What is the difference between SMP and conventional tattoos?

Question

On a technical level, can you please explain the difference between SMP and a standard tattoo. Is there different equipment used to apply the hair tattoo? Why would I go to a doctor rather than my tattoo artist do get this done?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Scalp Micro Pigmentation uses a
different machine and different needles than a conventional tattoo. 
You can't do SMP with a tattoo machine.  In fact I've had several
tattoo artists come to me for SMP work on their own heads.

You don't have to go to a doctor for
SMP. If you are going to a doctor for SMP, make sure the doctor is the one that ACTUALLY DOES the SMP and has plenty of experience doing it THEMSELVES.  Most doctors actually don't do SMP themselves.  They hire
technicians.  There are also tattoo shops, cosmetologists, and
entrepreneurs opening up SMP clinics.  Some even drive a van and come
to your house.

From a legal point of view, non-doctors
need at least a cosmetology license and need to register with the city. They fall under the same regulations as a tattoo shop.

Doctors who offer SMP are
hair transplant surgeons and are familiar with all aspects of hair
restoration and hair line design.  Doctors can surgically fix bad SMP
and also offer anesthesia for a pain free experience.  More
importantly, doctors can offer a comprehensive treatment option which
may include FUE and SMP combo.  There are a few examples of this on by Before After photo section.  Doctors can also provide medication and injections to reshape or flatten scars.

The bottom line is that whoever is
doing the SMP should be competent, have at least some medical
training (to prevent cross contamination infection), and above all be
an artist.

A bad SMP can make you look like a lego
man or a helmet head.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Although similar to tatoo the needles, technique and instrument used for micropigmentation is different from that used for tatoos.  This can be explained in detail when visiting in person with an experiencd certified Scalp Micropigmentation specialist.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Good question. The equipment is different for SMP than standard tattooist equipment, the patients come for only one thing to the doctor and that is SMP, while the tattoist does everything including body art. Body art is not what you want on your head. The depth of the instruments we use is different, much different that tattooist use on body are and best of all, we use anesthesia to manage any pain that would normally occur with this procedure and the tattooist is not allow to do this by law.  Look at our website below and I think you will understand the clear difference.

What is the difference between SMP and conventional tattoos?

Answers (3)

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