Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) for Scar Camouflage (with Photos)
This patient came into the office with a widened scar from a hair transplant we did over a year ago. The photo at the lower left is following his second transplant procedure (the first was with another doctor). The widened scar risk increases with each additional procedure. Only the central 2 1/2 inch portion of the wound stretched 1cm (as seen here), while the two 1/2 inch wounds on either side didn’t stretch. Donor scarring is a real risk of strip harvesting for FUT but usually the scar is under 3mm in width. After the second surgery, the scar may widen as in this man.
We suggested scalp micropigmentation (SMP) for camouflaging the scar and these photos below were taken 10 minutes after his SMP session was done. This is a typical scar treatment for SMP. Sometimes a second treatment is needed. Click the photos to enlarge.
BEFORE SMP (on left); IMMEDIATELY AFTER SMP (on right):
It looks a little better. But I think in some cases such as this where there is a wide scar, you may be better off pigmenting the whole area a bit more heavily…almost just “filling in” the area with some color, as if you were using a marker. This would produce better camouflage, especially if the patient intended to keep his hair long.
You may be better off just rubbing some couvre onto the darned scar and keeping your hair longer. Easier, cheaper, and reversible.