Scalp Micropigmentation: A Clinicopathologic Correlation

January 2022 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”

Betty Nguyen, Joshua E. Mervis, Paolo Romanelli, Antonella Tosti

scalp micropigmentation SMP alopecia trichoscopy histopathology

TLDR Trichoscopy effectively visualizes scalp micropigmentation without invasive methods.

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a technique used to conceal alopecia by depositing permanent pigment in a pattern that mimics closely cut hair. Trichoscopy, a non-invasive imaging method, reveals characteristic homogenous, grey to black circular dots that are larger than adjacent hair follicles. These findings were confirmed through histopathology, demonstrating that trichoscopy is an effective tool for visualizing SMP without the need for invasive procedures.

View this study on karger.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Scalp Micropigmentation Procedure: A Useful Procedure for Hair Restoration

4 citations, November 2020 in “Journal of Craniofacial Surgery”

Scalp Micropigmentation is an effective and safe option for hair restoration and camouflaging scalp scars.

research Standardization of SMP Procedure and Its Impact on Outcome

8 citations, January 2017 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Standardizing the SMP procedure improves treatment results for hair loss.

research Combining Scalp Micropigmentation and Hair Transplantation

1 citations, May 2016 in “Hair transplant forum international”

Using scalp micropigmentation (a special tattoo technique) with hair transplantation can effectively treat hair loss, especially for those with low donor density or those unsuitable for only hair transplantation.

research Dirty Dots as a Normal Trichoscopic Finding in the Elderly Scalp

6 citations, January 2016 in “JAMA Dermatology”

Dirty dots are a common scalp finding in elderly women and can be washed away with shampoo.

research Hair Dye: A Trichoscopy Pitfall

6 citations, March 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair dye can make it hard to diagnose scalp conditions correctly.

research Scalp Micropigmentation: A Concealer for Hair and Scalp Deformities

10 citations, March 2015 in “PubMed”

Scalp micropigmentation, a cosmetic tattoo technique, is a promising non-surgical treatment for hair and scalp deformities, despite potential complications.

research Micropigmentation: Camouflaging Scalp Alopecia and Scars in Korean Patients

26 citations, December 2013 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Micropigmentation safely and effectively hides scalp hair loss and scars.

research Micropigmentation: Tattooing for Medical Purposes

27 citations, March 2006 in “Dermatologic surgery”

Medical tattooing is a widely accepted, easy, and permanent treatment with few side effects but carries an infection risk without proper sterilization.

research Micropigmentation: Medical Applications and Procedures

39 citations, August 2005 in “Dermatologic surgery”

Micropigmentation is a widely accepted tattooing technique for hiding cosmetic issues and medical uses, with permanent results and few side effects, but risks infection if not done with sterile tools.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Rare Non responder to Finasteride, Dutasteride, and oral minoxidil

in Minoxidil 78 upvotes 9 months ago

A user did not respond to finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil for hair loss after four years of treatment and is considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Other users suggest the hair loss pattern may indicate alopecia areata and recommend seeing a dermatologist.

community If dutesteride and oral minoxidil doesn’t work that’s it right?

in Treatment 20 upvotes 7 months ago

A user is experiencing continued hair loss despite using 0.5mg dutasteride and 2.5mg minoxidil, and is seeking advice on why the treatments aren't working and how to address potential androgen receptor sensitivity. Replies suggest getting tested and considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP).

community 2 months on Fin - 25 years with my story

in Progress Pictures 24 upvotes 3 years ago

A user shared their hair loss journey, starting with minoxidil and later switching to finasteride due to dissatisfaction with minoxidil. They experienced some regrowth and shedding, with mild side effects from finasteride, and are hopeful for future improvements.

community 2024 Official beginner guide for “I’m losing my hair, what can I do?”

in General 726 upvotes 4 months ago

For hair loss, start with Finasteride, Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Microneedling. For severe cases, consider Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, or hair transplants.

community Nothing's working, I feel depressed, also hopeless for the first time

in Update 104 upvotes 2 years ago

A user's experience with hair loss treatments, including Finasteride, Minoxidil, Nizoral Shampoo, Rosemary Oil, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin C, Zinc and Dermarolling, that have not been successful over the past 14 months. Other users gave advice on how to cope with the issue, such as exercising, changing mindset, and shaving their head.

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 2 years ago

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Sisaipho Alopecia Areata Treated With Tofacitinib and Oral Minoxidil

1 citations, August 2022 in “JAAD case reports”

Tofacitinib and oral minoxidil may help treat Sisaipho alopecia areata.

research Hair Disorders

August 2018 in “Oxford University Press eBooks”

The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document cannot be parsed.

research Hair Anatomy for the Clinician

139 citations, July 1991 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Understanding hair follicle anatomy helps diagnose hair disorders.