When you book a Scalp Micropigmentation Manchester (SMP) appointment, one of the first questions that come to mind is: ‘How many sessions will I require for complete and optimal results?’ The outcomes are dependent on and unique to each customer, according to:

• The level of fading of the pigment that is being experienced by the client
• The size of the area that required scalp micropigmentation
• If there is any kind of scar tissue that should be addressed
• Other types of factors relating to scalp micropigmentation

At this point, it is safe to tell that SMP will take more than just one session in order to achieve a successful treatment. 

How does Scalp Micropigmentation Manchester work

The SMP therapy itself is composed of many phases. It is preferable if the customer understands precisely what they are going to sign up for and the time commitment involved. 

Regardless of the many parameters stated above, and also the physician’s competence, it takes around three SMP sessions (or, in some circumstances, four) to achieve the greatest outcomes.

First session

The first session is often longer than that of the second and third, with length reducing with each subsequent session. You will leave your initial session with a pattern for your subsequent two or three appointments. 

The physician creates a plan. It is made using a light shade of pigmentation. The time frame might range from four to six hours, relying on the physician and clinic with whom you have scheduled an appointment. This time frame is just an estimate as we also take into account the number of pauses as well as the routine monitoring during the session.

Second session

The second session is used to achieve your ideal hairline. Naturally, according to the clients’ wishes. Following that, the physician adds additional volume by layering different colours to produce a more detailed appearance. The second session is around 30 minutes to an hour shorter than the first.

Third session

Finally, mostly during the third appointment, finishing touches are applied, and the client exits with their full appearance! The third session lasts between 30 minutes and an hour less than that of the second.

Every scalp micropigmentation case is different

As noted previously, in the majority of situations, three to four sessions are necessary for optimal outcomes. However, in certain circumstances, clients may require five or more sessions to finish the treatment. Some require as many as seven sessions. Thus, what factors influence the frequency of sessions required to finish treatment? Is it client-specific? Or is it clinic- or physician-dependent? 

Although it is uncommon for treatments to extend beyond six or seven sessions. Here are the major reasons for the varying number of sessions required:

• The DNA structure of the client as there are people whose pigments can fade away quickly than others
• Look into the adjustments that the client may ask
• The scar tissue’s presence causes the pigmentation to disperse more readily than expected
• The area of the scalp that requires scalp micropigmentation coverage
• The level of penetration depth of the SMP might be not too deep
• The amount of pigmentation used might be light

Due to the sensitive nature of the SMP treatment and the precision required, the time required is not overstated. 

On average, three to four sessions are required to finish therapy, thus, you should not trust anyone who claims differently at face value. Do not your money and health be in danger as it is important to have a pleasant and safe treatment.

How will the skin heal?

As we all know, perforations are microscopic holes, and when we create them, our bodies attempt to repair the harm. Thus, anytime the skin is ripped or ruptured, the immune system mobilizes to effectively repair it. The epidermis is the outer part of our skin, and it is quite thick as this serves as a defence barrier for the underlying dermis (second layer) and glands. When an epidermal perforation occurs, our body responds by releasing white blood cells to seal the hole and subsequently regenerates new tissue. 

Perforation or damage that spreads from the epidermis to the dermis results in bleeding and the onset of an inflammatory response. Within few hours, the clotting process kicks in, and the scab forms. The scab seals the wound, preventing microorganisms from entering. New cells are produced and after several days the scar is closed shut by ‘contraction’. 

The same holds true for scalp micropigmentation treatment because micro-perforations are created in the skin and the ink is pumped into the region during the SMP technique. 

Although recovery times vary by patient, the following is a rough estimate of the duration of the process: 

• Following the initial treatment, you will experience instant redness. It is a normal reaction, given the skin’s sensitivity.
• Additionally, you may experience some irritation, which is completely normal. Inflammation occurs as a result of the micro-perforations produced throughout the region, although this is not the reason for concern. The initial step of wound healing is inflammation. Throughout the healing phase, a calming cream appropriate for this process may be used to aid with inflammation and redness.
• When the redness subsides on the second to fourth days, you will see scab development across the region. Scabs are layers of protection. Under the scabs, the healing process continues. During this phase, it is highly recommended that you wear hats or caps in order to prevent any unpleasant incidents. Although it should be removed periodically to enable the skin to breathe. Bear in mind that sunshine is critical for healing since darkness inhibits healing.
• As the week progresses, the scabs grow dry and some begin to fall off. It will occur primarily on your fifth or sixth day. While there may be a strong want to pick at these scabs, it is better to refrain. Scabs will eventually come off as the healing process progresses. Not only can picking at them disrupt the healing process, but the colour may come out with the scab.
• As the scabs come off, new skin develops and the scalp completely recovers. This is often accomplished by the end of the week, at which point the client is prepared for the following session.

Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health and well-being.