I am totally thrilled to be able to announce another new treatment at The Clinic! From the new year we will be offering scalp micropigmentation (SMP), thanks to expert Kelly Morrell from Scalp Confidential.
Kelly will be based at the Clinic one day per week, and we will be working together to offer a range of treatments for hair loss, whatever your individual needs. Read on to find out more, and for details on how to book in for an initial consultation.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a form of Medical tattooing. By placing tiny pigmented dots on the scalp, it replicates follicles to add density to thinning hair, helping to camouflage the bare scalp or to give a shaved head appearance.
What can it help to treat?
SMP can be used to treat both male and female pattern hair loss. It is also very effective in trauma scar camouflage and surgical scar camouflage, as well as scarring Alopecia. It can also be used to camouflage areas of Alopecia Areata, and receding and thinning hair lines, including frontal hair diffusion in women.
Is scalp micropigmentation suitable for everybody?
SMP is suitable for both men and women, and can be used in combination with other hair loss treatments, or as a stand-alone treatment.
It is also a good alternative when the patient either isn’t suitable for hair transplant surgery (FUE, Follicular Unit Extraction) due to lack of donor area, or doesn’t wish to have surgery.
SMP can also be used to cover the scars from hair transplants, and to add density to hair after PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy or Mesotherapy treatment.
There are some health conditions and medications that make SMP unsuitable for some individuals. These would be discussed in full at your initial consultation.
Treatments tailored to your needs
As every person is unique, Kelly creates a bespoke treatment plan for each of her clients, helping them to achieve the look they want.
I will also work with Kelly to combine micropigmentation with other hair loss treatments, including Mesotherapy, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), Viviscal Professional hair growth supplements, and other nutritional advice. Where appropriate, I can also arrange patient referrals.
We are planning to run a monthly Hair Advice Clinic here at The Clinic to talk all things hair loss, and discuss all the treatment options available – watch this space!
Is SMP painful?
The video below shows Kelly in action – as you can see, it is generally well tolerated:
SMP does not require any anaesthetic, and previous patients have described it as a buzzing feeling, with some slight stinging sensations. Many patients sit happily for a few hours if they have having full scalp coverage, and a quick break for a drink and a snack is all that is needed!
How long does treatment take?
This will vary depending on the size of the area to be treated. A full scalp treatment will usually require four or five treatments for example, each spaced around 14 days apart.
Is there any down-time?
You can get back to normal immediately after treatment. However, you should not wash your hair for 3-4 days after treatment and for the rest of the following week you should only use a gentle shampoo (e.g. baby shampoo or Aveeno shampoo). This will help the pigment to set.
Any other side effects?
Some people report a slight headache following treatment, particularly if they are dehydrated or have had a lot of work around the temple area. Paracetamol can be taken, although it is not usually necessary.
The scalp can feel itchy for the first few days post-treatment, as it heals, but it is important that you do NOT scratch, as this can impair the treatment and the ink may come away. Patting or applying a gentle thumb or finger pressure to relieve the itch is fine and usually relieves any itchy sensation.
How long does it last?
SMP fades naturally over three to seven years. This depends to some extent on your lifestyle: more sun exposure usually means the tattooing will fade faster. You can have top-ups every 18 months or whenever you feel it to be necessary. If you are in the sun or planning a holiday and have full SMP coverage and no hair, using a sunscreen will help both the SMP last and help the condition of your scalp.
How do I find out more?
If you are interested in booking an appointment with Kelly, or would like to find out more in general about our hair loss treatments, please send us an email at , or call us at The Clinic on 020 8699 9496.
You can also visit Kelly’s website here: www.scalpconfidential.co.uk
I can’t wait to welcome Kelly to The Clinic in the New Year!
