Oh dear. Yes, we know, you are all big enough to decide to receive scalp micropigmentation treatment but… yikes. Hands up those of you who are desperate to know the answer to that rapidly becoming the age-old question, does SMP hurt?
It’s probably one of the most FAQ out there for anyone considering treatment. And it is also possible that it’s a question which drives technicians a little tiny bit insane. Why? Because they hear it all the time and, in essence, it’s really hard to answer.
Pain is personal. It depends on who you are and how you respond to it. However, one thing that’s apparent, courtesy of research into pain, we now know it is closely linked to fear. Some people are naturally more anxious than others which is where the fear factor will come into play. It will create tension and this, in turn, will make the pain more intense, no matter the scenario.
However, let’s move on from the personal aspect and try to put the SMP and pain question into a more understandable sense. Does SMP hurt? And the answer is no, not really. It’s uncomfortable. It’s a bit irritating and pin-pricking noticeable. But it’s certainly not breaking a leg or falling off a cliff from a great height type of painful.
Of course, there are also other underlying factors, such as skin types and if you’re receiving scalp micropigmentation treatment for scar concealment purposes. These will make both the discomfort and pain factor different. This is because the site of treatment will be tender in comparison to unblemished and tougher skin as found in certain types of people.
If you have decided to receive scalp micropigmentation and you are concerned about the pain element, there are certain steps you can take to ease you gently into the process. There are anesthetic creams available which will semi-numb the site. However, check with your technician to verify if they’re comfortable working in these conditions as it can sometimes interfere with pigments. Additionally, you can also take over the counter medication such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, maybe Tylenol if you’re in the States. The only medication that should be always avoided is blood thinners which include Aspirin.
Yet we can’t reiterate enough. If you’re still asking yourself does SMP hurt? Then maybe you should wait until your mindset is relaxed enough to accept treatment without worrying to that degree. Only undergo SMP treatment when you are entirely sure and ready to receive your treatment.