What is scalp micropigmentation?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that deposits pigment into the superficial layer of the scalp with a microneedle, creating the illusion of thousands of tiny follicles. It does not grow hair: it simulates density.
It serves three purposes: giving the look of a closely shaved head with even density, visually filling thinning areas between existing hairs, and camouflaging scalp scars —including the linear scar from a FUT—. It is semi-permanent: the pigment fades over the years and requires touch-ups.
Techniques used by Dr. Arístides Arellano
Dr. Arístides Arellano and his team adapt the technique to the goal and to each patient’s phototype:
- Shaved-head effect: pigment dots that replicate closely cropped follicles, ideal for advanced baldness or a deliberately shaved head.
- Density between hairs: pigment placed in fine or thinning areas to reduce the contrast between scalp and hair, giving a sense of greater density.
- Scar camouflage: pigmentation over hair-transplant scars (FUT or FUE) or scars from other causes, so they blend among the simulated follicles.
How is it performed?
It is performed over several sessions —usually two or three— spaced one to two weeks apart. Under topical anaesthesia, pigment is deposited into the superficial dermis with a fine microneedle, dot by dot, matching the tone to your hair colour and phototype. The first session sets the base; the following ones fine-tune density and colour. The result is visible immediately and refined session by session; mild redness may last a day or two. The pigment fades gradually and usually needs a touch-up every few years.
All surgery carries risk and requires a prior medical assessment. Results may vary according to each patient, their anatomy and their individual healing process.
Who is a good candidate?
- Men with advanced baldness who want the look of a closely shaved head with even density.
- People with fine or diffuse hair who want to reduce the contrast between scalp and hair, without surgery.
- Patients with scalp scars —including a linear FUT scar— who wish to camouflage them.
- Those who are not candidates for a hair transplant, or who want to complement one, and who have realistic expectations: micropigmentation simulates, it does not restore hair.
Recommended aftercare treatments
After each session, keep the scalp dry for 4 to 5 days, avoid heavy sweating, swimming pools, saunas and direct sun while the pigment settles, and apply the moisturiser you are given. Protecting the area from the sun over time preserves the colour. See the full guide: Post-surgical recovery and care.
Before and after
Most patients want to see before-and-after photographs before deciding. Out of respect for each person’s privacy, Dr. Arístides Arellano shows real cases —always with documented consent— during your in-person consultation, where you can review results from patients with a starting point similar to yours. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Approximate price
The cost of scalp micropigmentation is defined at the consultation, because it depends on the surface to be treated, the number of sessions your case requires and the goal (shaved-head effect, density or scar camouflage). There is therefore no single price. Approximate price — the definitive cost is set at your private consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano. See the price list.
About Dr. Arístides Arellano
Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic surgeon holding a specialty licence: he practises under a Mexican medical licence (D.G.P. 1125959) and a specialty licence in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (0002008), both issued by the Directorate General of Professions (DGP), which reissued his certificate of professional standing in 2025. His career began before Mexico’s present-day specialty-board system existed: he belongs to the founding generation of plastic surgery in Puebla, the second generation of a surgical tradition started in 1971 by Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. Trust is verified, not promised: both licences are public and anyone can look them up in the DGP’s National Registry of Professionals.
Related patient guide
If you are weighing options for hair loss, micropigmentation does not replace a transplant: it simulates or complements it. To understand when surgery is the route and how it is sized, read How many grafts do I need? A guide to hair transplants.
Trust is verified, not promised. All 210 scanned documents —degree, licences, diplomas, publications and certificates, from 1977 to 2025— are open in Dr. Arístides Arellano’s credential archive, alongside an explanation of the difference between a specialty licence and a board certification.
Recovery · step by step
- Days 1-2Mild redness and a feeling like light sunburn. The pigment looks darker and more intense than the final settled result.
- Days 3-5Keep the scalp dry: no washing, no heavy sweating, no pool or sauna. Minimal flaking may appear.
- Week 1The pigment lightens slightly as it settles, which is normal and expected. Normal routine resumes with sun protection.
- Weeks 1-2The next session is scheduled to adjust density and colour; the result is built in layers.
- Months 1-2Colour stabilised and the definitive result of that phase. Whether an extra session is needed is assessed.
- Every 3-5 yearsMaintenance touch-up, as the pigment fades gradually over time and with sun exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Does scalp micropigmentation make hair grow?
No. Scalp micropigmentation does not grow hair or stop hair loss: it deposits pigment in the scalp to simulate follicles and create an illusion of density. It is a cosmetic procedure, not a medical treatment for alopecia and not a substitute for a hair transplant.
Is it permanent?
It is semi-permanent. The pigment fades gradually over the years due to sun exposure and the natural renewal of the skin, so it usually needs a touch-up every three to five years to keep its colour and definition.
How many sessions do I need?
Usually two or three sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart. The result is built in layers: the first session creates the base and the following ones adjust density and tone. The exact number is defined at the consultation according to your case.
Does it hurt?
Discomfort is usually mild. Topical anaesthesia is applied to the scalp before starting, and most patients describe a tolerable pricking sensation. Sensitivity varies by area and by person.
Can it camouflage hair-transplant scars?
Yes. Micropigmentation can disguise scalp scars, including the linear scar from a FUT technique and the dots from an FUE, blending them visually with the simulated follicles. It is assessed case by case according to the colour and texture of the scar.
Is it the same as a hair transplant?
No. A hair transplant is a surgery that relocates living follicles so your own hair grows; micropigmentation only deposits pigment to simulate density. They can be combined: the transplant provides real hair and micropigmentation reinforces the sense of density between the follicles.
Does it look natural?
It depends above all on the technique and the judgment of the person performing it. A good result replicates the size, distribution and apparent angle of the follicles and matches the tone to the patient's phototype. A poorly planned design looks artificial. Results may vary.
Every case is different. Discuss yours in a personal consultation.
Book a consultation on WhatsAppEvery figure published on this site is approximate and is not a quote. Any procedure or treatment first requires a private assessment consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano —$800 MXN, charged separately— and it is at that consultation that the definitive cost of your case is determined.
Educational content; it does not replace a medical consultation. Results may vary from person to person.