SMP – SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION



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Scalp Micropigmentation is also known as, “Scalp tattooing” or SMP, is pretty much what it sounds like!

Dr. Kelemen deposits small amounts of ink into the skin on the client’s scalp using a specialized machine, needle, and ink. It is a non-invasive procedure with minimal risk and complications.

Scalp micro pigmentation or SMP ink is a different type of ink than what is used for traditional tattooing and is only used for the scalp.  This specialized ink can be color-matched to the patient’s existing hair.

The result is a pattern of small dots that resembles very short hairs. Scalp micro pigmentation for hair loss differs from other types of tattoos in several ways. Scalp Micropigmentation treatment is not intended to be visible If done correctly; your scalp micro pigmentation will blend in with your short, natural hair.

The specially designed needle and tattooing machine create hair-breadth points of ink about two millimeters into the skin at the upper level of the dermis. In traditional tattooing, the ink is applied to the skin’s deeper layer of the dermis. The scalp micro pigmentation treatment is semi-permanent in the sense that it will keep its appearance for 3-5 years before gradually lightening.

Because scalp micropigmentation is classified as PMU (Permanent Makeup), it is expected that you will have the treatment for an extended period of time and that it will not be removed the next day. Unlike traditional tattoos, scalp micro-pigmentation or SMP typically lasts for 6-24 months before slowly fading and disappearing.

To keep the desired effects of scalp micro-pigmentation, it is important to come in for “touch-ups” when you notice fading.  If you decide you no longer want the effects of the SMP, it will slowly fade over time and the benefits will disappear.  SMP can give you a full, youthful head of cropped hair. That shiny bald spot is now “camouflaged” to look like you have hairs growing.

Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP is an amazing way to camouflage scars from previous FUT or FUE hair restoration procedures or a scar from previous injuries.  Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP is a great asset for patients that are suffering from hair thinning; we can create a visual effect that you have a fuller head of hair.

Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP can be used in all areas of the scalp: frontal region, mid-scalp, vertex, occipital area, and temples. Dr. Kelemen loves to offer this adjacent hair loss improvement to patients that are just thinning and are not candidates for hair transplant or ready to have an invasive procedure.

Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP is also a great addition to those patients that have had previous hair restoration procedures and do not have sufficient donor area to have any further procedures but still want to have more density. Scalp Micropigmentation will come in to help make the scalp look fuller, and give the visual effect of more hairs. The “tattoo” gun in an experienced physician’s hand can make a significant improvement.

Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP aims to use minute layered dots in various shades of black (pointillism) to imitate the look of a shadow on your scalp. This creates a natural depth and looks like real hair follicles.

At Hair 4 Life Dr. Kelemen completes a scalp in about three sessions, this being needed to assure a nice natural layering of the dots. Dr. Kelemen matches the color of the patient hair with the scalp micro pigmentation using the color theory for it. She is using a state-of-the-art machine and allows to adjust the speed and the depth to every patient’s needs.

Don’t trust your scalp micro-pigmentation to just anyone.  The person performing your scalp micro-pigmentation should be well trained in not only the application of the “tattoo” ink but should be educated on the art of hairline design.

The goal is to make your scalp micro-pigmentation look as natural as possible and one big giveaway is a poorly designed hairline.  A hairline should be age-appropriate as well as appropriate for your ethnicity.

It is not natural for a 60-year-old man to have the hairline of an 18-year-old.  Just as it would not be natural for a Caucasian male to have the same lower and squarer hairline as an Afrocentric male.

Dr. Kelemen is not only certified and highly trained in the scalp micro pigmentation procedure but due to her 20 years of experience in hair restoration, she is well educated on the art of hairline design for all her patients.

Taking every aspect of the patient’s age, ethnicity, and own goals and desires into consideration is very important to Dr. Kelemen.

WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM SMP?

  • Cancer patients with limited hair regrowth
  • People with androgenetic alopecia and other forms of alopecia
  • Men and women with thinning hair
  • People who wish to cover previous scars

IS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION OR SMP PAINFUL?

There may be a little discomfort but usually, no anesthesia is needed. For very sensitive scalps Dr. Kelemen offers numbing options to patients that have a low tolerance. We can also offer Pro-Nox™ or Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) that will assist with the patient’s anxiety and any discomfort that may be felt.

GENERAL TIPS FOR YOUR PROCEDURE

  • Shower before you go for every treatment. This is because you will not be allowed to wet your scalp for a few days after the appointment.
  • Be aware that you will not be able to perform any activities that cause you to sweat a lot for a few days after treatment.
  • Be aware that each appointment will last approximately three hours.
  • The number of treatments you require will depend on how much scalp needs to be covered. A minimum is usually three treatments even for small areas.
  • It is recommended to wait about 10-14 days between the Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP sessions.
  • In the weeks while you’re undergoing treatment, do not have excessively hot baths or showers, or saunas.
  • Cover your head if going out in the sun for the first few days post-treatment. Sunlight should be avoided to minimize the fading of the scalp micro pigmentation ink even after the post-op period is over.

Contact Us or call Hair 4 Life at (480) 525-4547 to schedule an appointment and get your free consultation.




The first step in your journey to address your hair loss is to schedule a one-on-one session with Dr. Kelemen. At H4L you will always have your consultation with the doctor!