Treatments

Micropigmentation

If you’re experiencing balding or hair loss, micropigmentation may be for you. This permanent hair tattoo technique acts as a solution for hair loss. Even if you’ve undergone hair restoration surgery in the past, have worn hair systems or have scars or skin conditions, scalp pigmentation can still work for you.

Scalp micropigmentation is the process of replicating the appearance of shaven hair, by introducing thousands of tiny pigment deposits into the epidermis of the scalp. When placed by a skilled technician, the recipient appears as if they have a full head of hair, shaved to a very short length.

Without a doubt, scalp micropigmentation is the fastest growing solution for male and female hair loss in recent history. It is non-invasive, has universal appeal and is permanent or we have semi-permanent procedures available. Furthermore, it remains the only permanent hair loss fix to offer instantaneous, guaranteed results.

Numerous terms are used to describe this process. These terms include scalp pigmentation, micro scalp pigmentation, SMP, MSP, hair follicle replication, tricopigmentation and hair tattooing. Please note that all these terms refer to the same basic scalp technique.

Scalp micropigmentation – commonly known as SMP for short – is not just a regular hair tattoo. It’s a highly specialised process where tiny deposits of pigment are positioned within the dermal layer of the skin on the scalp. When applied by a skilled practitioner (which should always be the case), these deposits replicate the look of real shaven hair or really short hair. SMP treatments can be as flexible as you need them to be with you specifying the required shape of your frontal hairline and side profile in order to request a defined or soft hairline.

When it comes to a permanent hair tattoo, you can opt for a more receded look or use lighter pigments for a softer look – like any surgery, it’s entirely up to you. SMP is intended to create the style of hair that you’ve either always wanted or are trying to restore from a previous time. Regardless of your skin type, permanent micropigmentation is guaranteed to work. SMP is a permanent solution for hair loss; all that is required is that you keep your hair cut to the right length using standard hair clippers, an electric face shaver or razor. The length that the hair should be cut to is solely dependent upon the extent of your hair loss. It’s also important that you keep your sin healthy and hydrated by regularly moisturising your scalp and drinking lots of water. A short touch-up session may be required for some individuals from time to time, however, in such cases, these sessions are usually at least five years apart depending on your specific needs and requirements.

If you decide to go ahead with SMP, you should be invited to participate in a free consultation session which will be conducted face-to-face. If, however, you’re based overseas, consultations can usually be completed via email or Skype in most cases. It’s all dependent on who you use.

During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you need, and advice will be provided that is specific to your own individual circumstances. It is important to note that your consultation is completely without obligation, and is conducted in a friendly, informal manner of which you shouldn’t feel any pressure.

Should you choose to proceed with treatment, usually at the end of your consultation or when you have had time to consider your options, the company will arrange suitable dates, times, and a location for your SMP treatment sessions. The majority of SMP treatments are completed within 2-3 sessions but additional sessions may be required depending on your specific circumstances. All of this will be discussed when you speak to a trained and professional SMP practitioner.

The result you can expect is directly linked to the skill of your individual practitioner in addition to the quality of the pigments that are applied. Therefore, it’s important to talk openly and honestly with your practitioner about your specific requirements in order to gain a realistic understanding of what to expect.

You’ll be delighted to hear that the answer is absolutely, yes! Many individuals have acquired scars and skin blemishes during their lifetime for a number of reasons that they wish to conceal. There are a plethora of reasons as to how this can occur including trip and FUE scars caused by hair restoration surgery, accident-related scars and other imperfections such as burns or skin conditions. While scalp micropigmentation used to be commonly used to conceal alopecia, it is now used for a variety of reasons.

Permanent hair tattooing can be a great success and change your life for the better. With the right techniques and trained technician, a realistic and satisfying result can be achieved. SMP is hugely adaptable with wide range of options on offer. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a natural occurrence for short term fading to take place – it’s a normal, functional part of the healing process. If, at any point, you have any questions or concerns about SMP, it’s important to use the appropriate methods to contact your practitioner. They are there to help you throughout the entire SMP process.

The world famous scalp pigmentation technique has taken years to perfect. Therefore, when it comes to SMP, it’s so important that prospective clients understand that it is not just about the results that are visible today, but more importantly, the appearance of the treated scalp in years to come. As the popularity of the treatment has grown, it’s so important to use practitioners who have sound recommendations that can prove and provide case studies that their pigments will never change colour. Regular inks, such as day-to-day tattoo ink, are not suitable for this type of treatment. Therefore, it’s so important to avoid using a company who aren’t verified or legitimate.

Tricopigmentation

Tricopigmentation is commonly referred to as temporary scalp micropigmentation, which is a pretty accurate descriptive. Whereas a permanent procedure will need top-ups every 3-5 years or so with pigment remaining in the skin for 20+ years, tricopigmentation is refreshed almost entirely every 12-18 months.

People sometimes consider tricopigmentation a safer option, or an opportunity to test drive their new look and maintenance regimen before committing long term using permanent SMP. However, most people who choose tricopigmentation do so with the intention of getting it regularly topped up, and have no plans to revert to the permanent option. It is a great choice those who wish to alter their hair line in the future to suit their age.

The availability of a temporary procedure definitely encourages more people to resolve their hair loss issues because tricopigmentation is less daunting for those who are yet to be convinced that SMP is the right solution for their needs. If, after their procedure, they feel like they made a mistake, the pigments will fade on their own over a relatively short period anyway. This removes much of the anxiety from the decision.

If you’ve already taken the time to look into scalp micropigmentation, you’re probably aware of tricopigmentation. With more than 400 scalp tricopigmentation clinics around the world at the moment, tricopigmentation clinics have exceptional standards and technicians. Tricopigmentation (also sometimes known as pigmentalia) is the procedure of introducing quality shaded pigments into the epidermis layer of the skin in order to replicate natural and life-like hair follicles. The ink is introduced using a specialised digital micropigmentation gun utilising some of the finest needles for a truly effective result. Undergoing tricopigmentation can improve your confidence and quality of life, giving you that boost that you need.

The tricopigmentation technique is becoming more and more common and relies on a highly-trained practitioner’s skilled in the use of precision needles and advanced skin pigments to colour the upper layer of the skin – known as the epidermis. The pigments used are permanent compared with normal cosmetic pigments but are referred to as semi-permanent in that, as the skin in the epidermis gradually replaces itself, they’ll fade over several years and will require to be topped up through a number of follow up procedures.

Modern tricopigmentation is derived from scalp micropigmentation. Each deposit is designed to replicate an individual shaven hair follicle – giving a more realistic look and feel. When thousands of deposits are combined and blended with any existing real hair, the result is an incredibly realistic simulation of a full head of shaved hair.

Primarily, the most obvious difference between tricopigmentation and scalp micropigmentation is that the pigment for tricopigmentation is only inserted into the epidermis layer of the skin (the top layer). With scalp micropigmentation or hair tattoo, the pigment is inserted into the dermis layer of the skin. Pigment inserted into the dermis layer of the skin works very much the same as a traditional tattoo in such way that the pigment stays permanently in the skin and won’t fade as much as a semi-permanent tattoo. The issue with the latter is that over time you will usually find that the inks in the dermis layer of the skin ‘bleed’ a little which results in blurring and consequently move away from the appearance of a natural hair follicle. Also permanent hair tattoo follicles are not adaptable and without further cosmetic procedures, and therefore, cannot be amended over time to match the naturally aging hairline. Tricopigmentation provides the most realistic and effective look.

The average treatment for tricopigmentation can last from 1-2 years. But with regular top-ups, tricopigmentation treatments can last a lifetime. After one year, the treatment will usually start to fade due to the natural exfoliation effect in the epidermis layer of the skin, so with regular top-up treatments, new pigments can be re-introduced to keep that perfect follicle look. Tricopigmentationis is semi-permanent in nature which means that within years, if you want your hair to fade back to its natural unblemished state, it will.

It’s so important to talk openly and honestly with your practitioner about your specific requirements from the outset. This is in order to gain a realistic understanding of what to expect. It’s also important to establish that the products and tools used are certified, clean, and to a high standard – so research is essential in the early stages in order to find the right technician. Simple and straightforward communication between you and the cosmetic practitioner can put your mind at rest and reassure you that all tools and techniques are professional and above board.

In terms of the process, some technicians will use a pre-procedure anaesthetic, while others don’t. If a pre-procedure anaesthetic is required but the technician is not a physician or working under the direction of a physician, it will be an over-the-counter level anaesthetic which can be quite effective. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this will be discussed in your consultation beforehand and you’ll know what to expect upon arrival when it comes to the tricopigmentation procedure. When you choose the right technician, you can be safe in the knowledge that they will practice will only one-time-use accessories and medical tools. If a pre-procedure anaesthetic is required, the practitioner will use a sterilized needle will be used before the procedure begins. Depending on your requirements, aftercare instructions are normally provided and some technicians provide products depending on what procedure you choose.

The length of a tricopigmentation procedure really depends on how much hair loss you have experienced and which areas are to be treated. Unlike most scalp micropigmentation treatment that is carried out in a single sitting, a tricopigmentation procedure is usually carried out in around three sittings in order to achieve the best results. In addition, by carrying out the treatment in three sittings, the clients comfort levels are well catered to.

There are a number of reasons that someone may want to undergo tricopigmentation. Traditionally, it’s used on people who suffer from hair loss. However, it can also be applied with great results in the following cases:

  • Alopecia universalis
  • Alopecia areata
  • Baldness
  • Hair thinning
  • Before and after a hair transplant
  • After the removal of a hair system
  • Scar camouflage.

Tricopigmentation really can improve the quality of your life and boost your confidence no end. It’s especially beneficial if hair loss is getting you down and you want to restore your hair to its former glory.

Alopecia Treatments

Thankfully, scalp micropigmentation provides a real solution. SMP does not cure alopecia, as there is no cure for this condition, but it does completely conceal the symptoms which is good enough for most people.

There are two approaches that your we may take, depending on your individual requirements and your preferred strategy:

  • A localised treatment can be used to camouflage the symptoms in one particular area. This is often the method chosen when the client has a small number of patches associated with alopecia areata, the most common form of alopecia. This is also an option if you are working to a tight budget.
  • The preferred method for both generalised thinning and also alopecia areata, is to treat the entire head. This is because alopecia can be aggressive and frequently recurrent, so if the affected areas change size, shape or position, your scalp is pre-treated and you can just get on with your life.

Whatever the causes of alopecia in your particular case, scalp micropigmentation is a great remedy. We do, however, advise you to wait a while if the symptoms are less than 6 months old. Any permanent procedure like SMP is a bad idea if the condition turns out to be short-lived. As always, you should seek professional medical advice before contacting us.

Scar Camouflage

Although some people have a transplant scar treated as a standalone procedure, most people have the rest of their head treated at the same time. It doesn’t really matter as far as concealment of the scar is concerned, however be aware that the treatment zone needs to be a larger area than just the scar tissue, often extending 1-2 cm above and below the scar to achieve an effective blend with surrounding hair.

The treatment process varies from client to client, because scar tissue is more unpredictable than undamaged skin. Scars tend to soak up the pigment, resulting in excessive fading. It’s no problem of course, but it does mean more sessions are usually required to treat a scar versus a regular SMP treatment for baldness.

Check out our FAQs or ask for a consultation to know understand if the treatment is right for the scar you have.

Female Hair Loss

Women suffer hair loss too, but there are real solutions.

Hair loss in women can be devastating. Hair can often be central to identity, and the thought of a thinning or balding scalp can often lead to a loss of confidence and vitality.

Fortunately, today there are a full range of medications and cosmetic treatments available to women sufferers. Gone are the days when you were restricted to uncomfortable, restrictive wigs. From medicated shampoos and FDA-approved medications that can halt further deterioration, to cosmetic treatments like scalp micropigmentation and state-of-the-art transplants – both of which can provide effective solutions, even for women whose hair loss might be temporary.

Micropigmentation and tricopigmentation are replication of tiny hair follicles to give the illusion of thicker hair. With no hair fibres or inconvenience, we’ve seen the effect our treatment makes.

For more information or to book a free private consultation, please contact us.

Androgenetic Alopecia, commonly known as female pattern hair loss, follows a very different path than for men but is no less common, by the age of 40 up to 50% of women can expect to experience some hair loss.

13% of women present with the condition prior to menopause but the prevalence increases significantly post-menopause.

By the age of 65, according to at least one author, as many as 75% of all women will be affected. Unlike for men, where the condition is almost entirely hereditary, there are a range of other triggers that can precede hair loss.

Iron deficiency, for example, which might be related to diet or pregnancy, is a common precursor.

Virilisation, or the appearance of male characteristics associated with high levels of testosterone, is another condition that can be both tested for and treated but which can feature hair loss as symptoms.

It is highly recommended that you pay a visit to your Doctor at the first signs of increased shedding – the correct course of treatment can be provided and there is every chance that a full recovery can be made.

Where Androgenetic Alopecia is diagnosed the symptoms and prognosis are largely predictable. Typically, the hairline and temples remain intact and the thinning appears as more diffuse across the crown of the head. Progress can be charted in line with the set of images known as the Ludwig scale.

Often you can see partings, from a relatively early stage, this can accentuate the problem by making the hair loss extremely apparent.