Scalp Micro-Pigmentation

Hair Transplant
1

Tattooing of the scalp has been around for years. Mostly these type of solutions result in utter failure. Color fading, color change, poor tattooing technique or just plain poor planning are the main issues.

Within the last 3 years there has been an increase in interest in a new refined tattooing technique called scalp micro-pigmentation (SMP).

The technique basically is a sort of micro-dotting of the ink instead of straight painting and shading of the tatto gun/ink. I was extremely skeptical when this first came out. However in my opinion this technique may have a place in HT for specific situations.

Here is one such case. This patient opted for a full SMP in his recipient area and then follow up with an FUE to create an illusion of a decent head of hair at a shaved look length.

There are other applications that I have seen that worked using SMP. A Strip scar cover up, an old large punch plug extraction, and/or recently… anyone that received an FUE where the punch was greater than 1.0mm; seems to be useful using smp. However again there has to be specific situations for this. Skin color, hair color, whomever is performing the smp, etc., etc… many many variables play a role in this.

I am creating this thread to bring awareness to this newer technique ONLY.

Here is the opinion of the physician where I currently work.

"I have been following the results of SMP for the last 2 to 3 years and I think it is a good tool. It is still in its infancy and we are learning more and more about it as time goes on. Having said that, I’ve seen a number of people who have had SMP done to conceal their scars and the majority were very happy. The degree of camouflage varied slightly but in all cases the scar was much harder to detect even with the hair short.
One pearl when doing SMP in the donor area is “do not just do the scar” but to blend it through the entire donor area fading away as one gets near upper and lower borders of the donor area. I have seen SMP scar repairs done by Dr. William Rassman’s Clinic, Good Look Inc. and Bella Medical. The patients in all three clinics were happy they have had it done.

Last month when I lectured at the Italian Society of Hair Restoration annual conference in Rome, Bella Medical was there. They gave a one half day seminar and demonstration on their technique using temporary ink and I was quite impressed. I am even considering going over to Milan for a course they are offering to learn how to do it and bring it back to the states.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the fact that the pigment will slowly fade over time. The main advantage is, in the remote chance that the patient does not like the results, he knows he will not be stuck with it forever. Also you don’t have to worry about the issue of the ink changing color. The negative is that it probably has to be repeated every couple of years.

If I start to offer SMP I would probably use the temporary ink on patients that are very nervous about the permanency. On patients where this was less of a problem I would consider using more permanent ink. However this is all theoretical as most of the companies except for Bella Medical and very secretive about their techniques and it’s been hard for me to learn as much as I would like to so I can relay the information to patients."

Dr. Ron Shapiro M.D.

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I forgot to post the details of this case… I apologize…

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The problem with temporary tattooing or SMP is lack of any scientific literature.
When I tried searching the net, these were the 2 links that catched my attention the most

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/tattoo_remove.html?c=y&page=1

I wish the proponents of semi permanent pigmentation would back up their claims with more proof. Fading is not the same as total disappearance.

Now if I get a lot of black dots tattooed on my head and in 10 or 20 years my hair turn white while the dots remain black or fade to blue that will be a very difficult situation.

I look forward to more conclusive proof of the pigment disappearing and can’t seem to get any. If you find some, please let me know.

4

There is no scientific proof of pretty much anything in this industry.

Anyway I know that SMP can be removed by simple tattoo removal techniques. One patient said he did not like it so ha had it completely removed and re-done.

SMP is not as deep as regular tattooing. I took microscopic pics of grafts that has SMP within the epithelium. I’ll post one soon.

5

» SMP is not as deep as regular tattooing. I took microscopic pics of grafts
» that has SMP within the epithelium. I’ll post one soon.

Here is the microscopic view. The arrows are the smp.

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» There is no scientific proof of pretty much anything in this industry.
»
» Anyway I know that SMP can be removed by simple tattoo removal techniques.
» One patient said he did not like it so ha had it completely removed and
» re-done.
»
» SMP is not as deep as regular tattooing. I took microscopic pics of grafts
» that has SMP within the epithelium. I’ll post one soon.

I had tattoo removal done, it is not all that simple, cost me $500 each time, each time the doctor could only do a small portion because we had to see how much each treatment has diminished the pigmentation before they can continue , took me countless visits and caused me a lot of agony.

Make sure this SMP will disappear 100% rather than fade, huge difference.

7

Again the SMP is not as deep as a regular tattoo. I know that regular tattoos take several sessions.

The SMP performed here in minnesota at the SMP place near my clinic is able to remove a full head of SMP tattoo in one day/session.:slight_smile:

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» » SMP is not as deep as regular tattooing. I took microscopic pics of
» grafts
» » that has SMP within the epithelium. I’ll post one soon.
»
» Here is the microscopic view. The arrows are the smp.
»
»

For one, the pictures you show, the pigment is not in epidermis. Its in dermis.

Second, it is, IMO, irresponsible to push scalp micropigmentation as an adjunct without definite scientific literature to back up its efficacy and the possible side effects.
And as another poster said, removal is not as easy as some make it out to be.

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Let me make myself crystal clear V. I am not pushing SMP. I am showing SMP. I am educating patients on what is out there. We at SMG do not particularly advocate this procedure. It is however out there and people should be educated on it. My posts do not say that I wish to post SMP.

Yes it is in the dermis AND epidermis. I took these pictures. These pics are representing the dermis of SMP. Thank you for the correction.

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» Yes it is in the dermis AND epidermis. I took these pictures. These pics
» are representing the dermis of SMP. Thank you for the correction.

You are representing a clinic/doctor. Such a mistake… and all you have to say is thanks for the correction. Research before you write.

222_image1353.gif700×616

This is an example of a patient (Australia based Caucasian) who got scalp micropigmentation done and repents his decision.

I have no problem with educating readers, but saying that tatooing will disappear in 2 yrs without concrete proof is irresponsible.

Saying that tattoo can be easily removed shows a lack of medical knowledge.

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I hope you understand that your aggressive remarks shows professionalism. And you also represent a clinic.

So I will continue to educate people about things such as SMP and allow the readers to come up with their own decisions.

Yes the picture you posted from India, does show a mistake with SMP. Good post.

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» I hope you understand that your aggressive remarks shows professionalism.
» And you also represent a clinic.
»
» So I will continue to educate people about things such as SMP and allow the
» readers to come up with their own decisions.
»
» Yes the picture you posted from India, does show a mistake with SMP. Good
» post.

As long as you learn from your mistakes and do not try to mislead readers and just honestly educate them, its ok by me.
BTW, the picture was posted by me from India but the SMP/ scalp tattooing was done in Australia. I would appreciate if you do not try to mix things up. Enough said.

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I don’t need to learn from my mistakes concerning this. It’s not like I am uneducated. I had a typo. In fact I have a degree in Biology from a highly respected university. So I feel like you are insulting me now.

How about we both go back to teaching, educating and learning about this industry… including newer techniques such as SMP and the good and the bad from it. That way no one will be mis-led.

Recently I also witnessed a botched SMP. So again I do not completely advocate this.

Enough said.:smiley:

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If this only lasts for a couple of years and does not change color during that time, then it’s a definite help in some situations.

I had the old style plug grafts done long ago, and there is one location in the donor area where the plugs were removed too close together, resulting in a dime sized area with very poor coverage, which I feel compelled to cover by wearing my hair longer in back than I would like.

If I could camouflage that little bald spot, I could cut my hair shorter which would make a big difference to me. For one thing, two-weeks after getting a haircut, I wouldn’t look like I need a haircut again.

On the other hand, even if this tatooing is viable in certain situations, there is the question of sun exposure, which can change hair color and skin color.

My hair goes from brown to blond with a summer’s sun exposure. How would someone like me look with brown dots and blonde hair?

I know: avoiding a lot of sun is healthier anyway.

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Ahab I have a quote from a poster that sums up this SMP thing. I couldn’t say it better myself. It was directed towards a different poster concerning what you are saying.

"V,

I could say the same thing and say I’m opposed to the term “permanent” used in reference to SMP. Frankly, until couple of years ago, I didn’t like any “ink” used on the scalp. Only recently did I even hear the term SMP (Scalp Micro Pigmentation). I personally think it should be referred to as “pigment that fades greatly over time but a tiny remnant of pigmentation may linger”, but that’s just me. The depths in which the needles go into the scalp are more superficial than traditional body tattoos. You also have to factor in the sun, shampoo and shedding of skin on the scalp that it makes it almost impossible to say it’s a permanent treatment but they do anyway. The idea that the treatment is “temporary” or “semi-permanent” is even more new to this field but more accurate in my opinion. I happen to think the clinic in Milan seem more honest by stating that the ink is not permanent. It’s likely that they use the same type of “permanent” ink as the other SMP clinics but because of their technique and the broader color inks they use, the ink fades more quickly? I don’t know and don’t claim to know. We are in the learning stages. Perhaps the needle goes in even more superficially that other SMP clinics too so they’ve seen it fade away 2 years after treatment. Have you seen any 2+ year’s results from this particular clinic in Milan that makes their claim to be false? Please post some pics if that’s the case.

We can all agree that we are in the early stages of SMP. There are only a handful of clinics that even offer SMP. There seems to be no shortage of patients willing to try anything maybe due to desperation but then this desperation should tell you something….We are not affiliated or associated with any clinic that offers SMP. In the right hands, SMP can be a benefit but only for a select few (those who are educated enough that they know what they are getting into). It’s not for everyone and each particular patient need to research if it’s the right option for them.

Clinical Operations Manager for Shapiro Medical Group."