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Health Concerns related to SMP

J

jackindersingh

member
Greetings,
I've just gotten one session of SMP done. Before getting it done, I did some brief research to know if they're any adverse health effects from getting the procedure done and it looked like apart from the skin turning red and some mild rash for some clients, there aren't any harmful impacts. After Getting the procedure and looking into it more, I've read online that black ink tattoo is very harmful (traces of PAH's) to one's health as it can impact the lymph nodes and since then, my anxiety has peaked ( I have anxiety). Can anyone enlighten me? I went to a well established SMP location and the artist assured that they're using natural pigmentation when conducting the work. Please let me know, thank you.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
There are some older posts on here from Topcat29 that talk about lymph nodes and SMP ink. I don't think any studies have ever been done to prove that the ink builds up in the lymph nodes.
I had temporary SMP and Semi permanent SMP a number of years ago with no health issues.
Who was your provider? Some pictures would be nice to see.
 
J

jackindersingh

member
My Provider was 'TheArtofSMP' They got branches in NY and Maryland. This is the first session aftermath after one day along with before and after
 

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Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
It looks good in the picture. Are you happy with how it looks?
 
J

jackindersingh

member
I'm very pleased with the results. No doubt about that sir. Was just quite wary of the health concerns with the procedure. ( I'm 22 y.o),
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
I doubt you`ll experience anything. Try not to worry and enjoy your new look.
 
Prohairclinic

Prohairclinic

Prohairclinic FUE and SMP
The previous dr. we worked with had about 40-50% of her body covered in tattoo.
She is highly trained and I doubt she would have done tattoo to that extend if she knew it may cause health problems.
 
J

JohnDoe316

member
Hi, just thought I'd comment. I've had SMP coming up to 7 years now and aside from a bit of fading, still looks great.

In response to your safety concerns, I've been researching all morning and reading studies due to having a sudden curiosity about the long term impact. Most SMP clinics use a mixture of Aqua, Isopropyl Alcohol and a small amount of a mineral called carbon black (CI#77266 to be precise) to create the pigment effect. I read an entire study commissioned by the EU in regards to the safety/toxicity of said mineral, and in conclusion?

It's safe. In one study, they fed rats this carbon black mineral everyday for 2 years straight and there was 0% instances of cancer or any other issues. It can be an issue however if you inhale the carbon in a powdered form, but this isn't applicable at all unless you're working in factory where they produce this product in high quantities.

Not only that, but the SMP procedure is applied to the upper dermal layer of skin, away from blood vessels, unlike normal tattoos. Unless lasered off, it'll just sit there. I assume there is a small degree of the mineral seeping into our system over time due to the immune response, but this takes place over years and even decades and is so tiny that it's irrelevant. They've been using and testing this mineral since the 1950's, and the SMP industry has been around for 20 odd years now. If there were any issues, we'd know about them and the substance would have been banned a long time ago.

Most of the articles you read about the toxicity/cancer impact of tattoo's is in relation to normal tattoos. The ink used is much more complex due to the different shading/colour requirements, and for a long time it's been unregulated.

Fact is, you probably ingest more carcinogenic compounds whilst eating a big mac or just by walking down the street in a built up city than you ever would through having the SMP treatment.

Hope this alleviates your fears.

EDIT: I tried to insert a link to the study, but the forum doesn't allow that for some reason, which is a shame. As I said, it's commissioned by the EU so in terms of standards, it's as high as they come.
 
girlscurls007

girlscurls007

member
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic procedure that involves the application of pigment to the scalp to create the appearance of short hair growth. While the procedure is generally safe and has few reported side effects, there are some health concerns that you should be aware of before undergoing treatment.
One potential risk of SMP is infection. While the risk of infection is low, it is possible for the pigment to become infected if it is not applied properly or if the tools used during the procedure are not properly sterilized. Symptoms of infection may include redness, swelling, and discharge at the site of the pigment application.
Allergic reactions are another potential health concern associated with SMP. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the pigment or to the tools used during the procedure. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include redness, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
It is important to choose a trained and experienced practitioner for SMP to minimize the risk of these health concerns. The practitioner should use sterile tools and follow proper sterilization procedures to reduce the risk of infection, and should be able to identify and manage any potential allergic reactions. If you have any concerns about the procedure, it is always best to consult with a medical professional before proceeding.
 
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