the best results. This is because a high level of skill and experience is required to gauge several factors:
- ✪ Angle and depth of the needle applied on.
- ✪ Dot pattern placement.
- ✪ Exposure time – time length of needle contact on scalp.
- ✪ Rotor speed.
- ✪ No. of needles
- ✪ Resistance from scalp.
- ✪ Pigment colour and dye viscosity.
The manner of application is very important as a lack of care and proper treatment could lead to unwanted results.
The angle of the needle implanted to the scalp should be at 90°. If a needle is inserted at an angle, it may not form the shape of dots. The depth of needle penetration into the skin is a crucial as it influences the pigment being sustained on the dermis. If there isn’t enough depth when placed, the pigment may not remain in the skin as long, so it may only last up to a couple weeks in some cases. If a needle was penetrated too deep into the dermis, a diffusion of pigment into the surrounding skin can also occur leading to the size of pigment dot to bleed giving a patchy appearance over time. This can also cause the pigment colour to shift over time. Make sure to consult with respected professionals first and exercise your available options when searching for the right clinic.
The Benefits of Scalp Micro pigmentation from SMP Coventry
SMP also knows as hair tattoo has proved a very resourceful tool in camouflaging an illusion of hair follicles, making it an excellent therapeutic option for patients of all genders. On the web you can find various clinics storing testimonies of those afflicted with AGA, post- transplant scars, the many forms of alopecia, scarring on the scalp, and additionally in cases of general male/female pattern baldness and thinning. (1) If the scar area is too wide, the results can be further pushed by combining hair transplantation with SMP. SMP has also been noted to work effectively for those with piebaldism and holds a great option for covering any surgical scars from the past or botched procedures.
Compared to hair transplants the procedure is cost effective and low maintenance. There is also no guarantee that hair transplants are as effective, as the stippling technique adopted for transplants does not guarantee to match the number and distribution of natural follicles found on an average adult. As the dots diffuse over time, overcrowded dots tend to look patchy, SMP serves as an indispensable alternate option for providing the look of increased density without the patchy look over time.
While the results are not fully permanent, micropigmentation is long lasting, and you can update the pigment or style very easily. This makes SMP a much better alternative to other measures that are temporary. Gone are the days of unnatural wigs, hair concealers and hats/wraps inappropriate for your attire, SMP will restore you being able to walk freely without the worry of your scalp in public. With this newfound boost in confidence the world is your oyster, leaving you to concentrate the more important things in life.