Scalp Micropigmentation in Chicago (SMP)

Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-surgical method of inserting organic plant-based pigment deposits through the dermal layer of the scalp. The pigment deposits replicate hair follicles and create the appearance of a full head of hair. If you are completely bald we provide the 5 o’clock shadow look; and if you are thinning or not satisfied from hair transplant results and require more density, SMP is for you.

Scalp Micropigmentation is always done in a minimum of two treatments, both treatments one week apart. Reason being, we are working with your skin (the largest organ on the body) to accept our procedure; the human skin will reject some of the pigment immediately after the first treatment. We expect to see significant results after the first treatment but after the second treatment you will see more of a completion. There is a possibility of a third treatment 1-3 months after the second treatment where we add the finishing touches.

Each session is 2-4 hours depending on the work at hand. The first treatment is typically the longest as we are constructing the hairline and putting in the foundational layer. Each subsequent treatment is typically shorter, although this can vary based on retention of previous treatments.

There are factors that determine what hairline is suitable for you. We tailor the hairline to your individual features in order to create the most natural and appropriate result. We also account for your personal preferences, as there is a range of options for what can look natural on any given person.

After following the initial after care instructions, sit back and enjoy the SMP treatment. We do offer a one year guarantee with our treatment plans so in case there is some lightening of the pigments, you have our guarantee that we will touch it up on us. After that, we will see you in a few years!

Typically with our clients we expect touch ups within the 5-8 years mark. This is a permanent procedure which will last forever, but there is normal wear and tear involved in the surface of the skin which causes it to lighten up over time.

It is crucial you follow our 4 day post-treatment instructions to prevent excessive fading and all forms of contamination. Essentially the instructions are no touching, washing, cutting, and no working out for the first 4 days. You can wear a hat immediately after each treatment. Don’t worry about sleeping on it, the pigment won’t smudge or smear on your pillows. See the PDF attached for the full aftercare instructions.

Download: Mid-Treatment Advice

Scalp Micropigmentation is non-invasive and nonsurgical. There is no downtime associated with it, you only need to follow the 4 day aftercare. Many of our clients come in for treatment and go back home on the same day, and start work again the following day.

Initially after the first treatment the pigments will look bolder as they are freshly deposited. Overnight you will notice the pigments softening and settling down. As for the redness, it will disappear in 48-72 hours. Intensity of redness is based on sensitivity of the skin, but more or less clients will notice significantly less redness 48 hours after the first treatment. After the initial settling process is finished, your treatment will look completely natural.

For most clients who undergo SMP, the pain is not as intense as a traditional tattoo. Pain tolerance is case to case per client, but your health and safety is our priority. Our practitioners will ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

We will assess your hair loss during the consultation or via web assessment. Once we get an understanding of what class of hair loss you fall under, we provide a treatment plan with the style and look we recommend that would be optimal with our SMP procedure.

Clients classified as Norwood 6-7 hair loss need to maintain a shaved look due to the amount of coverage we have created on top of your head with SMP. As the hair on the back and sides keeps growing, the treatment will become more apparent as there is a visible contrast between your hair and the SMP. This is ultimately a permanent cosmetic procedure in which we are replicating hair follicles with pigmentation, which will never grow or create a 3D texture.

Adding density to an existing hairline and/or density to the crown is classified as a filler treatment. Good candidates for filler treatments are those who still have some hair around the area for us to blend the SMP in with.

Yes! Scalp Micropigmentation isn’t just for male pattern baldness. It is also used to conceal scars from previous surgeries or injuries. Both FUE and FUT transplant scars can be concealed with SMP.

If we are doing a filler treatment or scar concealment, we typically request our clients to come in with the shortest hair length they are going to keep, unless requested otherwise. If you have class 6 or 7 hair loss, you would need to shave your head before you come in for treatment and maintain it at that length.

We will provide suggestions for products to use to maintain your treatment. Please check the link to our products recommendation page.

You can shave your head every day and wash it as well, the treatment will not be damaged as it is in your epidermis layer. As a matter of fact, the majority of our clients who have this procedure shave every day!

Overexposure to direct sunlight can cause the pigments to weaken, and overtime you will be damaging both the treatment and your scalp. Wear protective sunscreen or a hat whenever you are going out and expecting to be in direct sunlight for over an hour.

Cost for SMP is case by case, depending on the scale of hair loss and the amount of work needed. The first two treatments are one week apart with a possibility of a third treatment 1-3 months after the second. For scar concealments it is $800-$1000 per treatment. For class 2-4 hair loss it is $2400-$3400. Class 5-7 hair loss is $3400-$4200. Top of the scalp with scar concealment ranges from $4200-$5200 for 2-3 treatments.

There is a $400 booking deposit to secure your treatment dates with us. There is a typical wait time of 8 weeks for an appointment. We then split the payments 50/50 between the first two treatments. We do offer financing as well.

Contact us at 310-425-4975 or emailing info@zangsmp.com and schedule your free consultation. We service many clients from around the world so instead of coming in, you can send us a photo of your scalp (top down, birds eye view) and of your scar and we can schedule a phone consultation or Facetime/Skype video session.