SMP removal & Correction
SMP Removal
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is one of the best non-surgical treatments for hair loss, and it is intended to be a permanent solution. SMP removal is therefore a similarly big decision. If you are unhappy with your scalp micropigmentation and considering having it removed and corrected, we are your experts. Along with our sister company ScalPerfection, we can help you regain your confidence and be happy with your appearance for years to come.
We are confident enough to say that we have one of the best scalp micropigmentation specialists in Grant Emerson, who himself has suffered with baldness and been treated with scalp micropigmentation. Grant is a level 4 certified scalp micropigmentation technician with all the mandatory qualifications and certificates required. He has treated many clients with botched scalp micropigmentation and is highly experienced in scalp micropigmentation removal and correction.
Listen to one of our happy clients and his SMP Removal experience with Laser Perfection
The Treatment
How does laser SMP removal work?
Scalp micropigmentation removal is a very similar process to laser tattoo removal. We use medical grade lasers and can remove, correct or fade some or all of a scalp micropigmentation procedure. Whether you have a fully botched scalp, or just a few simulated hair follicles, we can remove and correct as much or as little as you need. We can also use the laser to fade the pigment if a darker colour than needed was used. Removing a traditional body tattoo can take anything from 3 to 10 treatments, depending on the ink density and depth. With scalp micropigmentation, the ink density is usually low, and the depth is much closer to the surface, therefore laser removal requires fewer sessions. We use a state-of-the-art Inkaway laser which emits short pulses of light to target the pigment, causing the molecules to break apart. Your body then processes these particles and passes them through your lymphatic system. Whilst every individual is different, in most cases the laser
procedure can completely remove the scalp micropigmentation without any adverse effect on the skin of hair follicles.
Scalp Micropigmentation Correction
Once your scalp micropigmentation has been removed and completely healed (usually 8 weeks, you will be able to have scalp micropigmentation (SMP) correction. Our sister company ScalPerfection is an award winning SMP company and boasts one of the most respected SMP technicians, Grant Emerson. Grant has been treated with scalp micropigmentation himself and understands the importance of having a high quality SMP treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually no. Immediately after laser treatment, you may find that the hair turns white, but it will grow back normally. In some cases, we will ask you to shave before treatment, but we can usually work with hair in place.
Generally, SMP removal is quite simple to remove and takes 2-3 sessions, each with an 8-10 week gap in between. There are exceptions to this rule, and you may need additional sessions depending on skin tone, pigment depth and quality of the ink used. We will assess your micropigmentation and agree a treatment plan during your consultation.
Prices are calculated on a case-by-case basis and will be agreed during your consultation. The consultation is free, during which we may need to perform a patch test. This will help us to determine the right settings and laser wavelengths to use. There are no hidden costs and there is an option to pay in installments.
It is always the better option to correct micropigmentation rather than remove, and we will discuss this during your consultation. There are some cases where correction is not possible:
1. The hairline is too low
If the micro pigmented hairline goes beyond where the natural hairline would have been, this can make the forehead look shorter and out of proportion. There is no satisfactory way to disguise this, so removal is the best option.
This type of problem highlights the importance of having a skilled SMP technician who can measure your features and visualize the final result correctly.
2. The pigments dots have spread
The SMP process injects tiny dots of pigment into the skin to give the appearance of follicles beginning to grow. If the dots are too big, the result does not look realistic. Pigment dots can spread due to a few reasons:
• The needle used was too thick.
• The dots were placed too close together and have merged.
• The pigment was injected too deep and has spread in the skin.
There is no way to camouflage or correct dots that have spread, and this will require removal.
3. The colour has turned blue/green
All SMP treatments are generally carried out with a similar colour – dark grey for dark haired clients and lighter grey for fair haired clients. This is because hair follicles that emerge from the skin all look this colour, regardless of the actual colour that the strand grows into. The problem with dark grey tones is that they can look cool, especially if the pigment is injected too deep, because there are many layers of skin above it. Pigments that initially look good can also turn blue/green if the pigment was not formulated properly or warmed up before use.
SMP pigments are more concentrated and contain higher levels of carbon. As the body breaks this down over time, carbon-based pigments can look blue/green/grey. One way that experienced SMP artists use to counteract this is to add a little red pigment into the mix. There is no easy way to correct colour once it has been applied, so the best option is to remove it and reapply the micropigmentation.
Laser removal is not the most comfortable procedure; most of our clients say that it feels like a sharp stinging. This is over very quickly though; an average session only lasts 10 minutes.
If carried out by a trained experienced technician who knows how to set up and operate the laser, then yes. Please note that darker skin is more at risk of hypo- or hyperpigmentation (lightening or darkening of the skin), so a specialist laser is required for darker skin types. If you have any concerns, please speak to us.
In order to achieve the best results, it is important to follow the correct aftercare advice. We recommend drinking plenty of water to help maintain a healthy lymphatic drainage which helps to flush the pigments from your system. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid soaking the skin through swimming, prolonged bathing or sweating for the first few days after treatment. Sun exposure should also be avoided and a minimum of SPF30 used at all times. We will advise you on any topical creams to help aid healing, and massaging the area when applying them can also help to stimulate blood flow and speed up removal of the pigment particles. It also goes without saying not to scratch or pick any scabs that occur. These must be left the heal naturally. We will discuss aftercare with you during your consultation and also at every treatment. If you have questions or concerns at any time, get in touch with us.
