SMP After a Hair Transplant – Is It Okay?

Why Consider SMP After a Hair Transplant?

Hair transplants are a viable option, but they don’t work all of the time and sometimes you need more assistance to get the desired look. We have seen previous hair transplant patients come into our studio looking to get the desired appearance of their hair.

Not Enough Healthy Hair Follicles

If there is insufficient graft density, then a hair transplant is likely not going to garner the results you are looking for. Hair transplants involve moving hair from areas of the scalp with more hair to areas that are lacking hair. So, if you don’t have enough existing individual hair follicles, the hair transplantation procedure is difficult.

Increased Perceived Hair Density

Another reason many consider scalp micropigmentation after a hair transplant is that it increases the perceived hair density. Sometimes, a hair transplant can only get you part of the way towards your desired look and scalp micropigmentation can help provide the shaved head look.

Blend Existing and Transplanted Hair

To improve the overall appearance of your hair, scalp micropigmentation can help by blending existing and transplanted hair. The hair transplant results might be what you were hoping for, now you just need a little bit of additional help to blend the transplanted and existing hair together, instead of further hair transplantation procedures.

Cover Donor Area Scars

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that can leave you with scalp scars, especially if too many grafts were taken. So, many consider scalp micro pigmentation to cover significantly scarred donor areas as a way to enhance hair restoration procedures.

Benefits of SMP After Hair Transplants

When done correctly scalp pigmentation after a hair transplant can provide an effective and lasting solution. The SMP process is effective in filling in the gaps from your hair transplant without the requirement of additional surgery. Even those suffering from alopecia areata can benefit from scalp micropigmentation after hair transplants.

After the hair transplant procedure, you’ll find there are many benefits of scalp micropigmentation, including:

• Aesthetic improvement of sparse areas – If you have lower than normal donor densities or are heavily donor-depleted, then scalp micropigmentation can help improve the overall appearance of a fuller head of hair.
• Scar coverage – Scalp micropigmentation is suitable after a hair transplant as it helps cover scar tissue, even for those with very short hair.
• Smother hair transitions – The correct hair pigments are chosen to provide a smoother transition from the transplanted hair to the existing surrounding hair.
• Hairline improvements – Scalp micropigmentation can help give you a natural-looking hairline and the used pigments reliably conceal your receding hairline.
• Low maintenance – After going through previous surgical procedures, you’ll be pleased to know that SMP is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure and is low maintenance.
• Lasting results – While scalp micropigmentation can’t give you your real hair back, the results are long-lasting, with minimal touch-ups required.

SMP For Thinning Hair: Potential Risks and Considerations

If you have undergone a transplant to treat your hair loss, scalp micropigmentation could very well be the next step. However, there are some potential risks that you should be aware of and you must let the healing process take place before the scalp micropigmentation treatment.

While professional hair pigmentation is low-maintenance, it isn’t no maintenance, so you still need to take care of your scalp, especially when combining scalp micropigmentation after a hair transplant. Things like avoiding direct sunlight, moisturising and refraining from scratching are all important.

To get the proper shaven head look, for example, you should wait until your scalp has fully healed before engaging in scalp pigmentation. It can be tempting to start straight away, especially if you don’t get the real hair results you are looking for, but this can lead to complications, so it is best to wait to ensure as optimal results as possible.

Timing and Preparation for Scalp Micropigmentation After Hair Transplant

If things don’t go according to plan, getting the look of more hair directly after your transplant procedure may be all you think about. However, transplant scars can occur, so you should ensure everything has healed up nicely before taking the next steps. Ensuring your entire scalp has healed, including the donor area means scalp micropigmentation is more likely to be successful.

If you want full hair coverage and the hair transplant doesn’t give you the desired look you should wait the recommended amount of time, which can differ by patient. You should also consult your original transplant surgeon along with an SMP technician, who can help provide expert advice for hair growth or improving your existing hair.

Who Should Avoid SMP After a Hair Transplant?

Combining scalp micropigmentation and hair transplants may not always be a viable hair loss solution. Those who are prone to scarring, specifically keloid scars, might not have the best outcome as scalp micropigmentation can cause keloids (raised scars that grow larger than typical scars) to form.

Also, those who have recently had a transplant aren’t an ideal candidate. It is recommended to wait at least nine months after a hair transplant before investing in scalp micropigmentation. We know you want a natural hair look as soon as possible to combat your thinning hair, but waiting is essential for positive results.

How Long Does SMP Last and Maintenance Requirements

The good news is that scalp micropigmentation won’t damage your existing hair follicles, so further hair loss won’t be a result of this procedure. Scalp micropigmentation is a versatile and effective solution that lasts for anywhere between two and five years.

Your body’s immune system can also have an impact on how long scalp micropigmentation might last. Pigments fade over time, so touch-up requirements may be required throughout the two to five years. It is best to speak with an SMP professional to understand what is required in your individual situation to ensure the effects are felt for as long as possible.

Choosing the Right SMP Practitioner Post-Transplant

For scalp micropigmentation, there is nothing more important than choosing an experienced practitioner who can guide you every step of the way. They should also understand how to work with someone who has previously undergone a hair transplantation.

Scalp pigmentation is a semi-permanent option, so you want to ensure you get a natural look by matching your hair colour and also your skin tone. The right practitioner will also be realistic, so you understand what to expect, helping those with complete baldness or those interested in the shaved hair look.

The team here at InkdSMP are the professionals you’ve been searching for! We are here to help after your hair transplant and provide you with the natural hair look you’ve been craving. Book a free consultation with us today to get the journey started!

Final Words

If you are experiencing hair loss or hair thinning and invested in a transplant, scalp micropigmentation can be beneficial to give the illusion of thicker hair. The two procedures can work well together, so you can achieve your hair goals and help you get your confidence back.

Planning is required for scalp micropigmentation after hair transplants because your scalp needs time to heal. Scalp micropigmentation works effectively to cover hair transplantation scars, but working with a knowledgeable practitioner is essential.