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SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION VS HAIR TRANSPLANT
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SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION VS HAIR TRANSPLANT, WHICH IS BETTER?
Hair loss can be caused by hormones, genetics, food, or stress as we age. Luckily, there are solutions available, including hair transplants and scalp micropigmentation. Hair transplants involve surgery where hair is taken from a donor site and transplanted onto balding spots. In contrast, scalp micropigmentation is a hairline tattoo that creates the appearance of hair follicles without surgery.
While hair transplants offer a permanent solution, scalp micropigmentation is a safer and less invasive alternative. Both options can provide natural-looking results for individuals with minimal hair loss or thinning hair.
Hair transplants can be performed using two techniques, follicular unit transplantation and follicular unit extraction, depending on the type and quantity of scarring. Choosing between hair transplant surgery and scalp micropigmentation depends on personal preference, budget, and the best solution for each individual’s hair loss.
WHAT IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION?
Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical treatment or procedure that uses fine micro needles to insert natural pigments into the scalp. This is an ideal procedure for people with receding hairlines, bald spots, patches, and scars from the hair transplant procedure.
It restores the look of fuller hair by creating and replicating the appearance of tiny hair follicles, making it look fuller.
The practitioner would use pigmentation and proper equipment to copy the hair follicles and colour of the natural hair. It gives an illusion of real and thicker hair to the thinning or bald areas.
Note that this is a non-invasive and nonsurgical treatment; this should be noted in case you do not want to go through the surgical means of hair restoration.
Scalp micropigmentation should be touched up every 3 to 6 years to maintain its natural appearance. It could also be called Micro pigmentation scalp, hair tattoo, hair pigmentation, head tattoo or scalp tattoo.
BENEFITS OF SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION
This hair tattoo method is non-surgical and non-invasive, making it a more comfortable option for some people. It is 100% effective and replicates the look of real hair, often with no noticeable difference.
Maintenance is minimal, with only a touch-up needed every 3 to 6 years. It is budget-friendly and can help conceal visible scars on the head. It can also create the look of a full head of hair for those experiencing thinning or hair loss.
COST OF SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION
Depending on the practitioner’s experience and how much of the scalp needs to be covered, the cost range could be between $2000 and $4000.
WHAT IS A HAIR TRANSPLANT?
This is quite different from scalp micropigmentation in the sense that while a hair tattoo is used to give an illusion of hair, well hair transplant is a surgery in which hair that you already have is moved to fill a thin or bold spot on the head, by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
This procedure takes place in the medical /doctor’s office after the back of the head has been injected with a numbing medicine to reduce the feeling of pain. However, some patients still complain of pain during the procedure and discomfort.
There are two techniques for transplanting hair, and they include:
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
Follicular unit extraction (FUE).
FOLLICULAR UNIT TRANSPLANTATION (FUT)
This hair transplant method is called FUT, and it involves removing a strip of scalp skin from the back of the head. The surgeon then divides the removed scalp into smaller units to use as grafts for the transplant, depending on factors such as the size of the treatment area and the type and color of the patient’s hair.
FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION (FUE)
In FUE, hair follicles are cut from the back of the head using punch incisions, then transplanted to the balding area using tiny holes. The procedure takes about 4 to 8 hours and requires stitches that are removed after several days. Additional sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
BENEFITS OF HAIR TRANSPLANT
Hair transplant is a successful and cost-effective procedure that improves a person’s appearance and eliminates baldness, giving them more confidence in their looks. It has a high success rate and requires low maintenance, giving it a natural look.
RISK OF HAIR TRANSPLANT
Hair transplant procedures’ potential risks and drawbacks include inflammation or infection of the scalp or hair follicles, bleeding, scalp swelling, discomfort due to itching, scarring, temporary hair loss, insufficient donor hair, and visible scars that prevent keeping hair short.
COST OF HAIR TRANSPLANT
The price of a hair transplant may fluctuate based on the quantity of hair to be transplanted and the surgeon who performs the procedure. It typically ranges between $5,000 and $20,000. It’s important to research and understand the different procedures and consult with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to choose the best option for you.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION VS HAIR TRANSPLANT
Scalp micropigmentation VS Hair Transplant | Hair transplant |
This method is a nonsurgical treatment. | A hair transplant requires surgery to transfer and plant the hair. |
This procedure is less invasive. | It is a more invasive method that may be uncomfortable for some people. |
This treatment is more budget-friendly. | A hair transplant is more expensive. |
This uses ink to replicate the appearance of hair on the head. | This transfers hair from one part of the head with hair to a part that does not have it. |
No donor’s hair is required. | Not enough donor hair can result in unsatisfactory results. |
Immediate results in a few weeks | Prolonged healing time and many months for the hair to regrow. |
TAKEAWAY
Hair loss affects millions worldwide, and various treatment options are available to combat the condition. Two of the most popular treatments are scalp micropigmentation (SMP) and hair transplant surgery. While both treatments can provide effective results, there are several key differences to consider when deciding which option is right for you.
Scalp micropigmentation involves depositing pigments into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and create the appearance of a shaved or fuller head of hair. The procedure is minimally invasive, requires no downtime, and can provide long-lasting results with minimal maintenance.
For those who seek a cost-effective option, scalp micropigmentation can be a more desirable alternative than hair transplant surgery as it is relatively more affordable.
During a hair transplant, hair follicles are harvested from a donor area and then implanted into areas of the scalp experiencing hair loss or thinning. The procedure is more invasive than SMP and requires a longer recovery time. However, hair transplant surgery can provide more natural-looking results and is a better option for those with progressive hair loss.
Ultimately, the decision between scalp micropigmentation and hair transplant surgery comes from personal preference and individual circumstances. For example, those with early-stage hair loss or looking for a more budget-friendly option may prefer SMP, while those with advanced hair loss may find hair transplant surgery a better solution.
It’s important to note that SMP and hair transplant surgery can also be combined to achieve optimal results. For example, SMP can be used to create the appearance of density in areas where hair transplant surgery was performed.
In conclusion, scalp micropigmentation and hair transplant surgery are practical options for treating hair loss. Understanding the differences between the two treatments and consulting with a qualified practitioner can help you decide which choice is right for you.