Everything you need to know about Scalp Micropigmentation Healing Process.
Scalp Micropigmentation is a relatively new technique that has been invented to treat men and women of all ethnicities suffering from a variety of alopecias and hair transplant deformities. The procedure is non-surgical, and it differs from hair transplantation.
Scalp Micropigmentation goes by a few different names: SMP, hair pigmentation, hair tattoo. Despite what it is called, it differs from a conventional skin tattoo. During the process of Scalp Micropigmentation, a qualified SMP Artist injects pigments using a dotting technique, instead of the scraping technique (traditional tattooing), under the skin. The aim is to achieve the illusion of a scalp with more hair volume and make all hair and scalp deformities minimally detectable.
The procedure itself is safe, but it perforates the skin, therefore post scalp micropigmentation healing process is automatically initiated by the immune system. It is not as scary as it might sound.
How Scalp Micropigmentation is performed
Scalp Micropigmentation Procedure starts with an initial consultation. During this visit, the client and a scalp Micropigmentation Artist discuss the realistic expectations. The requirements vary and depend on numerous aesthetic factors, including the presence of blemishes or scars on the scalp, skin colour, hair colour and the amount of hair that is present. The Treatment begins with designing a hairline and picking the pigment colours. During the first Scalp Micropigmentation Session, a qualified SMP Technician inserts a microdroplet of pigment through the skin and into the upper dermis. The needle perforates the epidermis layer of skin to get to the upper dermis. Every scalp has a different thickness and supporting infrastructure. The correct amount of pigment placed depends on SMP Artist skills and experience. Every scalp produces a different skin turgor, so it is substantial to adjust the depth of needle insertion to achieve the desired effect.
To find out more what to expect during a Scalp Micropigmentation Treatment, please click here.
Scalp Micropigmentation Healing
Scalp Micropigmentation procedure is considered an injury to the skin and knowledge of basics wound healing is a must to understand the principles of Scalp Micropigmentation Healing Process.
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Wound Definition Any break in the continuity of the skin is called a wound. It has been defined as ‘disruption of normal anatomic structures and function. [1]
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Wound Healing SMP causes a minimal loss of tissue, and because of this Scalp Micropigmentation healing is classified as Healing by Primary Intention. Our body is straightaway on a mission to regain skin lost integrity and barrier function. Epidermal continuity is usually re-established in 24-48 hours, and the wound healing is divided into four phases. Within a month wound comprises of a cellular connective tissue devoid of inflammatory infiltrate, covered by an intact epidermis. [2]
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Scalp Micropigmentation Recovery Process Straight after the injection of the pigment into the scalp, the redness appears, and the skin may appear swollen and tender. Scalp Micropigmentation Healing Process is automatically initiated by the body. Redness, as an initial response of the skin to the treatment, is normal. It tends to disappear after approximately 24-48 hours on lighter skin complexion. Darken skin complexion is likely not to develop much redness. The ink particles typically aggregate to a more focal location in the upper dermis from day 7 to 13. It is down to the experienced Scalp Micropigmentation Technician during at the first session, to balance what is seen at the surface with an anticipated loss of some of the more superficial epidermal pigments after several days pass. [1] During the first week after the redness subsides, scabs get formed. Under no circumstances you can scratch or remove the scabs by yourself. These need to heal and fall off naturally. If you prick the blisters, there is a risk of Scalp Micropigmentation to appear uneven. Approximately after a week, the scabs start coming off, creating a lightening effect by taking a significant amount of pigment away. What will stay are smaller, lighter dots. Pigment settles and fades during the Scalp Micropigmentation Healing Process, changing the result achieved immediately after the first SMP treatment session. Hence some scabs heal faster than others the result of Scalp Micropigmentation during the healing process can appear unequal. There is no need to worry. Patience is the key. As the entire procedure takes a few session to complete, there will be more ink injected to the scalp to increase density and achieve the desired hairline. As everybody is different, Scalp Micropigmentation Healing Process can vary from person to person. It all depends on the condition of a scalp condition, state of health and lifestyle. As the body needs to heal the skin itself, it is vital to ease this process. Getting enough sleep will make the task easier for the body as it will easier gain the energy to heal the skin. In general, the Scalp Micropigmentation Healing should not take longer than four weeks to experience the final result of an SMP procedure.
[1] Source: PMC “Scalp Micropigmentation”
[2] Source: PMC “Wound Healing Concepts”
