What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

Updated on November 22, 2022

Scalp micropigmentation is a popular non-surgical hair loss treatment that involves applying natural pigments into the dermal layer of the scalp to replicate a natural shaved head look. If you suffer from hair loss, finding the right course of treatment can be difficult, which is where scalp micropigmentation comes into the equation. (Source from an Scalp Micropigmentation company from New York)

The human head has roughly 2,000 hairs per square inch. Should thinning occur, this can be depressing for many, especially with the stigma attached to premature aging and balding in both women and men. If your confidence has been affected, scalp micropigmentation can rebuild a bald head to resemble a full head of well-groomed hair. To help make up your mind, here is a guide on what scalp micropigmentation is and how it may benefit you.

Purpose of Scalp Micropigmentation

The primary purpose of scalp micropigmentation is to imitate the appearance of a shadow on the scalp. Scalp micropigmentation can simulate and restore hairlines on both part-bald and fully bald scalps. If you have thinning hair or birthmarks, burns, or scars that affect your confidence, this treatment can permanently camouflage any imperfections. 

Scalp micropigmentation is commonly used for people with crown balding, receding hairlines, complete or near-complete hair loss, as well as alopecia. Scalp micropigmentation is also suitable for all skin types and colors. So, regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity, scalp micropigmentation can help people from all walks of life.

Process of Scalp Micropigmentation

If you have any of the conditions listed above and have decided that scalp micropigmentation is right for you, you may be worried about how painful the procedure is. In a nutshell, the discomfort and pain you experience will depend on your circumstance. Before your treatment begins, your SMP practitioner will use a topical numbing agent on the scalp. While this should make the process pain free, you may experience discomfort along the way.

Before any treatment begins, you will have an initial consultation with an SMP practitioner who will prepare you on what to expect before during, and after the procedure. It’s recommended that you shower before each treatment as you will be unable to wet or wash your scalp for several days after each procedure. Also, each treatment usually lasts between 4-5 hours. To get the best results, you mustn’t go swimming, take exceedingly hot showers, or expose your scalp to harsh UV rays in the following days after your procedure. 

Cost

The amount you pay for your scalp micropigmentation treatment will vary. If you need your whole scalp to be covered, you should expect to pay more. Each treatment usually costs between $500 and $1,000. However, this will also depend on the practitioner you use. As micropigmentation is classed as semipermanent, this means that the effects won’t last forever. Over time, the treated area will fade, meaning you may need to have additional treatment later down the line. For those who have very dry skin, you will notice fading much quicker. 

Before undergoing any treatment, you must have a budget in place so you can work out if you can realistically afford the procedure. Depending on the severity of your hair loss, you may need to pay far more. So, to avoid getting into debt, creating a budget from the beginning is key. You need to bear in mind that your medical insurance cover will not foot the bill for scalp micropigmentation. This is because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. 

Risks

Like with any medical procedure, there are risks that you need to be aware of when undergoing scalp micropigmentation. Although micropigmentation is not technically regarded as a tattoo, as tattoo ink goes far deeper into the skin, treatments like SMP do carry comparable risks. You may find that you’re allergic to components in the tattoo ink which can result in scarring and irritation.

When the barrier of the skin’s surface is broken, there is always the chance of infection, regardless of how careful you are. This means that you must find a specialist technician and clinic to carry out the treatment. Before making your choice of clinic, there are several things to take into account, such as how hygienic the premises are and whether the technician possesses relevant training and credentials for administering scalp micropigmentation. Should you choose an inexperienced SMP technician, the effects of the treatment can be devastating and difficult to remove. Make sure that you listen to your gut feeling from the beginning, otherwise you could pay the price later on.

Scalp micropigmentation can be a life-changing hair loss treatment, helping to restore confidence, boost self-esteem, and change your outlook on life. If you have thinning hair, this procedure replicates the natural appearance of hair follicles. Before you decide on this treatment, make sure you know what the procedure entails, the risks attached, as well as the success rates and costs. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.