Ask the Hair Loss Expert: Is Scalp Micro Pigmentation the Next Best Solution to a Hair Transplant?

Is thinning hair a concern for you? For those suffering from hair loss and looking for hair loss treatments, you may want to consider Scalp Micropigmentation. A great non-surgical alternative to getting a hair transplant, Scalp Micropigmentation gives the illusion of fuller hair - so there are no more bald patches peeking through your thinning hair.

We recently spoke to hair loss experts TrichoMD Hair Restoration & Aesthetics who are dedicated to the highest quality of (SMP) Scalp Micropigmentation and Hair Loss Treatments in Singapore, Australia and the world over.

Founded by Jenny Wong, a member of the International Board of Medicine & Surgery USA, TrichoMD Hair Restoration & Aesthetics have helped scores of men and women globally in gaining back their confidence. They tell us how Scalp Micro Pigmentation can help us and serve as a good alternative to a surgical option such as a hair transplant.

Vanilla Luxury: What exactly is Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP)?

TrichoMD: Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP) is a medical-grade non-surgical procedure used as a remedy for thinning hair, a receding hairline, and baldness by depositing pigment (or colour) into the upper dermal layer of the skin on the scalp. This allows the replication of hair follicles in the scalp, which look like a few hundred to thousands of pigmented ink dots. The procedure is also called a hair micro pigmentation.

Think of it as a medical-grade tattoo of a thousand little dots that give the illusion of fullness. Scalp Micro Pigmentation is excellent at mitigating appearance issues arising due to semi or permanent baldness, the thinning hair, or a balding horseshoe pattern. A word of caution - many companies use microblades to blade on the scalp or hairline and this is highly dangerous and can cause serious infection and scaring. You should look out for professional services offering scalp micro pigmentation instead of hairline or scalp "embroidery"

Vanilla Luxury: Why TrichoMD and how does the treatment differ from others in the market?

TrichoMD: TrichoMD stands for ‘hair-medical-doctor’ and is founded by Miss Jenny Wong, a member of the International Board of Medicine and Surgery USA. Our Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) procedures not only give you the appearance of fuller-looking hair, it also helps with stimulating new hair growth! What sets us apart from others in the market is the ability to monitor the quality of our products. TrichoMD manufactures its own equipment and products within its premises in Singapore and Australia - this means we know exactly what we are using, and are extremely careful about investing only in the best for our customers.

Vanilla Luxury: Who would be a suitable candidate for it?

TrichoMD: Scalp Micro Pigmentation is suitable across both genders, male or female and meant for those who want to make their hair look denser. You may desire hairline definition, or suffer from Alopecia - in both these cases Scalp Micro Pigmentation can help you cover up your thinning scalp. 

There are also other instances where individuals use Scalp Micro Pigmentation such as to cover burns, birthmarks and scars, but don’t want something more surgical like a hair transplant.

Vanilla Luxury: That’s exactly what we wanted to know! Can it replace hair transplants?

TrichoMD: When it comes to hair transplants, studies have shown that anywhere from 10 to 80 per cent of the transplanted hair will fully grow back in an estimated three to four months* In fact, several individuals seek Scalp Micropigmentation as a cosmetic hair loss option even after a hair transplant. This helps to cover up hair transplant scars and fill in the gaps in between the transplants. So, while Scalp Micropigmentation is only visual, it is a non-surgical route to fuller-looking hair versus a hair transplant where actual hair is transplanted onto your head.

Vanilla Luxury: Is Scalp Micropigmentation painful?

TrichoMD: We are often asked about pain when it comes to procedures. For Scalp Micropigmentation, no topical anaesthetic is required. From a scale of 1 to 10, the pain level is about 0.5. Each treatment typically takes between one to three hours and the total duration varies for different areas of work.

Vanilla Luxury: What about general maintenance? How many sessions would I need and is there anything customers should avoid?

TrichoMD: We are pretty honest about the upkeep of the treatment - you need to invest in the Scalp Micropigmentation for it to give the results one seeks. Even for a small area like a widow’s peak, at least two treatments are required to ensure long-term retention. It is advised that just before the start of the treatment and in the weeks during treatments, customers avoid swimming, steam or sauna rooms, and scalding showers as it may cause what is called a steam storm.

Also, between the sessions, avoid exposure of the scalp to the sun for at least five days, the exposure should be gradual, like starting with half an hour and then increasing the time.

Vanilla Luxury: Is home care needed and will I need products at home to maintain my Scalp Micropigmentation?

TrichoMD: Usually after the Scalp Micropigmentation procedure we prescribe a customised scalp elixir to further stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair roots. The blending of this elixir will be done in the presence of our clients to show how clean and transparent our formulations are. All our products are 100% natural with no chemicals at all. Should you want to stick to a clean hair care routine you can also look at our range of natural and chemical-free hair care that includes shampoo, hair and scalp elixirs.

If you are also in the market for a chemical-free, hair colour brand that is not henna or ammonia-based, our vegan TrichoMD Cover-Up hair colour range will leave your hair and scalp feeling extremely clean and fresh-smelling without the lingering smell of traditional herbs. Freshly ground in Singapore, with no sting; the hair colour has almost the same natural pH as our scalp and hair (pH 4-5), and hence does not irritate or damage it.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447335/