You shouldn't have to feel insecure about your scalp, or be worried about finding a treatment. Scalp micropigmentation is an effective solution that is non intrusive that is fit for anyone.
Hair transplant procedures have gained more popularity since the days before "plug-in" hair transplantation began. Scarring remains an unanticipated and unwanted side effect of procedures like these that aim to resolve hair loss issues.
The purpose of a hair transplant is to gain confidence by restoring your hair. When you are left with another problem after what you thought was a solution, it can be daunting.
The main factor that determines the amount of scarring you can be left with is the skill and experience of your surgeon. There are two common procedures used in hair transplant surgery today called Follicle unit extraction (FUE) and Follicle unit transplantation (FUT).
We outline a few different methods used to conceal the scarring and the pros and cons of each of them to give you an overview.
Each scar type presents different challenges to the individual concealing them depending on the technique used and their concealment nature. How severity in which scarring is visible depends upon numerous factors. The colour and texture in contrast to surrounding skin, the texture of the scar, the extent of healing the area, the size, width or position, whether the surface is flat in the centre or elevated, the shape of the head.
The FUE treatment involves removing hair follicles with a special extraction instrument from the back and sides of the scalp. By using the extraction tool, very small scars in the shape of dots are left.
These hair follicles extracted are prepared in micrographs for transplantation. The donor hair can be placed into any new area using a micro-surgical needle which is designed to mimic your natural scalp. FUE procedures are generally preferred as they are minimally invasive, allowing patients to have minimal scarring compared to the FUT procedure.
Follicular unit transplantations (FUT's) became increasingly popular since the 1990's. FUT surgical procedures are often referred to as strip methods, sometimes Follicular Surgical Unit strips (FUSS).
The reason it is coined the strip method is that a strip of the scalp containing hair follicles is removed from the donor area (typically from the back of the head). As you can imagine, FUT can cause serious scarring, which can usually be harder to conceal due to the raising of areas and shape.
Depending on the individual the scarring sometimes extends from ear and ear. Compared to FUE, FUT patients will typically endure more pain and swelling during recovery. The severity of the scarring will be dictated by the skill of the hair transplant surgeons.
Before the modern hair transplantation, more primitive approaches were used. Many examples of bad hair transplants from years ago are available online and resemble doll hairs in many cases. These scars on donor areas may be significant and are sometimes known as plug scars. Alternatively, overuse and incorrect implantation techniques can cause a problem called cobblestone scaring.
Good news, these scars can all be treated! The most common methods are listed below and all of them have their pros and cons.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) or hair tattoo is a viable method for scarring. The procedure creates tiny hair follicle impressions using a tool similar to a tattoo gun and is purely cosmetic. This means SMP does not stimulate hair regrowth, nor damage existing hair follicles.
It has many use cases, such as creating the appearance of a full head of hair for those who's hair is longer, although thinning or camouflaging scars of hair transplant surgery.
This procedure is non-intrusive and effective over multiple sessions (typically 3-4) depending on the severity of the scarring. Due to SMP creating the impression of a full head of hair it means that the results are 2D, and scarring that is bumpy can be harder to conceal making it most effective for FUE scarring.
To maintain the desired effects of SMP, maintaining healthy skin on your scalp is important by following after care guidelines provided by your consultant.
Hair transplant scar removal (aka scar revision) is a surgical process where the aim is to reduce the scar's surface area. Whilst this does not remove the scar completely, it makes it considerably less obvious. This method is better suited to FUT scars due to the potential sizes.
If you have had a FUT transplant, you can then use FUE hair transplant surgery to apply hair follicle grafts in your scar tissue areas. Whilst this is a viable option, you will ultimately be left with more scarring, just smaller and in a different location on your scalp.
Similarly to FUT scars, the severity of the scarring will be dictated by the skill of the hair transplant surgeon.
As shown, each method of concealing hair transplant scars have their pros and cons. Depending on the nature of your scarring, there may be a method better suited although, universally, Scalp micropigmentation is a viable option for all scarring. The issue with using more hair restoration surgery or more hair grafts are:
A) You will be removing one scar in return for another
B) It can be expensive and taxing on your scalp in the long run. Losing hair is inevitable for everyone and if you are naturally more prone to losing hair, that will still be the case with a hair transplant.
No matter which method is chosen, extensive research and due diligence are required.
The ultimate decision is "What outcome do you want from this?"
Thicker hair? You're better suited to more hair transplant surgery.
Disguising scarring? SMP is best for most cases.
Scalp micropigmentation for camouflaging hair transplant scars is highly effective. We merge the effected areas with existing hair by creating tiny impressions that will have your friends and family guessing what is real and what isn't.
SMP has many use cases from receding hairlines to alopecia. It is no wonder it is becoming one of the most popular hair loss solutions across the globe.
As mentioned no scalp is the same, we will plan out your treatment and create a new look that suits your age, pigment, and lifestyle to create a seamless look. It all starts with a consultation, we offer a free session to ensure there is no pressure - we just want you to work out what is best for you, we will just be the helping hand.
Below is our process on our SMP procedure. The treatment will be complete after a number of sittings, which is usually a minimum of 3, potentially more depending on the individual.
The process kicks off with a detailed consultation. We will assess your current situation and plan the route forward, including styles, the amount of sessions and requirements for your first treatment session. We will also walk you through the procedure in person.
During this consultation any of your questions will be answered so you have everything you need to being the treatment.
For your scalp micropigmentation to look the best quality and authentic is simply can't be done in a day of treatment. As a rule of thumb you will require a minimum of three sittings.
In your first session, we will start mapping out your treatment (of course this will vary depending on your required treatment). After mapping out, you will be left with some initial impressions.
In your second session, we will sit down and make more impressions to give your scalp a layered looking effect. It will start to all come together in this session. Grain, density and darkness will be added to give a natural effect.
After each session, you will start to see the results take shape.
For some individuals, this may be your last treatment, but in this session, we will make more impressions on your scalp and finishing touches.
We will also give you a complete aftercare guide to ensure that you are left with long-lasting results.
Don’t worry, if you require more than three sessions it isn’t bad, it just means that we need to do a little extra work to ensure we give you the best results possible.
This could be down to many factors, such as the size of the area being treated, skin type, potential scarring and more.
Your treatment is now complete! Aftercare is just as important as the treatment to ensure long lasting effects.
Upon completion we will talk your through how to maintain your scalp micropigmentation, but you can also find a detailed aftercare guide here too.
Our very own founder, Georgio Pegasiou, had his own hair loss journey. At just 25 Georgio noticed his hairline receeding, and tried every hair style to cover it until it not longer was effective. Being a barber he also saw that pros and cons of his clients who had opted for different procedures, although his research lead him to SMP.
Since his treatment his confidense has been restored and become passionate about helping others.
Great service, clear and thorough- very well communicated and also well priced. Looking forward to my second session.
"10/10 - George is 100% professional, factual, knowledgeable and honest. Easy to talk to and get along with as well. Executed what I wanted absolutely perfectly and I couldn’t recommend him more."
"George is a master barber with over a decade of experience. All that experience transfers over so well to the world of SMP. George consistently gets great results and goes above and beyond for his clients. I've personally referred and know several extremely satisfied customers.
Because he's a master barber he knows exactly how to give you the best hairline that suits you or to create the look you're going for. If you're considering SMP George is your man"
"I found George very reassuring, knowledgeable and empathetic in his approach to SMP.
I had my concerns over my sensitive skin issues but George as ever was patient and professional in his approach. He would always work around you and made sure you are happy.
I would highly recommend Visionary Scalps to anyone that is interested in SMP.
Thank you George for your patience and reassuring approach. All the best to you!"
"Came across George’s SMP services when scrolling through Instagram.
Due to my ongoing hair loss issues I thought I’d enquire and see what help George could be to me. His customer service was amazing and the treatment was even better.
I have a whole new level of confidence in my look since George performed the SMP on me. I would highly recommend to anyone in a similar situation."
"Come across this company via a friend. I was planning to have a hair transplant and my friend told me about SMP and recommended me to have a free consultation with George.
Overall experience was exceptional and I no longer need a hair transplant after having this amazing SMP treatment from visionary scalps. Highly recommended."
Was hesitant at first as I was new to hearing about this procedure but all was well from my first consultation onwards.
George was very professional and informative explaining the full procedure from start to finish. Overall, extremely happy with my results and I wish I had done it sooner.
Thanks George and Visionary Scalps. Highly recommend.
I was recommended this company by my brother who has had SMP done with Georgio and things couldn't have gone better.
He was very professional and on the ball with good communication and patience with me.
One thing I really appreciated was his respect for my privacy.
Everything went perfectly and would be happy to use and recommend this service again.
Thank you for the boost in confidence!!!
"What to say about Visionary Scalps. In one word. Amazing. George was extremely friendly and talked me through everything before it happened.
My hairline was getting really patchy and I wasn’t ready to go bold yet. George was really understanding and showed me his previous work and I’m over the MOON with the results. If your ever in need of a little hair touch up. Visionary Scalps is the place to go!"
"I hadn't heard of SMP until it was recommended by a friend so I booked a consultation with George who was more than happy to walk me through the process.
We focussed on whether or not SMP was my best option and in the end I decided to get a small amount of work on my crown. I thought my hair would have been too long to notice the SMP but actually the difference is night and day. 10/10 would defo recommend."
"Great service from George
Can’t believe I never done this sooner
Very professional and amazing at what he does
Would 100% recommend"
"Uncle George has made my daddy look like a younger man and my sister and I love it.
Thank you for making him feel a little more confident in himself."
"George was patient, took his time and and did not miss a spot. This treatment has been life changing and I am so thankful that he spent the time to make sure the finished result was exactly what i wanted, truly a perfectionist. I now have the confidence to hold my head up high, just the boost I needed, simply amazing."
"I came in with the mindset that it won’t really do much, and to begin with it didn’t feel like it done anything, but then the second/third session really stood out to me and gave my hair a more thick/full look. Would recommend if you want to just add that extra to your hair."
We offer free consultations so our customers feel no pressure. SMP is a big decision, let us help you with it.
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Scalp Micro Pigmentation is a very versatile treatment for all forms of hair loss. Whether your hair is thinning, receding or completely bald, a scalp tattoo can effectively address and help in each scenario.
Most clients have between 3-4 sessions starting from £300 per session, however this will vary with your individual needs. Each session can be paid for individually and booked at your convenience. You can find out detailed pricing guide here.
Similar to a traditional tattoo, there will be a mild discomfort which is very readily managed with a short break when needed.
SMP typically lasts for many years, although like any tattoo it slowly fades over time. The good news is it can always be replenished with a single top-up session. Most of our clients book a top-up every 1-2 years however this is dependent upon the individual.
VisionaryScalps is based in South-Croydon but have mobile facilities allowing your SMP treatment to take place in the comfort of your own home. We also use a central London based clinic to be used at your convenience, whichever is most comfortable for you is the one we recommend.
There are an assortment of products that can help keep it looking its best, all of which can be purchased through Visionary Scalps. After care is essential, therefore we have a comprehensive after care guide. If you have any other questions be sure to send us a message!
Both your hair and skin colour impact the final result of the treatment so we will be sure to choose an ink pigment that works best to match your natural follicles.
