Scalp micropigmentation: a concealer for hair and scalp deformities.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic deformities, resulting from some dermatologic diseases or deformities caused by hair restoration surgeries, have had few, if any, good, permanent solutions. Most of these patients have learned to live with their problems. OBJECTIVE: A cosmetic tattoo technique has been developed to address unsightly scalp and hair conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The technique called scalp micropigmentation uses specialized techniques and conventional cosmetic tattoo instruments and pigments in a stippling pattern on the scalp. RESULTS: A variety of alopecias, refractory to treatment and hair transplant deformities, impact millions of men and women. Many of these deformities can be concealed with scalp micropigmentation, making the deformities minimally detectable. Included are the results of treatment. Patient satisfaction is very high. CONCLUSION: Scalp micropigmentation offers a good nonsurgical alternative treatment for hair and scalp deformities. This paper demonstrates scalp micropigmentation results and discusses the histology, physiology, and pathology of tattoo pigments in the skin. The regulation of the tattoo process by the United States Food and Drug Administration and state governments is summarized. Unlike medical devices, scalp micropigmentation offers a tattoo-based, non-medical "cover-up" that effectively hides unsightly conditions on the scalp and creates the illusion of thicker hair. The authors believe that scalp micropigmentation is destined to become a standardized offering for physicians specializing in cosmetic office procedures.

Phenotype of normal hairline maturation.

Hairlines change shape with age, starting at birth. A good head of hair is frequently present some time after ages 3 to 5 years. The look of childhood has its corresponding hairline, and, as the child grows and develops into adulthood, facial morphology migrate changes from a childlike look to a more mature look. This article discusses the dynamics of hairline evolution and the phenotypic variations of the front and side hairlines in men and women. A modeling system is introduced that provides a common language to define the various anatomic points of the full range of hairlines.

Scalp micropigmentation: a useful treatment for hair loss.

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a highly sophisticated medical tattoo process for balding or thinning hair. SMP looks amazingly simple, but this novel technique must be customized for each patient because the skin in each patient differs with regard to how the scalp reacts as it holds on to the tattoo dye. There are many variables involved with performing SMP that makes this process more of an art form than a science. SMP is a very labor-intensive process that could require multiple sessions and up to 20 hours of procedural time to satisfy the patient. This review discusses applications and technical considerations of the SMP process.