Hair Transplantation Versus Scalp Micropigmentation: A Retrospective Study of Treatment Selection in Persons With Female Pattern Hair Loss

This retrospective study compared hair transplant surgery and scalp micropigmentation (SMP) in 40 female patients with female pattern hair loss (FPHL). It found that hair transplant surgery was more suitable for patients with significant hair loss and visible scalp contour, while SMP was better for those with higher hair density and less visible scalp contour. Significant differences were noted in follicular unit density (FUD) and hair density (HD), with SMP showing higher values (66.59 FUD/cm² and 116.08 HD/cm²) compared to the hair transplant group (62.06 FUD/cm² and 96.16 HD/cm²). The "mountain ridge sign" (MRS) was a strong indicator for choosing hair transplant surgery, as 26.1% of hair transplant patients had a positive MRS compared to 0% in the SMP group. The study concluded that treatment choice should be based on these hair metrics for optimal outcomes.