All posts by Tempus Hair Restoration

Crowning Glory – The Art of Hair Transplantation to the Crown Area

Male Hair Restoration

Catching that first glimpse of a bald spot comes as an unpleasant surprise for many men. Yet, the crown area of the scalp is a common area of hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia – better known as male pattern hair loss. Even though you can’t readily see it yourself, a balding crown can cause feelings of self-consciousness and the sense that you’re turning into your father or grandfather – in other words, aging.

Just as with a receding hairline, a thinning crown – also known as the vertex – typically requires a hair transplant to regain coverage. However, for several reasons, crown transplants involve certain challenges when planning and executing in order to achieve the desired aesthetic effect of natural growth. To do so successfully requires a high level of both technical skill and artistry on the part of the hair restoration surgeon.

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – is a leader in performing crown restoration procedures. He has written about his techniques for several textbooks, as well as taught during medical conferences. The information featured here incorporates content from Dr. Barusco’s video – “Transplanting Hair to the Crown of the Scalp” – featured on his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice.

Why is the Crown Area Especially Challenging for Hair Transplant Surgery?

To begin to answer this question, it’s helpful to identify the three main regions of the scalp:

Frontal – This is the section that you see when you look straight-on in the mirror (and, of course, that others see as they face you). It includes the hairline and hair around the temples. The frontal region is where the hairline starts to recede in male pattern baldness – and where men typically first notice hair loss.

Mid-scalp – As the name implies, this is the center region of the scalp. The mid-scalp usually maintains some hair growth until late-stage baldness.

Crown – This is the highest point of the scalp, situated toward the back of the head.

“One of the most challenging things about the crown is that geometrically speaking, it’s an ellipsoid – which means it’s curved in every direction – from front-to-back, and from side-to-side,” says Dr. Barusco. The rounded nature and changes in angle of this region necessitates considering how the implanted hairs will lay against the scalp. “It’s a dome-shaped area. The hairs are going in a centrifugal way from the center; they spread out to the side and they tend to open up – and so we have to account for that, too.”

In addition, the hair whorl throws another curve ball, so to speak. The whorl is the hair that grows in a circular pattern around a visible center point on the scalp. In more scientific terms, the hair whorl denotes the spiral disposition of hairs around an axis, which is determined by the follicle growing direction. Because there are many different whorl patterns, identifying and following the individual patient’s unique whorl in order to place the implanted hair follicles appropriately is essential to achieving the look of natural growth. Dr. Barusco’s YouTube video – “Understanding the Crown Area of the Scalp” – provides additional information about the growth of hair in this region. 

But there is one more challenge – one that requires astute forecasting on the surgeon’s part. As is the case with androgenic alopecia, hair loss is progressive.

“Hair loss in the crown can be subject to progression. It’s very important to contain this, otherwise you may end up with what we call the ‘halo effect.’ That’s when you’ve lost hair around the transplanted hairs, and have this doughnut shape where there’s hair loss with hair around it. This isn’t cosmetically pleasing, so we want to avoid that. The transplant must be approached carefully and methodically.”

The challenges of a crown transplant can be met to give the patient a good aesthetic effect, says Dr. Barusco. Looking at the radius and circumference of the crown, Dr. Barusco uses a mathematical equation to determine the amount of follicular units to transplant. Our blog post – “An Up-close Look at Hair Grafts” – covers the anatomy and harvesting of follicular units in detail.

To achieve a full look to the crown with a natural, soft result, Dr. Barusco uses the cross-hatching technique, which he has written about for medical textbooks and reference publications. He is the author of Chapter-13 Advanced Transplantation of the Crown: How to Increase Visual Perception of Coverage and Density with Cross-Hatching for the book, “Hair Transplant 360 (Advances, Techniques, Business Development & Global Perspectives), Volume 3” by Samuel M. Lam.

This technique involves placing hairs so that they grow toward each other – hence the term “cross-hatching.” It follows the patient’s whorl pattern to give the illusion of higher density using fewer hairs. “But I have to follow the pattern of your natural hair growth. If I go against your whorl pattern, or against the behavior of your hair, it will be very hard for you to style, because the hairs will be fighting with each other. The cross-hatching technique can be used, but it has to be performed carefully.”

How Important is the Crown Area to Your Appearance?

While a bald spot is one of those things that might bother you once you become aware of it – and you’d rather restore the lost hair as well as prevent or slow future progression – it may not be that apparent to others. Those in the teaching profession – whose work necessitates writing on a chalkboard or whiteboard, giving students a prolonged view of their back and bald spot – may be especially self-conscious. However, having a full hairline is more desirable to most men – especially to those who are frequently on Zoom conference calls or using dating apps.

This brings up a point about the goal of hair restoration surgery – as well as that of a good surgeon. The idea is to achieve a natural-looking result. A very full crown with a receded hairline is not a natural male (or human) hair growth pattern, while a fuller hairline with a thinning crown is commonplace and natural. The aesthetic effect in the first example is unsettling. Other people may not be able to articulate why it doesn’t quite look right, but they’ll sense that something is “off” about that person’s appearance – which is not the impression you want to create!

Considerations for a Crown Restoration Procedure

Dr. Barusco makes the following considerations when consulting with a potential patient for a crown hair transplant:

  • The potential for progression of hair loss.
  • The amount of hair grafts that will be required.

“It is necessary to set the patient’s expectations about the amount of coverage that it’s possible to achieve, depending upon the amount of current loss, potential future loss and available donor hairs.”

Poor candidates for crown restoration surgery:

  • Young patients – hair loss will progress even more over the years.
  • Patients with limited donor area.

Ideal candidates:

  • Those who have stable and limited hair loss – usually middle-age and not expected to lose much more hair.
  • Those who have abundant donor hair.

Cardinal rules for crown restoration:

  • Aim for coverage, not density – unless the patient has a very small area of hair loss and abundant donor hair.
  • Set realistic expectations, and be sure the patient understands and accepts them.

Do You Think a Crown Area Hair Transplant is Right for You?

Choosing to have a hair transplant procedure of any type is a decision you make to help improve your self-image and self-esteem. Our blog post – “The Big Picture: Hair Replacement and Self-Confidence” – is dedicated to validating the very real effect that hair loss has on one’s psychological well-being, and how you have the right to pursue an appearance that makes you feel better about yourself and your place in the world.

Once you decide to take this important step, be sure to choose your surgeon wisely – 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!

Not Your Father’s FUT – How Advancements Have Refined This Classic Procedure

Male Hair Restoration,

The follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or “strip” method of hair transplantation tends to be considered antiquated by many who are considering hair restoration surgery. Consumer preference for the follicular unit excision (FUE) procedure has increased over the years for a number of reasons – some of which are misconceptions based more upon marketing than fact. However, refinements in the procedure have greatly reduced the early drawbacks, and may be the better option, depending upon one’s circumstances.

The FUT was a breakthrough technique when developed and introduced in the mid-1990s, providing a significant aesthetic improvement over the “mini-grafting” and “micro-grafting” methods then prevalent. These tended to create the unnatural telltale corn row, doll hair, pluggy-looking results associated with hair transplants of yesteryear.

As Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – explains in his video – “Is FUT or Strip Surgery a Thing of the Past?” – on his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice, the FUT is performed by removing a finger-width of scalp, with the lower and top edges of the incision brought together and stitched. This results in a pencil-line linear scar across the back of the head that is concealed by hair. A haircut with #3 or #4 clippers on the back and sides of the head usually completely conceals the donor scar.

“The suturing technique that we use is sort of like a baseball stitch,” says Dr. Barusco. “It’s called the running suture. Basically, there are knots on the ends and then just little loops bringing the tissue together. Almost immediately, the lines practically disappear. The stitches that we use now are dissolvable, so you don’t have to even come in to the office to have them removed. The hair will curtain over, completely concealing the stitches. The typical patient assumption about the FUT is that it will be aggressive and painful, and leave a huge scar that they will not be able to cover. This is not true.”

The Difference Between FUT and FUE Procedures

The FUT procedure involves harvesting a very small strip of hair and skin from the donor area, then placing it under a microscope to be prepared for implantation as hair grafts. Also known as a hair implant or follicular unit, a hair graft is a cylinder of skin and hair that encompasses the hair follicle, the sebaceous gland (which secretes sebum – a lubricating oily matter – into the hair follicles to lubricate the skin and hair), the arrector pili muscle (a microscopic band of muscle tissue which connects a hair follicle to the dermis), and the papilla – or bulb – of the hair. A hair graft includes all of these structures. Each follicular unit graft can contain one to three (or even four) hair follicles. Our blog post – “An Up-close Look at Hair Grafts” – covers this topic in greater detail.

The FUE involves harvesting follicular units from the scalp individually with a small diameter round punch. As Dr. Barusco explains in his YouTube video – “Are There Advantages of FUT Over FUE?” – “They need to be harvested with good quality and without trauma. These hairs – these groups of hairs – are harvested individually with a little punch, and the difference between that and the FUT is that you don’t have to take these grafts to the microscope to be dissected. We take them there just for quality control to see what they look like, but they are somewhat harvested ready to be implanted.”

Unlike the fine linear scar of the FUT, the FUE leaves circular dot-like scars, which are also easily concealed. Therefore, unscrupulous hair transplant clinics may claim that the FUE is “scarless,” which is false. Our blog post – “Is the FUE Procedure Right for You?” – covers this technique in greater detail. 

How Did the FUT Come to be Considered Outdated?

Advertising by some hair transplant clinics creates the misleading impression that the FUT leaves unsightly scars. These types of ads are intended to scare prospective patients away from FUT surgery so they only consider the FUE procedure – which perhaps is the only type the surgeon offers, or prefers performing. Such surgeons also may heavily promote FUE because they have a robotic device that harvests follicles. Dr. Barusco provides his insight as to the serious risks such devices create in hair transplantation surgery in an informative article we encourage you to read here. In addition, the media actively spreads the fallacy about FUT being an outdated technique, as most articles about hair transplant procedures are written by those who have no background in this area of medicine.

“Many times, it’s portrayed as if it’s the only – or the best – solution for a hair transplant procedure,” says Dr. Barusco. “I don’t agree with that. The FUE technique does not work for every single patient, for a variety of factors. Strip surgery is still a great technique. I perform both, and don’t have a preference, so I can tell you which one is better for your particular situation.”

In fact, the FUT was the better procedure for Dr. Barusco’s own hair transplant, having undergone four FUT surgeries himself. “I still have a lot of donor hair left. If I’d had an FUE, my donor area would probably be much weaker.” Why? Dr. Barusco compares the situation to that of resodding a bare area of lawn with patches of turf taken from other areas of the lawn. “If you do enough of that kind of harvesting, you end up having holes, and that’s what can happen with the donor area.”

The FUT may be the preferable option for the following types of patients:

  • Those who need a large number of grafts moved during a single surgery.
  • Those who will require multiple surgeries to reach their goal.
  • Those who will require additional hair transplant surgeries over time.
  • Women – However, not every woman experiencing hair loss is a good candidate for a hair transplant.

Combining the FUT and FUE Procedures to Achieve Maximum Coverage in One Surgery

Although the FUT and FUE are different procedures, they can be used in tandem. Among his many contributions to the hair transplantation field, Dr. Barusco is known for pioneering the combined FUE and FUT technique, which is designed to treat advanced hair loss during a single surgery as opposed to several with a one-year waiting period between – as is typical. This procedure allows patients to achieve their ultimate goal in less time, with one procedure versus many.

Be aware that this is an advanced procedure that should be performed only by surgeons and teams with a significant amount of experience in this specific technique. For this reason, selecting the right hair restoration practice is essential to achieving a good outcome.

Make an Informed Decision and Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

As we hope you’ve learned, the FUT is still a solid option that may be the appropriate procedure for your type of hair loss and/or hair restoration goal. But whether your hair restoration surgeon recommends a FUT or FUE as your better option for a successful result, keep in mind that the success of any hair transplant procedure ultimately depends upon the experience, skill and integrity of the surgeon. 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 Big Picture: Hair Replacement and Self-Confidence

Male Hair Restoration, ,

The topics of our Tempus Hair Restoration blog posts often cover specific hair transplant procedures or reasons why hair transplants are now increasingly popular. However, there is a fundamental reason that men have hair restoration surgery: to improve their self-confidence.

Society has always expected men to be emotionally strong and impervious to self-doubt, anxiety and insecurity about their ability to achieve their goals. But experiencing hair loss can have an effect that’s more demoralizing than most care to admit. 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 the steps to improving your self-esteem and emotional health.

Does Hair Loss Really Affect Self-Esteem?

You’ve probably heard friends and family members say, “It’s only hair. It’s not that important.” Although they’re trying to be supportive, scientific data validates your feelings about your receding hairline or balding crown.

Multiple studies have linked male pattern hair loss to lowered self-esteem and decreased confidence. An article for WebMD written by journalist 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 androgenic alopecia (genetic, a.k.a. male pattern baldness) 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 androgenic alopecia 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.“

Does a Negative Perception of Balding Men by Other People Affect Your Self-Confidence?

You may receive the well-intentioned pep talk that it doesn’t matter what others think about your hair loss, as long as you feel good about yourself. Yet that can be hard to do in a society that clearly favors men with a full head of hair in the job market, on the dating scene and in many other situations. Our blog post – “Does Hair Loss Hurt Your Career?” – covers the findings of formal studies and polls that confirm a societal bias against men experiencing hair loss. This blog post cites a survey by job search website Ladders, which was conducted by Dove Men+Care. The survey found that of the 2,000 men who participated, the majority tied their work identities to their hair. The article reports the following results and observations.

“In the hair census, 8 in 10 men said that their hair made them look professional, the look of it was important, and that their hair helps them feel confident. Perhaps the majority of these men are preoccupied with their hair because they recognize what science has found: that societies judge men on how much hair they have on their heads.”

In addition, a study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that a few more hair follicles can make all the difference between people seeing you as a success or a lost cause. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University recruited participants to compare photos of men before and after they received a hair transplant. Although they were looking at the same men, participants rated men after they got their hair transplants as more attractive, approachable and successful.

Video Conferencing – Nowhere for Balding Men to Hide

Even though the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the trend for job interviews and meetings to be held virtually through such videoconferencing apps as Zoom shows no signs of reversing. But whether you’re interviewing or videoconferencing with coworkers and clients, that flattened-out, washed-out on-screen image is unflattering to most people. Add hair loss to the equation, and the picture looking back at you in that little square can have a very unsettling effect on your self-image and self-confidence. An increasing number of prospective hair transplant patients specifically name Zoom as the motivation that brings them to the surgeon’s office.

From Ridicule to Approval – The Changing Attitude Toward Men Who Have a Hair Transplant

Not so long ago, society judged men who had a hair transplant harshly – considering them vain or trying desperately to hold on to youth. Fortunately, public opinion has changed to approval, with the recognition that the desire to enhance one’s appearance is based in the strive toward achieving greater self-confidence.

Unfortunately, early hair restoration procedures were crude by today’s standards, producing outcomes that were obviously not the result of natural growth. Instead of achieving the youthful look they had sought, hair transplant recipients often were subjects of ridicule. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) made the following observation.

“In the old days (think 1980s), there was no mistaking who had a hair transplant. The telltale corn row, doll hair, pluggy-looking hair transplants of yesteryear were — believe it or not — once considered state-of-the-art. But that was well before the evolution of hair transplantation. Over the last 20 years, hair restoration techniques have evolved considerably. These techniques have become so refined and results so natural-looking that most people cannot tell if someone has even had a hair transplant.”

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – has been at the forefront of advanced hair restoration procedures, having developed such techniques as the groundbreaking no-shave FUE. Short for follicular unit excision, the no-shave FUE completely conceals harvested donor sites immediately, allowing you to resume your regular activities with virtually no evidence of the procedure.

Going one step beyond the no-shave FUE is the long-hair FUE. It is also known as the “preview” long-hair FUE because it gives the patient a preview of what the ultimate result will be. As with any hair transplant, the hair in the newly implanted grafts soon falls out, to be replaced by new growth as the grafts establish themselves. Dr. Barusco is one of only a few doctors in the world with the experience and skill to perform this technique.

Another leading-edge, yet proven procedure is the combined FUE and FUT (follicular unit transplantation). 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.

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely and Reclaim Your Self-Confidence

Despite today’s advancements in hair restoration procedures, bad hair transplants are still out there. Conduct your research into hair transplant surgeons carefully. Our blog post – “Is Your Hair Transplant Surgeon Qualified? What You Need to Know” – will help you make an informed decision. When the reflection in the mirror reflects you as you see yourself, you’re ready to face the world with renewed confidence!

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!

Is Your Hair Transplant Surgeon Qualified? What You Need to Know!

Dr Marco Barusco,

You may consider yourself a savvy consumer who arms yourself with as much knowledge as possible before making a major purchase. Unfortunately, however, many people seeking a hair transplant choose a clinic or practice based on its advertising. But slick, expensive ads don’t guarantee that the doctor (or doctors) have the qualifications, education, experience and skill to achieve the desired result – or even follow safe practices.

Regular readers of our blog are familiar with our oft-repeated advice, “Choose your surgeon wisely.” Here, we’ll tell you what you need to know about researching doctors, and which questions to ask during the consultation – as well as red flags that warn you to keep searching!

Why You Need to be Careful When Choosing a Hair Transplant Surgeon

Although a hair transplant procedure is outpatient surgery performed under local anesthesia while the patient remains awake, it is still surgery. Complications and bad outcomes can occur. Given the nature of hair replacement surgery, a poor result may not be obvious until new growth occurs. Even more insidious are cases in which the procedure appears to be successful, but additional hair loss over time can’t be addressed because too many hair follicles were harvested from the donor area of the scalp, thereby depleting the supply of available hair when another transplant becomes necessary.

There is an increasing tendency for people to have too casual an attitude toward elective cosmetic surgery procedures of every type. Much of this attitude can be attributed to social media – which promotes images of physical perfection while delivering the message that cosmetic procedures are commonplace, and an easy way to achieve such an image for yourself.

Add to this situation the number of hair restoration clinics proliferating in every town. Some are heavily advertised national brands with clinics throughout the United States, while others are more regional. In addition, many plastic surgery practices have added hair restoration as a profitable revenue stream. Walking into such a clinic or practice (either actually or virtually) assuming that the surgeon you’ll consult with has the qualifications, experience and aesthetic ability to understand and achieve your goal may put you at risk. In effect, you are placing your trust in a brand name, rather than an individual surgeon.

Plastic surgeons also should not be assumed to be equally proficient in performing hair transplants. As our blog post – “Don’t Let a Technician Perform Your Hair Transplant Surgery” – states, “… a plastic surgeon may perform great liposuctions and facelifts and be an authority on these procedures, but have no experience in hair restoration surgery.”

In fact, you may be surprised to learn that the field of surgical hair restoration is not regulated by either the United States government or the medical community. According to the American Hair Loss Association, any licensed physician can legally perform hair transplant surgery without any prior surgical training or accreditation of any kind.

How to Find a Qualified Hair Transplant Surgeon

A valuable online resource for anyone considering a hair restoration procedure is the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). This is a global non-profit medical association, and the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration. With more than 1,000 members throughout 70 countries worldwide, the ISHRS is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient outcomes by promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics and research in the medical hair restoration industry. The ISHRS offers objective, unbiased information, and does not accept advertising or affiliate links.

The ISHRS website provides free resources for consumers – such as its Find a Doctor database. This is maintained and updated with the name, location, contact information and link to the ISHRS member page of each doctor.

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – is a Fellow of the ISHRS. This is a distinction that is only given to those ISHRS members who achieve certain landmarks on teaching and leadership. Currently, fewer than 10% of the ISHRS members are Fellows.

In conducting research on individual surgeons, the ISHRS recommends learning about the surgeon’s training, credentials and experience in the field of hair restoration. Start this process by visiting the website of each surgeon you’re considering. Some of the following points should be in the physician’s biography or elsewhere on the website:

Training and Credentials

  • From what medical school did the physician receive his/her M.D. (Doctor of medicine, allopathic medical), D.O. (Doctor of osteopathic medicine) or M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery, also abbreviated as, M.B.Ch.B.) degree?
  • What year did he/she receive the medical degree?
  • When was the physician licensed to practice medicine? Is he/she licensed to practice medicine in your state in which the treatment will take place?
  • Where (hospital or medical center) did the physician complete his/her internship and residency training?
  • Did the physician have additional training in a medical or surgical specialty after completing residency?
  • Is the physician board certified or a diplomate of a legitimate certifying board? Learn more about what this means.
  • Does the physician hold membership in their related specialty professional society? For hair restoration surgery, this is the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Do they attend scientific conferences and workshops? Membership and attendance in such societies is not essential, but it is an additional indication of commitment and advanced training.

Experience

  • How long has the physician been doing surgical hair restoration procedures?
  • How many hair restoration procedures has the physician done? How many of the specific type you may consider having done?
  • How many hair restoration procedures does the physician currently do per month? A busy practice can be one indication that a surgeon is skilled and well respected by patients.
  • Is hair restoration surgery the physician’s only practice, or does the physician perform other types of cosmetic surgery? This question may be important to ask for two reasons: (1) if hair restoration is only part of an overall treatment you think you may need-for example, hair restoration and treatment to remove facial wrinkles and sun-damaged skin-a dermatologic or plastic surgeon will be able to consult with you regarding the overall treatment, and (2) to determine whether the surgeon performs enough hair restoration surgery to maintain his/her skills.
  • Will the physician, on request, provide names of patients who are willing to be references for the physician?

It is also important to understand that unqualified, non-medical technicians and other staff are increasingly performing hair transplant surgery using robotic devices to harvest and implant hair follicles. The practice is becoming so prevalent, that consumers have come to accept this as a legitimate situation – which it is definitely not. This is a significant problem that the ISHRS – and Tempus Hair Restoration – works to educate consumers about. On its Consumer Advocacy page, the ISHRS urges potential patients to ask the following questions during consultation, as well as questions regarding costs, risks, and short and long-term benefits and planning:

  • 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?

Dr. Barusco’s informative article about the risks of hair restoration procedures performed by unqualified technicians using robotic devices covers this issue in greater detail – including his experiences in working to correct the results of transplants botched under these circumstances.

“My practice has always been very busy with patients coming in for repair of procedures performed by other doctors. But in the last few years, I have seen a sharp increase in patients coming in for me to repair or replace hair transplants that were not done by experienced hair transplant surgeons, but by robots and/or by unqualified people under poor or no supervision of a qualified physician. In some cases, patients did not even know the name of the doctor they chose, but they knew that they had a robotic “procedure” or the new FUE device ‘procedure.’ This is so wrong, it makes my skin crawl.”

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Unethical practices are out there. The ISHRS has issued an alert regarding misleading and improper messaging as marketed by hair restoration surgeons. We encourage you to read the entire alert for additional information. Pay close attention to claims on websites and advertisements. If you encounter any of the following, immediately look elsewhere!

  • Scarless surgery
  • No incision
  • No touch
  • No cutting
  • Cloning
  • Hair multiplication
  • Non-invasive
  • Eliminates the need for additional procedures
  • Pain free
  • Guaranteed results
  • Unlimited grafts
  • No risk

Now That You Have Knowledge, You Have the Power to Choose Your Surgeon Wisely!

While you may be getting subtle – and not-so-subtle – messages from social media and society in general that aesthetic surgical procedures are quick and easy with little to no risk, the surgeon you trust to restore your hair, self-image and self-confidence needs to be selected with great consideration. There is no shortcut to achieving a worthwhile goal.

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!

Am I Losing My Hair? Warning Signs to Look For!

Hair Loss Procedures,

Questions about hair loss can start when you notice more hair than usual in your hair brush or shower drain trap – or the “shedding” you’ve been attributing to a change in seasons continues and/or increases. Is it just your imagination, or reason for concern? Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – notes that shedding 100 to 150 hairs per day is part of the normal hair cycling process. Losing a significant amount beyond that could indicate an issue that needs to be evaluated by a hair restoration surgeon before the condition progresses.

The most frequent concern that patients bring to Dr. Barusco is an increase in shedding hair, but without scalp symptoms, such as itching or burning.

“I see patients every day here at the office with different types of hair loss and some very common symptoms that happen to everyone,” says Dr. Barusco. “It may be happening to you or someone you know, and a lot of times they can be a little deceiving. You’re just dismissing it as, ‘Well, I know it’s going to get better,’ or ‘It’s just a simple hair loss issue.’ In reality, that could be the sign and symptom of something more serious that needs to be treated so you can preserve your hair.”

Healthy hair has growth and resting phases, which accounts for typical shedding. But there can be certain situations in which shedding occurs more rapidly. The medical term for this condition is telogen effluvium. Women are more susceptible after surgery, undergoing general anesthesia, or experiencing a stressful event or trauma – as well as the hormonal changes of menopause, or discontinuing birth control pills. Thyroid disease is another possible cause. Returning to hormone-induced causes, new mothers may experience hair loss two months after giving birth. This shedding usually peaks after four months, and is normal and temporary. Dr. Barusco’s video on the topic of pregnancy and hair loss for his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice, provides additional helpful information.

How to Recognize Signs of Excessive Hair Shedding

Evaluating the rate of your own hair loss isn’t as easy as you may think. In his informative YouTube video, Dr. Barusco notes that the apparent amount of shedding can fool the eye. For example, a bundle of 50 hairs of thick, curly texture will look more voluminous than a bundle of 50 thin, straight texture hairs. The same holds true for long hairs versus shorter hairs. For this reason, Dr. Barusco often instructs his patients to save their shed hairs in self-sealing plastic bags.

“Sometimes, you just have to sit down and count the hairs of the patient. Many times, we are between the 100 to 150 hairs that they would shed every day. But it’s important for us to have that parameter.”  

From Hair Shedding to Noticeable Areas of Hair Loss on the Scalp

Even more alarming is when the situation shifts from excessive shedding to visible areas of hair loss on the scalp. “There are different stages of thinning,” says Dr. Barusco. “You can go very easily from a mild scalp see-through to a little bit more area, to then many areas.

“Another clinical presentation that I see many times is when the hairline and temples get thinner. This is much more common in African-American women. It’s called traction hair loss, or traction alopecia – and it happens because of tightly pulled hairstyles and weaves. This causes a good deal of trauma to the hair follicles – particularly around the frontal scalp at the temples and the hairline. Over time, these stressed-out follicles become weaker, and they’ll become thinner and thinner. Eventually, you may see balding spots. However, it is my job to evaluate each patient to rule out other causes, because there are other conditions that can mimic this.”

What You Need to Know About Alopecia

“Alopecia” is a general term for hair loss. There are many types of alopecia, each with its own pathology and set of symptoms. Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this condition is also known as male-pattern baldness.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Males and females of every age and ethnic group can develop alopecia areata. It often first appears during childhood and can be different for everyone who has it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), alopecia areata can cause different types of hair loss: alopecia areata (hair loss in patches), alopecia totalis (total hair loss on the scalp) and alopecia universalis (hair loss on the entire body).

Alopecia areata is characterized as a superficial inflammation. The hair follicles – the “bulbs” below the skin surface – remain protected, so hair loss typically isn’t permanent. Our blog post – “Advanced Treatments for Non-Pattern Hair Loss” – provides additional information.

“These types of lesions are very common, characterized by a pretty much completely bald spot that can start small and grow,” says Dr. Barusco. “It can also occur in the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes and armpits – any area of the body that has hair.”

Other types of alopecia include the following:

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) – This is a form of scarring alopecia that results in permanent hair loss in the crown region of the scalp. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network, it is the most common form of scarring hair loss in black women over age 30. However, it may be seen in men and among persons of all races and hair color – although rarely.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) – This is a form of lichen planopilaris that is characterized primarily by slowly progressive hair loss and scarring on the scalp near the forehead. In some cases, the eyebrows, eyelashes and/or other parts of the body may be involved, as well.

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) – This affects the scalp and hair. It is a form of lichen planus, an inflammatory condition affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms may include scaly skin and redness around hair follicles, and bald patches – as well as pain, burning or itching on the scalp. Tiny, red bumps (papules) may appear around hair clusters. LLP can result in scarring that leads to permanent hair loss.

A fungal infection in the scalp can also cause hair loss. For example, in the case of ringworm – which is actually a fungus – the fungus targets the hair shaft, which causes the hair to shed. The outside ring is red and inflamed, and as it expands, the center will heal. “Sometimes, the hair can start going back to the center of the lesion – so that’s how we got the name of ringworm, because there’s a circle of red, then the central areas will start to heal and look less red,” says Dr. Barusco. “This can be treated with antifungals, and the hair can be grown back. But it needs to be addressed, so don’t just look at this and let it go.”

Don’t Take a Wait-and-See Attitude Toward Shedding Hair

If you’re concerned that you’re losing more hair than usual – yet hesitant to schedule a consultation with a hair replacement specialist – you also may be losing valuable time in getting a diagnosis that can treat the cause of your hair loss and prevent or delay future loss. As you’re familiar with your hair, any changes you notice are worth investigating. Just as you shouldn’t ignore troubling symptoms regarding your overall health, paying attention to warning signs about the health of your hair and scalp is also important. Consulting a hair restoration surgeon who – like Dr. Barusco – is also a physician will give you the best opportunity for an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment plan and good 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!

Why is Ethnicity an Important Consideration for a Hair Transplant?

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Performing a hair transplant that achieves the look of natural, healthy hair growth is – or should be – the goal of every hair restoration surgeon. Therefore, a skilled, experienced surgeon knows that there is no cookie-cutter, one-technique-fits-all approach. However, you might be surprised to learn that in addition to the numerous factors a conscientious surgeon such as Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – considers, the ethnicity of the patient is highly important in determining the “game plan” for the placement of hair, as well as for the implantation technique.

A native of Brazil, Dr. Barusco has been privileged to perform hair restoration surgery on patients of all ethnicities, crediting his adopted home of Florida with being a popular destination for people of every racial heritage throughout the world. Some of the information in this article is based on Dr. Barusco’s video – “Is Ethnicity Important When it Comes to Hair Transplantation?” – that Dr. Barusco produced for his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice.

“There is a lot of mixture of races here, and so I come across every type of ethnic hair that there is: Asian, African-American and Caucasian,” says Dr. Barusco. “They each require a slightly different approach.”

Common Ethnic Considerations for Planning a Successful Hair Transplant Procedure

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), there are common factors for a surgeon to consider when planning for a successful outcome:

  • Head shape – For example, a “long” head shape and a “round” head shape require different approaches to placement of transplanted hair.
  • Hair characteristics – For example, hair color, hair caliber (diameter) and hair shape (straight, wavy, curly, frizzled, etc.) all influence the appearance of transplanted hair.
  • Hair density – Differences in the numbers of hairs per square centimeter of scalp – for example, about 200 hairs per square centimeter in East Asians versus about 130 hairs per square centimeter in Caucasians – influence the surgeon’s decision on where, how and how many follicles to implant in the recipient sites.
  • Skin thickness – Thickness and other genetically programmed features of skin influence technique for setting donor hair into the transplantation site, and may predispose a patient to postoperative formation of the type of scarring called keloids. African-Americans are particularly susceptible to forming keloids in response to skin injury, which must be taken into account before surgery. Dr. Barusco’s YouTube video – “What is Keloid Scarring?” – addresses this issue in detail. People of Asian background are also more prone to keloid scarring than Caucasians, although to a lesser extent than African-Americans.
  • Cultural preferences – Ethnicity may influence a patient’s preferences regarding where a transplanted hairline should be placed, and how much “baldness” is acceptable.

Characteristics of Asian Hair to Consider in Hair Transplantation

In covering the characteristics of Asian hair, the ISHRS makes the distinction of people of East Asian origin (Chinese, Japanese and Korean). Noting that East Asian hair is similar in most respects to Caucasian hair, there are differences that can influence the transplant procedure.

Characteristics include the following:

  • East Asians have thicker individual hairs than Caucasians, but fewer hairs per square centimeter of scalp (lower hair density). However, the thickness of hair follicles creates the impression of greater hair density. For this reason, a larger donor area must be harvested to obtain the number of hairs necessary for a transplant.
  • The characteristic shape of the East Asian head is somewhat more rounded than the longer, more narrow head typical of Caucasians. Therefore, hair placement must be adapted accordingly to achieve a natural-looking hairline and growth pattern.

Characteristics of African-American Hair to Consider in Hair Transplantation

The curling and twisting of African-heritage hair provides the appearance of good scalp density, which is an advantage in hair transplants. Hair may emerge at a variety of angles from the scalp, which can make the harvesting of donor hair more challenging. Both the follicles and hairs have a degree of curvature in relation to the scalp that must be accommodated when harvesting. However, its curliness allows coverage of scalp areas with fewer number of follicles needed to achieve an aesthetically pleasing “full” coverage – thereby reducing the number of follicles needed for transplantation.

In his article for the ISHRS, William D. Yates, MD, writes that African-American hair transplantation involves unique factors which must be considered in the pre-op, operative and post-operative stages to ensure the best outcome. Because developing keloid scarring may be a possibility, the surgeon should ask if a prospective patient has a history of such scarring, or any other scarring scalp disorders. A conscientious surgeon will also monitor for 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.

Characteristics of Caucasian Hair to Consider in Hair Transplantation

Caucasian hair is generally straight or wavy and is the thinnest of the three main types of hair, while its cross-section is relatively elliptic. It grows diagonally to the scalp, and has the highest density of the three ethnic profiles.

People of multi-ethnic backgrounds may have hair that better fits one particular profile – which, of course, the surgeon needs to take into consideration when planning a hair transplantation procedure.

Cultural Preferences to Consider

In addition to the technical aspects of harvesting and implanting different types of hair, a conscientious surgeon will also be aware of how the patient’s culture affects their self-image and expectations. For example, Dr. Yates writes that his male African-American patients prefer less temporal recession in the design – that is, a less-pronounced “M” shape that characterizes the mature male hairline.

Dr. Barusco sees similar preferences in his own practice. “Some ethnic groups are much more in tune with what their hairlines are, so they want a lower, more aggressive hairline; others don’t.”

What This Means to You – Choose Your Hair Restoration Surgeon Wisely

If you’ve decided to have a hair transplant procedure, be sure the surgeon you choose has experience with patients of your ethnic group, 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. In addition, ask any surgeon you schedule a consultation with about their experience in performing hair transplant procedures on members of your group. This article should give you a basis for questions to help you determine the surgeon’s degree of knowledge and expertise.

The consultation also is the time to tell the surgeon about your own aesthetic preferences and expectations of the results you want. The surgeon may assume you want coverage in a particular area, when you actually want to see growth on a different area of your scalp. If the surgeon has a vision that differs from yours, there may be a reason – but it is the surgeon’s responsibility to explain their reason so that you understand and can make your decision based upon this information. Our blog post – “Why Do Some Hair Transplants Fail?” – covers such reasons as poor doctor-patient communication and poor technical execution of the transplant procedure – among many others – for unsatisfying results.

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!

Common Misconceptions About Hair Transplant Surgery

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If you are considering hair restoration surgery, you (hopefully) are conducting careful research. For this reason, we at Tempus Hair Restoration are glad that you’ve arrived here, and are reading this article. Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and the benefits of his experience with those seeking treatment for hair loss.

Dr. Barusco addresses misconceptions about hair transplant procedures that he frequently hears from potential patients and others during consultations or conversations. This article is based on the video – “10 Common Misconceptions About Hair Transplant Surgery” – that Dr. Barusco produced for his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice.

“I see a lot of patients here in the office that have all of these wrong ideas and preconceived notions about hair transplant surgery that either they got from the internet or some other source,” says Dr. Barusco. “I want to make sure we clear the air.”

Dr. Barusco ranks the 10 most common misconceptions as follows:

Number 10: Hair Transplantation is a Treatment for Hair Loss

The reasoning behind this misconception is understandable. A person experiencing hair loss receives a transplant, which covers balding areas of the scalp with hair. However, the procedure itself isn’t a treatment.

“A treatment is really the medications that we will recommend for you, depending upon your situation, that will help you control your hair loss over time,” says Dr. Barusco. While a hair transplant procedure aesthetically turns back the clock, a regimen of ongoing treatment with medications – for male and female patients – is necessary to slow or prevent the progression of future loss. Such established medical treatments as minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) and finasteride (brand name Propecia) are typically prescribed for long-term stabilization.

Number Nine: One Hair Transplant Procedure is All That You Will Ever Need

“That is very, very wrong, and you should not expect it,” says Dr. Barusco. “When I counsel my patients, I always discuss the possibility or the likelihood of more transplants in the future because hair loss is progressive. What you see today on your scalp is not going to be the same in 10, 20 or 30 years.”

Referring to the first misconception covered, Dr. Barusco reiterates that the purpose of prescribing medications is to slow the progression of hair loss, thereby increasing the time between transplant procedures.

“But it’s safe to assume that if you are experiencing hair loss and facing a transplant, you’re probably going to be needing more as you get older.”

Number Eight: FUE Transplants Are Scarless Procedures

The popular follicular unit excision (FUE) procedure is performed by harvesting each individual follicular unit through microscopic circular incisions on the scalp. Although one main advantage of the FUE is that it allows the patient to have short hair at the back of the head because the donor area appears unaffected, it does produce some scarring.

“Every time you poke the skin with something, you’re going to leave a mark,” says Dr. Barusco. “So while FUE procedures nowadays are very advanced, and we use very, very small punch diameters so the incisions are really tiny – even in the best situations, if you look close, you may see some little dots along your donor zone. They may be very hard to spot, and you can certainly shave your hair a lot shorter with a FUE than you ever could with a strip [follicular unit transplantation, or FUT] because there is no linear scar. The eye catches a line much easier than it catches seeing little dots here and there. But FUE procedures are not scarless at all, and you should be aware of that.”

Number Seven: You Don’t Need Medications to Treat Your Hair Loss

During your consultation with a hair transplant surgeon, be wary if he or she doesn’t bring up the need for ongoing treatment with medication to prevent or postpone the progression of hair loss.

“There are situations that if you don’t need to treat it, I’ll tell you. But more often than not, I’m going to recommend that patients do medications or medical therapy so that you don’t lose more hair, so you don’t have to see me every year for more surgery. I’d love to see you, but I want to preserve your hair, too!”

Number Six: FUE Procedures Are Non-invasive

Every surgical procedure is invasive. However, Dr. Barusco has found that many of his potential patients have a different concept of the word. During consultation, some have mentioned that they want the FUE because – as they understand it – the FUT is much more invasive than the FUE, which they consider to be non-invasive.

“The FUE is still a surgical procedure, so patients will experience some discomfort and downtime, and will still have to go through the healing process.”

As for whether the FUE is a less invasive procedure than the FUT, Dr. Barusco was curious enough to do his own calculations – with results that may be surprising! He found that by comparing a thousand grafts harvested by the FUT method and the same number harvested by the FUE, the actual surface area of skin and scalp involved was 100 hundred times larger in an FUE procedure than on the FUT.

Number Five: The Strip Method is Outdated or Antiquated

Dr. Barusco is emphatic in busting this particular misconception. “I’ve been using the strip method for almost 25 years. Some patients are still much better candidates for strips than they are for the FUE. As a surgeon, I can tell you what I would recommend for your situation. If you prefer the other method, that’s fine – as long as I think you’re a good candidate. The FUT provides very good growth, so it is a well-established surgery – not antiquated whatsoever.”

Number Four: I Can Always Have Another Transplant, So Let’s Go for Broke

Dr. Barusco returns to the fact that each person has only a finite amount of donor hair available for transplantation. Add to this the likelihood that you will need more than one hair transplant procedure in your lifetime. Quoting Dr. Barusco from our blog post – “Why Do Some Hair Transplants Fail?”:

“As hair transplant surgeons, we have to paint a beautiful picture, but we only have so much ink to do it. If we don’t utilize that ink in the best way we can, you’re not going to be happy and I’m not going to be happy. So that involves some compromise. While we can treat an area really well, we can’t treat the whole entire area of hair loss with the donor hair that you have. I need to explain that to you so you understand, and can make your decision.”

An ethical hair transplant surgeon will plan for your future treatments and transplants. Otherwise, the coverage you may want today could wind up costing you in the long term with a depleted donor area from which no more follicles can be harvested, and advancing bald areas that cannot be addressed.

Number Three: All Hair Transplant Doctors Are the Same

As is true for every surgeon in every specialty, hair transplant surgeons have widely varying levels of experience and skill. Even among those in the upper echelon of each, some – like Dr. Barusco – have additional credentials and positions within the medical profession. For example, Dr. Barusco is Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Central Florida College of Medicine.

“Hair transplant surgery is a very particular type of surgery. It behooves you to look for someone who has experience. That only comes with time, and everyone has to practice. But when I trained, I didn’t start doing surgery right away. I did a fellowship program, so I was working under my training doctor until I felt comfortable to go out on my own. And that’s how it’s done for every surgical training in every specialty.”

Number Two: Every Hair Transplant Procedure is Painful

While everyone experiences pain differently – with some people having higher or lower thresholds for tolerance – Dr. Barusco says that a good hair transplant surgeon will be able to provide a comfortable experience for the patient during surgery, as well as control post-surgical discomfort. Having lectured about anesthesia techniques during the 2021 International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) 29th Annual World Congress, Dr. Barusco has developed different mixtures of anesthetics to deliver the best possible effect for his patients.

“I’ve had patients talk about pain they experienced during a previous hair transplant by other surgeons. Things can happen, and I’m not going to judge anyone, but a hair transplant should be pretty pain-free. We have good anesthetics and medications to help you relax, so it should be a good experience.”

Number One: Hair Transplant Surgery is So Simple That Anybody Can Do It

“This goes back to the misconception that every surgeon is the same,” says Dr. Barusco. “It takes a long time to master all the nuances and details of a hair transplant procedure.”

Dr. Barusco tells of the interest he receives while teaching at plastic surgery conferences from surgeons who want to learn more about performing hair transplants. A subsequent visit with Dr. Barusco in his office typically leads them to reconsider.

“I inevitably hear from them, ‘I thought this was simple, but I probably won’t start doing this because there’s a lot of detail, a lot of things that can go wrong.’ And you won’t know about it until a year later, when the results show up. [Hair in the recipient site fully grows out.]

“It is not an easy procedure. In fact, it is one of the most complex procedures because there are so many variables: Taking the hair out of the scalp and putting it in its new recipient area. You need to visualize the results a year down the road, making sure you put the hairs in the right way so that you don’t traumatize the scalp too much, and that you account for variability over time. It’s a surgery that involves a lot of detail, so it’s not simple at all.”

Unfortunately, not all surgeons in other specialties reach the same conclusion. Too many have added hair transplant procedures as a lucrative revenue stream to their primary practice, relying on robotic devices and – typically – non-medical personnel to operate the device to harvest and implant hair follicles. Dr. Barusco’s insightful article – “The Truth Behind Advertising Devices Instead of Surgeons” – describes the risks of choosing such a practice for your hair replacement procedure.

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!

Why Do Some Hair Transplants Fail?

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If you’ve heard about hair transplants that were unsuccessful and have concerns about how it could happen, your questions may make you hesitate to schedule a consultation with a hair restoration surgeon to learn your options. But examining the reasons why some hair transplants fail can help to alleviate your doubts and apprehensions – and better position you to achieve the result you want should you decide to address your hair loss.

Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – cites 10 of the most common reasons that hair transplants sometimes don’t attain the patient’s aesthetic goal. This article is based on the video – “Why Hair Transplants Fail?” – produced for his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice.

Dr. Barusco’s insights are based upon his more than 20 years of experience as an internationally renowned hair restoration surgeon who has developed innovative advances in hair transplant procedures – such as the No-Shave FUE, which completely conceals harvested donor sites immediately, allowing patients to resume their regular activities with very little downtime. During the video, Dr. Barusco shares his experiences working with patients who have come to him after an unsatisfactory procedure.

Dr. Barusco begins by giving his definition of a failed hair transplant. “When I say the word ‘fail,’ it doesn’t mean that nothing grew, although it can be that, too. A failed hair transplant, in my opinion, is anything that didn’t produce the results that you were expecting after the transplant procedure was done.”

Dr. Barusco ranks the 10 main reasons for a failed hair transplant, beginning with the most frequent cause.

Number One: Poor Diagnosis of Hair Loss

“The first cause I see many times is that the hair loss itself was not diagnosed correctly,” says Dr. Barusco. “Not every hair loss is equal; not all hair loss is treatable with a hair transplant procedure.” Dr. Barusco notes that people often have the misconception that hair transplants are a treatment for hair loss when, in fact, they are a restorative measure.

“To prevent and treat hair loss – that is, the androgenetic male or female pattern hair loss – we need to treat with medication. So if you don’t diagnose the hair loss correctly, you may perform a hair transplant [in the wrong area of the scalp] or on a patient who should not have had the procedure. I see this sometimes because in many practices out there, the consultation is done by a consultant or a salesperson, or someone who has had some experience, but is not trained as a doctor to really diagnose hair loss. So a patient can fall through the cracks, and a surgery will be recommended for a patient who did not need to have that surgery.

“I make it a point to see all my patients because I’ve been studying hair loss for many years, as well as talking and teaching about it, so certain things can be subtle – and you need to be looking for them so that you can diagnose correctly. When you do this, of course, the chance of having a successful outcome is better.”

Number Two: Poor Understanding of Hair and Scalp Anatomy

What does that mean, and why is it important? A surgeon operating on any area of the human body must understand anatomy – not only the location of organs and structures in the surgical area, but how they all connect, interact and work together. The same is true of a hair transplant procedure.

“I need an understanding of the landscape of where I’m operating,” Dr. Barusco says. “The scalp has many different layers. It has nerves, veins, arteries and the skull. It has some important structures that I need to avoid. The hair itself has certain structures that need to be protected and transplanted together with the hair so that we can get an outcome that’s favorable.

“Inexperienced surgeons and technicians lack this knowledge, and can cause damage to major blood vessels and nerves, as well as other areas of the scalp. You may end up having numb areas, or areas of tissue that die off – which is known as necrosis of the scalp – and which I have seen. Wherever you go for a consultation, make sure you know who will actually be performing the surgery.”

Our blog post – “Complications in Hair Transplant Procedures” – covers this important topic of unqualified doctors or clinic technicians performing hair transplants in greater detail, with advice on how to protect yourself. Additional valuable information is available on the website of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – of which Dr. Barusco is a Fellow. Fewer than 10 percent of ISHRS members have achieved this honor.

Number Three: Poor Understanding of

Hair Physiology

Hair is a very complex organ. Understanding exactly how hair grows and the numerous mechanisms of cellular interactions requires high levels of education, training and experience. “When we transplant a follicle or a hair, it looks very simple, but we have to understand what goes on at a cellular level – how these things are going to play out in the survival of the graft. Grafts need to be treated and handled correctly to keep them viable to the time they’re implanted, as they are deprived of blood flow. You need to understand what goes on during the healing phases of the transplant in order to optimize so that every hair is protected and provided with good blood flow and a good environment for healing.”

Number Four: Poor Emphasis on Education

Dr. Barusco often sees patients who have been seen by other hair loss specialists who were ready to schedule surgery without recommending treatment with such medications as minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) or finasteride (brand name Propecia).

“Treatments were never mentioned to maintain their hair to prevent further loss. I usually recommend a patient first do medical therapy with medication for six months to see if he can comply with post-surgical treatment. Because if not, my transplant will not provide what you want over the long term. If I don’t educate the patient on hair loss, I’m not doing a service. Sometimes, the education involves recommending against the surgery. Not everyone is a candidate for a hair transplant. Education is key, and that’s the reason for the consultation in the first place.”

Number Five: Lack of Recommendation for Medical Treatment

This reason is closely related to the previous, a poor emphasis on education. Treatment with medication – for male and female patients – is essential in helping to prevent or slow further hair loss. Too many clinics and doctors do not prescribe medications or map out a treatment regimen, erroneously leading patients to believe that a hair transplant is a once-and-done solution.

Number Six: Not Listening to Your Concerns and Your Goals

The surgeon may look at you during the consultation and assume you want coverage in a particular area, when you actually want to see growth on a different area of your scalp. You must be sure to communicate your goals to the surgeon during consultation – then make certain the surgeon has heard and understands you.

If you sense the surgeon isn’t listening, or has already decided which areas(s) to focus on despite your description of the desired result, continue asking questions until you are satisfied with the answer. This should not be in the spirit of being difficult. If the surgeon has a vision that differs from yours, there may be a reason – but it is the surgeon’s responsibility to explain their reason so that you understand and can make your decision based upon this information.

“The surgeon needs to explain to you what is and what is not possible,” says Dr. Barusco. “I need to make sure that your goals are aligned with what I can deliver.”

Number Seven: Poor Planning of the Transplant Procedure

If you’ve ever seen men with a hairline that looks “off,” or not natural, you may not have been able to quite figure out why. This unsettling effect can be attributed to poor planning on the part of the surgeon.

“A hairline that’s not correct – such as too aggressive, too rounded and feminine for a man, very young looking on an older man – reflects poor planning. This also includes poor use of the donor zone. For example, using a lot of the donor area hair for a small area of the recipient area is not good planning. You have only so much hair that can be harvested, so I need to use it very wisely. You may need another transplant in the future, so if it’s all used at one time, there will be none left.”

Number Eight: Poor Technical Execution of the Transplant Procedure

Unfortunately, this particular “fail” is often linked to the previous, poor planning of the transplant procedure. A surgeon who lacks the skill to plan the procedure properly to create a natural-looking hairline and growth patterns also is likely to botch the implantation process itself. This includes placing hairs at the incorrect angle or direction, placing the hairline too low, and placing transplanted hairs very close together.

As previously mentioned, proper treatment of the hair grafts to keep them alive so they can take hold in the recipient area and grow is essential to a successful transplant. Grafts that are poorly prepared, allowed to dry out or otherwise mishandled at any point during the procedure will not be viable.

Number Nine: Poor Management of the Limited Number of Donor Hairs

As Dr. Barusco observes, we have only a limited supply of donor hair, although bald areas keep enlarging as hair loss continues over time.

“As hair transplant surgeons, we have to paint a beautiful picture, but we only have so much ink to do it. If we don’t utilize that ink in the best way we can, you’re not going to be happy and I’m not going to be happy. So that involves some compromise. While we can treat an area really well, we can’t treat the whole entire area of hair loss with the donor hair that you have. I need to explain that to you so you understand, and can make your decision. And then we’re going to be successful.”

Number 10: Damage to Existing Hairs by Overly Aggressive Surgery

People who have their first hair transplant too soon after hair loss begins are at risk of a poor eventual result. “In such a case, they still have a good amount of their own native hair, but it’s just starting to thin, and someone goes there very aggressively and puts a lot of transplants in between the existing hair. What then happens is that the transplants traumatize a large amount of those hairs, so they lose a lot of hair from the surgery. The transplants grow, but that trauma caused a good deal of loss of the native hair – so in the end, it’s a wash. They lost as many hairs as probably were placed, so the surgery didn’t produce any visible change.”

For this reason, Dr. Barusco uses a conservative approach, preserving as much native hair as possible. As always, Dr. Barusco emphasizes educating the patient on how hair transplants are planned and performed – including the follow-up medication treatment.

Knowledge is Power – Choose Your Hair Restoration Surgeon Wisely!

As you begin your search for a hair restoration specialist, having the facts at hand can help you avoid being swayed by advertising campaigns that offer a misleading idea of what a hair transplant involves over both the short and long term. Unlike buying a car, most people have no experience in choosing a hair restoration surgeon. This is an important decision that depends upon your knowledge of industry best practices and professional ethics in order to achieve a successful outcome that will allow you to face the world with the self-confidence you deserve.

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!

Was 2021 a Very Good Year? Plan on Making 2022 Even Better by Getting Your Hair Back!

Male Hair Restoration,

As the world began to reopen in 2021, the plans that had to be postponed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic were resumed. Yet even if 2021 was a good year for you, perhaps some goals still had to be put off – for example, a hair restoration procedure. If this was the case, 2022 can be the year you get your hair back!

Should a hair transplant be on your new year’s resolutions list, you need to be up-to-date on the significant advancements that have been made in the hair restoration field. As you begin researching your options, be aware that not all hair transplant surgeons or clinics offer every procedure – especially those requiring significant experience and top-level skill. Also keep in mind that even such popular procedures as the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) demand an experienced surgeon to achieve the desired aesthetic result. Avoid the pitfall of assuming that because the FUT and FUE are well-established procedures, all surgeons perform them equally well.

Advancements in FUE

Hair transplantation is constantly evolving. Improvements in techniques and technology make possible outcomes that not only look like natural hair growth, but involve less patient downtime. Developments in FUE provide an excellent example.

To start at the beginning, FUE is a surgical hair transplant technique in which follicular units 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.

One aspect of the procedure that can be a downside is that it requires the donor area be shaved in order to harvest each graft. For many, this can be a difficult, embarrassing process because of appearing in public with a half-shaved head. Some patients may have to take time off work in order to allow their hair to grow back.

For this reason, Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – developed the innovative No-Shave FUE, which completely conceals harvested donor sites immediately, allowing patients to resume their regular activities with very little downtime. Dr. Barusco has produced an informative video for his YouTube channel, “Hair Loss Medical Advice,” that describes the procedure in detail.

Now, going one step beyond the no-shave FUE is the long-hair FUE. It is also known as the “preview” long-hair FUE because it gives the patient a preview of what the ultimate result will be. As with any hair transplant, the hair in the newly implanted grafts soon falls out, to be replaced by new growth as the grafts establish themselves. Dr. Barusco is one of only a few doctors in the world with the experience and skill to perform this technique.

Dr. Barusco explains the procedure in his Hair Loss Medical Advice video, Long-Hair FUE.

“It started with my good friend, Dr. Marcelo Pitchon from Brazil. I’m from Brazil originally. He popularized the method of the long-hair transplant with the strip method a few years ago. Nowadays, with the advantage of certain types of equipment that we have, they allow us to harvest hairs via FUE and still maintain the hair shaft at the same length that it was – one or two inches in length sometimes – and then we can use that length inside, keeping the hair instead of clipping it short. And then when we transplant, the patient has a preview of their result. Obviously, this only lasts for a few days, since most of the hairs that we transplant fall out during the healing phase – but it allows the patient to have an idea of what the result is going to be like.

“It also allows me, as a surgeon, to see that I’m not missing anything. Maybe I need to add a bit more density in a little area that I’m working on. The surgery is very laborious and time-consuming to perform because the longer hair gets in the way, so it requires a lot of patience and skill.”

How Can You Know if an FUE Procedure is Right for You?

Because the traditional shaved FUE and no-shave FUE are well-known procedures, those interested in a hair transplant often request them. However, the type of hair transplant procedure that’s best for your particular situation may be different. Only a consultation with an ethical, conscientious surgeon who asks the right questions can help you determine the procedure that will provide the optimum immediate and long-term outcome. Our blog post – “Is the FUE Procedure Right for You?” – covers facts and possible risks (mainly from non-medical personnel performing the procedure) so that you can have a more productive consultation and be confident in your decision.

For even more in-depth information, watch Dr. Barusco’s videos – “Formal Indications for Hair Transplantation via FUE” – and “Contra-Indications for Hair Transplantation via FUE” – which covers the situations in which FUE is not (or should not be) recommended.

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely, and Get 2022 Off to a Great Start

If you’re determined to no longer delay restoring your hair, you deserve to know all of your options – and have an internationally recognized surgeon providing the right, and the best procedure for your individual situation.

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!

There’s More to Movember than Mustaches – Your Guide to Facial Hair Transplants

Facial Hair Transplants,

Society’s expectations of men have always been high. No matter what their challenges, men are expected to be strong and silently shoulder any burden. But this expectation – which men often internalize – can be deadly when they neglect their health – including mental health. In 2003, a group of men dedicated themselves to raising awareness of men’s health issues, and launched the non-profit Movember Foundation. Since that time, its signature Movember fundraising campaign has featured the fun challenge of growing a mustache during the month of November.

While Movember’s emphasis is on upper lip hair, facial hair in general has made a major comeback over the past several years. The clean-shaven look prevalent throughout most of the 20th century has given way to a wide range of individual expression through beards of all lengths and configurations. Ironically, this trend harkens back to the 19th century, when beards were prevalent and unadorned faces rare. Yet for men who yearn to grow a full beard – or goatee – but nature isn’t cooperating, a facial hair transplant is an option that (when performed by an experienced hair restoration surgeon) provides a satisfying, natural-looking result.

The Growing Demand for Facial Hair Transplants

As reported by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), studies indicate that “… men who grow an unshaven beard are perceived as older, more masculine, and more dominant and aggressive, and attract more positive female attitudes than those men whose face is clean-shaven.” Bearded men also are seen as more intelligent – as evidenced by the popular culture stereotypes of psychiatrists, college professors and scientists depicted with beards.

ISHRS is a global non-profit medical association and the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration. Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – is a Fellow of the ISHRS. This is a distinction that is only given to those who achieve certain landmarks on teaching and leadership. Currently, fewer than 10% of the ISHRS members are Fellows.

Based on the statistics of the ISHRS 2020 Practice Census, facial implants (beard and mustache) increased 196% worldwide from 2012 (4,707) to 2014 (13,956), and 121% from 2014 to 2019 (30,957). While all components of a beard are important, the highest ranked features included strong goatee (15.8%) and strong cheek beards (15.8%).

“They are becoming much more common,” says Dr. Barusco. “Everybody wants a full, even beard.”

As for what type of facial hair his patients most frequently seek, Dr. Barusco says the most common requests are for a goatee and cheeks – which aligns with the ISHRS’s findings. “Many men can grow a satisfactory mustache, but often the mustache does not connect with the goatee, or they have sparse hair on their cheeks and can’t grow a full beard.”

Why Can’t Some Men Grow Facial Hair?

As our blog post – “Facial Hair Transplants – Getting the Best Beard and Mustache” – reports, genetics is the reason, but not because there’s a gene that suppresses facial hair growth. The facts are more complex. 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.

While thick beard growth is commonly attributed to a high testosterone level, the truth is that most men actually have about the same level of this hormone. What makes the difference in facial hair growth is how one’s body responds to testosterone – which is genetically determined. Being highly sensitive to testosterone results in more facial hair. On the down side, it contributes to baldness.

Who is a Candidate for a Facial Hair Transplant?

According to the ISHRS, patients who are typical candidates for facial hair transplantation include:

  • Those who have a total absence of hair or low density from birth with spaces in the beard.
  • Those who have scarring hair loss due to burns, injuries, acne, cleft lip corrective surgery or any other type of surgery.
  • Female-to-male transgender patients, to create a more masculine appearance.

What Does a Facial Hair Transplant Involve?

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 normal hair transplant surgery for bald and thinning areas of the scalp. The difference is that 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 planning the angle and direction of hair for the most natural looking results. Dr. Barusco understands how hairs from different areas of the body behave, and has the skill and artistry to harvest those that are the best match, and ensure the hair follicles are angled 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. If the area(s) to be filled are small and few grafts are needed, we may use beard hairs, which are usually harvested from under the chin, as the source of donor hair.”

In his experience with facial hair transplant patients, Dr. Barusco has found 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.

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.

More About Movember – What Men Need to Know

We began this blog post about the purpose of Movember, and the importance of men taking charge of their health and well-being. Donations raised in behalf of the Movember Foundation go to fund groundbreaking health projects to make a difference for mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

As Dr. Barusco emphasizes educating people about a variety to 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” – which is given to the prevention and early detection of prostate cancer. His candid discussion includes a recommendation for regular prostate examinations, and ties it in with the use of Finasteride –a standard medication used for hair loss and prostate enlargement – and its potential side effects.

Not only do men need to be there for their loved ones, they need to be there for themselves – and each other. Movember’s message is “Whatever you grow will save a bro.” And you don’t need to feel left out if your ‘stach needs Dr. Barusco’s help. All kinds of mustaches are welcome to join the cause! According to the Movember website, “Patchy, lopsided, itchy or epic – whatever Mo you grow this Movember, your face will raise funds and awareness for men’s health.”

Considering a Facial Hair Transplant? Choose Your Surgeon Wisely!

While Movember doesn’t judge participants on the basics of their mustache’s aesthetic quality, you may want to have your “A-game” mustache ready for next year’s event. But regardless of the type of facial hair transplant you’re considering, the surgeon you select will make a significant difference in its success, and your satisfaction with the results. A transplant can be technically correct – that is, the surgery involved no complications, and the hair follicles survived and thrived – yet fall short of the appearance you want because the hairs weren’t placed correctly, or without consideration of your ethnicity.

Just as Dr. Barusco takes into account the ethnic background of hair transplant patients in order to achieve the right aesthetic effect, he does the same for facial hair transplants. Beard growth and density is different for men of different ethnic groups. Indian and Middle Eastern men tend to have denser beards, while Caucasians and men of African heritage have good density and more hair in their beards than Asian men. It is important for the surgeon performing a facial hair transplant procedure to achieve the aesthetically appropriate result that truly represents and respects your heritage.

We invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation virtual consultation with Dr. Barusco. His 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!