UPDATE: Unlike SMP, trichopigmentation is not permanent and only lasts 1-3 years. However, SMP is vulnerable to the Tyndall effect, while trichopigmentation is more realistic-looking.
SMP Tattoo Mistake Fixed By FUE Surgery In African American Patient — Before and After
Prior to his FUE hair transplant, this African Amercian patient resorted to using scalp micropigmentation to compensate for his receding hairline and temples.
Bad African American Scalp Tattoos: Before Photos
Before the patient visited our clinic, he had undergone a scalp micropigmentation (SMP) procedure by another practitioner. The patient was unhappy with the results of his SMP for two reasons:
- The pigment was placed in his receding temples, resulting in a noticeable difference in texture between the treated area and his natural hair.
- The pigment was deposited deeply in the skin, resulting in the Tyndall effect, in which the pigment turns blue or green.
Overall, this caused his SMP to look extremely unrealistic. The patient had originally sought out scalp micro-pigmentation because as an African-American, he didn’t believe he was a candidate for a hair transplant. Unhappy with his appearance, he scheduled an appointment with Dr. Umar to explore his options for repairing his botched tattooed hairline.
Botched Tattooed Hairline Repair: Dr.UGraft ™ Procedure Photos
Dr. Umar used his patented, dulled Dr.UPunch Rotor to perform an FUE hair transplant on the patient. Because the patient is African-American with curly hair, he would not be a suitable candidate for a traditional FUE hair transplant, which can only be performed on patients with straight or wavy hair. However, the patented Dr.UPunch tool allows for FUE on all hair types. Dr. Umar filled in the patient’s hairline and improved overall hair density with 1375 grafts.
Bad Hair Tattoo Before and After Repair Photos
These photos, taken 11 months after his procedure, show the patient’s results. Dr. Umar was able to use his Dr.UGraft Revolution system to perform a bad hair tattoo repair on the patient, and the patient was ecstatic with the results.
Dr.UGraft ™Patient Results Video: Bad Hair Tattoo Repair for Pasadena, Los Angeles Patient
For more bad hair tattoos before and after repair pictures, watch the video below.
This case is a great example of how a Dr.UGraft FUE hair transplant can be used to repair a bad hair tattoo. Dr. U and his Dr.UPunch Rotor produce amazing results on patients with curly hair, as demonstrated with this patient.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dr.UGraft ™Bad Hair Tattoo Repair
What is the cost of repairing a bad hair tattoo?
The price of repairing a bad hair tattoo is dependent on various factors. When consulting with Dr. Umar, you will discuss the number of grafts as well as the amount of needed trichopigmentation.
What are the pros and cons of hair tattooing?
Hair tattoo procedures are performed by tattoo artists and permanent makeup specialists. While a hair tattoo is less expensive than scalp micro pigmentation (SMP), the results will not be as realistic. For the most realistic results, a patient must undergo SMP or trichopigmentation by a hair loss specialist. Many patients who resorted to hair tattooing instead of having the more realistic scalp micro pigmentation have had unnatural-looking outcomes that required fixing.
What is the difference between hair tattooing, scalp micropigmentation, and trichopigmentation?
Hair tattoos, scalp micropigmentation (SMP), and trichopigmentation vary in the gauge and design of the needles, the pigment used, and the application technique. Tattoo artists perform hair tattoos with the same needles used for traditional tattoos, which are too large and round to properly mimic the appearance of hair. Additionally, hair tattoos use traditional tattoo pigment, which is prone to turning blue or green in a result called the Tyndall effect. Trichopigmentation and SMP use smaller needles specially designed to create the appearance of individual hairs. SMP and trichopigmentation differ on the types of ink used and the depth of the pigment placement. SMP is permanent but vulnerable to the Tyndall effect, while trichopigmentation only lasts for two years but is more realistic-looking.
Who is a good candidate for trichopigmentation?
Not everyone is a good candidate for trichopigmentation. Trichopigmentation is ideal for those who want to shave or buzz their hair but still have the appearance of naturally full hair. This is a popular procedure for those who do not want to undergo full hair restoration, want to cover a previous hair transplant scar, or to cover areas affected by alopecia. Trichopigmentation can be the “icing on the cake”, complementing a hair transplant procedure. Trichopigmentation works well for those with dark hair but doesn’t work on red, blonde, grey, or white hair. The procedure is not ideal for those who want to wear their hair in longer hairstyles or to fill in receding temples.
Not sure whether trichopigmentation or a hair transplant is the correct option for you? You can reach out to Dr. U with any questions on your hair restoration by clicking through the button below:
Further Reading:
References
- Tyndall effect – Wikipedia. En.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyndall_effect. Published 2022. Accessed July 29, 2022.
