Scalp Micropigmentation vs Hair Transplant

Balding, hair loss, or hair thinning is a common issue affecting many people as they age. Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) and hair transplants are two popular hair restoration techniques that people may resort to. Here are the differences between SMP and hair transplants:

Approach

A hair transplant involves a surgical procedure to transplant hair onto balding areas. A surgeon will remove hair from one section of the scalp (a donor site) and transplant them on areas with thinning hair (a recipient site). Hair grafts are removed by the root to facilitate regrowth at the recipient site for natural-looking results.

Scalp micropigmentation involves a tattoo method to cover up hair loss or a receding hairline. Practitioners use microneedles and pigment to tattoo small dots that mimic tiny hair follicles in the balding region. Artists adjust the pigment to match the client’s hair, offering more realistic and natural-looking results. Since there is no hair regrowth, clients get an appearance of a short buzz cut.

Invasiveness

SMP is a non-surgical procedure, so it is not invasive. Artists use microneedles to create a hair tattoo, so they do not need anesthetics or surgical equipment for incisions or sutures in the procedure. Since it is non-invasive, SMP clients may not experience discomfort or tissue damage to the scalp during hair restoration.

A hair transplant is an invasive procedure, so experts use a local anesthetic to numb the donor and recipient sites on the client’s head. Some clients are also sedated during the procedure to keep them still. Small incisions may be made at the recipient site, depending on the type of hair transplant they prefer.

Scarring

Scarring is a possible side effect of hair restoration techniques depending on the procedure and the practitioner’s abilities. A hair transplant can cause scarring depending on the technique used. The follicular unit extraction (FUE) may cause less scarring since it involves removing individual hair follicles, leaving small circular scars. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) involves removing a strip of hair from the donor site, which can leave a linear scar that is more visible.

SMP is less likely to cause scarring since it does not involve incisions or removal of hair follicles. Since the artists use microneedles, the risk of scarring is minimal.

Recovery

Since SMP is non-invasive, it often requires minimal recovery time. Clients can experience redness and mild swelling over the tattooed area, but it subsides within a few days. Aftercare instructions like avoiding UV exposure over the treated area may promote faster recovery. The client can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

A hair transplant involves surgery, often requiring a longer time to heal. Common effects of the hair transplant procedure, like itchiness, swelling, or crusting, can last a few days after the procedure. Surgeons often recommend that clients wear a protective bandage over the scalp and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. The aftercare routine often involves taking pain medication and antibiotics to help with healing.

Results

Hair transplants and SMP often offer significant and long-lasting results, but this depends on factors like the technique used or the client’s extent of hair loss. SMP can create an appearance of hair follicles by mimicking a close-shaved head. The procedure can cover scars and create a natural-looking hairline that can last for several years but will need touch-up when the pigment starts to fade. Hair transplants take time to grow fully, but the follicles thrive for many years.

Cost

Hair transplant procedures are generally costlier than SMP due to their complexity. Besides charges for the procedure, clients considering hair restoration must consider the cost implication. After a hair transplant procedure, clients will need special creams and treatments that promote healing. This means an additional cost they have to incur post-operation.

SMP can be a more cost-effective hair restoration procedure since clients do not need special creams during recovery. Practitioners often offer personalized price quotes depending on your desired results, giving affordable rates for many average clients.

Visit a Top Scalp Micropigmentation Clinic

Hair transplants and SMP are hair restoration techniques that many people can use to deal with balding, hair loss, and a receding hairline. SMP offers significant and almost instant results by mimicking a buzz cut. Visit a top scalp micropigmentation clinic for hairline reconstruction today.