Will scalp micropigmentation cause a flare-up for lichen planopilaris?

Question

I am a mid-30s Asian female who was recently diagnosed with lichen planopilaris. Although I currently do not experience a lot of itching or redness, I would like to get scalp micropigmentation to hide the hair that has already been lost. Is this safe for someone who has this condition?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Many of our patients with lichen planopilaris go on to have successful SMP without issues.  Flare-ups may be a risk nevertheless.  Please discuss the risks with your doctor.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

My experience is that pigments seem to fade faster in patients with LPP and even faster if patients are using alot of topicals (like topical steroids). I don’t generally find that the primary disease itself flares very often after a person has had SMP. Test sessions on small areas are always advised in patients with LPP.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

We have done Scalp Microp[igmentation on people with various dermatologic diseases. The depth of the scalp micropigmentation is only about 0.5 mm so most of the time it does not impact the primary disease. You can do a test to confirm this with a very small pigment deposit and if there is no reaction, go forward with the full procedure. That way you will be playing it safe

Will scalp micropigmentation cause a flare-up for lichen planopilaris?

Answers (3)

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