Because many people consider SMP to be nothing short of a tattoo, we are often asked about scalp micropigmentation fading and why it happens. Tattoos are permanent, right? So why isn’t SMP? The simple answer is down to pigment depths. However, to understand the answer in more detail – keep reading.
Scalp Micropigmentation and How it Works
If you have done your homework, you’ll know that scalp micropigmentation is commensurate to tattooing in the techniques used to administer either procedure. It involves pigments being implanted below the surface of the skin using a handheld machine that has a microneedle fitted to it. When healed, both SMP or tattooing leave an indelible mark owing to the said pigment being trapped underneath the skin. But albeit the mark is indelible in both treatments, whereby a tattoos mark is permanently visible, the imitation follicle, created by SMP will fade to invisible after a three to five year period – if administered correctly, that is.
This happens because of pigment implant depth. So why not just implant deeper when administering scalp micropigmentation? If a customer is sure they want to keep the appearance forever, what’s the problem? To understand why is to understand the very basics of skin physiology.
Skin Physiology Briefly Explained
- Outer Layer: This is called the Epidermis and is the waterproof outer surface which protects against infections and holds everything together
- Second Layer: The Dermis. This is a complex layer of skin which is predominantly split into two separate sections. The first, closest to the Epidermis which is made up of loosely arranged collagen fibers and is known as the Papillary. The second is the Reticular zone which becomes tougher, elasticated and the collagen fibers are much denser and interwoven with connective tissues.
- Beyond the Dermis: This is known as the Hypodermis and is made of connective tissues and fat.
Both tattoos and scalp micropigmentation work by pigments being implanted into the Dermis. Easy enough to understand. However, there is a big difference that separates the two treatments. In the case of scalp micropigmentation, the pigment must only be implanted into the upper zone of the Dermis. This is because of the loosely arranged collagen fibers allowing the pigment to maintain control over its shape. If it is implanted deeper, which is the case of a tattoo, the pigment can disperse along paths in the lower layers of the Dermis level. The result is shape expansion and permanency or in layman’s terms, the tiny dot resembling a hair follicle will blowout and blur together.
There are little drawbacks to scalp micropigmentation treatments apart from the fact it fades. However, get it right and you’ll be living with the appearance of a maintenance-free buzz-cut for a good three to five years. Top-ups are considerably lighter on the wallet than the initial treatment and given the nature of hair loss evolution, it will allow you to modify or change at a later date should you wish to.
If you have had previous treatment and you are experiencing scalp micropigmentation fading then why not reach out to us and see how we can help you.