Scalp Micropigmentation - Questions

[thewalker10]

Hello all.

 

I'm in a spot of bother and sort of desperate after an unsuccessful FUE experience in Istanbul.

 

The reason why I'm bothered is due to cultural expectations and my marital status (still unmarried and I'm 31).

 

Little bit of background. I'm South Asian (currently in S. Asia) by origin, and went to Istanbul to get HT in May 2015. Over 17 months on, my HT did little/nothing.

 

Instead of undergoing another HT (I can't afford to shell out 5-10k for HT from a reputed doc), I've decided on getting SMP.

bWhile I'm aware of Caboki (and have used it too) and other concealers, I don't wish to sport a bald look during my wedding day. Things are a tad complicated as I'm undergoing an arranged marriage meaning I won't be able to use a concealer on my wedding day and then afford to wash it later at night. That also rules out the option of hair piece (I'm wearing one right now).

 

I don't have any plans to visit the US anytime soon. Hence, I can't visit a clinic in NYC or LA.

 

My questions are.

 

1. What sort of certification should I be looking at off prospective clinic? Is there a standard certificate? The reason why ask is I was quoted about 800 dollars by an Indian clinic (India's my closest option) but I don't wish to visit another run of the mill clinic and waste my money.

 

2. Can you sport a full hair? I have diffused hairloss, especially around the crown area. I'd much rather sport a lengthy hair instead of "shaved" look. Thing is, in my culture, "shaved" look = bald head. So SMP in itself will be deemed a failure.

 

3. What are reputable clinics in Asia? The farthest I can visit is Bangkok or a clinic in Thailand. I looked up SMP clinics in India and while Dr. Kapil Dua's clinic seems to offer SMP, it is a temporary one.

 

I'm a guy under a severe stress and I feel extremely insecure due to hairloss despite me having a round face (I've been told that shaved look/buzz cut look does suit me).

 

Please help me regain my confidence back.

[HairingIsCaring]

Hello all.

1. What sort of certification should I be looking at off prospective clinic? Is there a standard certificate? The reason why ask is I was quoted about 800 dollars by an Indian clinic (India's my closest option) but I don't wish to visit another run of the mill clinic and waste my money.

Unfortunately there are no standard or universally recognized certifications to look for. Some providers have their own certifications but they are usually obtained after taking a 3-14 day course so they do not give a clear indication of experience possessed by the provider.

 

2. Can you sport a full hair? I have diffused hairloss, especially around the crown area. I'd much rather sport a lengthy hair instead of "shaved" look. Thing is, in my culture, "shaved" look = bald head. So SMP in itself will be deemed a failure.

I would say no....I've seen a quite a few examples of individuals with full heads of hair and smp, some had temporary smp, and none of these results were impressive to me at all. They still looked balding in areas especially under direct lighting. SMP is really made for a shaved head.

 

3. What are reputable clinics in Asia? The farthest I can visit is Bangkok or a clinic in Thailand. I looked up SMP clinics in India and while Dr. Kapil Dua's clinic seems to offer SMP, it is a temporary one.

I'm not real familiar with providers in that area of the world to be honest....the ones ive seen online do not look very reputable.

If you do decide to go with SMP my advice would be to go with a provider who is reputable and has a real substantial operation.

Red Flags to look out for:

1) If the provider has only one or two employees and a one room little office or suite I would be wary

2) If the only promotional or advertising material they have available is from posting their own testimonials on hair loss forums, or on a cheap little self-made website, I would be wary

~Look for a company who has invested money in professional promotional videos, news and media tv ads, and who has done some legitimate marketing of their company, this is always a good sign of success.

3)If they focus extra heavily on why you shouldn't go with the competition (scare tactics) and constantly bash their competitors, but talk very little about about why you should choose them and their strengths and what they can provide, that's also a red flag.

4) If they've only been in business for 2 years or fewer I'd also be wary

 

In short, look for a place with a real operation that is established and has made a great reputation for themselves through producing great results. Mostly, just use common sense.

 

I'm a guy under a severe stress and I feel extremely insecure due to hairloss despite me having a round face (I've been told that shaved look/buzz cut look does suit me).

 

Please help me regain my confidence back.

Based on what you've said it sounds to me like you should look for a different hair loss solution. As I said before Scalp micropigmentation is primarily for a shaved head, and you mentioned that even a shaved head would be viewed the same as bald in your social circle, and thus a failure. Some on this forum might disagree with me but I just do not feel that SMP goes with a full head of hair. But there are some great options out there in Hair Systems and HT/FUE

Edited December 28, 2016 by HairingIsCaring

[LT]

Hairingiscaring, how is it a red flag if a provider works for himself or maybe just has one other employee in a one room suite? Supposedly some of the best practitioners in the US work like this. Would you pick a practitioner just because they work in a doctor's office over a well known practitioner working by himself?

[HairingIsCaring]

Hairingiscaring, how is it a red flag if a provider works for himself or maybe just has one other employee in a one room suite?

B/c a one-man operation in a small single room suite has significantly slimmer chances of lasting as a business and more likely to go under, hence you will be searching for a new provider when they do.

 

It is a sign that he or she is not well-established as a business, and just starting out or has not yet achieved much success in their business; the financial success that would give he or she the freedom to grow and hire other necessary departments.

 

It is also a reflection of very little experience.

 

Also, when problems arise, like fading, small poorly established operations are less likely to get back to you in a timely manner to address these issues b/c they do not have the necessary departments set-up (like customer service, office administrator etc.) that normally address these customer service issues and scheduling things that are necessary.

 

Forgive me, but didn't you personally have this very same issue with your provider?

 

When the owner is the technician and responsible for all other departments it can create issues for the client.

 

Supposedly some of the best practitioners in the US work like this.

"Supposedly" huh? Meaning One-man operation providers who work in little suites stated on forums that they are the best practitioners in the U.S.? That sound about right?

 

Would you pick a practitioner just because they work in a doctor's office over a well known practitioner working by himself?

No I would not

[LT]

You seem to know alot about the SMP world. I agree there are alot of scammers out there who claim to be good practitioners. It's hard to see through all the bs in the SMP world with all the fake reviews and pics out there. I believe you also called out scapguru who I thought was real unbias SMP website until I connected all the dots thanks to you.

 

I did alot of research and found the practicener I went to is well known and doing SMP for awhile now. Yes fading did happen to me 9 months out after smp into my 2 strip scars. The provider did get back to me and did a touch up session for free.

 

In your opinion who is the best practitioner in NYC or Northeast?

[HairingIsCaring]

You seem to know alot about the SMP world. I agree there are alot of scammers out there who claim to be good practitioners. It's hard to see through all the bs in the SMP world with all the fake reviews and pics out there. I believe you also called out scapguru who I thought was real unbias SMP website until I connected all the dots thanks to you.

I'm just a guy who struggled with hair loss and I shaved my head for years and only wanted to make my shaved head look "even". I wasn't looking to restore my hair but just wanted to make the shaved head look, which I was cool with, look better. I came across SMP in 2010 and began learning all about it. Through my process of educating myself on Micorpigmentation I came across a lot of dishonesty and deceptive practices. At first I was shocked that "legitimate" businesses could behave in such an unprofessional manner and blatantly lie to clients and just rip them off, but then as I researched more I began to see that these unethical practices were quite common in the Micropigmentation industry.

 

I just try to share the knowledge ive gained through experience with people and help save them some time and trouble.

 

 

I did alot of research and found the practicener I went to is well known and doing SMP for awhile now. Yes fading did happen to me 9 months out after smp into my 2 strip scars. The provider did get back to me and did a touch up session for free.

That's great, im glad it all worked out for you.

Didn't mean to imply that small operations or solo projects are inferior in Every Single Case....There are many really good technicians who have left larger providers like HIS Hair, Vinic, GLI etc. and gone off on their own to start solo-venture businesses and have small operations, and most of these are very good and will produce good results.

 

My point was that if they have only been in business for 2 years or less, and still are one-man operations doing smp out of a small one room suite (and maybe moved locations a couple of times and changed names etc.) this is a pretty obvious indication that they are not growing and may not be experiencing the level of success that would allow them to have a larger operation which of course would concern me as a potential client b/c they may not be around in say 3-5 years from now when I need a touch-up. And if this is the case and you will have to find a new provider and deal with many unknowns~pricing, quality etc.

 

Of course there are exceptions.....some providers just want to keep it small to cut out overhead and ultimately make a better profit. And if a one-man provider has been in business for 5 years or more and has a great reputation, then that is obviously the case:)

 

In your opinion who is the best practitioner in NYC or Northeast?

I know of quite a few good ones in that area. I'm hesitant to call anyone "the best." Lots of good skilled providers in the Northeast region for sure.

[fortune11]

SMP is very hit or miss . I shelled out some real $$ for an SMP here in CA at a supposedly reputed outfit and it faded within 8 months -- I thought they were very meticulous . Maybe it was my skin type which rejected it , maybe it was their technique . Who knows, these things are hard to pin down as that clinic also has some other patients who are happy. But I am an SMP skeptic now, especially considering how expensive it can be for what it involves and the bigger variability of results , in my opinion at least.

[HairingIsCaring]

SMP is very hit or miss .

I agree 100%

 

I shelled out some real $$ for an SMP here in CA at a supposedly reputed outfit and it faded within 8 months --

Sorry to hear about that...I've been there with my own experience and it is very frustrating.

 

I thought they were very meticulous . Maybe it was my skin type which rejected it , maybe it was their technique . Who knows, these things are hard to pin down as that clinic also has some other patients who are happy.

Yea it is hard to say why exactly, many factors involved but rapid fading does happen in quite a few cases.

 

But I am an SMP skeptic now,

 

Understandable so

 

especially considering how expensive it can be for what it involves and the bigger variability of results , in my opinion at least.

That is why I am always skeptical when providers make blanket statements claiming "X" amount of treatments is sufficient for all clients...it's not a "one size fits all" kind of deal

Edited January 4, 2017 by HairingIsCaring

[HairingIsCaring]

Also it helps to get in shape to pull off shaved head look. If you notice many guys on tv or movies that look good w/ shaved head are military guys or athletic types.

 

I've known a couple of overweight, unhealthy non-athletic type guys who got hair transplants and/or smp. They were kind of let down afterwards b/c they still were fat and out of shape and lacked confidence.

 

If someone desires a life change, and they believe they can gain this through only hair transplants or smp or hair systems they are in for a huge let down.

 

Looking healthy starts with living healthy. I always laugh when I see out of shape guys' before and after HT photos or smp photos. A dorky fat guy with hair is still a dorky fat guy. Just sayin

[LT]

Walker10 sorry we hijacked your thread.

 

Hairiscaring, you said there are alot of dishonest SMP companies out there which is true. The same can be said about the HT industry who most of them only care about making money. I'm an example of this as I had 2 failed HT with 2 strip scars by a below average doc, weekend worrier Dr. Goldstein who took advantage of my situation when i was desperate started losing my hair at 21. Also another doctor's office has been hounding me for almost 4 years now since I had a consultation with them to come in and do a surgery even though 2 top coalition docs said I do not have enough donor hair left.

 

You said get inshape. I've been working out for about 21 years now lol. I think it's even more frustrating staying in shape trying to look good only to lose my fricken hair.

 

The practicener I went to did work for one of those companies you mentioned now he has his own company. I did say supposedly a good practicener. You said it yourself it's very hard to find the good SMP providers through all the bs reviews that are out there.

Edited January 5, 2017 by LT

[HairingIsCaring]

Walker10 sorry we hijacked your thread.

Hairiscaring, you said there are alot of dishonest SMP companies out there which is true. The same can be said about the HT industry who most of them only care about making money. I'm an example of this as I had 2 failed HT with 2 strip scars by a below average doc, weekend worrier Dr. Goldstein who took advantage of my situation when i was desperate started losing my hair at 21. Also another doctor's office has been hounding me for almost 4 years now since I had a consultation with them to come in and do a surgery even though 2 top coalition docs said I do not have enough donor hair left.

 

Yea you are absolutely right man, the dishonesty and scammers encompass the industry as a whole; any company who offers a "hair loss solution" of any kind.

 

And being a guy who has been tricked and ripped off and taken advantage of by several different "hair loss solution" businesses- topical formulas for hair regrowth, different medications and pills, and a smp company that didnt work etc, those experiences really fuel me to try and warn other guys of the same pitfalls and tricks/scams and deceit these people use to get our money.

 

My motives are often questioned by providers and forum moderators but all many of them care about is making money and could care less about the truth. If information on a forum serves them and benefits them they could care less if it is false info and really don't care who the info hurts, and when you question a provider who "sponsors" the forum you will be attacked viciously and personally by people who claim to be here to help....lol no professionalism whatsoever, the gloves will come off quick if you say anything that gets in the way of their agenda/$$$. It's sad quite honestly, but this is the industry we speak of.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experiences with HT surgeries. I know that has got to be extremely discouraging especially since you don't get the hair you hoped for and instead get a worse situation with the scarring. But it is not the end of the world and it sounds as though you are getting some good results from your current provider.

I came close to doing HT's and FUE a few times but never could quite pull the trigger. Perhaps i will in the future if i am able to find the right doctor.

 

The practicener I went to did work for one of those companies you mentioned now he has his own company. I did say supposedly a good practicener. You said it yourself it's very hard to find the good SMP providers through all the bs reviews that are out there.

Yes it is really difficult b/c this in not a regulated profession- smp is cosmetic tattooing and literally ANYONE can open up a business and practice this with no training or certifications.

 

It does sound like you found a good one though. Are you happy with your results now that you have gotten the top up and taken care of the initial fading? (fading happens in almost all cases so that is normal) Do you plan on any additional sessions or are you sorted for now?

 

 

You said get inshape. I've been working out for about 21 years now lol. I think it's even more frustrating staying in shape trying to look good only to lose my fricken hair.

Oh yes, I wasn't not referring to you personally, for all i know you are a personal trainer or body builder.

 

I said that b/c I recently viewed HT results photos of a guy who runs a Hair Loss forum. I was somewhat tickled when I saw his photos b/c here is a guy who has dedicated much of his life to solving his hair loss problems (i mean, he runs a hair loss forum) and he was a chubby, dorky, nerdy guy who looked like he'd been picked on all of his life. Also his hair looked pretty thin at almost every angle he presented so I'm left wondering how many guys like him have dedicated so much time and effort to restoring their hair, thinking it would fix all their problems, and neglected every other aspect of themselves. They could have used some of that same energy and focus to correct their more important issues. Diet, exercise, social and personal growth~ these are all areas that seem to be forgotten when a person gets zeroed in on one negative aspect of themselves like hair loss.

 

And the end result of these out of whack priorities was that chubby dork I was looking at in the photos, who really only managed to gain thin hair that did not look great. I know this sounds a bit mean, but I'm just trying to express that this is a danger of putting too much stock in something as superficial as hair and not attempting to fix the things that we can control.

[LT]

I know you weren't saying that directly to me about staying in shape. I feel like it's even more frustrating working out trying feel good about myself only to lose my fricken hair.

 

The results from my recent smp into my 2 strip scars are pretty good. I haven't done smp on my scalp yet and am very concerned if I do so it would look fake or fade and possible health affects. I am 41 and at his point I would like to just shave my head but don't have the balls to do it yet. I've been using dermatch for a long time but it's getting harder to use being a NW 5.

 

If I where you and you like the shaved look up top with possibly smp also I would never go the HT route. I don't care how good docs claim to be still will leave scarring. FUT huge linear scars and FUE 100s of little dots on the back of your head. The only HT I would consider would be BHT from may the upper legs or something. Not from visible areas like torso.

[Harbal]

LT, Just feckin shave it! Bald is always better then balding. Shave, implant or SMP would be the only options for me. I will never wear a hairpiece or Dermatch personally.

 

When you shave your head you cannot bother anymore how your hair looks, just how your head looks. If you are ugly with hair, you will be ugly without... Life can be simple.

[HairingIsCaring]

I know you weren't saying that directly to me about staying in shape. I feel like it's even more frustrating working out trying feel good about myself only to lose my fricken hair.

Yea it can be tough sometimes...ive felt in the past at times like "what's the point?" with working out if ive lost my hair, especially when you see guys at gym with perfect hair and who are in shape. But It is pretty easy choice for me to stay in shape and exercise bc ive always been involved in sports and just like to look and feel healthy.

I find being grateful for the things I do have and not focusing on what i don't have is a pretty effective way of keeping the right perspective. Plenty of guys in wheelchairs with full perfect heads of hair they'd trade in a second for ability to walk.

 

The results from my recent smp into my 2 strip scars are pretty good. I haven't done smp on my scalp yet and am very concerned if I do so it would look fake or fade and possible health affects. I am 41 and at his point I would like to just shave my head but don't have the balls to do it yet. I've been using dermatch for a long time but it's getting harder to use being a NW 5.

That's good that the scars are looking good...scars can be the toughest to conceal with ink.

It sounds like you selected a really good smp provider so You should consider going back to your provider and getting your whole scalp done. You could shave your head and start off light and conservative with the smp and if it turns out you don't like it you could just grow hair back and go back to the way things were.

 

When you grow your hair out the smp is pretty much invisible in most cases...when ive let mine grow for a few weeks you can't see the smp anymore but i just look balding. So you really could just go back to your current situation if you don't like the shaved head thing.

 

I just find so much more freedom with shaving my head and having smp and im telling you the truth mine looks like a full head of closely shaved hair/stubble in any lighting situation, even bright sunlight....so i look "bald by choice" and it really goes with the athletic working out thing.

 

If I where you and you like the shaved look up top with possibly smp also I would never go the HT route. I don't care how good docs claim to be still will leave scarring. FUT huge linear scars and FUE 100s of little dots on the back of your head. The only HT I would consider would be BHT from may the upper legs or something. Not from visible areas like torso.

Yea I probably won't anytime soon but something Ive always thought i might try one day