Efficacy, Safety, and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Scalp Micropigmentation in Scarring Alopecia
September 2025
in “
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
”
TLDR Scalp micropigmentation improves appearance and satisfaction in scarring alopecia but may require repeat sessions.
This study on scalp micropigmentation (SMP) in 18 patients with scarring alopecia over 6 months found that SMP is an effective cosmetic intervention, particularly for frontal fibrosing alopecia and traction alopecia, with 50% of participants showing a favorable response. Patient satisfaction improved significantly, as shown by a decrease in the mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score from 35.28 to 25.5. While adverse events were common initially, they decreased by 2 weeks, and all participants experienced pigment loss by 1 month. The study suggests SMP improves scalp aesthetics and psychological well-being, though outcomes vary by diagnosis and are affected by factors like dermal fibrosis. It recommends integrating SMP into broader therapeutic strategies and emphasizes the importance of patient counseling on potential pigment fading and the need for repeat sessions.