[When filling becomes a burden] Scalp Tattoo Removal

What is Scalp Micropigmentation Removal?

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) removal is a procedure that selectively fragments micro-pigment particles injected into the upper dermal layer of the scalp for hair loss coverage or hairline correction, minimizing damage to surrounding hair follicles, and expelling them from the body.

Unlike general body skin, the scalp is densely packed with numerous hair follicles and hair root cells, requiring a highly anatomical approach to selectively remove only the ink while thoroughly protecting the hair follicle stem cells and nutrient-supplying blood vessels.

During SMP procedures, we precisely target only the blurred dot-blurring (dot smudging) that results in a blotchy appearance due to ink spreading, or the unsightly bluish or grayish pigment that discolors over time, using the principle of Selective Photothermolysis.

Without invasive fractional laser procedures that could damage hair follicles, we safely break down only the ink while preventing the risk of hair loss through a non-ablative nanosecond laser that precisely calculates the depth of scalp hair roots and pigment.

What makes Kkeuthan Clinic's Scalp Micropigmentation Removal special?

Depth-Selective Treatment that Thoroughly Preserves Normal Hair Follicles and Roots

The biggest fear concerning scalp micropigmentation removal is whether 'hair will permanently fall out.' Kkeuthan Clinic excludes epidermal ablation procedures, such as erbium fractional lasers, which can damage hair follicles. By calculating the physical difference between hair follicle depth (mid-to-lower dermis) and SMP pigment penetration depth (upper dermis), we precisely control parameters to concentrate energy only on the pigment particle layer.

Precise Spot Targeting to Erase Dot Blurring and Clumped Pigment

A primary reason for failed scalp micropigmentation is the 'dot blurring' phenomenon, where the needle penetrates too deeply into the dermis, causing ink to spread sideways. Kkeuthan Clinic selectively targets blurred pigment clusters with indistinct borders and thinly remaining normal dots, precisely striking with fine spot sizes to prevent unnecessary heat accumulation in healthy scalp tissue.

Pre-treatment Test Shots to Prevent Discoloration and Multi-stage Parameters Centered on 1064nm

Carbon and synthetic pigments used in scalp micropigmentation exhibit various skin and oxidation reactions when exposed to laser. Before the procedure, a test shot is mandatory in an inconspicuous area to confirm hair root reaction and degree of discoloration. Subsequently, the procedure is carried out in stages with a safe energy output centered on 1064nm.

Treatment Effects

Complete Removal of Blurred and Uneven Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

We cleanly break down ink dots on the scalp that have blurred or clumped like India ink due to deep needle penetration, restoring an unnatural scalp tone to its original clear state.

Preservation of Normal Hair Follicles and Prevention of Permanent Hair Loss Risk

Since pigment is selectively broken down by a non-invasive nanosecond laser without physical perforation like fractional lasers, only the pigment is safely erased without permanent damage to hair follicles or hair loss.

Normalization of Scalp Tone Discolored to Bluish or Grayish Hues

Over time, changes in melanin and ink can cause pigments on the crown and hairline to appear bluish or dull gray, making one look older. We restore these pigments to their original skin tone.

Resetting Unnatural Hairlines and Creating an Environment for Re-treatment

By erasing scalp micropigmentation where the hairline was set too low or tattooed unnaturally and asymmetrically, we restore a natural appearance or create a clean scalp foundation suitable for new SMP or hair transplantation.

Recommended For

Individuals whose scalp micropigmentation on the crown, part, or hairline has discolored to bluish or grayish hues

Those whose ink has blurred in the dermis, causing dots to merge and appear blotchy or bruised

Those with awkward scalp micropigmentation designs or an unnaturally low hairline

Those concerned about hair being burnt or permanently not growing after a tattoo removal procedure

Those looking to cleanly remove scalp micropigmentation and prepare for hair transplantation or new precision SMP

Treatment Process

1:1 Consultation with the Director and Precise Scalp Diagnosis

The director personally assesses the patient's scalp condition, hair follicle density, SMP pigment penetration depth, and degree of blurring, then designs customized laser parameters for hair follicle preservation.

Scalp Cleansing and Disinfection

The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed of sebum, oil, and fine waste products, followed by scalp-specific disinfection for safe laser irradiation.

Application of Topical Anesthetic Cream

As the scalp is sensitive to pain due to developed sensory nerves, topical anesthetic cream is sufficiently applied to the treatment area, and a waiting period ensures minimal discomfort.

Pre-treatment Test Shot

A test shot is applied to a densely populated hairline area to meticulously observe hair root reactions and ink discoloration, after which the final treatment output is determined.

Customized Laser Treatment for Hair Follicle Preservation

To prevent unnecessary heat transfer to normal hair follicles, only the pigment particle layer is selectively targeted with a 1064nm laser for precise irradiation, fragmenting the ink.

A Message from the Director

"The single most important criterion in scalp micropigmentation removal is to perfectly erase the pigment while completely preserving every precious strand of my hair and each hair follicle."

When I meet people who come to our clinic because of scalp tattoos that have bled or spread, I often hear heartbreaking stories about how a procedure they underwent with great determination to cover hair loss has spread like a blue bruise, making them unable to take off their hats. Many have endured this pain for a long time, fearing that their hair might permanently fall out if they try to erase it with a laser.

The scalp's skin structure is completely different from that of the face or body. If an excessively strong laser is applied without precisely calculating the depth of the epidermis and hair follicles, or if ablative fractional laser (Fraxel) is used, hair follicle stem cells can be damaged. Kkeuthan Clinic safely removes only the spread ink using a precise non-ablative laser technique that completely prevents hair follicle damage without invasive exfoliation. We will help you regain your clear and clean original scalp while safely protecting your hair.

Precautions After Treatment

No shampoo on the day of treatment & maintain cleanliness: On the day of the procedure, please avoid shampooing to prevent water from touching your scalp. From the next day, gently wash your hair with lukewarm water.

Avoid scratching or irritating your scalp with fingernails: While your scalp regenerates, you might experience temporary itching or redness. Please avoid scratching or rubbing with your fingernails; instead, gently tap the area.

Avoid high-temperature environments for one week: To protect hair roots and soothe scalp heat, please avoid saunas, jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses), hot baths, excessive alcohol consumption, and strenuous exercise that causes heavy sweating for 7 days.

No hair dyeing or perms for 3 weeks: Hair dyeing, bleaching, or perming procedures involving harsh chemicals must be postponed for at least 3 weeks until your scalp barrier has fully recovered.

Protect your scalp from UV rays when going out: If your scalp exposed between hairs is directly exposed to UV rays, hyperpigmentation can occur. Therefore, lightly wear a well-ventilated hat when going out.

Adhere to treatment intervals: Please visit us adhering to a treatment interval of 4 to 6 weeks to allow sufficient time for the broken micro-ink particles to be adequately expelled through the body's lymphatic circulation and for scalp tissues to stabilize.

Q&A

Q. Will my hair permanently fall out if I get a scalp tattoo removed?

A. No. Hair follicle stem cells, which produce hair, are located deep in the mid-to-lower dermis, whereas scalp micropigmentation (SMP) pigments are injected into the shallower upper dermis. Kkeuthan Clinic uses lasers that concentrate energy only on the pigment depth, so you can receive treatment safely without concerns about hair follicle damage or permanent hair loss.

Q. Will my hair turn white or burn during or after the procedure?

A. As the laser reacts with melanin pigment, the tips of the hair in the treated area may temporarily whiten or thin. However, this is merely a temporary optical reaction on the surface of the grown hair. The hair roots themselves remain healthy, so as new hair grows over time, it will fully recover to its original color.

Q. Can spread scalp tattoos (dot blurring) also be cleanly removed?

A. Yes, it is entirely possible. Cases where dots have blurred together due to the needle going too deep or excessive pigment injection during SMP are the most common indications for scalp tattoo removal. Kkeuthan Clinic performs micro-spot irradiation tailored to the size and depth of the clustered pigment, gradually breaking down and expelling the spread areas, thereby restoring a clean scalp tone.

Q. What are the recommended number of treatments and their frequency?

A. This varies depending on the type of ink injected, the depth of penetration, and the degree of spreading, but typically, 10 or more treatments are performed at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks. Each session must allow sufficient biological metabolic time for the broken-down pigment to be fully expelled from the body, ensuring safe and clean results without hair root damage.