IS SMP FOR SCARRING USEFUL?
An injury or surgery usually causes the main reasons why someone may have a scalp scar. The most common surgical scars we see on the scalp are that of hairline scalp micropigmentation donor areas. There are two different types of hair transplant scars, FUE and FUT. SMP stands for Scalp Micropigmentation, which is a cosmetic tattooing technique that involves the use of tiny needles to deposit pigment into the scalp. This can be used to create the appearance of a shaved head, add density to thinning hair, and even to cover up scarring on the scalp.
Types of Hair Transplant Scars
1. FUE
FUE is follicular unit extraction, which involves removing tiny individual grafts from the scalp’s back or side, creating many small individual scars.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a minimally invasive hair transplant procedure that involves the removal of individual hair follicles from a donor area on the scalp and their transplantation into the balding or thinning areas. Compared to FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), which involves the removal of a strip of scalp tissue, FUE leaves smaller, circular scars that are less noticeable.
However, it's important to note that FUE scars are still visible, especially if the hair is cut short or shaved. The size, shape, and visibility of FUE scars can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the punch tool used to extract the follicles, the density of the hair in the donor area, and the healing process of the individual.
Fortunately, SMP (Scalp Micropigmentation) can be an effective solution to camouflage FUE scars. During an SMP procedure, a technician will use specialized pigment and techniques to create the appearance of hair follicles on the scalp, effectively concealing the scars and creating a more natural-looking hairline.
It's important to consult with a qualified SMP technician or hair restoration specialist to determine whether SMP is right for you and to discuss the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and goals.
2. FUT
FUT is where the grafts are removed altogether in strip formations. FUT will leave a strip scar in the donor area (as you can see in the picture to the right).
By using the scalp micropigmentation technique, the scars can almost be camouflaged entirely in amongst the existing hair follicles by implanting pigment in and around the scarred area. Not only does scalp micropigmentation conceal the scars, but the technique can also contribute to restoring some health to the injured skin.
FUT is a Cardiff hair transplant procedure that involves removing a strip of scalp tissue from a donor area on the scalp and transplanting it into the balding or thinning area. This technique can leave a linear scar on the back of the scalp, which can be visible if the hair is cut short or shaved.
The size, length, and visibility of the FUT scar can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the strip of tissue removed, the tension of the wound closure, and the individual's healing process.
Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize the appearance of FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) scars, including:
• Trichophytic Closure: This technique involves overlapping the edges of the wound during closure, allowing hair to grow through the scar and camouflage it.
• Scar Revision Surgery: This involves removing the scar tissue and re-closing the wound using advanced surgical techniques to minimize scarring.
• SMP (Scalp Micropigmentation): This technique involves tattooing the scalp with specialized pigment to create the appearance of hair follicles, effectively camouflaging the scar and creating a more natural-looking hairline.
It's important to consult with a qualified hair restoration specialist to determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and goals.