Macro-pigmentation vs Micro-pigmentation

[hairtech]

A Patient came in today to receive a small FUE. He had a previous small FUE for hairline correction two years ago. After his first FUE which was about 200 extractions he decided to have an SMP to fill in the extraction holes. I took 3 pictures (one regular and the second/third one through a magnification) to illustrate a few points concerning points in SMP.First of all in my opinion this is not "micro-pigmentation." Micro-pigmentation does not use large dots like this hence the term "macro-pigmentation" or large dots or shading. This procedure used a large tattoo needle and performed a deep layer regular tattoo method.Secondly, whomever performed this SMP more than likely performed it without the use of magnification and did it blindly. The patient said he had shaved his head for the procedure however clearly here there are missed FUE extractions and dots that have bled together. Thirdly, There are several clinics that can perform the procedure of SMP into FUE in a much more refined manner. It takes a much smaller needle, a much less depth with the ink and much experience.This is not a Scalp Micro-pigmentation in my opinion.

 

[hairtech]

Second picture close up with arrows

 

[hairtech]

Third picture although not clear, it shows a closer view of the large dots.

 

[baldasabadger10]

Them black dots look nasty, do they stand out badly if he were to have a short hairstyle?

 

[hairtech]

ya they kind of do.

 

[bullitnut]

Wow their bad dude, they look like they have been done with a felt tip pen......not good. Why some SMP clinics are performing regular tattoos is beyond me*nl These dots are like the hair plugs of the SMP world.

It's a shame this kind of thing is happening because it gives SMP a bad name and it can be a useful tool against hairloss imo.

Great pics by the way

 

[hairtech]

I agree. And this clinic I thought has a pretty good reputation. At least they said they did.

 

[hairtech]

...

 

[bullitnut]

Makes me curious as to how many clinics are using regular tattoo equipment and inks*nl

If you google scalp micropigmentation these days there are thousands of clinics that appear so it's very hard for prospective patients to know who is good and who is bad. In my eyes the best possible thing to do is to meet with people who have actually had the procedure at specific clinics so you can see first hand what your getting into.

 

[hairtech]

Bullitnut, you are very correct. Many clinics are using old school tattoo equipment. This is changing though. There are smaller needles being used and the realization of the technicians that the depth of the impression is critical.

And another problem with SMP is that there are many clinics that think that a couple of days of training from someone will provide great SMP results.
Not true. I have seen this happen at three clinics.

A true SMP takes time to gain experience. It is just like FUE. Experience and time.
Anyway, her is a 7-10x close up of an area showing the difference between large dots and small dots.

 

[bullitnut]

hairtech wrote:

And another problem with SMP is that there are many clinics that think that a couple of days of training from someone will provide great SMP results.
Not true. I have seen this happen at three clinics.

This worries me too because i personally fear that wannabe tattoo artists are going to want to get involved in this more and more and to me even though it has it's similarities it's still a cosmetic medical procedure of sorts.

 

[hairtech]

Well some of what you worry about is true. However in the state I live in the cosmetic permanent/semi-permanent make-up and SMP is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health as a license. At least in this state these procedures fall under the terms "body art tattooist".

Body art tattooist (SMP/Cosmetic) all must complete a 220hr program under a licensed tattooist.

The only difference is that a tattoo shop or clinic within certain areas of Minnesota do not have to pay state fees to operate however EVERY technician has to be licensed.


If you are bored: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpsc/hop/tattoo/baexempt.html


Anyway, I agree with you bullitnut. I also have to opinion that tattooist should not run with SMP and not know hair restoration...
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[bullitnut]

Thanks for the link HairtechZ:B i'll give it a read dude.

 

[hairtech]

A different look at macro-dotting instead of micro-dotting.

 

[Nicole007]

hairtech wrote:

Bullitnut, you are very correct. Many clinics are using old school tattoo equipment. This is changing though. There are smaller needles being used and the realization of the technicians that the depth of the impression is critical.









And another problem with SMP is that there are many clinics that think that a couple of days of training from someone will provide great SMP results.




Not true. I have seen this happen at three clinics.









A true SMP takes time to gain experience. It is just like FUE. Experience and time.




Anyway, her is a 7-10x close up of an area showing the difference between large dots and small dots.

This photo is an example (7-10x view) of a repair SMP that I am working on here at SMG. The smaller needle size and shallow depth of our needle penetration are much less likely to cause any pigment migration.

 

[baldasabadger10]

Hi Nicole, out of interest what is the plan of action for this patients repair regarding his SMP please?

 

[salvar]

Thought I could add a closeup from one of our clients, he has alopecia areata, I took this picture for him during the treatment to show him how close to the actual hair the SMP looks, you will see slight redness on the are we just did, the rest is his natural hair.