Hair Transplant vs Micropigmentation: Which Is Right for You?
When faced with hair loss, many men wonder what permanent options are available to restore their hairline and enhance their appearance. At the Chicago Hair Institute, our doctors use advanced hairline surgery treatments and techniques to create a natural looking hairline and add fullness to thinning hair. There are different options for addressing the issue of hair loss, both surgical and non-surgical, to meet the needs of every patient. Today, we will take a closer look at two popular options, hair transplant versus micropigmentation. To find out which is right for you, contact our Chicago, IL practice to schedule a consultation.
About Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery, also called follicular unit restoration (FUT), can help restore a receding hairline and add volume to the hair. Hair transplant surgery helps create a full head of hair through a surgical process in which healthy hair follicles are removed from a donor site and inserted into the area of the scalp where hair is thinning or has become bald.
The hair transplant process generally begins with harvesting hair follicles from a donor site, usually at the back of the scalp. The donor site is numbed and a small strip of tissue is removed. Individual follicular units are then removed from the strip of tissue. The collected follicular units are then inserted into the area of the scalp where baldness or thinning is present.
Immediately after surgery, the hair will look stubbly and scabs will form. It will take about three months for the newly transplanted hair to start growing in. Final results will be noticeable as the new hair grows at its normal rate.
About Micropigmentation
Micropigmentation is a non-surgical alternative to hair transplant surgery. With micropigmentation, small amounts of pigment are applied into the scalp to mimic the hair follicles, creating a natural, fuller looking hairline. Micropigmentation may be used to make the hair look fuller, mask scars and birthmarks, or enhance the appearance of a hair transplant.
Many people think of micropigmentation as essentially a hairline tattoo. Although similar, micropigmentation is performed slightly differently than a standard body tattoo. For example, the diameter of the needle used to apply pigment is much smaller to more closely mimic the appearance of hair. The shape of the needle is jagged instead of round to further create a natural look. The pigment used is also different than pigments used in standard tattoos as they are customized to match the recipient's hair.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
There are benefits to both hair transplant surgery and micropigmentation that may make one a better option for your needs than the other. Some people even choose to undergo both treatments as micropigmentation can be used to enhance the results of hair transplant treatment by creating an appearance of fuller coverage, or to mask scars from the donor site.
Micropigmentation may be the preferred choice if you want to avoid surgery and like the appearance of subtle stubble on the scalp over a completely bald head. Those who have a limited donor supply may also benefit from micropigmentation.
Hair transplant surgery may be right for you if you are willing to undergo surgery to physically restore the hairline or add fullness to thinning hair. Micropigmentation only gives the illusion of more hair, whereas a hair transplant replaces lost hair with a patient's own, natural hair.
Find out Which Treatment Is Right for You
For more information about treatments for hair loss, or to find out if you're a candidate for hair transplant surgery or micropigmentation, please contact our staff to schedule a consultation.
