Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a cutting-edge solution for those seeking the appearance of fuller hair. In this article, we will look at who can benefit from SMP. We will also discuss the different options to customize this treatment for individual needs.
We will explore the different factors that can affect SMP results. This will help you understand how to customize it for your desired look.
We will give you clear guidance on how to prepare for your SMP appointment. You will learn what to expect during the SMP treatment. We will also share important post-operative care tips to help you get the best results. If you are thinking about SMP for hair thinning, scar camouflage, or improving your look, this guide will help you decide.
What is SMP?
SMP stands for scalp micro pigmentation. So, what does SMP mean?
SMP treatments are a series of small tattoos that use pigment on the scalp. This creates the look of thicker hair by resembling hair follicles. SMP can focus on specific areas, like thinning hair spots. You can also do it on the whole scalp or cover unwanted hair transplant scars. This procedure customizes for each patient and ensures they can obtain their most desirable goal.
Is SMP Right for You?
SMP is for anyone wanting a minimally invasive, non-surgical solution to give the appearance of having more hair than they have, an illusion. SMP is suitable for both men and women with thin hair.
It can be used to help conceal scarring in former strip patients or any other scar that would be preferred to be covered up. It can also be used in alopecia patients who do not want to pursue surgical options. In patients with dark hair and a light scalp, SMP can go a long way in helping to conceal thinning hair by reducing the shine that can often be seen in harsh, bright lighting.
Options, Variables, and X-factors…
SMP can be done in many colors, such as red, blond, brown, and black. The color can be diluted to match the existing color. An example is taking fiery red pigment and be softened into a strawberry tent.
Needle depth can be varied to create a shorter or longer-lasting effect lasting anywhere from 3 to 10 years. For those who aren’t sure that SMP hair treatment is the look they want, a shallower needle depth can be used in a small test area so a customer can decide if the result (color, shade, etc.) will match their expectations.
As with any cosmetic procedure, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. An SMP victory is very subjective. Some patients will opt for a single pass over the scalp with a dark color, while another patient will want three passes over the scalp with a lighter color. Some patients choose to wear their head shaven. A shaven head would likely mean more SMP would be needed since the entire scalp is exposed.
In contrast, someone with a good amount of hair but is thinning may choose to do scalp micropigmentation treatments in their crown only. SMP results vary in different types of patients. A 70-year-old patient with looser scalp skin will see different SMP performance than a 22-year-old. A patient with a darker complexion and skin tone may see a different performance than someone with a highly light scalp and dark hair.
Ok…so there is no “one size fits all. “
Exactly right! SMP treatment is different for everyone, just like most aspects of hair restoration.
This procedure is completely costomized for each person. A common strategy we often suggest is to plan on 2 to 3 passes over the entire head in your desired color and shade. That will usually get a customer their desired results.
So, What are you to Expect?
When you prepare for your appointment, you need to complete some preparation beforehand. Most of these instructions are imperative for your procedure to receive the best results possible. Let’s start by breaking these instructions down for you:
Preparation for Your SMP Appointment
- SMP procedure can be done no matter the length of your hair. If you tend to keep your hair short or shaved, please make sure you shave it well in advance. The reasons for this can be for several different reasons, such as:
- Lessing the personal “shock” factor after your first session. Each dot is a tiny scab that also contains SMP pigment. Those dots will look larger and darker during the healing process, but don’t worry; they will get smaller and lighter.
- We will show you any marks or scars we didn’t know about. You can then decide if you want to leave them as they are or cover them with SMP.
- Giving you time to moisturize your scalp if it tends to be dry or flakey before your first session. A dry scalp can hinder the tech from performing the procedure and the results.
- If you have a tan, let your scalp match the color of your head and neck. This will help the SMP blend in well with your scalp.
- Moisturizing is the most important step. You should start moisturizing at least 21 days before your appointment. Dr. Cole recommends 3-4 times per day. You don’t need to worry about which moisturizer to use or how often. Just use what you have in your daily routine or what’s around your house.
- This keeps your scalp in great condition. It stops dry skin from getting in the way of the technician’s work. This also helps you recover better.
- Dr. Cole recommends monkey balm as an excellent moisturizer.
If you plan on using pain relief, it is best to make a decision prior to your appointment. Consider taking Tylenol or Advil before the session. A topical anesthetic is available before your appointment date. Please tell the staff if you have taken any pain relievers or used topical anesthetic before the session.
Planning Your SMP Design
Think about your frontal hairline and what the best end goal would look like for you. You will want to refer to photos of others who have achieved the type of SMP hairline you’re looking for. These can come from our website or from anywhere on the internet.
Another good tool is to draw lines on your head to test out what you think could fit you the best. Please do what you can to get an idea of what you want before your first appointment so we can be prepared for your procedure.
Please bring any reference you will use in the form of photographs, even if they’re just photos of your self-made hairlines. This will help your technician understand what you’re aiming for. If they don’t understand your end goals, they won’t be able to deliver your ideal results.
The Treatment Process
After each treatment session, you need to understand precisely what happens to your head after a scalp micropigmentation session. Your scalp has been pierced a couple of thousand times by a needle, usually of the triple cluster variety, and must be taken care of. Don’t let that scare you at all! Discomfort is minimal! It does, however, mean that your scalp needs to heal, and that means you must refrain from interfering with it for a few days; in fact, following the aftercare guidelines is most important.
Each dot is a tiny scab that also contains SMP pigment. Those dots will look larger and darker during the healing process, but don’t worry; they will get smaller and lighter. As your scalp heals, the scabs come away and take some pigments with them. People refer to this as immediate fading, although it’s not actually fading yet.
Post-Operative Care Instructions
The post-op instructions are minimal and manageable. You should follow them as closely as possible. Failure to do so could alter your results in unwanted ways.
- Wait to wash, rub, or touch your head for at least three days after each session.
- Avoid sweating as much as possible. Avoid trips to the sauna or the gym.
- On day four, you will start washing your head with water only. If you have more SMP sessions to go, this is when you will begin moisturizing your scalp again.
- You can cleanse your head using a gentle facial cleanser on day seven.
- For the next 30 days, you must avoid heavy sweating, exfoliating, scalp abrasion, and prolonged exposure to strong UV rays (sunlight). The tanning booth is also included in the list of things to avoid.
- After 30 days, you can resume all your usual activities.
Long-Term SMP Aftercare and Maintenance
For long-term SPM aftercare, you will want to take sensible precautions to ensure the best long-lasting results. This is not a huge list, but some factors could alter your results.
- Be cautious in the sun. If you would have applied sunscreen before you had SMP, you will do so now. If you’re a sun worshipper who never uses any sort of SPF protection, consider applying at least SPF15 on your head. You know it makes sense.
- Reconsider your use of sunbeds. They’re bad for your skin and come with cancer risks. Plus, they accelerate your rate of fading.
- Avoid topical products that contain high concentrations of alcohol. Be aware that most cosmetic creams, lotions, and moisturizers contain some alcohol, but these are generally fine. I’m talking about high concentrations like what you’d find in minoxidil lotion.
- Moisturize at least once a day. Keeping your scalp in good condition will benefit your overall appearance and pigments.
In conclusion, scalp micropigmentation (smp) is an excellent cosmetic option that is not permanent to address any unwanted imperfections your scalp may hold. We customize this procedure technique to meet the individual needs and preferences of each client. To every patient by creating the perfect pigment color to match your hair, choosing what areas you want to be treated, the density-determined goals, and several sessions.
The preparation for the SMP procedure will want to be followed as closely as possible to ensure the best outcome. To recap: if shaving your head, do it well before the appointment, moisturize, plan for pain relief, and bring in references.
The aftercare of SMP is very manageable but still significant. By following our post-op, avoiding the sun, watching what you put on your scalp, and moisturizing, your outcome will maintain its desired integrity and last longer.
SMP: Scalp Micropigmentation: You’re tattooing hair?
During a shaven FUE procedure, we completed Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) to provide a fuller effect on our patient’s thinning areas following the transplantation of 1367 grafts to the front and crown area from regions 8 and 3 using a punch size of 0.85mm2. The donor areas were treated with PRP and ACell Gel. Prior to surgery, his cross-sectional trichomentry (CST) measured 70 at mark number 32. (Ten months earlier, the CST at mark number 32 was recorded at 76.) Due to the patient’s expressed interest in the appearance of fuller hair, he elected to receive brown SMP, which was placed on the grafted areas in box 4 and the crown.
Body-altering conservatives need not be afraid- SMP is a permanent solution; however, the risks of the procedure are minimal. Healing time is approximately 2 to 4 days, with no side effects. Color can be changed or restored at the patient’s discretion.
The disadvantages that SMP faces at this time are:
it is not real hair, and the color and pattern cannot resemble that of longer hair. Should a patient decide to proceed with a hair transplant at a later time, any donor hair that comes from the grafted area will possess the pigmentation, which will be transferred to the recipient area. Further, this procedure for the most natural results should be conducted by a professional in the hair industry since they are equipped with the appropriate tools to create the most natural look.
