Is a Scalp Micropigmentation painful?

We specialize in reducing pain for SMP through the use of local anesthesia delivered by a physician. This is different than almost anywhere else where SMP is performed by a solo tattoo artist who would not be allowed to provide local anesthesia. On average, our patients do not find Scalp Micropigmentation to be painful. Additionally, the needles are thinner than a traditional tattoo needle and the injection is not nearly as deep as a traditional tattoo.

How many appointments will I need?

Most patients will need a few treatments, spaced several weeks apart, with each treatment adding more pigment to create the look of thicker hair.

Can I combine a Scalp Micropigmentation with other procedures?

Of course! Many of our hair transplant patients will combine their FUE or FUT hair transplant with a Scalp Micropigmentation for an improved, overall aesthetic. If this is something you are interested in, or would like to hear more combinable options, please discuss your cosmetic goals with your provider and they can help provide you with some incredible suggestions.

What are the risks associated with Scalp Micropigmentation?

The biggest risks of Scalp Micropigmentation come with using an unlicensed or inexperienced practitioner who may not take the necessary precautions. Possible risks include: Allergic reaction to the cosmetic pigments. Infection from unsterilized needles. Unnatural or undesirable appearance after treatment. To avoid these risks, it’s important to choose a licensed scalp micropigmentation technician. If you have allergies, discuss them with your physician before the treatment.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

In New York City

Introduction

Scalp Micropigmentation

Our team prides themselves on delivering natural, long-lasting results with minimal down time.

We are all so fortunate to live in an era where we have many options to improve our hair aesthetic. Traditional hair restoration focuses solely on hair growth, whereas modern hair restoration aims to improve aesthetics, not just hair. In our gorgeous New York City office, we offer patients from around the world the option to enhance the appearance of their heads through the non-surgical option known as Scalp Micropigmentation.

Actual male hair transplant patient before the procedure

Actual male hair transplant patient after the procedure

Before & After Photos

Photo

Gallery

The Basics

What is Scalp Micropigmentation?

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a semi-permanent cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of thinning hair or hair loss.

Micro-pigmentation treatment that is essentially a “hair tattoo”. It requires thin, small needles to deposit tiny dots of pigment (color) on the scalp, which gives the appearance of thicker hair. Each dot of ink simulates a hair about to bud and can look natural. The pigment remains for most patients for 2-4 years and fades over time. Scalp micropigmentation does not grow hair or change your natural hair growth. Scalp micropigmentation is a camouflage technique to make it look like you have fuller, thicker hair.

SMP treatment can hide thinning areas on your scalp, as well as birthmarks or scars, and create the illusion of shaved hair or a “buzz cut” on bald people. The procedure is for both men and women. Many women use it to create the appearance of a more narrow part. When patients have dark hair and a lighter scalp, SMP can blend the contrast and dramatically improve the aesthetic of the hair and scalp. Scalp micropigmentation always uses semi-permanent inks.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Timeline

Consultation (before treatment)

You will discuss your aesthetic goals and have your scalp examined. After determining if you are a good candidate and choosing the color of your pigmentation, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your first treatment.

1st Visit
Day of treatment

You will meet with your licensed tattoo artist. We will deliver the pigment to the predetermined areas of your scalp for your first treatment. Afterward, you will be able to return to your normal routine, but you will need to follow specific instructions to ensure successful results.

2nd Visit
Days following treatment

You should feel a little sore from the treatment. Most can return to work the next day. You will avoid showering the scalp for a few days, which will be told to you after the procedure. Exercise is also restricted in the first 5 days to avoid sweating.

(days 1-5)
Weeks following treatment

Depending on your particular needs, you may need to come back for a second treatment at this point. Many patients only require one or two follow-ups, but you will notice more “fullness” with each additional session. Each session will take place about two to four weeks apart.

(weeks 2-4)
Final results

While your results will tend to fade over the years, especially when overly exposed to the elements, you should be able to enjoy the appearance of a full head of hair for many years to come with natural-looking results.

(3 months +)

What are the benefits of Scalp Micropigmentation?

The benefits our New York City Scalp Micropigmentation patients have seen include:

Enhanced appearance
Improves self-confidence
Can be used by both men and women
No downtime
Results are natural-looking and artistic

Who are the best candidates for the Scalp Micropigmentation procedure?

The best candidates for Scalp Micropigmentation in NYC are people who have the following conditions:

Thin hair or scalp show-through
Scars (especially after hair transplant)
Dark hair
Hair loss in women – widened part.
Male pattern baldness, receding hairline, or baldness at the crown of the head.
Certain medical conditions; Alopecia Areata, chemotherapy-related hair loss, PCOS. Hormonal conditions that cause hair loss, include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

People who are prone to keloids (scars that grow larger than normal) should not get scalp micropigmentation. The treatment can cause keloids to form in some people.

HAIRCAREMD

What’s The First Step?

If you are in the NYC area and are looking for an alternative, aesthetically pleasing way to improve your hair’s appearance, the first step into Scalp Micropigmentation is to schedule a consultation with one of our providers. They will listen to your cosmetic goals and discuss all of your options. Together with your provider will discuss what you can expect from your treatment.

Once the two of you are satisfied with the plan, our Patient Coordinator will review the cost and will help you schedule the best day and time. You will also be provided with instructions that will help make the most of your treatment.

What to Expect on the Day of Scalp Micropigmentation Surgery

Before you have your Scalp Micropigmentation procedure, we encourage you to wash your hair and scalp. Once you arrive, your provider will mark the areas of your scalp that will be treated. A numbing medicine will be applied to your scalp for a more comfortable experience. A handheld device is then used to strategically deliver medical-grade pigment to color your scalp. The dots will vary in size, angle, and depth to provide a natural, hairlike appearance.

The needles are thinner and smaller than tattoo needles, so scalp micropigmentation is usually less painful than getting a tattoo. You may receive injections of local anesthesia as well to make the experience nearly painless. Your treatment may take one to five hours, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Scalp Micropigmentation Recovery

Recovery after SMP is rapid. There are very few side effects of scalp micropigmentation. You may have some redness on your scalp that lasts several hours. You can wear a hat or scarf to cover the scalp if you want.

After the treatment, you may need to avoid certain activities for several days, including:

Getting your scalp wet. Wear a shower cap while showering or take baths to keep your head dry. Don’t wash your hair or scalp until your provider says it’s OK to do so.
Heavy exercise.
Hot, steamy showers or steam rooms. The steam can cause moisture to collect on your scalp.
Sun exposure on your scalp.
Sweating or being in a hot environment.

Scalp micropigmentation usually retains its appearance for two to four years. The pigments used in scalp micropigmentation are semi-permanent cosmetic pigments.

Cost

How Much Does Scalp Micropigmentation Cost in New York City?

The cost of Scalp Micropigmentation in New York City will vary on multiple factors, including the size of the area being treated and the pigment color being used. The best way to determine the total price is to come in for a consultation and have your treatment plan created.

If you are interested in SMP but are unsure of what this may cost you, you can e-mail us photos. We can review the photos and provide a range or estimate of cost. This is complementary.

Why Choose Us?

Why Choose HaircareMD?

At HairCareMD, we offer the most elevated SMP results and experience. You will receive a combination physician and a tattoo artist who will work together to create a gorgeous result in the most painless way possible. Few clinics can adequately numb the scalp, fortunately, this is our routine. Our licensed tattoo artist team has an incredible depth of experience, having performed over 10,000 procedures.

Schedule A Consultation

Hair loss can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it doesn’t have to be definitive. At HaircareMD, we are happy to be able to provide our NYC patients with multiple hair loss options. If you are looking to keep the appearance of a full head of hair but aren’t a good transplant candidate or are interested in a less invasive option, we encourage you to look into Scalp Micropigmentation in New York City. Call us directly or use our website to request an appointment and a member of our team will be in touch with you.

Scalp Micropigmentation FAQs

We specialize in reducing pain for SMP through the use of local anesthesia delivered by a physician. This is different than almost anywhere else where SMP is performed by a solo tattoo artist who would not be allowed to provide local anesthesia. On average, our patients do not find Scalp Micropigmentation to be painful. Additionally, the needles are thinner than a traditional tattoo needle and the injection is not nearly as deep as a traditional tattoo.
Of course! Many of our hair transplant patients will combine their FUE or FUT hair transplant with a Scalp Micropigmentation for an improved, overall aesthetic. If this is something you are interested in, or would like to hear more combinable options, please discuss your cosmetic goals with your provider and they can help provide you with some incredible suggestions.
The biggest risks of Scalp Micropigmentation come with using an unlicensed or inexperienced practitioner who may not take the necessary precautions.

Possible risks include:
- Allergic reaction to the cosmetic pigments.
- Infection from unsterilized needles.
- Unnatural or undesirable appearance after treatment.
To avoid these risks, it’s important to choose a licensed scalp micropigmentation technician. If you have allergies, discuss them with your physician before the treatment.

Schedule Your Consultation

Haircaremd

Our friendly, front desk coordinator will take care of your scheduling needs. Contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation. We offer in-person and virtual appointments to better accommodate your needs. You can also call us at +1 212-832-8595
to schedule an appointment.