Is Scalp Micro-pigmentation a good idea?

 

 

Since micro-pigmentation involves covering the hair follicles with pigment, all colors are customized. To ensure quality with each application, Christopher uses all organic colors. He notes they are mineral-based and definitely not synthetic.

 Results from scalp micro-pigmentation are considered semi-permanent and will generally last for one to two years. However, for the most realistic color that really blends, Christopher advises that the color be applied away from the hairline. "Anytime it is directly on the hairline, it risks being more obvious," he shares—even in scalp micro-pigmentation, you want it to be subtle.

Many cancer patients experience hair loss from treatment. A known side effect of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant, hair loss results from hair cells getting damaged in the course of killing cancer cells.

This hair loss occurs throughout the body, and its medical term is 'alopecia.'

 The hair growth begins again when the treatment is over. But, it may be thinner or leave bald patches. In addition, if your treatment requires surgery on the head or brain, you will have a permanent scar.

 The great news is that there are options for treatment for many of these problems. For example, scalp medical tattoos or micro-pigmentation can improve these side effects.

 The International Journal of Dermatology examined how satisfied patients were with this treatment. They reported patient satisfaction scores of 4.8 on a 5-point Likert score, with 5 being the highest.

 This shaved style micro-pigmentation approach lets individuals choose where to create their hairline. This impacts the framing of your face. In addition, this technique makes thin hair look more robust and bald areas denser.

 By color matching your hair follicles, the artist decreases the visibility of scars. In addition, these small "hair follicle" deposits cause the spot to blend in with the rest of your scalp.

 Ultimately, Christopher feels that the best candidates for scalp micro-pigmentation are women experiencing thinning, receding hair. "It's a better solution than a hair transplant," he explains. But, of course, results cannot be guaranteed like all semi-permanent tattoos. With that being said, Christopher emphasizes that most people see dramatic results. "Many don't realize, but this is not a traditional tattoo—modern micro-pigmentation uses different machines and pigments, allowing for more realistic-looking results."

 

 

How much does scalp micro-pigmentation cost?

Scalp micro-pigmentation can treat a small bald patch, or it can fill in a large section of the scalp. Additionally, some candidates may have scalp micro-pigmentation as part of a surgical hair restoration procedure to further augment results.

 The cost of a scalp micro-pigmentation will vary based on:

• who performs it (a specialized provider will typically charge more for their time),
• where you have the procedure (the coasts are usually more expensive),
• how many treatments your scalp area will need (scalp micro-pigmentation requires multiple sessions),
• and the regularity of maintenance.

 What does the cost of scalp micro-pigmentation include?

So, what are you actually paying for in a scalp micro-pigmentation? Essentially the cost of the procedure includes:

 The supplies used to perform the scalp micro-pigmentation (permanent makeup solution, tools, gloves, anesthetics, etc.).

• The time of the provider serving the procedure.
• The cost of the additional personnel in the room (medical assistants).
• Additional fees for the procedure room time.

The factors we mentioned in the first paragraph will vary by provider and location. For example, a scalp micro-pigmentation of a larger scalp area on the east coast requires three one to two-hour sessions. Therefore, it will cost more than a small bald patch fill-in that takes two 30 minute sessions.

 The table below shows the average one or multi-session costs for scalp micro-pigmentation in major cities across the U.S.

 

STATE	AVERAGE COST
New York, NY	$2,200 to $5,000
Chicago, IL	$2,000 to $4,750
Miami, FL	$2,000 to $5,000
Birmingham, AL	$1,750 to $4,000
Austin, TX	$1,800 to $4,500
Los Angeles, CA	$2,000 to $5,000

Source: 2019 American Society of Plastic Surgeons Report

 

Pain is relative and differs person-to-person. On a scale of 1-10, pain from scalp micro-pigmentation may rank around 1 to 4 on average. Compared to the pain level from getting a tattoo, the pain from scalp micro-pigmentation is less intense. This is because we are only going 2 layers into the skin's dermis, much more shallow than a traditional tattoo. Also, a conventional tattoo uses a scraping method which causes more discomfort. The scalp micro-pigmentation treatment uses a dotting technique, which is much less painful than scraping.

 

Keep Yourself Distracted

 The scalp micro pigmentation treatment chair allows you to use your phone during the procedure. You can play games, scroll through social media, and listen to music or a podcast to keep yourself occupied during the treatment.

 When you realize you're sacrificing temporary discomfort for the ultimate goal—the appearance of a full head of hair—it makes the process that much easier. Of course, Christopher Drummond at PFRANKMD Skin Salon will help answer any questions or concerns you have before the treatment.