SMC is proud to be able to contribute their before and after pictures and SMP Scar Camouflage technique to the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology to showcase the positive effects SMP Scar Camouflage can have on Men and Women who have scalp scars due to injury, surgery, or hair transplants.
Here is an exert of the article titled – “Hair camouflage: A comprehensive review”. The full article written by Stephanie Saed, BS, Omer Ibrahim, MD, Wilma F. Bergfeld, MD can be found here: http://www.ijwdonline.org/article/S2352-6475(16)30021-1/fulltext
Micropigmentation is another more permanent option for hair loss concealment. Van der Velden et al. (1998) van der Velden et al., 1998 van der Velden, E.M., Drost, B.H., Ijsselmuiden, O.E., Baruchin, A.M., and Hulsebosch, H.J. Dermatography as a new treatment for alopecia areata of the eyebrows. Int J Dermatol. 1998; 37: 617–621
Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (21) See all References) Van der Velden et al. (1998) describe the medical use of tattooing, specifically in alopecia areata of the eyebrows. Traquina (2001)xTraquina, 2001Traquina, A.C. Micropigmentation as an adjuvant in cosmetic surgery of the scalp. Dematol Surg. 2001;27:123-128
Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (17) See all References) Traquina (2001) first reported the use of micropigmentation of the scalp specifically for scalp scars (Fig. 8) Figs. 8A and B). Scalp pigmentation is a form of cosmetic tattooing (Rassman et al. 2015xRassman et al., 2015Rassman, W.R., Pak, J.P., Kim, J., and Estrin, N.F. Scalp micropigmentation: A concealer for hair and scalp deformities. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015; 8:35-42.
See all References Rassman et al. 2015. Standard cosmetic tattoo instruments are used along with a specialized technique in order to create the image of pores on a balding scalp (Figs. 9Figs. 9A and B). The process involves the insertion of a pigment through the skin in the upper dermis, using conventional tattoo instruments and artistic and objective judgement on dot placement. The patient will need approximately two to four sessions for completion, with each session lasting up to 8 hours. Risks include infection and allergies to pigment. Needle use carries a risk of infectious disease transmission, such as HIV, hepatitis, and skin infections.
Fig 8
Linear scar secondary to hair transplantation surgery (A) is concealed with micropigmentation (B). <em>Photos courtesy of Tino Barbone of The Scalp Micropigmentation Center ().
Fig 9
Balding scalp (A) concealed with micropigmentation to mimic pores in scalp (B). Photos courtesy of Tino Barbone of The Scalp Micropigmentation Center ().
A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of micropigmentation as a scalp camouflage option in 43 Korean patients with alopecia or scalp scars (Park et al. 2014xPark et al., 2014 Park, J.H., Moh J.S., Lee, S.Y., and You, S.H. Micropigmentation: Camouflaging scalp alopecia and scars in Korean patients. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2014; 38: 199-204 Crosref | Scopus (3) See all References Park et al. 2014) For the study, the procedure of micropigmentation included the use of a tattoo machine with ink cartridges, insertion of the needle at 90° to the skin, and an appropriate dot-to-dot distance. All patients in the study had black hair so only black pigment was used. Of the 43 patients, only one patient was not satisfied with the results. No complications were reported. In addition to the risk of infection, disadvantages to micropigmentation include the fact that natural hair may grey over time and hair may need to be dyed to match the changing pigment. Also, the final product may need touch-ups over time due to fading and progression of hair loss.
Table 2 synthesizes and compares the surgical options for hair loss.
Table 2 synthesizes and compares the surgical options for hair loss.
Micropigmentation
Advantages:
Relatively permanent results
Visually resembles pores on a balding scalp
Can be used to disguise scalp scars after transplantation surgery
Disadvantages:
Risk of infection from procedure
Risk of allergy to pigment
Natural hair must be dyed to match pigment
May need touch-ups over time
Hair Transplantation
Advantages:
Effective and permanent solution
Local anesthesia used for transplant
Hair used in transplant belongs to the same individual, resulting in more natural results
Disadvantages:
Risk of scalp swelling, bleeding, and minor infections
Risk of unnatural looking hair
Creation of donor scar
Expensive
Visit the experts in Scalp Micropigmentation at www.scalpmicropigmentationcenter.com or to book your free consultation and scalp evaluation, please call 1-844-877-2257.
We currently have 7 locations, however, we will be opening 3 per month in 2017. Please visit our locations page to find the nearest SMC center near you, or call us and we can assist in booking your appointment at any one of our locations.