Scalp Micropigmentation
SMP Istanbul.
Scalp Micropigmentation creates the visual illusion of a full shaved head or added density by depositing pigment into the scalp at follicle level. It is the only non-surgical option that produces immediate, visible results.
The Non-Surgical
Visual Solution
SMP uses specialised micro-needles to deposit medical-grade pigment into the scalp at the depth of the papillary dermis. Each dot replicates the appearance of a hair follicle, creating the visual impression of a close-cropped, full head of hair — or added density to thinning areas.
- Immediate visible result — no waiting for growth
- Works for any Norwood stage — including complete baldness
- Ideal for FUT/FUE scar concealment
- Can add density illusion alongside existing hair
- Completely reversible with laser if desired
- Annual touch-up session recommended to maintain crispness
- Men who prefer the shaved head look
- Concealing FUT linear scar from previous strip surgery
- Adding visual density to thinning areas alongside natural hair
- Men who are not candidates for hair transplant surgery
- Adding definition to an existing transplant result
- Grow hair — it is an illusion only
- Work for men who want styling length
- Last forever without touch-ups
- Replace hair transplant for natural-looking hair
Who Is a Good Candidate
for SMP?
- Any stage of pattern hair loss — from thinning areas where SMP adds a density illusion between existing hair, through to complete baldness where SMP recreates the look of a full, closely-shaved head
- Men who plan to keep their hair short or fully shaved — the pigment dots read most naturally against very short hair, matching the look of emerging stubble
- A visible FUT linear scar from a previous strip surgery, where pigment breaks up the pale scar line against surrounding stubble
- Men who have decided against transplant surgery but still want a fuller, denser appearance without a surgical recovery
- Patients who want added density behind or between an existing transplant, once healing from that surgery is complete
- A hair loss pattern that has stabilised, rather than one still visibly changing shape month to month
- A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, or a known sensitivity to tattoo or micropigmentation pigments — a small patch test is advisable before a full session
- Skin that tans noticeably with sun exposure — pigment does not darken with the surrounding skin, which can create a visible tone gap through the summer months
- An active scalp condition at the treatment site — psoriasis, eczema or folliculitis — until it has cleared
- Anyone who wants the option to grow their hair long again later — once SMP is applied, the natural look depends on keeping hair short, since longer hair can expose the dot pattern at the roots
- Rapidly progressing hair loss where the surrounding natural hairline is still receding — timing is planned with Dr. Arslan's team so the pigmented pattern is not left stranded behind hair that has since fallen out
- Anyone unwilling to commit to a touch-up roughly every few years — skipped maintenance is what makes older SMP work look dated (see below)
SMP Results at Hairmedico
Before and after scalp micropigmentation results
What happens in year three
SMP pigment fades; it does not disappear evenly. Deposits lighten gradually and can shift in tone as they do, which is why the touch-up schedule exists. Planned for, this is maintenance. Ignored, it is what makes older work look like older work.
Two things drive how fast it goes: sun exposure, which breaks pigment down faster than anything else, and skin type. A scalp that is outdoors daily without protection will need attention sooner than one that is not.
Colour is matched to your hair at the time of treatment — and your hair will grey. A plan that accounts for that from the start ages better than one matched only to today.
SMP or a transplant — and when both
| If you want… | The procedure that does it |
|---|---|
| Hair you can grow and style at any length | Hair transplant — it moves living follicles |
| The look of density on a shaved head, immediately | SMP |
| A FUT strip scar made less visible | SMP over the scar |
| More apparent density behind a transplanted hairline | Both — pigment placed between grafts |
| Something before deciding | Neither yet. An assessment first |
The combination is common and deliberate: a transplant supplies real hair at the front, pigment deepens the apparent density behind it, and the two together read fuller than either alone at the same graft count.
SMP Questions
Common Questions
Use the graft calculator to estimate costs, or send photos to Dr. Arslan for a free personalised assessment.
Ask Dr. ArslanBook a Free Consultation
Send photos of your hair via WhatsApp. Dr. Arslan will assess your hair loss, recommend the right treatment and provide your personalised all-inclusive quote within 24 hours.