Camouflage (SMP & Fibers)
There are times when desired hair density cannot be achieved despite all treatments tried. In those situations, we can use camouflaging products or procedures to create visual density. On this page you will find information about the two of the most common options available to you: scalp micro pigmentation (SMP) and hair fibers.
Scalp micro pigmentation (SMP), a medical tattooing uses specialized pigment, needle, and machine in the process of replicating and simulating individual hair follicles. Pigment is deposited into the scalp to mimic hair exiting the scalp and thereby create an illusion of hair. SMP is versatile and can be used as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with hair transplant. Dr. Lam uses the most technically advanced and artistically experienced technicians to perform this procedure in his practice.
Hair fibers are intended to provide a visual, albeit temporary, camouflage to your hair thinning by simple daily application. Hair fibers provide instant camouflage over balding areas that are locked into place with a locking spray that will not easily come out until you shower using shampoo. This page will discuss Dr. Lam’s unique all-natural Folliflo hair fibers and how they work.
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SCALP MICRO PIGMENTATION (SMP)
At the Lam Institute for Hair Restoration, we have partnered with an award-winning artist, who has 15 years in the industry with the most experience in the DFW area. We believe that the only way to achieve excellent results is to rely on licensed, experienced, artistic, and technically precise professionals with years of work in the industry. Dr. Lam and his team work with them to achieve the ultimate standard in scalp micropigmentation work.
The artist is the most critical part of the SMP work but the machinery is also of utmost importance. SMP in Dallas is undertaken using a special machine outfitted with sterile, disposable instrumentation to deposit pigment at the surface of the scalp to decrease the color contrast between hair and bald scalp. SMP is as much an art as it is a science, and our team has extensive experience performing safe, natural looking results. The technique involves the placement of very fine dots of special pigment that are color matched to the individual’s natural hair and skin color. The results can make visible scars blend with the surrounding hair and bald scalp appear as a shaved or “buzzed” hairstyle. There are many different scenarios in which SMP can be applied and there are a variety of methods used to accomplish the desired objectives. After a consultation with Dr. Lam and his team, you can be guided on what method or combination of methods would suit you perfectly.
In our office, SMP is oftentimes used in three different situations: one as a standalone procedure to simulate a “buzzed” hairstyle, two to help camouflage scars, and three to create visual density in both men and women. (Please see scar repair for a detailed explanation of both surgical and non-surgical scar camouflage methods.) SMP is simple, fast, non-surgical, and potentially semi-permanent to permanent method to camouflage scars that appear in hair-bearing areas.
- As a standalone procedure, SMP may offer a less expensive, faster, and non-surgical method for some patients who do not desire a surgical hair procedure.
- SMP can be placed into all types of scars including linear donor scars in the back of the head, brow lifting scars, facelift scars, traumatic scalp scars, post-skin cancer scalp scars, cleft-lip scars, etc. In many cases, a combination of SMP and hair transplant into the scar may produce the most favored outcomes but oftentimes SMP alone can suffice. Again, a careful evaluation and consultation will help you decide which method is better for you. (Please see scar repair for a detailed explanation of both surgical and non-surgical scar camouflage methods.)
These two gentlemen are shown before and after scalp micropigmentation (SMP) for a linear donor scar.
This patient had a traumatic scar from childhood on his scalp that was camouflaged effectively with our scalp micropigmentation, otherwise known as medical tattooing.
- SMP is a non-surgical method that can provide visual density in both men and women and can wonderfully complement surgical hair transplants. SMP may be the first option as often seen in women who may not be candidates for hair transplants due to the lack of their donor’s hair. More commonly, however, SMP can be used to enhance a hair transplant result to further add density and thereby possible to avoid the need for a second surgical procedure. Obviously, the patient should probably wait a year to see the full expression of the transplanted result to best determine whether SMP is even needed at that point.
This gentleman desired more visual density in his crown
This patient underwent scalp micropigmentation (also known as medical tattooing) to create the illusion of greater visual density, an option available with surgery or without surgery.
SMP offers a long-term, if not permanent, solution to create added visual density to hair transplants by making tiny dots as tattoos on the scalp. It can also be used to cover scalp scars or be used to create the illusion of short hairs for a shaved-head appearance. Dallas hair transplant surgeon uses in-house artists to provide excellent aesthetic outcomes that appear natural and can also reverse any unwanted tattoos with his laser tattoo removal device.
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To learn more about the treatment of Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) in Dallas, contact us and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lam.
FAQs about Scalp Micropigmentation
- Does Dr. Lam perform microblading?
Microblading describes a long-lasting (albeit temporary) tattoo used primarily to simulate the appearance of eyebrow hairs. Dr. Lam does not perform microblading but can give you recommendations to providers in the Dallas area whom he trusts to perform this procedure. Of note, Dr. Lam does perform permanent eyebrow hair transplants, and you should explore the section dedicated to eyebrow hair restoration for more information.
- What is the nature of the procedure like?
SMP is an easy office-based procedure. You begin with photographs taken, then a detailed discussion of what you are desiring to accomplish. The scalp will be thoroughly cleansed, and the area of concern outlined prior to starting. A long-lasting anesthetic will be administered to make the area numb. Depending on the area in question, you may be in the office for the morning or it may take a full day (with a break for lunch). For very extensive procedures, it may take two consecutive days. As mentioned above, expect that there will be some fading and a need to touch things up over a period of 2 to 3 times spaced 6 to 8 weeks at a minimum between sessions.
- What are things that I should know about having this procedure performed?
We use the highest-quality pigments with highly skilled technicians performing the procedure. However, pigments will appear darker initially and then fade over several weeks to months. Second, pigments may change color or be completely absorbed by the skin. In particular, scars may not take up pigment as well and require further sessions. Despite the variability of these limitations, SMP has become a mainstay in Dr. Lam’s comprehensive treatment methods to help you achieve your desired aesthetic outcomes.
- Can I become allergic to pigment?
It is rare, but it is possible to develop an allergic reaction. We use pigments that have many organic components and do not contain iron oxide.
- What happens if my hair turns gray?
Depending on what color pigment is used, you may need to color your hair in the future. Most cases require the use of gray color pigment to accommodate for the change in hair color but even the gray pigment may show if the hair turns completely white. It is important to discuss this in detail with Dr. Lam before starting your SMP treatment.
Scalp Micropigmentation Videos
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ALL-NATURAL FOLLIFLO HAIR FIBERS
Ideal candidates for hair fiber are men and women seeking to camouflage their thin hair. Hair fibers can be used in many clinical scenarios: in lieu of hair transplant surgery, in combination with hair surgery to make a result temporarily thicker, during times of active shedding, etc. Dr. Lam’s own all-natural, chemical-free hair fibers have a bipolar charge since some hairs are positively charged and other hairs are negatively charged. Therefore, the fibers bind to the hair shaft in a perpendicular fashion like tree branches on a tree making the hairs look much thicker than conventional fibers that don’t cling perpendicularly and just fall to the scalp.
Unlike some products like Toppik, Dr. Lam’s Folliflo fibers are 100% natural with no chemical ingredients including an all-natural colorant. Hair fibers come in many colors, and we can help you match fiber color to your hair color. Fibers need to be applied to clean and dry hair (note that fibers do not work if hair pomade or any other “waxy” hair products are being used). In addition, when secured with hair spray, his hair fibers stay bound in your hair without falling off (like dandruff) or color running down even with sweat or rain.
Using hair fibers gives immediate but temporary results that are washed away whenever you wash your hair with shampoo. In some cases, you can use fibers to delay hair coloring since you can easily cover roots.
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FAQs About All-Natural SL Max Hair Fibers
- I Have Heard Of Many Types Of Fibers Being Sold. Why Did Dr. Lam Create SL Max Fibers?Dr. Lam created his own product SL Max because he was dissatisfied with the chemicals found in existing products like Toppik. He wanted an all-natural product. In addition, the previous product line he used was very clumpy, whereas SL Max is very fine and easily blends into the hair without aggregating into discrete clumps. He also developed his own locking spray to keep the fibers bound in the hair even during sweat and rain. Only shampoo will unlock and remove the fibers.
- Should I use these products every day?Because the products are not very expensive and so easily applied, many individuals choose to use these products daily. Others only use the product when they have a social or professional engagement that is important to them. As mentioned, still others use the product only when the hair roots start to become visible, and they want the roots covered until the hair can be colored again.
- Can I use SL Max after hair-transplant surgery?Yes, the fibers could be used as soon as 10 days postoperatively (and thereafter). It is important not to use them the first week of your recovery in order to prevent any possibility of infection or compromise graft survival.
- Why Ingredients Matter?Harmful chemicals can get into your body if you breathe, eat, or drink them or if they are absorbed through your skin. Dr. Lam understands that improving one’s appearance is important but he believes in using products that are not harmful to your body. Gossypium herbaceum, commonly known as Levant cotton, is a species of cotton native to the semiarid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Arabia, India and southern Europe where it still grows in the wild as a perennial shrub.
