Suffering from hair loss or thinning hair can be detrimental to our self-confidence and cause intense levels of anxiety. Thanks to the latest innovations, we do not have to battle with thinning hair and baldness anymore. Nowadays we can maintain our good looks and self-esteem, even when age does start to catch up with us. There are two main options for addressing the issue of balding:
- Non-surgical called Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
- Surgical known as Hair Transplant
Watch a replay from my Facebook Live with Dr Christian Bisanga from BHR HAIR RESTORATION CLINIC:
“Hair transplant & scalp micropigmentation best of both”
https://web.facebook.com/1182825938/videos/10220608562702341/
What is Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp Micropigmentation, also known as SMP, is an innovative hair loss solution suitable for women and men. This procedure intends to create an illusion of shaved hair or greater density in hair-bearing areas that have lost hair or require augmentation. It is a tattoo technique that replicates the look of hair follicles by implanting pigment into the dermal layer of the skin to achieve a natural-looking result.
What is Hair Transplant
Hair transplant is a type of surgery that moves hair you already have to fill an area with thin or no hair. * There are two methods offered by surgeons around the world. They both differ in the way in which hair follicles are extracted from the donor area:
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
The doctor removes a strip of donor skin from which the hair is prepped for implantation into the recipient area. The area usually heals with a scar that your existing hair might not be able to cover. - Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
The doctor removes each hair graft individually, using minimally invasive technology. The area heals with small dots, which your existing hair will cover. This technique is gaining popularity in recent years because it does not leave a linear scar.
Which hair loss treatment is suitable for me?
The most suitable hair restoration technique for the patient depends on a range of factors.
Scalp Micropigmentation
Both female and male patients are good candidates for SMP. This procedure effectively treats scars from Hair transplants. It gives almost immediate results without the need for surgery, requires little maintenance and provides natural-looking results when performed by a qualified and skilled technician. It is an effective treatment for the most common type of hair loss in men called Male Pattern Baldness (MPB), and women called Female Pattern Baldness (FPB). The medical term for the condition is Androgenic Alopecia.
How long does the procedure take?
Scalp Micropigmentation usually requires between 2-4 sessions, and the average duration of each session is between 2 and 4 hours. There is no need for additional time off work as Scalp Micropigmentation is an invasive treatment that allows a candidate to continue with a daily routine. We can almost say that there is no time needed to recover.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation painful?
As everybody has a different pain threshold, and there is no local anaesthesia used during the treatment, some people (1 out of 10 clients) may experience a little discomfort. As the session goes along, clients get used to the feeling, and it disappears.
Is Scalp Micropigmentation permanent?
Scalp Micropigmentation is a permanent hair loss treatment, but there is a range of various factors determining its longevity. Everyone is different and has a different lifestyle. In general, scalp micropigmentation lasts for approximately a period of 3 to 6 years. Learn more.
How much does Scalp Micropigmentation cost?
The cost of Scalp Micropigmentation varies depending on the level of hair loss and the area which needs treating. It is always a good idea to get in touch with a Scalp Micropigmentation Clinic to get a better understanding of the expectations of SMP treatment. On average Scalp Micropigmentation Treatments range from £1000 to £3000.
Hair Transplant
Hair Transplant needs medical assistance and can only be performed by a trained surgeon. Depending on the type of hair loss in men and women, hair restoration surgery is a good option and is likely to be successful. Regardless of the hair transplant technique or how skilled is a surgeon, if skin tissue has been cut or punched, there will be scarring to some degree, leaving “white dots”. There is when Scalp Micropigmentation comes with a helping hand to ensure the final result is immaculate.
How long does the procedure take?
Depending on the method (FUT or FUE) and the number of grafts placed, a Hair Transplant procedure usually requires one surgical day. Then the transplanted hair need to become secure in the new place and cardiovascular system, this takes about a week. In the next stage, the transplanted hair tends to return to the pre-surgery condition, and it can take between 3 to 4 months before it starts growing. We need to allow a year to see the final result. As the procedure is classed as surgery, it allows patients to come back to work and daily routine within a few days (depending on a job and lifestyle).
Is Hair Transplant painful?
There is no pain when undergoing a hair transplant procedure as patients are put under local anaesthesia. The next few days straight after the surgery can be painful. Depending on the Hair Transplant method used and individual pain threshold, some patients can experience almost no pain and others may require painkillers to relieve any discomfort.
Is Hair Transplant permanent?
The results of a Hair Transplant are visibly long-lasting and are considered to be permanent. After the completion of the healing process, the transplanted follicles begin to grow hair that fills out the bald patches on a scalp. Obviously, like the rest of the hair follicles, the transplanted ones have a lifespan. As patients get older, the hair production process by the follicles may gradually slow down. In many cases, patients undergo more than one procedure.
How much does Hair Transplant cost?
The cost of a Hair Transplant depends on how much hair you need transplanting and where the procedure takes place. The clinics usually charge per graft. Prices can vary significantly. On average Hair Transplant procedure requires 3000 grafts, and prices per graft start at £4. The precise cost is always based on personal circumstances and given after the first consultation.
As you can see, the two hair loss solutions presented above can complement each other and are very different in all aspects. Both Scalp Micropigmentation and Hair Transplant have the same goal to improve the perception of a good look and physical well-being. The decision to which procedure your vote goes to is up to you. If you need to talk to an experienced and skilled Scalp Micropigmentation artist to discuss your case, please do get in touch with us today. Book a Scalp Micropigmentation Appointment in our Bristol Clinic with Piotr Fliger and change your life forever.
*source: WebMD
