FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes and no…. by definition, a tattoo is a permanent mark or design made on the skin by a process of ingraining an indelible pigment into the Dermis. Similarly, SMP involves the application of pigments; however the process and the results are significantly different. The imprint of a single hair stubble replication isn’t applied as deeply as a tattoo. Unlike traditional tattooing which consists of lines and colour shading, the SMP process is performed one impression at a time with specialised needles and pigments designed to replicate thousands of tiny hair follicles, with upwards of 30,000 required for full scalp coverage.
Everybody’s skin and body react differently to Pigment Implantation thus affecting the final colour and results. To ensure best possible outcome you have the option of having a small test patch performed in a discreet location, generally at the edge of and within the existing hair line towards the back of the head. This test patch will be done prior to your treatment using pigment colour – matched to your existing hair so you are able to see the results that will be achieved. Adjustments can be made if necessary and following your approval, prior to the procedure being completed. Should you decide to not proceed with the treatment the test patch will not be visible to the uninformed onlooker, saving any embarrassment. We also provide a 12 month warranty should you experience any fading or unevenness. Just let me know your concerns and I happy to rectify at no additional charge.
No it won’t, however it has been reported that the blood flow to the scalp has seemed improved in some individuals due to the effect of the needle penetrating the skin. This may, and we emphasis may have a positive effect on your own hair growth but there are no guarantees.
Yes and no. If you have had the treatment to cover bad areas of the scalp you will need to keep your hair short to reduce the contrast between your own hairs and the treatment. If you have had the hair treatment in between your existing hair to create the illusion of greater thickness, no, as the replicated hair follicles are there purely to reduce the contrast between your hair and scalp mush like a concealer or thickener spray, only permanent.
We recommend the daily use of a 3 head rotary electric shaver. This will literally take around 1 minute to complete each morning and doesn’t require you to cut it as low as wet shaving. This process leaves you with the prefect 5 o’clock shadow look.
The initial process will take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours dependant on your coverage requirement. The follow – up process may take between 2 to 4 hours and again depends on your individual requirements and is generally sufficient to complete your new look. 2 follow up sessions may be required, and are included in the quoted price.
The cost of your treatment will depend on the total are to be covered and the density that you will require to match your existing natural growth pattern. As everyone has varying requirements, we will provide you with a quotation following consultation, which can be as simple as uploading or emailing photos for assessment. Skype consultations are also a simple way of assessing your requirements. Whichever method you choose, you will know the cost prior to your treatment. The cost of SMP is far less than transplant surgery and does not come with the continual financial commitments associated with medication programs or hair piece maintenance.
The pigments used by Katrina Louise SMP are very stable once implanted into the skin. This is due to the absence of oils (glycerine, witch hazel etc.). This ensures the treatment will in general not require reapplication for a number of years, and with darker skinned clients more than likely never. Having said that, everyone’s skin is different in its makeup so touch ups may be required after a few years. They are a simple procedure requiring only a few hours to complete and once again bring the treatment back to looking like new.
I’ve seen photos of very stark, straight hairlines on other websites. Do I have to have this look?
Should you have undergone hair transplant surgery, SMP is a great adjunct to increase the appearance of density mush like a concealer or thickener spray, only permanent. E place pigments between transplanted follicles to reduce the contrast between the scalp and the hair to create the illusion of greater thickness. Our treatment can also mask the scars you have in the donor sites from your surgery so you will once again be able to wear your hair short without embarrassment. If you were to consider transplant surgery after undergoing SMP, there would be no complications as our procedure is purely cosmetic and would have no detrimental effect on the newly transplanted hair.
We use only a natural carbon and water based pigment created specifically for Scalp Micro-Pigmentation only, that has been formulated to set in the skin of the scalp once implanted, resulting in very fine, crisp and clear follicle replications. We do not use regular tattoo inks or permanent make -up pigments as the quality is not conducive to SMP.
No, our pigments do not contain green or blue. It is the deterioration of the Iron Oxides in regular tattoo inks and PMU pigments that cause discolouration. During the initial healing process, the new skin growing over the “punctures” can throw off a blue hue. This is due to the natural cool tones of some clients and will remedy itself over a brief period of time.
People who have skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, or a history of skin cancer may not be a good candidate. Prior to treatment all clients are required to complete a medical history questionnaire and consent form, from which an informed decision will be made as to your suitability. Should you require a copy of these prior to your appointment we will be happy to provide them for you.
The Melbourne City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire lay down very strict guidelines for companies wishing to offer Personal Appearance Services, regulated under the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) All equipment used for providing SMP is pre-packed sterilised single use and disposable, therefore eliminating the need for sterilising equipment, dramatically reducing the risk to the client.
Absolutely. A number of our clients seek to maintain complete discretion when it comes to their treatment, and we guarantee that their personal details or treatment photos will not be disclosed to third parties or published on our website or appear in any of our advertising material without prior written consent.
