SMP wrote:
I don't think we should pit permanent SMP and temporary SMP against each other as much as we should applaud that now two extraordinary treatments are available for patients to choose from. I see temporary SMP as an advancement in the overall understanding of the SMP procedure itself, and, I also think It shows the progress we are making overall in understanding pigment stability, depth control and placement, SMP design technique, and patient needs.
The fact is, that each procedure has it's own sets of advantages and disadvantages, as well as, it's own personality of patient bases. While Permanent SMP is a great procedure it is not for everyone. At least, not to begin with. The main advantages of temporary SMP lay in the fact that it will fade eventually and it gives people a chance to get their "feet wet" so to speak. Issues like low hairlines, straight hairlines, even color change are not permanent SMP specific. They can affect both modalities of treatment.
Whether you prefer permanent SMP or temporary SMP choosing a technician who understands hair loss progression and SMP design technique are still by far more valuable in a satisfactory long term result than temp vs. perm.
It should also be noted that while some companies require shaving of the head for their SMP procedure as part of their treatment protocol it is not a "rule". SMP can also be a great tool in augmenting transplants to add more density, or simply just cutting the scalp skin to hair contrast for patients with only minor thinning (perhaps below a norwood 4). Perhaps, in an this instance like this an argument exists that temp is a better option for you because your hair loss is not stabilized. But it's only really an opportunity to just showcase an example of one procedure's benefits outweighing the other. Perm practioners might argue that they are able to provide a darker more noticeable result...
Options, gotta love them!