In a hair fix

One part of our body that is massively affected by our lifestyle is our hair. Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry are a few among the many celebs who have faced the problem of hair damage/balding and been open about it. So what is the solution?

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a highly advanced method of cosmetic pigmentation. While similar to traditional tattooing, SMP involves the use of highly specialised equipment and techniques to inject pigment into the scalp.

The procedure helps in creating a density effect by colouring the scalp like a tattoo and decreases the skin/ hair contrast, giving instant density and visible volume. The three-dimensional effect is created giving the appearance of a natural shadow. It also helps in hiding scars caused by previous hair transplants with older methods such as FUT. It is expecially beneficial for men and women with short hair.

It is also a remedy for hair-related diseases such as Active Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Universalis, Lupus etc where hair transplant is not advisable; in such cases MPG is the ideal solution.

You can camouflage baldness with MPG as it allows the scalp to recreate the illusion of the hair follicles on the head and thus mask the baldness on a small patch or a completely bald scalp.

Procedure
Specialised ink is implanted with skilfully precision into the affected area; this ink is carefully matched with your natural hair colour. Additionally it is shaded darker than natural colour, which gives the illusion of a shadow and the appearance of three-dimensional, natural hair.

MPG like, normal tattoo, needs maintenance; when the ink starts fading a touch up needs to be done to maintain the desired look. Scalp Micropigmentation can work with hair transplant as a pre-planned combination procedure. By combining traditional hair restoration and SMP the client has double the benefits: real texturised hair, with the appearance of thickness and fullness that Scalp Micropigmentation can provide.

The vast majority of procedures performed on the body come with some level of risk. In the case of Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), however, there have been no serious side effects reported.

Pre treatment measures
Wash your scalp with a non-abrasive, gentle shampoo the week prior to your procedure. Do not wear a hair piece at least five-six days prior to your scheduled procedure. Avoid the use of razor on your scalp within 24 hours of the procedure.

Post Treatment Care
Do not touch the healing pigmented area with your fingers, they may contain bacteria which could lead to an infection. No make-up, heavy exercise, sun exposure, soap, sauna, jacuzzi, swimming in chlorine pools or in the recreational bodies of water, contact with animals, gardening for seven -10 days. Use a "total sun block" after the procedure area has healed to prevent future fading of pigment colour.

— The writer is a cosmetic surgeon.

Disclaimer: Always check with a specialist before going ahead with this procedure.