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Do alcohol based lotions cause SMP to fade with long-term use?

M
misterpeteJan 21, 2020

I'm planning to get scalp micropigmentation SMP on my FUE scars soon. I currently use minoxidil foam which is essentially just minoxidil dissolved in pure ethanol. Does ethanol applied to the skin longterm cause significant fading or blurring of the SMP dots?

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Dr. Jae Pak, MD
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Dr. Jae Pak, MD
Hair Restoration Surgeon, Board Certified in Emergency Medicine
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Answered on Feb 10, 2020
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Dr. William Rassman, MD (retired)
Dr. William Rassman, MD (retired)
Hair Restoration Surgeon, Board Certified in General Surgery
Answered on Jan 24, 2020
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Jae Pak, MD

Scalp MicroPigmentation or SMP is usually suitable for one specific length.  You should have the SMP done with the ideal hair length you intend to wear.  SMP is a flat tattoo.  Hairs are three dimensional.  SMP cannot perfectly match hair at various lengths.

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Jae Pak, MD

Scalp MicroPigmentation or SMP can take many sessions (more than 3) and it depends on the person doing it and the patient themselves. Each case is different. 

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Jae Pak, MD

You can have SMP to cover the FUE scars when the redness is gone.  In general most people wait 1 to 3 months.

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Jae Pak, MD

Scalp MicroPigmentation or SMP can be done as long as your wound has healed with no redness. At 6 months, it is perfectly fine to have SMP with your hair long or short.  

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Jae Pak, MD

You can wash your hair with any shampoo normally after a few days.  Shampoos do not damage SMP or tattoo.  If you're worried, wait a few weeks.

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Jae Pak, MD

Many patients have SMP to cover over harvested FUE scars.  It can be done and it has been done many times.

+4 answers
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