### Date : 2025-04-13 16:54 ---- # **Chapter 3: SMP Equipment and Materials** ## **3.1 SMP Machines and Needle Types** Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) requires **specialized equipment** to achieve **precise pigment implantation** at the **epidermal-dermal junction**. The selection of **SMP machines, needles, and pigment delivery systems** directly influences **pigment retention, dot precision, and overall treatment longevity**. --- ## **3.1.1 SMP Machines: Key Features and Selection** ### **A. SMP-Specific Machines vs. Traditional Tattoo Machines** Unlike traditional tattoo machines, **SMP machines** are designed for: - **Controlled pigment deposition** at a shallow depth (0.5-1.5mm). - **Consistent needle motion** to create **uniform dot patterns**. - **Reduced skin trauma**, ensuring minimal inflammation and faster healing. |**Feature**|**SMP-Specific Machines**|**Traditional Tattoo Machines**| |---|---|---| |**Depth Control**|0.5-1.5mm (precise)|1.5-3mm (too deep for SMP)| |**Needle Configuration**|Micro-needle (single & triple)|Large needle groupings| |**Skin Trauma**|Minimal|Higher risk of pigment migration| |**Pigment Control**|Layering-based|Deeper saturation| ### **B. Types of SMP Machines** There are two primary **SMP machine types**: **rotary** and **digital**. #### **1️⃣ Rotary Machines (Entry-Level & Mid-Tier SMP Machines)** - Uses a **motor-driven rotary system** to move the needle. - Generally **quieter and smoother** than coil machines. - Less powerful than digital machines but sufficient for **fine follicle replication**. ✅ **Pros**: ✔️ Smooth and controlled movement. ✔️ Less vibration = more precision. ✔️ Suitable for **most SMP applications**. ❌ **Cons**: ❌ Some models may lack **precise depth control**. ❌ May not be powerful enough for **thicker skin (Fitzpatrick IV-VI patients)**. **Recommended Rotary SMP Machines:** - **Bishop SMP Wand** - **FK Irons EXO SMP** - **Cheyenne Hawk Pen** --- #### **2️⃣ Digital SMP Machines (Advanced-Level Machines)** - Equipped with **digital depth control** for **precise pigment placement**. - Ensures **uniform dot size** and **consistent pigment retention**. - Best for **scalp scar camouflage**, **high-density SMP**, and **thicker skin types**. ✅ **Pros**: ✔️ **Pre-programmed depth settings** (prevents migration). ✔️ **Higher torque power** (ideal for **thicker scalp areas**). ✔️ **Longer-lasting results** with improved pigment implantation. ❌ **Cons**: ❌ Higher cost. ❌ More complex setup compared to rotary machines. **Recommended Digital SMP Machines:** - **Microbeau Bellar SMP** - **Apollo SMP Pro** - **Critical Torque Digital SMP Machine** --- ### **C. Wireless vs. Wired SMP Machines** |**Feature**|**Wireless Machines**|**Wired Machines**| |---|---|---| |**Portability**|✅ Excellent|❌ Requires power outlet| |**Precision & Power**|✅ High-quality models perform well|✅ Consistently stable power| |**Weight**|❌ Heavier (battery pack)|✅ Lighter| |**Battery Life**|❌ Limited|✅ Unlimited use| 💡 **Wireless SMP machines** offer more **flexibility**, while **wired machines provide consistent power output** for **longer SMP sessions**. --- ## **3.1.2 Needle Configurations in SMP** Choosing the right **needle configuration** ensures: - **Proper dot size** for **natural-looking follicle replication**. - **Minimized trauma** to prevent **scarring or pigment migration**. - **Consistent pigment absorption** across different scalp regions. ### **A. Key Needle Features for SMP** |**Feature**|**SMP Needle Requirements**| |---|---| |**Needle Diameter**|0.18mm - 0.30mm (for fine follicle dots)| |**Needle Count**|1RL (single round liner) or 3RL (triple round liner)| |**Taper Length**|**Long taper (5-6mm)** for controlled pigment flow| |**Needle Angle**|90° perpendicular for **consistent dot shape**| ### **B. Most Common SMP Needle Types** |**Needle Type**|**Best Used For**|**Needle Size**| |---|---|---| |**1RL (Single Round Liner)**|Creating **individual hair follicles**, precise detailing|**0.18mm - 0.25mm**| |**3RL (Triple Round Liner)**|Higher-density areas, **scalp scar camouflage**|**0.25mm - 0.30mm**| |**5RL (Five Round Liner, Less Common)**|Large blending areas, **high-density SMP for darker skin**|**0.30mm+**| 💡 **1RL needles are the standard for most SMP applications**, while **3RL needles** are used for **faster coverage and density work**. --- ## **3.1.3 Understanding Needle Depth in SMP** - The **optimal depth** for pigment deposition is at the **epidermal-dermal junction (0.5mm - 1.5mm).** - **Going too shallow (< 0.5mm)** → Ink fades quickly. - **Going too deep (> 1.5mm)** → Ink spreads, leading to **blurring or migration**. ### **A. Adjusting Needle Depth Based on Scalp Characteristics** |**Scalp Type**|**Recommended Needle Depth**| |---|---| |**Normal Skin (Fitzpatrick III-IV)**|0.8mm - 1.2mm| |**Thin Skin (Aged Patients, Fitzpatrick I-II)**|0.5mm - 0.8mm| |**Thick Skin (Darker Skin, Fitzpatrick V-VI)**|1.0mm - 1.5mm| **Best Practice**: **Always adjust needle depth slightly depending on the scalp's thickness and hydration level.** --- ## **3.1.4 Machine Speed and Stroke Length Settings** The **speed (Hz) and stroke length (mm)** of the SMP machine affect **pigment delivery and dot precision**. |**Parameter**|**Recommended Setting**| |---|---| |**Machine Speed**|100-130 Hz (RPM: 6,000 - 8,000)| |**Stroke Length**|2.5mm - 3.5mm| |**Hand Speed**|Medium-slow movement| 💡 **Faster speed (120-130 Hz)** creates **lighter dots**, while **slower speed (100-110 Hz)** allows for **denser pigmentation**. --- ## **3.1.5 Choosing the Right SMP Setup** A **well-optimized setup** improves **treatment consistency and client comfort**. ### **Best SMP Machine & Needle Pairings** |**Treatment Type**|**Machine**|**Needle Type**| |---|---|---| |**Standard SMP Procedure**|Bishop SMP Wand|1RL (0.20mm)| |**Scar Camouflage**|Microbeau Bellar|3RL (0.25mm)| |**High-Density SMP**|Apollo SMP Pro|1RL (0.22mm) or 3RL (0.30mm)| --- ## **3.1.6 Conclusion** SMP requires **precise machine and needle selection** to ensure **consistent dot application, proper pigment retention, and a natural look**. ✔ **SMP machines must have depth control (0.5-1.5mm) to prevent migration.** ✔ **1RL needles are ideal for individual follicle replication, while 3RL needles improve density.** ✔ **Machine speed (100-130 Hz) and stroke length (2.5-3.5mm) must be optimized for different scalp types.**