All posts by Tempus Hair Restoration

Is Getting Your Hair Back Your New Year’s Resolution?

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This is the month when people resolve to improve themselves—be it to lose weight, get in shape or lead an overall healthier lifestyle. However, there’s another life-changing option worth considering: restoring your hair.

If hair loss has been affecting your confidence, your appearance, or even the way you show up in photos and social situations, there’s no better time than the start of a new year to take action. Here’s why making a hair transplant your New Year’s resolution could be one of the best decisions you’ll make!

A New Year Is the Perfect Time for a Fresh Start

January naturally brings a sense of motivation and renewal. It’s a fresh chapter. Choosing to begin your hair restoration journey at the start of the year means:

  • You can set a clear, achievable timeline.
  • You’ll stay accountable to your goal because it’s tied to the start of the year.
  • You’ll feel a renewed sense of confidence as you take control of something you’ve been thinking about for a long time.

Moreover, starting your self-improvement program with a hair transplant has one big advantage in that it requires no effort on your part—unlike following a weight loss plan or exercise. Although it generally takes 12 months for a hair transplant to fully grow out, you’ll begin seeing new growth and thickening from four to six months post-op. Contrary to popular belief, other than the first seven days after surgery, there’s no need to “baby” your scalp. Our blog post—“What to Expect After Your Hair Transplant”—covers this topic in greater detail.

The Difference a Hair Transplant Can Make

If you are among the approximately 35 million men in the United States experiencing hair loss, a hair transplant can be a life-changing procedure. Not so long ago, the general assumption was that men shouldn’t care about their appearance—that men were judged more by their character and achievements, so they didn’t need to focus on “looks.” If that ever was true, it certainly is no longer.

Although in the recent past being a rock star in your field was enough to keep you employed or position you as a desirable job candidate, today’s situation is different. Projecting a dynamic, fit appearance now counts a great deal in how your employer—or potential employer—sees you. The awful truth is that a balding scalp has an aging effect on even a young man. For a mature man, it can be a serious deterrent to job security or advancement. Maybe you’re becoming anxious by seeing posts of your GenX friends and colleagues on LinkedIn reporting they were laid off and can’t get job interviews, despite their impressive resume.

Moreover, video conferencing is here to stay. Whether you’re interviewing for a job or meeting with coworkers and clients, that flattened-out on-screen image is unflattering to most people as it is. Add hair loss to the equation. An increasing number of hair transplant patients specifically name Zoom as the motivation that brings them to the surgeon’s office.

The often unspoken concerns regarding age discrimination in the workplace are widespread and justified. According to Hiscock’s 2019 Ageism in the Workplace Study, more men than women feel that their advancing age has adversely impacted their careers—with 43% of men surveyed believing their age has prevented them from finding a new job. Our blog post—“Does Hair Loss Hurt Your Career?”—covers this topic in detail.

In addition to employability concerns, the video camera and the old-fashioned mirror confront men experiencing hair loss with an unpleasant sense of cognitive dissonance—that feeling of “I don’t look like me anymore.” Multiple studies using validated psychological scales have found that men often report improvements after a hair transplant in areas such as:

  • Self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Body image satisfaction.
  • Social confidence (dating, work interactions, public settings).
  • Overall quality of life.

The positive impact of such improvements can’t be over-emphasized. A hair transplant doesn’t just change how you look, it changes how you feel about yourself, your worth as a man and your place in the world. You’ll no longer feel embarrassed by your bald spot or receding hairline getting unwanted attention, or being known as “that bald guy”—or wondering if women on your dating app are swiping left when they see your profile photo.

Today’s hair restoration techniques are so refined and results so natural-looking that most people can’t tell if someone has had a hair transplant. When performed by an experienced surgeon who combines skill with an artist’s eye—such as  Dr. Marco Barusco—founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration—a hair transplant achieves the look of natural growth.

Dr. Barusco offers the following procedures and treatments:

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) — In this procedure, follicular units (hair grafts) in groupings of one, two or three hairs are individually extracted from the back of the head (donor area) using small circular punch blades instead of a scalpel. The grafts are then transplanted to the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. Once the desired number of grafts are obtained, the donor sites are left to heal without suturing. The resulting scars are not readily visible and are easily concealed even by very short hair.

No-Shave FUE — Developed by Dr. Barusco, the no-shave FUE completely conceals harvested donor sites immediately, allowing you to resume your regular activities with virtually no evidence of the procedure.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) — Also known as the “strip” method, the FUT procedure has undergone refinements over the years so that the only evidence is a pencil-line linear scar easily concealed by hair—even at a shorter length. Although many hair transplant practices encourage patients toward the FUE, there are circumstances in which the FUT will produce the more successful outcome.

Combination FUE and FUT — This technique covers large areas of baldness in a single surgery. Patients with advanced hair loss are typically required to undergo multiple hair transplant procedures to obtain coverage of their entire bald scalp—having to wait one year or more between procedures. This allows patients to achieve their ultimate goal sooner, with one procedure versus many.

Make This the Year You Take Action to Get your Hair and Self-confidence Back

Make this the year you transform your appearance and regain your confidence! Don’t let hair loss hold you back any longer—take the first step toward a new you in the new year! We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we offer financing options that can place this goal within reach.

Ultimately, choose your surgeon based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice. 

Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device. 

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

What You Need to Know About Male Facial Hair Transplants

Male Hair Restoration, Surgery,

The month of November is also known as Movember. Started by the non-profit Movember Foundation, this annual observation held since 2003 focuses on raising awareness of men’s health issues. The activity most closely identified with Movember is growing a moustache to start conversations about how men can live healthier, longer lives. The emphasis on facial hair during this month can make men who want to grow a mustache, beard or sideburns but can’t due to genetics or scarring think about looking into a facial hair transplant as a way to improve their self-image and confidence—which may very well improve their emotional health.

Why Can’t Some Men Grow Facial Hair?

Certain misconceptions persist as to why some men have only light or patchy facial hair growth. Genetics is often blamed, and actually is the culprit, but not in the way that you may think. Men start to develop facial hair—which is regulated by testosterone—during puberty, and it doesn’t fully mature until their early 20’s. The interaction between testosterone and the hair that already exists causes it to grow thicker and darker.

It is typically believed that men who can grow a beard have a higher testosterone level. However, most men have about the same level of testosterone. What really influences facial hair growth is how one’s body responds to this hormone—which is the factor that’s genetically determined. Being highly sensitive to testosterone results in more facial hair. While this may seem positive, it also contributes to baldness.

Dr. Marco Barusco—founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration—is a proudly bearded man himself, as well as having undergone hair transplant procedures. In his experience with facial hair transplant patients, Dr. Barusco notes that sparse growth and patchy growth are equally prevalent conditions—and normally coexist in the same patient, who can have areas of sparse growth (defined as a low density of hairs), as well as areas where the beard is patchy.

“Genetics is the main factor,” says Dr. Barusco. “Even men with a family history of a full beard may have thin, patchy areas.”

Don’t Fall for Beard Growth Product Scams

Bogus products claiming to grow beards have, unfortunately, become as widespread as those being sold to cure baldness. Beard growth product scams often involve overhyped claims and marketing tricks, such as promising “rapid” or “instant” growth, using misleading “before and after” photos, and selling products with secret or vague ingredients. While some products like minoxidil can stimulate hair growth, they are often not FDA-approved for facial hair and may cause side effects. Similarly, supplements are generally only useful if you are deficient—which is rare in well-nourished healthy adults—but they cannot create a beard if you’re not genetically predisposed to one. Our blog post—“More Hair Restoration Scams”—covers this topic in detail.

Products falsely claiming to promote beard growth exploit the wish for a quick, relatively inexpensive result. If you’ve tried one such product that didn’t work, don’t think you just bought the wrong product, and another one with a more convincing claim might do the trick. They’re all ineffective. The only proven way to achieve the goal of a full beard is with a beard transplant procedure.

What a Beard Transplant Involves

As with hair transplants to the scalp, a facial hair transplant may be performed as a Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) or Follicular Unit Excision (FUE). Which procedure is used depends upon the area to be covered. For large areas, hair is harvested from the same donor site as that for a hair transplant. This provides an advantage for those who want to grow a longer beard. Dr. Barusco describes the procedure in greater detail in a video for his YouTube video channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice.

The hair for facial hair transplants is typically harvested from the sides and back of the head, which are the same areas used in hair transplant surgery for bald and thinning areas of the scalp. However, the hair removed is usually from lower down toward the neck, where the hair quality is more compatible to that of facial hair. This includes the critical part of planning the angle and direction of hair for the most natural looking result. Success depends upon the surgeon’s knowledge of how hairs from different areas of the body behave, skill and artistry in harvesting those that are the best match, and ability to angle the hair grafts correctly when transplanted.

“The challenges with transplanting into the face are many,” says Dr. Barusco. “From a technical standpoint, the most crucial is the angle and direction in which the hairs have to be placed to produce a natural result that will allow the patient to grow it long, if they so desire.

“Another aspect of the facial hair transplant is the donor area selection. Most of the time, we use scalp hairs from the safe donor zone, and the patient may need these hairs in the future, should they develop male pattern baldness. This factor becomes more important because most of the patients looking for facial hair transplants are young men.”

In another Hair Loss Medical Advice video, Dr. Barusco focuses on one case study of a 44-year-old male who wanted a fuller goatee and to better connect the goatee with his mustache. The video includes photos of the pre-op planning process and the final results one year later.

Those seeking a facial hair transplant to conceal scars have an additional challenge. In such cases, Dr. Barusco takes care to place hair grafts farther apart to provide an adequate blood supply to guarantee that the grafts “take” and grow.

“Patients who do hair transplantation into scars are always warned that they may have to do one more procedure for final hair density into the scar. But when done correctly, hairs will grow well in scarred areas.”

Regardless of the circumstances, healing of both the recipient and donor areas is typically complete in one week. Transplanted hairs will fall out two to three weeks post-op, which is normal. New, permanent growth will begin within three to four months. Once permanent growth is established, the transplanted hair will blend in with any surrounding original hair. It may then be shaped and groomed in the same way as natural facial hair.

“Mo” About Movember

We began with the purpose of Movember, and the importance of men taking charge of their health and well-being. As Dr. Barusco emphasizes educating people about a variety of topics relating to hair loss and hair restoration through his YouTube channel, we highly recommend taking time to watch “Movember, Finasteride for Hair Loss and the Post-Finasteride Syndrome” —regarding the prevention and early detection of prostate cancer. The life you save may be your own—or that of a family member or friend.

You Can Get the Beard and Self-confidence You Want When You Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

If you believe that a beard represents strength, individualism and self-confidence, but nature isn’t cooperating, you can get the beard that allows you to express all of those qualities and more with a beard transplant. However, do careful research, as not all hair transplant surgeons have the experience and skill to perform facial hair transplants that look like natural growth.

It’s important to select your surgeon based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice worldwide. Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device. 

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

Can a Bad Hair Transplant be Corrected?

Male Hair Restoration, ,

With today’s advanced hair transplantation procedures, everyone who seeks hair restoration surgery should get the result they expect. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong surgeon—or a practice where an unlicensed, unqualified technician performs the procedure—can produce an outcome ranging from disappointing to disastrous.

According to the “Anna Karenina Principle,” in order for a complex outcome to be successful, all necessary factors must be in place. If even one factor is missing, the outcome will be a failure. This definitely applies to hair replacement surgery, which accounts for why bad transplants are still performed. By the way, this principle gets its name from the Leon Tolstoy novel, Anna Karenina, the first line of which is, “Every happy family is alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Visual Signs of a Bad Hair Transplant

Although each botched hair transplant is botched in its own way, there are some common types of bad outcomes—and the reasons they occur:

An unnatural-looking hairline — A male hairline that is too straight, too low, or too dense looks unnatural and can be a sign of poor planning or technique. Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—provides his insight into the importance of creating a hairline that has the appearance of natural growth.

“There are no straight lines on the human body. You don’t want to put anything in a straight line because it doesn’t look natural. You want to create variability. If I just design a hairline and go straight into the hair without creating a soft transition to the temples, it’s going to look artificial. The effect will be so obvious that people will either know you’ve had a transplant, or think you’re wearing a hairpiece. Neither is a desirable outcome.”

A “pluggy” or “doll’s head” appearance — Older techniques used larger grafts, which can make the transplanted hair look like unnatural clumps. While this type of outcome is generally associated with hair transplants performed in the 1980s, they can still occur today. As our blog post — “Can a “Pluggy” Hair Transplant be Corrected?” — explains, the new generation of men seeking a hair transplant procedure tend to favor a more forward hairline, rather than the high M-shaped hairline characteristic of a mature man. In the hands of a surgeon who has a poor sense of how to place hair grafts to avoid a straight-across look, the growth pattern appears “off,” with the hairs seeming to grow up from the hairline instead of subtly blending in.

Dr. Barusco also addresses this issue on his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice, in the video — “Options to Correct a Pluggy Hair Transplant” — in which he answers a viewer’s question regarding his own poor outcome.

Poor hair growth direction — Grafts placed at the wrong angle or direction can result in hair growing in an awkward way, which is especially noticeable in the hairline. 

Sparse areas — Noticeable gaps or uneven coverage in the recipient area can result from sparse graft placement or the grafts not taking properly. 

Visible scarring — Botched procedures can leave behind large, visible scars in the donor area—particularly from older follicular unit transplantation (FUT) techniques—or scarring in the recipient area. 

“Moth-eaten” appearance of the donor area — This refers to a patchy, visibly thin appearance in the scalp’s donor region after a hair transplant, caused by overharvesting grafts. This can happen if too many grafts are extracted, especially using the follicular unit extraction (FUE) method, where the small circular extraction sites become visible and the area looks sparse or uneven—particularly when the hair is cut short.

Pitted appearance — Implanting hair grafts too deeply in the scalp can cause the healed skin to have small indentations or pits. 

Do You Have to Live with a Bad Hair Transplant?

In many cases, an experienced, skilled hair restoration surgeon can mitigate the poor aesthetic outcome of an ineptly performed transplant. Understandably, some may be reluctant to seek help because they don’t want to make matters worse, but you’ll never know what’s possible unless you learn your options.

For those in need of a corrective procedure, Dr. Barusco meets with every client during their one-on-one consultation, which is essential in deciding the best treatment plan. Once he develops the plan, Dr. Barusco discusses it with the client at length before scheduling surgery. On the day of the procedure, he takes as much time as needed to make sure the client understands and agrees with the treatment plan before proceeding. Our blog post — “Undoing the Damage of Bad Hair Transplants” — covers Dr. Barusco’s corrective surgery approach in detail.

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely to Ensure Your Corrective Hair Transplant Achieves the Desired Result

Keeping in mind the afore-mentioned Anna Karenina Principle, in order for a hair transplant to be successful, all necessary factors must be in place. If you’re living with a bad hair transplant, don’t resign yourself to a lifetime of disappointment and resentment!

As our practice has learned from patients who come to Dr. Barusco for corrective surgery, most of those who were unhappy with the result of their initial procedure made cost the driving factor in their decision. We always emphasize to potential clients that skill and experience in hair transplantation and hair loss diagnosis should be the basis upon choosing a surgeon. We offer many financing options to place a hair transplant by Dr. Barusco within reach.

Ultimately, it is important to select your surgeon based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice worldwide. Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device. 

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

Hair Transplants for African American Hair

Hair Loss Procedures,

As hair transplant procedures have gained mainstream popularity and acceptance, more people —both men and women—are exploring their options when they experience hair loss. For those of African heritage, the special characteristics of their hair growth and texture must be taken into account to ensure the best, most natural-appearing result.

Despite the persistent belief that African Americans are not good candidates for a hair transplant, hair restoration surgeons who have this knowledge—as well as the experience—can achieve a successful, aesthetically pleasing outcome that reflects your cultural identity.

Key Considerations for African American Hair Transplants

Considerations for hair transplants in African Americans focus on the unique, coiled structure of the hair and follicles, which requires specific extraction techniques with modified tools and careful handling to prevent damage. African American hair follicles are tightly coiled or curved both above and below the scalp. Since it’s not a straight line, it can be difficult to know exactly where the hair bulb is. When performed by a surgeon with limited experience in hair transplants for Black and African-heritage patients, this poses a greater risk of transection (the surgeon accidentally cutting the hair bulb at the base of the hair follicle) when the follicle is harvested from the donor area for implantation.

Moreover, keloid scarring is a potential complication for African American patients. Keloids are thick, raised scars that can result from any type of skin injury, as well as surgical incisions. African Americans are particularly susceptible to forming keloids, which must be taken into account before surgery. Studies have shown that keloids are 10 to 15 times more common in people of African ancestry, compared to those of European backgrounds.

During consultation, a hair restoration surgeon should ask if a prospective African American patient has a history of such scarring, or any other scarring scalp disorders. Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—always conducts a thorough medical history of every patient in order to have a complete picture of the patient’s health and ability to heal after the procedure.

The surgeon should also monitor for keloid scarring post-op, as well as watch for ingrown hairs, which can occur two to three months after surgery, when the hair begins to grow. Dr. Barusco’s YouTube video—“What is Keloid Scarring?”—addresses this issue in detail.

The Main Causes of Hair Loss in African American Men and Women

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common form of hair loss in both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. In men, this condition is also known as male-pattern baldness. Hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, the “M” pattern that characterizes the mature male hairline recedes. Hair also thins at the top of the head (vertex or crown), often progressing to partial or complete baldness. This condition is genetic, running in families. In females, hair loss is diffuse, so that the scalp is visible. The center part also widens. Female androgenetic alopecia rarely leads to total baldness.

Black women are particularly susceptible to traction alopecia. This is the term for hair loss from mechanical damage to the hair follicle caused by repeated tension or pulling. This can be caused by wearing the same hairstyle for long periods of time—especially those that tug on the hair, such as tight braids, cornrows and weaves. Tight hairstyles applied to chemically relaxed hair can lead to even greater damage. Of course, black men who wear such hairstyles over a long period of time can also experience traction alopecia. Our blog post—“Is a Hair Transplant a Solution for Traction Alopecia?”—covers this topic in greater detail.

Hair Transplant Procedures for African American Men and Women

Dr. Barusco shares his perspective about hair restoration surgeries he’s performed for patients with African textured hair. In his YouTube video—“African American Hair Restoration”—Dr. Barusco says that either the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) can successfully be used, depending upon the patient’s desired outcome.

In the FUE procedure, follicular units (hair grafts) in groupings of one, two or three hairs are individually extracted from the back of the head (donor area) using small circular punch blades instead of a scalpel. The grafts are then transplanted to the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. The donor sites are left to heal without suturing. The resulting scars are not readily visible and are easily concealed even by very short hair.

The FUT procedure is also known as the “strip” method. It involves removing a strip of tissue 0.5 to 1.5 cm in width and from 5 to 30 cm long from the back of the head, which after having been removed, is closed with sutures. The strip of tissue containing hair and surrounding skin is then expertly dissected into individual follicular unit grafts that will then be transplanted into the balding areas of the scalp. One advantage of the FUT is allowing a high number of grafts to be transplanted in a single session.

The FUT has undergone significant refinements over the years so that the only evidence is a pencil-line linear scar easily concealed by hair, even at a shorter length. Although many hair transplant practices encourage patients toward the FUE, there are circumstances in which the FUT will produce the more successful outcome—for example, men who wear their hair in long styles (such as dreadlocks) and women. In cases of traction alopecia, hair loss is typically along the hairline and/or the temples.

Whichever procedure is used, the curl and angle of African American hair offers an advantage. African Americans generally have lower density in the donor area, but the curl and angle creates the appearance of denser hair, offering fuller, natural-looking coverage. This means that fewer grafts are typically required to achieve the goal than are necessary for straight, European texture hair.

“All things considered,” says Dr. Barusco, “African texture hair is very good for hair transplant procedures. For male patients, healing is incredible with the FUE. It is a little more challenging because the hair hooks a bit under the skin, so you have to do a bit of a different technique with the punches and FUE settings. But with today’s techniques and punch designs—plus the surgeon’s experience—you can do a very good procedure.

“For female patients, I tend to recommend the FUT, as they don’t like to shave their head for the FUE. It’s not a problem to have a small linear scar at the back of the head because it isn’t visible.”

Choose Your Hair Transplant Wisely for the Best Result

Proper technique for performing hair transplants for African American patients involves specialized knowledge about not only hair texture, but the direction of hair growth. African American hairlines tend to be set lower and straighter across the forehead. Such subtle aesthetic differences require meticulous attention to detail to achieve a natural-appearing outcome.

You deserve a hair transplant that represents your heritage and identity to achieve the image you want to present to the world. If you’ve decided to have a hair restoration procedure, be sure the surgeon you choose has the appropriate experience and has achieved good results. Our website’s Before & After Gallery provides examples of Dr. Barusco’s outstanding work in creating the look of healthy, natural hair growth for patients of all ethnicities.

Ultimately, choose your surgeon based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice. We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we offer financing options that can place this important goal within reach.

Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device. 

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

Why You May Need a Hair Transplant After a Facelift

Male Hair Restoration,

Although great advances have been made in minimally invasive aesthetic procedures to firm the face and fill in lines and wrinkles, a facelift is generally considered to be the ultimate drink from the Fountain of Youth. However, a hair transplant may be needed after a facelift to address hair loss or scarring that can occur at the incision sites, particularly around the hairline and temples. This procedure can disrupt hair follicles, leading to visible scarring or uneven hair growth. Scars behind the ears and along the hairline may be noticeable, limiting the ability to wear your hair up, or in a short style.

As a paper published in the Archives of Plastic Surgery notes, “Classic midface-lifting surgery creates a youthful facial contour by eliminating wrinkles and restoring midface fullness. This procedure targets signs of aging such as wrinkles, but leaves many patients unsatisfied due to a deformed hairline or noticeable scarring along the hairline.”

Whether you’re considering a facelift, or have had the procedure and are unhappy about conspicuous scarring around the hairline or find that your sideburns are gone, this blog post will address these issues, why they occur and corrective hair transplant procedures that are available.

Why a Facelift Can Leave Scars

Facial skin is not unique. Although the goal of a facelift is to improve one’s appearance, surgical incisions and the sutures that close them leave a scar, wherever on the body the surgical site is located.

Moreover, genetics can influence how scars will form. For example, some patients may naturally be prone to developing thicker or more visible scars, such as keloid scarring—which is more common among people of African descent. This type of scarring can make incisions heal slightly raised, or red in appearance. Those with a history of keloid scarring should call this to the attention of their prospective surgeon during the consultation. Also, any conscientious aesthetic surgeon—regardless of their specialty—will ask about this during the consultation. If not, consider it a red flag, and continue your search!

Skin type and age can likewise affect healing. More mature skin tends to be less elastic, which can sometimes result in scars that are slightly more visible. As this is the stage of life in which most people undergo a facelift, keep this factor in mind. Lifestyle choices play an important role, as heavy alcohol use and smoking hinder the healing process. Smoking, especially, deprives tissues of the oxygen essential to healthy function.

Last but definitely not least, a cosmetic surgeon’s level of experience, skill and artistry determines how well he or she conceals scars. For this reason, two different people can undergo the same facelift procedure, yet one may experience more obvious scarring than the other. Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—teaches at workshops for cosmetic surgeons, and shares with them his techniques for minimizing scarring. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Barusco has observed that often, the cosmetic surgeon’s focus is on lifting and firming the facial skin (as well as the underlying tissues, in some cases), with the location of incisions tending to be a secondary consideration.

In addition to the traditional full facelift, forehead lifts—also known as brow lifts—are becoming more popular. Of course, the same possibility of visible scarring applies in this type of procedure, as well.

But scarring is not always the reason for an aesthetically unsatisfying outcome. A facelift or brow lift sometimes results in a hairline that’s higher or farther back than desirable. Patients who already are experiencing hair loss or start losing hair after surgery may find that previously hidden scars become more visible or exposed. “Disappearing” sideburns are a fairly common post-facelift phenomenon, due to poor technique. Incorrectly made incisions and excessive tension can damage hair follicles or elevate and displace the sideburn tissue.

How a Hair Transplant Can Conceal Facelift Scars and Poor Surgical Technique

A hair transplant can conceal facelift scars by transplanting individual follicular units from a donor area into and around the scar tissue. Contrary to popular belief, hair can be successfully transplanted into scar tissue by a skilled hair restoration surgeon experienced in doing so. An important factor to consider is that scar tissue has a reduced blood flow compared to normal, undamaged skin, and is typically less flexible.

Hair grafts are harvested from the donor area, then precisely placed to match the natural angle and direction of the existing hair, creating a seamless transition that hides the scar and allows for more flexible hairstyling. This procedure can be performed using the FUE (follicular unit extraction) or other advanced techniques to produce a natural-looking result.

A hair transplant also can correct an unnatural-looking post-facelift hairline, as well as restore “lost” sideburns that result from where the skin at the sides of the face has been pulled up. Dr. Barusco discusses examples of the corrective procedures he has performed on his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice. His video—“Hair Transplants Into Scars”—covers this in detail.

If You Didn’t Choose Your Cosmetic Surgeon Wisely, Choose Your Hair Transplant Surgeon Wisely!

Our advice at Tempus Hair Restoration is always to ask your prospective surgeon questions during your consultation. If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, ask the surgeon where the incisions will be made, and what will be done to make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible—as well as how your hairline and sideburns will be positioned. If you’ve already had cosmetic surgery and are now living with visible scars, or a poorly repositioned hairline or missing sideburns, Dr. Barusco can artfully conceal the results, succeeding where the cosmetic surgeon fell short in completing the natural-looking, refreshed, youthful appearance you desire.

Ultimately, choose your surgeon based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice. Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device.

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

When is the Right Time for a Hair Transplant?

Male Hair Restoration,

If you’ve been watching your hairline recede or seeing more skin than hair covering your crown area, you may be wondering if it’s time to consider a hair transplant. Intellectually, you know that once a significant amount of hair loss begins, it doesn’t stop on its own. This is especially true of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this condition is also known as male pattern baldness. But human nature being what it is, some men may be inclined to wait and see if—as well as how quickly—it progresses before taking the first step in exploring their hair restoration options.

To answer this question at the outset, there is no single “right” time that applies across the board. However, there is an optimum range for each individual, depending upon your stage of hair loss, overall health, age, personal goals and other circumstances. Within these considerations, there are ways to help you determine when a hair transplant is advisable.

Factors to Consider When Deciding It’s Time for a Hair Transplant

Your age — To set the baseline, male pattern baldness affects up to two thirds of men in the United States by age 35, and can begin as early as age 18. Almost 85% of men experience thinning hair and a more extensive degree of loss by the time they reach age 50.

Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—advises against hair transplant surgery for those under the age of 25. The reason is because a hair transplant relies on using donor hair from the back of the head. If performed too early, the donor hair may be distributed too heavily in one area, leaving too little to be transplanted later, when needed on another area of the scalp as hair loss progresses.

Moreover, the male hairline continues to change up to approximately age 29. Younger men may believe their hairline is receding, when in fact it’s evolving into what is known as a mature hairline. This occurs when the hairline moves back about a half inch to one inch from where it used to be. A mature hairline forms the “M” shape that distinguishes the male hairline from the female oval hairline shape. Waiting for the hairline and hair loss to stabilize allows a hair restoration surgeon to better predict future hair loss and plan the transplant accordingly, ensuring a natural and long-lasting result. 

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), there are two main reasons young men should wait before undergoing a hair transplant procedure.

  1. Family history of male pattern hair loss—if you rush into hair restoration surgery, you may prematurely use up the hair follicles that are typically used for transplantation. It may be smarter to wait until your hair loss more fully develops before seeking hair restoration. This is not to say that one should go bald before a transplant is done; what ideally should be accomplished is stabilization of one’s hair loss before initiating a surgical procedure—especially at a young age. Patients who hastily seek out hair restoration surgery may find that the transplanted grafts end up being “islands” in the middle of a balding scalp.
  2. Your hair loss may not get worse. Hair loss that begins at an early age is not always predictive of how much hair will eventually be lost, or the eventual pattern of hair loss.  Sometimes, hair loss on the forehead, above the temples and eyebrows may not advance any further. Seeking hair restoration surgery at this juncture might be premature.

Being able to recognize the difference between developing a mature hairline and early-stage male pattern balding may be difficult. Signs to look for include excessive hair shedding, extra hairline recession at the temples and short hairs beyond your hairline.

Although transplantation surgery isn’t advisable for young men, there are proven non-surgical treatments available to prevent/slow further loss and promote growth. Finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine) are the two most popular. Caution: Propecia is not for use by women and children.

On the other end of the scale, men over age 50 can be appropriate candidates for a hair transplant if they have enough donor hair available and are in good health.

Your health — While we’re on the subject, being in good overall health is key to achieving the best outcome—or even being able to be considered for a hair transplant by an ethical surgeon. Those with type 2 diabetes need to have their condition under control, and get clearance from their primary medical care provider for the procedure. Tell your hair restoration surgeon during your consultation about any health conditions, as well as prescription medications that you take. A conscientious surgeon will ask about your medical history—as well as many other areas —during the consultation. Our blog post—“The Importance of Consultation Before Hair Restoration Treatment”—covers this crucial, yet often overlooked, topic in detail.

The impact that hair loss is having on your self-confidence and quality of life — Assuming you’re within the typical age range of 30 to 45 years old, the time to consider a hair transplant is when your hair loss is having a negative impact on your self-image and quality of life. While you may have been more tolerant of hair loss during its earlier stages, seeing a balding man in the mirror every day may be more disheartening now.

Our blog has cited numerous scientific studies and surveys concluding that society treats balding and bald men harshly in a wide range of areas—from their worth in the job market to the dating scene. Men with significant hair loss are perceived by others as older than their actual age, less successful, less vigorous and less virile. With the notable exception of some buff, bald action movie stars, balding men tend to be relegated to society’s sidelines. If you feel that you’re becoming more invisible as your scalp becomes more visible, unfortunately, it isn’t your imagination.

How you feel about yourself affects your health. Our blog post—“What You Need to Know About Male Hair Loss and Health”—covers how low self-esteem is strongly linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. You have the right to live a happy, fulfilling life. If hair loss is diminishing your quality of life, it’s time to take action to pursue an appearance that makes you feel better about yourself and your place in the world.

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely for Your Hair Restoration Journey

If you are concerned about hair loss, any time is the right time to schedule a consultation for a diagnosis and treatment options. You have important issues that need to be addressed, and the sooner you have definitive answers and a path to treatment, the better the opportunity for a positive outcome.

Ultimately, choose your surgeon based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice. Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device. 

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

What You Need to Know About Male Hair Loss and Health

Male Hair Restoration

June is Men’s Health Month. An expansion of Men’s Health Week—which was officially designated in 1994—June was chosen because it’s the month in which Father’s Day is celebrated. During this month, men are encouraged to celebrate themselves by taking charge of their physical and mental well-being to live happier, healthier and longer lives—and to seek help when needed.

How does hair loss figure into this? In addition to the most common cause of male pattern balding—known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—hormonal changes, medical conditions, prescription medications, anabolic steroid use, diet and stress can all affect the rate and severity of hair loss. Moreover, the loss of hair often results in a loss in self-esteem—which has a negative impact on mental health—which in turn affects physical health.

The Effects of Hormonal Changes and Lifestyle Choices on Male Hair Loss

Contrary to popular belief, testosterone itself doesn’t directly cause hair loss, but can contribute to it by increasing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a hormone that can shrink hair follicles and lead to hair loss, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed to AGA. Testosterone is converted into DHT by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT then binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink (miniaturize) and eventually stop producing hair. However, not everyone experiences hair loss from DHT. It’s primarily those with a genetic sensitivity to DHT who are affected by AGA.

According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), hair loss affects two-thirds of American men by age 35. AGA is responsible for over 95% of hair loss in men. By the age of 50, approximately 85% of men will have significantly thinning hair. Around 25% of men with male pattern baldness begin losing hair before the age of twenty-one.

While the cause of male hair loss is largely genetic, lifestyle and health play an important role. No element of the human body exists or functions independently of the others—including hair follicles. The following lifestyle factors can impact hair loss:

Smoking—Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which makes blood vessels contract. This restricts the delivery of oxygen to every cell of the body, including the skin and hair follicles. Over time, this makes hair regrowth harder, so when strands fall out, they aren’t replaced as readily—or at all. In addition to nicotine starving cells of oxygen, the numerous toxic substances in cigarettes have been implicated in causing damage to the DNA of hair follicles. Moreover, a research study conducted on 1,000 healthy males ages 20 to 35 found that nicotine and its derivative, cotinine, might be responsible for accelerating AGA progress.

Diet—Americans tend to go to extremes when it comes to diet and nutrition—either making high-fat, high-calorie fast food the mainstay of their diet, or following every quick weight loss fad. Hair is sensitive to nutritional imbalances. An inadequate intake of essential vitamins or minerals can impact the hair growth (anagen phase)/rest cycle (telogen phase). For this reason, a junk food diet high in saturated fat, salt and sugar—and low in essential vitamins and nutrients—not only leads to hair follicles being poorly nourished, but increases the risk for type 2 diabetes. High uncontrolled blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes can damage tissues, organs and blood vessels. Damage to blood vessels can restrict blood flow, resulting in certain cells receiving less oxygen and nutrients than they need. This deficiency can negatively impact the normal growth cycle of hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss.

As for the other extreme, fad diets tend to be imbalanced in food varieties and essential nutrients. Such deficiencies can lead to a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Fortunately, this condition is generally reversible, so adopting healthier, less restrictive eating habits will allow hair to grow back.

Excessive alcohol use—Although not a direct cause of hair loss, this type of substance use disorder promotes it due to the tendency toward poor nutrition—as well as the body’s inability to absorb the proper nutrients because of alcohol consumption.

Steroid use—Despite their dangerous side effects, anabolic steroids have been the drug of choice among some bodybuilders and others looking to increase muscle mass and athletic performance. Steroids can quickly accelerate hair loss progression in those genetically predisposed to AGA. Hair loss accelerated by steroid use is permanent.

Our blog post—“How Lifestyle Affects Hair Loss”—covers these topics in greater detail.

How Hair Loss Affects Men’s Mental Health and Confidence

Although the majority of men experiencing hair loss seem to resign themselves to balding, resignation is not the same as acceptance. As the AHLA states, “Contrary to popular belief, most men who suffer from male pattern baldness are extremely unhappy with their situation and would do anything to change it. Hair loss affects every aspect of a sufferer’s life, from interpersonal relationships to professional opportunities. In fact, the … AHLA has received countless reports from young men who felt so overwhelmed and distracted by their progressive hair loss that they were forced to change their career paths.”

Unfortunately, such feelings aren’t the result of imagination or an overly sensitive nature. According to Thomas Cash, emeritus professor of psychology and author of The Body Image Workbook, societal bias against men experiencing hair loss is real. In a study that looked at bias, Cash showed people photographs of bald or balding men—as well as men with a full head of hair—asking them to rate the men for qualities such as self-assertiveness, social attractiveness, intelligence, life-success, personal likability, physical attractiveness and perceived age. He found that “… the bald or balding models were perceived more negatively on every dimension except intelligence.”

Cash is far from alone. Multiple studies have linked male pattern hair loss to lowered self-esteem and decreased confidence. An article for WebMD by Marta Manning and medically reviewed by Jennifer T. Haley, MD, FAAD, cites a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Trichology. The study found that AGA lowered the quality of life for many men, with particular effects in the areas of self-perception and interpersonal relations. A 2018 research study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology identified low self-esteem in many patients with AGA and found that confidence can improve after hair transplantation treatment.

“Hair loss in men can affect self-esteem to the extent that a man believes his appearance to be an important part of what makes him a worthwhile or valuable person,” psychologist Paul Greene, PhD, says. “For men who are very invested in their appearance and who identify as a younger-looking man, hair loss can significantly impact self-esteem.”

In the same WebMD article, general practitioner and medical advisor Nikola Djordjevic, MD, says, “Hair loss has been affecting men’s self-esteem for centuries, if not longer. Long thick hair during ancient times was a symbol of masculinity and vitality, so it makes sense that men are psychologically affected by hair loss nowadays as well. Hair loss symbolizes aging and debility, which is why I think that men start feeling more depressed as their hair starts falling out.“

Hair Restoration as Part of Your Wellness Journey

Regardless of what well-meaning family members and friends may tell you, it isn’t “just hair,” so you shouldn’t feel bad to lose it. You know that your hair is an important part of your identity—and you’re not the only one who feels the same.

Society has always expected men to be emotionally strong and impervious to self-doubt, anxiety and insecurity. But experiencing hair loss can have an effect that’s more demoralizing than most care to admit. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to recognize and acknowledge the importance of your own well-being, and to take the steps toward achieving it. Understanding that you have the right to pursue an appearance that makes you feel better about yourself and your place in the world is essential in taking action to improve your self-esteem and emotional health.

When performed by a skilled, conscientious hair restoration surgeon—such as Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—a hair transplant can restore your self-confidence as well as your hair. Dr. Barusco is an award-winning board-certified hair transplant surgeon with more than 25 years dedicated to hair restoration. His extensive credentials include Assistant Professor of Surgery—University of Central Florida College of Medicine; Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS); Global Clinical Scholars Researcher, Harvard Medical School; and author of chapters for numerous medical textbooks and clinical studies.

Dr. Barusco performs the following hair transplant procedures:

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) — In this procedure, follicular units (hair grafts) in groupings of one, two or three hairs are individually extracted from the back of the head (donor area) using small circular punch blades instead of a scalpel. The grafts are then transplanted to the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. Once the desired number of grafts are obtained, the donor sites are left to heal without suturing. The resulting scars are not readily visible and are easily concealed even by very short hair.

No-Shave FUE — Developed by Dr. Barusco, the no-shave FUE completely conceals harvested donor sites immediately, allowing you to resume your regular activities with virtually no evidence of the procedure.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) — Also known as the “strip” method, the FUT procedure has undergone refinements over the years so that the only evidence is a pencil-line linear scar easily concealed by hair—even at a shorter length. Although many hair transplant practices encourage patients toward the FUE, there are circumstances in which the FUT will produce the more successful outcome.

Combination FUE and FUT — This technique covers large areas of baldness in a single surgery. Patients with advanced hair loss are typically required to undergo multiple hair transplant procedures to obtain coverage of their entire bald scalp—having to wait one year or more between procedures. This allows patients to achieve their ultimate goal sooner, with one procedure versus many.

No matter what month of the year it is, you deserve to live your best life! If Men’s Health Month has helped you think about your needs, and take the necessary action to achieve optimum physical and mental wellness, you can start here if hair loss has been eroding your sense of self-worth. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice. Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device. 

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

 

The Role That Technicians Should Play in Hair Transplantation Surgery

Male Hair Restoration,

Although we at Tempus Hair Restoration often caution against technicians performing hair transplant procedures, they do have a legitimate, vital role in the process. Knowing why their involvement is necessary and which aspects of the procedure they can legally perform will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about choosing your surgeon wisely.

The Responsibilities of Hair Transplant Technicians

In the practice of an ethical hair transplant surgeon, technicians are a valuable part of the team. They allow the surgeon to focus on his/her responsibilities in providing the best possible aesthetic outcome for patients while maintaining medical standards for patient safety. They also allow procedures to be performed in a time-efficient manner.

The team of Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration—is highly trained and plays an essential role in maintaining the quality and precision that defines his work. Their responsibilities include the following:

Hair graft dissection and preparation—Technicians carefully dissect follicular units under high-powered microscopes to ensure that each graft harvested from the donor area of the scalp is intact and viable for implantation.

Hair graft handling and organization—Technicians are responsible for properly hydrating, storing and organizing the grafts in preparation for implantation, maintaining strict sterility and efficiency at each step.

Surgical setup and breakdown—Technicians prep the surgical suite before each procedure, manage instrument sterilization and ensure a smooth, hygienic environment throughout the day.

Assisting during hair graft implantation—While Dr. Barusco makes all incisions and determines graft placement, technicians assist by placing grafts, allowing the process to remain seamless and efficient.

Providing patient care and support—Technicians play a supportive role by helping patients stay comfortable during the procedure and assisting with post-op instructions.

Recognize the Differences Between Responsibilities of the Surgeon and Technicians

Unfortunately, too many hair transplant and cosmetic surgery practices allow non-medical technicians to perform key aspects of a procedure—most commonly, the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE). Advertising and marketing by such practices and clinics falsely imply that this a typical, legitimate situation—which is definitely not the case!

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the following aspects of hair restoration surgery should only be performed by a licensed physician:

  • Preoperative diagnostic evaluation and consultation.
  • Surgery planning.
  • Surgery execution, including:
    • Donor hair harvesting
    • Hairline design
    • Recipient site creation
  • Management of other patient medical issues and possible adverse reactions.
  • Post-operative care.

Moreover, Florida has passed legislation which deems that harvesting hair and making incisions on a patient are functions that only a physician, a Physician’s Assistant (not the same as a technician or nurse), or a Nurse Practitioner are allowed to perform. A doctor who allows others to do it in their practice is aiding and abetting the illegal practice of medicine, and may lose his or her medical license and/or face felony charges.

We always emphasize that hair transplant surgery is surgery. Even though the patient receives a topical anesthesia and is awake during the procedure doesn’t mean that a hair transplant is without the potential for a bad outcome or even permanent damage if performed incorrectly. Our blog post—“Don’t Let a Technician Perform Your Hair Transplant Surgery”—covers this topic in detail.

How Dr. Barusco and His Technician Work Together During a Hair Transplant Procedure

To provide you with better insight into how Dr. Barusco’s commitment to excellence involves every aspect of our practice, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the relationship between surgical technique and technology—and the critical role of his technician.

You may have heard of implantation pens. The best-known is the Choi implanter pen, which is the tool used to implant the hair follicle back into the scalp once it has been removed from the donor area. One drawback to the Choi implanter is that it creates the recipient site and implants the follicle in a single action. This at first may seem an advantage, but opens the possibility for a technician being allowed to make the incision, rather than the surgeon.

Dr. Barusco uses a dull-edge implantation pen, which offers some unique advantages and differs from the standard approach in the following ways:

Preserves site integrity—Using this technique, Dr. Barusco makes all the recipient sites himself—determining the exact direction, angle, and depth for natural-looking results. The dull-edge pen allows the technician to gently “drop” the graft into the site without altering the direction or damaging the surrounding tissue.

Minimal graft trauma—Since the grafts are not forced into the scalp and are placed without excessive manipulation, the risk of damaging the follicular units is greatly reduced, thereby supporting higher graft survival rates.

Controlled two-step process—Unlike the one-motion pens that combine incision and placement in a single step, our approach separates the two. This allows Dr. Barusco full control over the artistry and planning of the implantation, while the technician assists by placing the grafts into the pre-made sites using the dull implanter.

Enhanced precision and consistency—The dull-edge design helps ensure that the site’s direction remains untouched, which is key to achieving consistent and natural growth patterns.

Knowledge is Power! Ask the Right Questions and Choose Your Surgeon Wisely!

Dr. Barusco and his technician work together during hair transplant procedures to create the look of natural growth while keeping patient safety the utmost priority. The role of a technician in an ethical practice is to assist and support the surgeon, not perform the surgery. When you schedule a consultation to learn your options for a hair transplant, ask the surgeon the follow questions recommended by the ISHRS:

  • Who will evaluate my hair loss and recommend a course of treatment? What is their education, training, licensure, and experience in treating hair loss? Only physicians, Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are legally allowed to diagnose a patient and to recommend medical treatments. Otherwise, the person recommending procedures and/or treatments is practicing medicine without a license, a felony crime in Florida and many other states.
  • Who will be involved in performing my surgery, what role will they play, and what is their education, training, licensure, and experience performing hair restoration surgery?
  • Will anyone not allowed by the State Medical Board be making incisions or harvesting grafts during my surgery? If so, please identify this person, explain their specific role and why they are legally permitted to perform it.
  • Is everyone involved in my surgery covered by malpractice insurance?

Ultimately, choose your surgeon based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice. We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we offer financing options that can place this important goal within reach.

Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device. 

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

No-Shave FUE vs. Micro Shave FUE: What You Need to Know Before Your Hair Transplant

General,

Hair restoration has evolved dramatically over the years. Thanks to advancements in technique and technology, hair transplants can now produce natural-looking, undetectable results, when done right. But with flashy marketing terms and confusing claims flooding the internet, it’s more important than ever to understand exactly what you’re signing up for.

One of the most common points of confusion? The difference between a True No-Shave FUE and what many clinics refer to as a “Micro Shave FUE.” While these terms are often used interchangeably, the procedures are not the same and the difference can significantly impact your outcome.

What is a “Micro Shave FUE”?

Many clinics now claim to offer a “No-Shave FUE” procedure, but what they’re actually performing is a Micro Shave FUE. In this method, small sections of hair are shaved between longer strands in the donor area to allow for follicle extraction. While this may be marketed as “no-shave,” it still involves shaving and, in many cases, the results are clearly visible after surgery.

This misleading terminology can cause patients to believe they’re receiving a discreet, undetectable procedure, when they’re not. In fact, if you wear your hair short, a Micro Shave FUE can leave patchy or linear scars that compromise the very discretion you’re likely seeking.

And here’s something the flashy ads won’t tell you: “Micro FUE” is not even a recognized medical term. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), labels like Micro FUE, Nano FUE, and Ice FUE are purely marketing strategies, not unique techniques. Their purpose? To create the illusion of innovation and sway patient decisions with buzzwords—not better outcomes.

What Makes a True No-Shave FUE Different?

The True No-Shave FUE, developed by Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration—involves zero shaving of the donor area, not even tiny patches. With this refined approach:

  • No areas of your scalp are shaved.
  • Individual follicles are carefully extracted using small circular punches.
  • Surrounding hair remains untouched, immediately concealing the donor sites.
  • The procedure leaves no visible signs, even for those who wear their hair short.
  • Healing is quick, discreet, and seamless.

This technique is ideal for patients who want to keep their hair restoration completely private, with no obvious signs they’ve had a procedure.

Why the Right Information—and the Right Surgeon—Matters

Let’s be clear: when it comes to hair transplants, marketing should never outweigh medical integrity. Many patients come to us after being misled by clinics that promised a “No-Shave” option, only to find themselves with visible scars, patchy results, or overharvested donor areas.

At Tempus Hair Restoration, Dr. Barusco personally performs or oversees every consultation. With over 25 years of experience and a reputation for artistry and transparency, he takes the time to evaluate your hair loss pattern, future needs, goals, and medical history to recommend the right solution for you.

Why Patients Choose Tempus for No-Shave FUE

  • No misleading terms or sales tactics.
  • No shaving! Not even in-between the hair.
  • Consultations directly with Dr. Barusco (available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese).
  • Flexible financing options.
  • Complementary 2-night hotel stay for patients traveling 100+ miles.

You only get one chance to do your first hair transplant right. Make sure it’s done with honesty, precision, and experience. At Tempus Hair Restoration, we’re not just restoring hair, we’re restoring confidence. Contact us to schedule your free in-office or virtual consultation. We welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

Dr. Barusco’s Answers to Five Hair Restoration Questions

Surgery,

If you have questions about hair restoration procedures, Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration—has answers! As a leading surgeon in this field, Dr. Barusco is a vocal advocate for consumer education, providing free resources for all who want to learn about hair transplants to get the objective information they need in order to make an informed decision.

Toward this end, Dr. Barusco’s YouTube channel—Hair Loss Medical Advice—features videos in which he answers viewers’ questions. We’ve chosen five that focus on issues that may not immediately come to mind when thinking about hair transplantation, but are certainly worth addressing! Read, watch and learn!

  1. How many hair grafts are necessary to restore a hairline?

The viewer who sent this question provided three photos of his hairline, showing temporal recession on both sides. He would learn that there is no across-the-board number. The circumstances the viewer outlined in his question helped determine Dr. Barusco’s response. For example, the viewer reported that he had been using finasteride with good results, then added oral minoxidil, also with good results. He discontinued use of both medications for one month, which caused a noticeable regression—and now seeks a surgical solution.

“Let’s break this down into two parts,” said Dr. Barusco. “First, medical therapy for hair loss is like anything else. You have to do it consistently, or the hair will continue to be lost over time, little by little.

“Regarding a transplant, he seems to be a good candidate. But I don’t know his age, and I haven’t seen his donor zone [the back of the head, where hair grafts are harvested for transplantation]. If he came to me for a consultation, we would talk about the need to be consistent with medical therapy to prevent further hair loss. Based on what I see here [in the photos], I would recommend an FUE procedure using a few hundred grafts—somewhere around 800 to 1,000 follicular units.”

Click here to watch the video.

  1. Can hair be successfully transplanted into a congenital bald spot?

This question came from a 22-year-old man who has a small area on his right temple on which hair has never grown. Being self-conscious about this irregular bald spot, he asked Dr. Barusco if a hair transplant would be effective and look like natural growth. Moreover, if he has a hair transplant in that area, will the new growth create an odd effect should his hairline start to recede?

“These are both good questions,” said Dr. Barusco. “People can have these bald/thin spots on their scalp where they never had hair. Hair transplants can also be done to cover scars from surgery, accidents, burns, etc. A consultation is required to make sure the hair and scalp are healthy. Assuming they are, the area marked can be transplanted with good results. If you lose hair in the future, this area should continue to look natural, though you may have to transplant the other side to match if your sides recede too much. You may also try medications to prevent hair from thinning.”

Click here to watch the video.

  1. Is fine-caliber hair good for hair transplantation?

A young woman asked Dr. Barusco if she was a good candidate for a hair transplant, as she has hairline recession at the temples.

“It makes my forehead look huge, and it makes me look slightly manly and bald,” she wrote. Her other concern was that her hair is too fine to be transplanted to create the desired appearance of fullness.

Dr. Barusco’s positive reply hopefully gave the viewer an optimistic boost.

“Yes. Fine caliber hair can be used for hair transplantation. In your situation specifically, fine hairs are actually great, since they will provide very soft, natural results for your temples. The only negative with fine caliber hairs is that they don’t have as much mass, so to create the appearance of fullness, more hairs are needed in comparison with coarse caliber hairs, which can provide more density. The flip side of this is that fine caliber hairs look more natural easier with a hair transplant in comparison with coarse hairs, which can be more obvious if not transplanted with perfect technique.”

Click here to watch the video.

  1. Is it possible to fix a cowlick with a hair transplant?

A viewer who did not identify themselves expressed frustration with a cowlick located in an area that made hairstyling difficult, asking Dr. Barusco if a hair transplant could lick the cowlick for good!

“Cowlicks are features that many people have in their hair,” Dr. Barusco replied. “Depending on the location and number, they can make it challenging to style the hair. But hair transplants should not be used to try to correct a cowlick, particularly if there is no hair loss. The transplant itself can cause hair loss, and if hairs are placed in opposing angles and directions in relation to the cowlick, it can exacerbate the inability to style.”

Click here to watch the video.

  1. What can be done to correct a hair transplant that resulted in different hair densities in the temple area?

Dr. Barusco often corrects the results of botched hair transplants performed by surgeons or—inexcusably—non-medical technicians who lack the experience, skill and/or licensure to achieve an aesthetically pleasing effect of natural growth. Dr. Barusco addressed a male viewer who sent photos of his area of concern, which showed incorrect selection and placement of hair grafts in the temporal point—thereby creating an inconsistent appearance.

Fortunately, Dr. Barusco determined that the transplant could be corrected.

“Looking closer at the picture, it appears to me that hair grafts have been placed in your temporal point. I can see that some 2-hair follicular units were placed in that area, and that the transplanted area is sharply demarcated. It should have been feathered a little more. But this can be corrected by maybe harvesting and moving some of these grafts, and by adding a few more single hair grafts to this area. Also, medications may help.”

Click here to watch the video.

The Ultimate Answer to Your Hair Restoration Questions: Choose Your Surgeon Wisely!

Dr. Barusco welcomes questions for Hair Loss Medical Advice. Of course, he also welcomes anyone who wants to explore their hair restoration options to schedule an in-office or virtual consultation! Consultations are free, and there is no pressure to schedule a procedure.

Contact us to schedule your consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving you the opportunity to learn your options in the comfort of your home—or any location, on any internet-enabled device. 

Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese. For your greater convenience, Tempus Hair Restoration offers a two-night complimentary hotel stay to out-of-town clients who travel 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!