Camouflaging a Hair Transplant Surgery Scar with Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums: 

A number of years ago, I underwent a hair transplant procedure via the Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) method and was left with a pretty wide, stretched scar. I’m now looking to camouflage the scar so I can wear my hair shorter, and I’m wondering if Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) will help me do this? Can I camouflage an old hair transplant surgery scar with SMP?

Modern hair transplant surgery, also known as Follicular Unit Hair Transplant Surgery (FUT) can be performed via two different methods: follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) also referred to as the strip harvesting technique and follicular unit extraction (FUE). While the strip method is very effective it does leave patients with a linear “strip scar.” Unfortunately, sometimes these scars heal inappropriately and patients seek ways to revise or hide the noticeable scars.

One of the methods used to camouflage these hair transplant scars is Scalp Micropigmentation. Altogether, SMP is usually an effective way to conceal an inappropriate hair transplant  scar. However, it is important to keep a few things in mind:

First, many SMP experts state that while the process is effective on normal scalp, SMP may not work as well on scar tissue. It’s not clear whether or not the scar tissue will not absorb the ink properly or whether the tough, raised skin creates blurring, but in some instances SMP ink does not “take” as well in scar tissue.

Second, it is important to remember that SMP allows for scar camouflaging, but does nothing to actually revise the hair transplant scar itself. This means that the actual scar could still be raised and apparent to the touch.

Third, if temporary SMP ink is used to conceal the scar, the work will not be permanent and will need to be “touched up” every 6 to 24 months. Also, if permanent ink is used, there is always a risk of the ink fading and turning slightly blue or green (especially considering the nature of the scar tissue) over time.

SMP may be considered a viable, minimally invasive way to conceal a hair transplant scar for many.  Other options include removing the scar and re-closing the area via a second strip procedure or attempting to place follicular unit grafts into the scar via FUE.

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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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