Is Micropigmentation a Good Alternative to Hair Transplants?

This question, asked by a member of the Hair Loss Discussion Forums, was answered by Coalition physician Dr. Cam Simmons:

Is tattooing the head with simulated little micro hairs to give the look of a short cropped hairstyle   a good idea? From the pictures I’ve seen, the results seem good. I hear it is temporary and can be undone if necessary. Having been informed that I’m not an ideal candidate for a hair transplant, this looks like a good alternative. What do you think?

Usually, micropigmentation is tattooing and should be thought of as permanent. Laser tattoo removal isn’t perfect. In my experience, micropigmentation looks better from further away than from close up as there is no texture like there is with hair. The micropigmented hairlines are often too straight and look unnatural but the artistry could be changed to create more irregularity. As with hair transplantation, creating a low, full, permanent “hairline” on a young man could look terrible after he ages and/or experiences further balding.

I have been consulted by a man who had a 2nd session of micropigmentation to correct the hairline from his first micropigmentation session. He feels that the hairline looks too straight and smooth and that he has to keep his hair buzzed or the micropigmentation looks unnatural. He is not happy with the results and would like a hair transplant. He would prefer follicular unit transplantation (FUT) due to its reliability and lower cost when compared to follicular unit extraction (FUE) but he is reluctant to grow his sides and back long enough to hide the sutures. He is still weighing his options.

The choice is yours but you should think of micropigmentation as a permanent procedure that will force you to keep your hair buzzed forever and should plan accordingly. The same rules and guidelines used when designing a hairline for hair transplantation should apply for micropigmentation.

Cam Simmons, MD, ABHRS

—-

David – aka TakingThePlunge
Assistant Publisher and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
Follow our community on Twitter
Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

Technorati Tags: hair transplant, hair transplantation, balding, follicular unit transplantation, FUT, follicular unit extraction, FUE