Are you a cancer survivor that has experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments? Are you suffering from pattern baldness? Do you have a visible scar on your scalp from an injury or from surgery? Do you feel uncomfortable going out knowing your hair and scalp look different? Don’t worry, you can change the way your scalp looks with scalp micropigmentation by Scalp Evolution!
What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation or SMP is a cosmetic procedure that can help men and women treat hair and scalp issues. SMP restores patient’s confidence with their appearance by giving them a fuller-looking head of hair.
As a cosmetic treatment, SMP works by creating a 3-dimensional effect on the scalp. This lessens the appearance of thin hair, scars, and bald patches in the scalp.
Who Qualifies for Scalp Micropigmentation?
Most patients who opt for scalp micropigmentation in Scalp Evolution are cancer patients who have experienced hair loss due to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. While those treatment options kill cancer cells, they damage hair cells in the process. Although for most people hair grows back after treatment, it usually grows thinner or, in some cases, leave bald patches. Scalp micropigmentation can fix this problem.
Patients that suffer from alopecia, or a condition that causes their hair to fall out, also qualify for the SMP treatment. Male and female patients suffering from pattern baldness will also benefit from SMP.
Scalp micropigmentation treatment lets patients choose where to create the hairline, which has a huge impact in the way their face is framed. This method creates the illusion of stronger and thicker hair.
Because the micropigmentation is color-matched to your hair follicles, the visibility of scars is reduced. The scar blends in with the rest of your scalp thanks to these small “hair follicle” micropigmentation.
How to Prepare for the Procedure?
If you’ve set your heart on getting an SMP treatment, then there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for the procedure.
First the SMP practitioner or artist will provide you with instructions to follow prior to the treatment. This generally includes shaving or plucking your hair 48 hours before having the treatment. However, there are some procedures that don’t require you to shave or pluck your hair.
You’ll also be asked to eat a meal before your procedure. You’re also allowed to bring snacks and drinks with you. If you feel anxious or nervous before your procedure, ask the staff in the SMP clinic if you can listen to music or watch a movie, or do anything that can calm your nerves.
How is Scalp Micropigmentation Done?
Scalp micropigmentation, according to experts from Scalp Evolution, involves tattooing microdots your scalp. This stippling pattern gives the illusion of hair follicles on your scalp. To the untrained eye, it looks like you just cut your hair too close to the scalp.
The same technique is also used to add colors to scars, making them blend in with your scalp. The SMP artist will choose the colors that closely resemble your skin’s natural tone.
Micropigmentation procedures all involve a high level of detail. A normal procedure can take around 4 to 5 hours to finish, depending on how much scalp area is covered. A normal scalp micropigmentation treatment often requires at least 2 to 4 sessions to complete.
We’ll give you a breakdown of each step of the scalp micropigmentation process below:
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Initial Consultation with the Artist
Consultations with the SMP artist is usually done in person. This is so they can get a better look of your scalp, analyze it, and then give you recommendations based on their diagnosis. If you’re unable to meet with the artist for an in-person consultation, you may do this over the phone or video chat.
2. Planning the Treatment
During the consultation, you will be working together with the artist on how to achieve the desired effect on your scalp. You will be deciding on the pigment colors, hairline placements and other important details for the procedure. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure that you completely understand the plan.
3. Initial Treatment Session
The first session is meant to lay down the foundation of your new look. Tiny needles tattoo the color on your skin’s outer layer, creating microdots that are intended to replicate the appearance of hair follicles.
4. Second and Future Sessions
For the second and succeeding sessions, the SMP artist will be adding more microdots on your scalp. The time to complete the succeeding procedures depend on whether you’re finally able to achieve your desired outcome.
Do SMP Treatment Procedures Hurt?
One of the most common concerns people have about SMP procedures is the level of pain involved in it. As only the outer layer of the scalp is treated, it is a lot less painful compared to a traditional tattoo. Don’t be mistaken though, you will feel some discomfort during the procedure.
Each one of us has different levels of pain tolerance. Therefore, it’s important that you inform your artist about any discomfort you feel during the process.
After-care Instructions
Following each treatment, the Scalp Evolution SMP artist will give you specific after-care instructions. We’ll give you a good idea of what post SMP treatment care looks like.
Four days after the treatment you should:
- Avoid touching the treated area
- Avoid showering
- Avoid shaving the treated area for at least 10 days
- Avoid any physical activity that cause you to sweat a lot
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight
- Avoid swimming or getting the treated area soaked in water
- Stay clear of steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs because they make you sweat
- Avoid using moisturizers or shampoo on the treated area
- Keep the treated area clean and dry at all times
On the fifth day after your first session, you can start gently washing your head with mild soap and cold water. Apply an unscented moisturizer on your scalp three times a day to avoid dryness and flaking.
Also try to avoid letting your hair grow out too long because this will give the appearance of thinning and patchy hair. We suggest you use an electric shaver to cut your hair instead of a manual razor. Avoid wet shaving with a razor blade 10 days after the treatment.
