Hair loss through pattern baldness is something that is known to be notoriously difficult to reverse. It affects over half the population of American males and just under half of the female population. SMP is certainly a conclusive answer to the problem, however, more people are now turning to scalp micropigmentation and FUE combined.
Anyone who has already done their research will know that scalp micropigmentation is an innovative treatment that is non-surgical. It is used to conceal the damage of a receding hairline, thinning or baldness. SMP uses a technique that is tantamount to tattooing and involves the application of natural pigments across the scalp in a series of tiny dots. The end result is an appearance that is of ultimately natural hair follicles growing through the surface of the skin.
SMP is logically a brilliant way of achieving a realistic look of a freshly barbered and iconic buzz-cut. It works really well at providing an appearance of density where diffuse thinning has occurred. However, if you are looking to achieve a full head of natural hair after baldness, the problem remains that scalp micropigmentation does not promote new hair growth. This is the reason more and more people are turning to combined FUE and SMP treatments.
What is FUE?
Unabbreviated, FUE is actually a Follicular Unit Extraction hair transplant. It is a method that takes small groups of healthy hair follicles that have been unaffected by pattern baldness. The healthy follicles are thereafter implanted, or grafted, onto the affected hair loss sites. The procedure is carried out under a local anesthetic and new hair growth can be expected within a four month period post-intervention.
Follicular unit extraction transplants are becoming increasingly popular and successful and are often chosen over its close counterpart, the Follicular Unit Transplant, or FUT for short. The difference between the two procedures is that rather than removing a tiny group of follicles, as is the case with FUE, Follicular Unit Transplants take strips from the donor sites which can leave unsightly visible linear scarring should the transplant be unsuccessful. FUE will leave only minor punch hole marks which, if performed correctly, will remain nigh on invisible in the event of transplant failure.
Combined Scalp Micropigmentation and FUE Treatments
If you are looking to receive both treatments, hand-in-hand, the ideal step is to proceed with the FUE transplant first. Once the new hair growth from the transplant begins, then assessments can thereafter be made to find a best-fit solution for scalp micropigmentation.
Generally speaking, scalp micropigmentation treatments last between two to four hours per session. Once all sessions of SMP are completed, there are aftercare guidelines that need to be adhered to. The aftercare routines will ensure the longevity of treatment and once timescales are complete, you will be left with a maintenance-free aesthetic treatment until top-ups are required which will be around the three to five-year mark.
If you are considering combined scalp micropigmentation and FUE treatments and are not sure where to begin, then why not connect with me here at Scottsdale Hairlines to talk through the process further.