Will SMP damage fledgling hair?

[LondonHTseeker]

So, I've recently started on Avodart and I'm hoping for some regrowth in my vertex and crown which are in the fairly early stages of thinning. I'm also looking into getting SMP into the crown and vertex scalp for the thickening effect. Is there any chance getting SMP into fragile hair follicles could kill them off and prevent them from regrowing on Avodart?

[LondonHTseeker]

To clarify, I'm not talking about newly transplanted hair. I know you should wait at least 12 months after an HT before getting SMP into it.

 

I'm thinking the fragile hair which might be regrown by the Avodart is more deeply rooted than the SMP needle goes, so it shouldn't be a problem. Is that right, anyone?

[JoeTillman]

I don't think there is a problem with that but I would recommend allowing Avodart to have a full year to make a difference for you before considering adjunct options like SMP. Avodart is powerful stuff and in my opinion the earlier you start in your thinning process the greater the chance for a strong comeback so you might wind up not needing SMP once one year has passed while on Avodart.

[Bill - Seemiller]

LondonHTSeeker,

 

Avodart, Propecia or any other DHT inhibitor may help strengthen existing thinning hair but isn't proven to grow hair in completely bald areas. I don't see why or how SMP would damage existing hair follicles however, any trauma to the scalp may kill off very weak hairs that are genetically susceptible to thinning and baldness. Thus, it may be a good idea to give Avodart a full year to do it's full work in strengthening any existing thinning hairs and then moving forward with SMP if you feel you still need it.

 

All the Best,

 

Bill

[LondonHTseeker]

Thanks for the replies, Bill and Joe. I don't exactly have bald areas, it's just thinning. That said the loss is easily noticeable up close and under good lighting. I think I've been thinning slowly for a long time. I'm hopeful Avodart can reawaken some of the miniaturised hair...but I hate having thinning hair, so I don't want to wait a year to see if it regrows. I want to do what I can to fix it now, then if Avodart does cause the hair to strengthen that's a bonus. I have an appointment with Skalp for a consult soon, so I'll see what they say. I think they have an option to do a temporary ink which fades in a couple of years.

[FUE2014]

I would say 12 months would be the absolute minimum to see any noticeable thickening / regrowth, more like 18 months to 2 years to see much change from DHT inhibitors.

[JoeTillman]

LondonHT,

 

Because you are considering Skalp that means you are considering permanent SMP. It is rare to see permanent SMP clinics offering thickening procedures and I believe they normally don't offer this because permanent SMP needles typically go deeper than tricopigmenation needles, 1.5 to 2mm vs. .5mm. The typical hair follical extends roughly 4mm into the dermis so while there wouldn't be obvious carnage the miniaturization of hairs may exasperate the issue with excelerated if not temporary shock. This is admitedly conjecture because I've not read where any permanent SMP company addresses why they normally don't perform thickening procedures so take that for what it's worth. Stil, talk to Skalp and ask these types of questions. There is a tricopigmentation specialist in the UK as well, London in fact, if you wish to consider that option too.

[LondonHTseeker]

Joe, can you tell me the name of them please? Thanks!

[LondonHTseeker]

This, from the HIS website, reeks of advertising spin:

 

"Ease of removal / reversal

Permanent pigments can be removed in their entirety using laser treatment. One session eradicates almost all of the pigment, whilst a second session is usually required to mop up any pigment deposits were missed. This applies to a professionally applied treatment. Badly made treatments using tattoo inks take much longer.

 

Temporary pigments, as used in tricopigmentation, cannot usually be removed by laser as they get very hot and can burn the skin. They will eventually fade on their own of course, however a complete removal via normal fading can take a year or more.

 

In other words, if there is a problem or the customer changes their mind, permanent scalp micropigmentation is entirely reversible, whilst temporary tricopigmentation removal is fraught with problems, and is usually not possible."

[LondonHTseeker]

It seems Joe's been banned. Sorry it came to that.

 

I had the appointment with Skalp. Nice guy...but for 3k pounds it doesn't sound like a great way to try cover the thinness on my head. Looks like I need to pin my hopes on getting mFUE from Dr Feller.