The Truth About Robotic Devices in Hair Transplant Procedures

Category Archives: Hair Loss Procedures

The Truth About Robotic Devices in Hair Transplant Procedures

Robotic assisted devices are promoted by many hair transplant clinics as a quick, foolproof tool for performing the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedure. However, the truth is very different. Unfortunately, many men considering a hair restoration procedure don’t learn the truth, because misinformation is more prevalent than facts – be it on the websites of unscrupulous hair transplant or plastic surgery clinics, articles in men’s lifestyle and fashion publications, or social media.

As we at Tempus Hair Restoration always say, “Knowledge is power.” In the interest of giving you the knowledge to make an informed decision, here is what you need to know about robotic devices, and why you should expect (and demand) manual extractions and implantation by an experienced surgeon.

How a Robotic Assisted Device is Used in FUE Hair Transplants

Instead of the surgeon choosing which hair follicles to harvest from the donor area, a robotic assisted system evaluates the hair and – based on a complex algorithm – chooses the follicles that it identifies as being the best for transplantation. The device then harvests these follicles by means of a computer-controlled robotic arm. Although practices that utilize this device advertise it as the future of hair transplantation, there are limitations, even when used according to medical ethical standards and within the law (more about this later).

Narrow range of good candidates – The best-known robotic assisted device is very limited in those who are appropriate candidates. It can only be used on people with straight, dark hair – a fact that isn’t always mentioned in the media. People with blond, fair or curly hair (even dark or black hair) are not good candidates.

Restricted donor areas – Many patients require an extended donor area when the back of the head doesn’t have enough hair for a successful transplant. A robotic device can’t be used in such a scenario, as it is only able to extract hair from the back and sides of the head.

The possibility of healing complications – The best-known robotic device uses large diameter punches to extract follicles, which can cause complications in healing and even damage nearby follicles.

Graft survival – An experienced surgeon performing manual hair graft extractions can expect a survival rate of 97-95%. The robotic device has a survivability percentage of around 90%. This lower percentage can be attributed to the fact that after being harvested, the hair grafts are left in place by the device until the doctor removes them. This delay can lead to drying of the grafts, leaving fewer that are viable.

There is another type of system marketed for FUE transplants that you may see advertised. It uses automatic equipment to perform hair restoration surgery, and comes with a pneumatic motor – which operates through the expansion of air inside the device. This controls the pressure for extracting hair grafts from the back of the scalp and then implanting them into the recipient site. This is technically not a robotic device, as it features hand-held devices that should be operated by the hair transplant surgeon. The “should be” is important to note. Although it can be useful when operated by a qualified surgeon, this system has the potential for abuse by unethical clinics to relegate the procedure to untrained technicians due to its high level of automation.

How Marketing Messages Mislead Consumers About Robotic Devices

It may sound like somewhat of a generalization, but we expect things to be easy and convenient. Most of us also believe that advanced technology can improve our life, and feel ahead of the curve when we buy the newest smartphone. So most of the groundwork of promoting robotic devices as “the future of hair transplantation” is already done. Marketing messaging positioning robotic assisted FUE as an infallible high-tech procedure sets misleading, unrealistic expectations for success, yet often finds a receptive audience.

Still, ethical hair restoration surgeons recognize red flags when they’re raised. For example, the website of one clinic positioned the ability of robotic devices to allow less-experienced doctors to perform FUE procedures as an advantage. Now, ask yourself if it sounds like an advantage to the patient – that is, you – that using a robotic device makes it possible for a less-experienced doctor to offer hair transplants. According to this clinic’s website, “A less experienced doctor can rely on the [name redacted] machine to handle the delicate job of extracting grafts.”

Think about it. Why would you want a doctor with relatively little experience – not to mention knowledge – in performing hair transplants performing yours? Would you really feel confident that such a person is depending on a device to extract hair grafts? What does this imply about the experience of the doctor who has this statement on his website?

This robotic device also implants the harvested hair grafts – which may sound like a positive selling point to those who don’t realize that implantation requires an extremely high degree of knowledge, technical skill and both the professional experience and sense of aesthetics to place the grafts properly to achieve a natural-looking growth pattern. The popular buzz phrase “artificial intelligence” is used to explain how the device determines optimum placement, but this is no substitute for the eyes (and hands) of an experienced, skilled hair restoration surgeon.

This leads to the slippery slope of unlicensed, non-medical personnel performing some or all aspects of an FUE hair transplant procedure – which is much more common than you may know. If you’re new to our blog, our post – “Don’t Let a Technician Perform Your Hair Transplant Surgery” – covers this important topic in detail. We encourage you to read it.

What Consumers Aren’t Told About Robotic Hair Transplant Devices

Most accounts of hair transplants are in men’s lifestyle magazines (including online versions), and on social media. While you might think you’re educating yourself, the authors, publications and social media influencers often have their own agenda. And it isn’t to inform you. It’s to earn revenue from the clinics that advertise – either overtly in display ads, or subtly, in the free services and perks that writers and editors receive for featuring them in editorial content.

To start with the basics, the best-known robotic assisted device takes the critical elements of an FUE transplant that should be performed by the surgeon out of his/her hands – such as hairline design, the selection of hair grafts, recipient site preparation, harvesting of grafts, preparing grafts for implantation and graft implantation.

As Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – writes in his article – “The Truth Behind Advertising Devices Instead of Surgeons”:

“Behind these devices there needs to be a competent doctor, and with the doctor, a competent team. Otherwise, no robot or vacuum-assisted gizmo will help you. But here is the big problem: these companies are advertising, selling and promoting these devices to doctors all over the country and the world who have no training in the complex procedure of hair restoration surgery. And they couldn’t care less. Their investors need to make their money, so therefore machines need to be sold … to whoever is buying.”

Modern Aesthetics describes the situation as follows:

“Unfortunately, some FUE medical device companies deceive some doctors into believing that after they buy this FUE motorized surgical drill that they can delegate these steps of hair transplant surgery to hair transplant technicians. Hair transplant technicians are medical assistants (MAs). MAs do not have to graduate from any school (even high school), do not have to pass any test, and are not licensed/certified by any medical governing body. A medical device company has no authority to provide MAs medical licenses to practice medicine. However, some FUE medical device companies are deceiving the public and doctors by giving these MAs certificates stating that they are certified and can be delegated to do these critical aspects of the surgery. This is illegal and probably criminal since it is aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of medicine.”

In fact, it is illegal. As we always emphasize, hair restoration surgery is surgery. Any person recommending procedures and/or treatments is practicing medicine without a license, which is a felony crime in Florida and many other states.

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is an international, non-profit medical society comprised of over 1,200 members representing 70 countries dedicated to promoting the highest standards of medical practice and medical ethics. Its Position Statement on Qualifications for Scalp Surgery includes the following:

“The position of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is that any procedure involving a skin incision for the purpose of tissue removal from the scalp or body, or to prepare the scalp or body to receive tissue, (e.g., incising the FUE graft, excising the donor strip, creating recipient sites) by any means, including robotics, is a surgical procedure. Such procedures must be performed by a properly trained and licensed physician. All FUE harvesting tools, including robotic devices, are considered extensions of the hand of the operator, and as such, all operators of these devices must be physicians.*”

Dr. Barusco is a Fellow of the ISHRS – a distinction only given to those who achieve certain landmarks on teaching and leadership. Currently, fewer than 10% of the ISHRS members are Fellows.

How to Educate Yourself and Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

Earlier, we mentioned that knowledge is power. However, we know that being able to tell the difference between marketing hype and facts can be hard – especially when you don’t know where to look. The ISHRS website is an excellent place to start. It provides consumers with unbiased information on a wide range of issues – including how to be sure that a properly trained and licensed physician performs your hair transplant procedure, questions to ask during your consultation, and many others.

We also invite you to visit Dr. Barusco’s YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice, where you can learn as he discusses such issues as the types and causes of hair loss, hair transplant procedures, and much more. And of course, our blog features informative posts, updated every month.

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!

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!

Will it Help My Hair Loss? How to Recognize Fact From Fiction!

The internet is the first place that people go to search for answers to all of their questions – so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that misinformation becomes disseminated among the helpful information from credible sources. If you’ve been looking for answers to your questions about hair loss (or hair growth), you’re likely to find information that seems trustworthy, but is based more on pseudoscience than fact. Unlike the “snake oil” pitches of years past for tonics and elixirs that promised a sure-fire cure for baldness, today’s claims are more sophisticated. To make the situation even more complicated, some contain a kernel of truth, or follow the outline of best practices but diverge at critical points.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Tempus Hair Restoration offers surgical and non-surgical treatments. We write a monthly blog post on a wide variety of topics to educate people concerned about their hair loss – each with the intention of providing accurate, up-to-date information so that they can make knowledgeable decisions regarding treatment. Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – also posts weekly to his YouTube channel with his popular series, “The Hair Geek.”

Ensuring that Dr. Barusco’s patients are confident in their decision – and that they are appropriate candidates for the procedure or treatment they will undergo – are of foremost importance to our practice. Our motivation is not to disparage other legitimate, ethical hair restoration practices, but to prevent people who are seeking help from wasting their time and money on specious treatments, as well as putting themselves at risk.

Can Biotin Help You Grow a Beard?

This is one of the areas in which a little bit of fact gets turned into fiction. Biotin is a B vitamin (B7) involved in the production of energy. It is available in supplement form and found naturally in a number of foods – such as legumes, carrots, mushrooms, cauliflower, nutritional yeast, liver, egg yolks, sardines and bananas. Biotin aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and is essential for the formation of fatty acids and blood sugar (glucose).

Biotin stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth. However, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “To date, there is a lack of published studies to suggest that biotin supplements are beneficial for the growth of normal, healthy hair and nails.”

Low blood levels of biotin can cause thinning of the hair and rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Biotin deficiencies are rare among well-nourished adults, although they can occur due to excessive long-term alcohol use, the use of certain prescription medications and hormonal changes (particularly in pregnant women).

Therefore, assuming biotin does its job within the boundaries of current scientific research, taking biotin supplements will do nothing to promote facial hair growth. However, the websites of some companies that market products for beard grooming tell a different story. Knowing what you now know can help you read between the lines of their plausible-sounding yet misleading copy. In touting biotin as effective in growing a thick, full beard, one such website states a fact – that a biotin deficiency can slow down hair growth and cause hair to become thin and brittle – but then draws the unsupported conclusion that biotin is recommended to those desiring a robust, fast-growing beard.

Other websites may temper their claims with such statements that good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are required to achieve the optimum benefits of biotin. While this is true (as it is true of any vitamin supplement), the rapid growth of thick facial hair isn’t among them. As always, buyer beware! Do your research, and rely on results from credible sources. Look for articles that have been reviewed by a licensed physician for accuracy. Avoid blog posts that include affiliate links, as the author and/or website receives a percentage of the sale of any product made through the sponsor. They are not unbiased sources.

Can Minoxidil Help Beard Growth?

Yes, it does seem we’ve entered the era of the beard! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, minoxidil (known by the brand name Rogaine) is safe to use on the beard and eyebrows, as well as on the scalp. According to Medical News Today, researchers in Thailand conducted a study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a 3% minoxidil lotion for people striving to grow beards. Some 46 participants applied a minoxidil lotion twice a day. Based on doctor evaluation and the participants’ self-assessment, this treatment resulted in a noticeably thicker, fuller beard.

While this study is promising, the caution here is that hair restoration is not a DIY project. WebMD notes that minoxidil should not be used on any other part of the body unless directed by your doctor. Instead of attempting to diagnose and treat yourself, schedule an appointment with a hair restoration specialist to learn if minoxidil is the right treatment for your individual case. Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which could put those with a heart condition at risk. 

Can Biotin Help Your Thinning Hair?

Every fact that applies to biotin and beard growth also applies to scalp hair growth. Biotin doesn’t make a distinction between the two. And here is where we find more misleading marketing – in this case, to young women, who typically don’t experience hair loss, save for such situations as chemotherapy and malnutrition due to an eating disorder.

Followers of social media influencers are probably aware of one particular brand of supplements that are shaped, flavored and marketed like candy. The product’s website and social media accounts are filled with glitzy photos, glowing reviews and claims of extraordinary results. Don’t be taken in by the hype. Biotin has a place in your diet, but it doesn’t have super hair growth powers.

As for shampoos containing biotin, keep in mind that biotin must be taken internally to be absorbed by the body. A biotin shampoo may make your hair “feel” better or easier to style, but don’t expect it to do more.

Online Subscription Hair Restoration Services

It may seem the ideal solution if you’re beginning to notice hair loss. Consumers can sign up with one of several heavily advertised companies offering online-based treatments to combat thinning hair. Operating on a subscription basis, such companies may provide an online video consultation with a doctor who is a member of the company’s network. After a discussion of the patient’s concerns, the doctor prescribes a treatment program and the prescribed medication is shipped to the patient’s door on a monthly basis. Or you can bypass even that brief conversation with a doctor, with some companies asking only that you fill out a questionnaire – or just allowing you to choose your own treatment plan and medications based upon your own self-diagnosis.

So what could go wrong? As we covered in our blog post – “What to Look for in a Hair Transplant Surgeon” – finding the right doctor and treatment for your specific hair loss isn’t the same as buying shoes online.

As reported by Natasha Singer and Katie Thomas in their article for The New York Times Drug Sites Upend Doctor-Patient Relations: ‘It’s Restaurant-Menu Medicine’ – “The sites invert the usual practice of medicine by turning the act of prescribing drugs into a service. Instead of doctors making diagnoses and then suggesting treatments, patients request drugs and physicians serve largely as gatekeepers.

“Some of these companies operate in a regulatory vacuum that could increase public health risks, according to interviews with physicians, former federal health regulators and legal experts. And federal and state health laws, written to ensure competent medical care and drug safety, have not kept pace with online services, they say.”

The first red flag is the marketing for these services. The ads for one company declare “Balding is now optional.” Although an attention-getting tagline, it isn’t true. Hair restoration practices that follow the industry’s ethical guidelines don’t make claims guaranteeing results, much less claiming that hair loss can be prevented or reversed across the board.

The company the ads promote prescribes and ships finasteride (brand name Propecia) and minoxidil. Although the ad copy implies there has been a breakthrough in the science of hair loss treatment, Propecia and Rogaine are FDA-approved treatments that have been available for many years.

Ethical practices do not sensationalize their marketing, or mislead potential patients through setting exaggerated expectations of results. While this is a blatant example, these online subscription companies downplay the fact that even non-surgical treatment is still medical treatment that involves numerous factors a doctor needs to take into account and evaluate. If any type of medical practice doesn’t market itself ethically, you can assume it lacks ethics in every other area – including patient care.

Only, as The New York Times’ article points out, these companies “… argue that they are tech platforms, not health providers. The sites connect consumers – and often process their payments – to doctors who may prescribe drugs and pharmacies that can ship the medications.” Their lack of accountability and responsibility to patient health should negate any perceived convenience in ordering prescription treatments with a couple of clicks.

As for the online doctor? You may be able to choose the doctor for your video conference, but only from those who are in the company’s network. Are you able to check their qualifications? Are they hair restoration specialists? Hair transplant surgeons? According to The New York Times’ article (which names the online companies), the companies use physicians groups for their doctor consultations.

Whatever the case, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to find much useful information about their experience and credentials. Dr. Barusco advocates transparency in the patient-doctor relationship, and makes his extensive educational and professional background available on the Tempus Hair Restoration website.

Bottom line: If you sign on with such a service believing you’ll have a true patient-doctor relationship, you won’t. And if something goes wrong, you’ll also have no legal recourse.

Knowledge is Power – Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

Knowledge is power. Being an informed consumer will allow you to tell the difference between science and pseudoscience, and seek legitimate treatment for your hair loss before it’s too late to reverse or restore. Choose your surgeon carefully based on experience, results and professional integrity.

Dr. Barusco is a board-certified surgeon who is internationally recognized as a leader in hair restoration. His many other credentials include: Diplomate and Past President (2017) of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery; Assistant Professor of Surgery – University of Central Florida College of Medicine; Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). Dr. Barusco conducts all consultations and performs all hair transplantation procedures.

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. No matter how far the distance, we welcome the opportunity to help you on your hair restoration journey!

Does COVID-19 Cause Hair Loss?

The COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, continues to take its devastating toll. While vaccine introductions offer hope of relief, the virus remains a threat. Many who survive report physically debilitating long-term effects that prevent them from resuming the activities of their pre-coronavirus life. Yet even many among those who do make a complete recovery are reporting a baffling effect: hair loss.

As an industry-recognized leader in hair restoration surgery, Dr. Marco Barusco, MD – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – has recently seen a marked increase in the number of patients who survived COVID-19 now experiencing a significant amount of hair loss. Almost every discipline in the medical community is searching for answers about this puzzling development. Hair loss is not on the CDC’s list of known COVID-19 symptoms.

A Medical Mystery Emerges

“We don’t know exactly how COVID-19 influences hair loss,” says Dr. Barusco in his YouTube video series, “Hair’s the Truth.” In the episode – “Hair Loss After Covid-19 Infection” – Dr. Barusco discusses what he has learned based upon his examination of patients who have sought their own answers about why they’re suffering sharp, accelerated hair loss after recovery, as well as his ongoing research and review of medical literature covering this rapidly developing condition.

“It is not yet known if the virus damages hair follicles, or if the hair loss is secondary to the body’s reaction to the viral infection and the healing process. We are getting more and more questions about that.”

Based upon reports from other specialists as well as Dr. Barusco’s observations, hair loss typically begins two to four months post-COVID. However “hair loss” is a general term that covers several specific types. Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common form of hair loss characterized by diffuse hair shedding caused by an abnormal shift in follicular cycling. These early indications tend to implicate telogen effluvium in post-COVID hair loss.

In plain language, there are three phases in the hair follicle growth cycle: anagen (growth), catagen (resting) and telogen (shedding). At any given time, about 90% of hairs are in anagen, with 5% in catagen and 5% in telogen. In telogen effluvium, the proportion of hair follicles in the telogen phase significantly increases as much as 50%, leading to mass shedding. Most people shed between 50 to 100 hairs each day.

Unlike male pattern baldness, telogen effluvium involves shedding all over the head. With this condition, the scalp appears normal, with no rash or other symptoms, such as itching, burning, pain or flaking.

The afore-mentioned abnormal cycling shift has several common trigger events, such as the following:

  • Infection or high fever
  • Major physical or psychological trauma
  • Surgery
  • Extreme weight loss/change in diet
  • Drugs
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Hormonal changes

Considering that COVID-19 is a viral infection and high fever is among its symptoms – and that many patients experience significant weight loss – telogen effluvium has the optimum opportunity to occur.

Shilpi Khetarpal, MD – a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic – reports that there may also be a genetic component in determining who experiences post-COVID telogen effluvium.

“Experts say it is hard to know why some patients recovering from COVID lose hair and others do not,” she said in an interview with Healio. “It may be related to genetics. We know that hair loss happens to people who are predisposed, but we do not know who or why. There are specifics about one’s hair cycle and genetics that make them prone or predisposed to developing TE.”

Pandemic Stress May Also Trigger Telogen Effluvium

As Dr. Barusco and other medical experts note, telogen effluvium is affecting people who have not had COVID-19. He has seen patients who cared for a family member with COVID-19 who also experienced hair loss, noting that stress is a common trigger event.

Says Dr. Khetarpal, “We are also seeing people dealing with TE who did not have COVID. There is immense stress around the pandemic itself. People are stressed regarding finances, child care, homeschooling and fears about contracting COVID, along with everyday life stressors. In my practice, I have seen a rise in patients with TE since early June and continue to see new patients every week complaining about excessive hair shedding.”

Can Hair Loss Related to COVID-19 Be Treated?

Dermatologist Sara Hogan, MD, tells WebMD that she is seeing an increasing number of coronavirus patients who have hair loss for the first time.

“Hair loss can occupy a large amount of someone’s mind share because our hair is something we see. It’s often part of our identity and how others perceive us. So when patients start losing hair, especially for the first time, they often come to me very upset.”

Based upon his examination of patients seeking treatment, Dr. Barusco says that as frightening as it is to have hair come out in handfuls – as was the case with an anonymous patient he features in his video – the hair follicles remain intact, meaning that regrowth can occur. This agrees with what is known about telogen effluvium, in which hair typically starts growing back in four to nine months. Initial regrowth may occur in patchy areas of the scalp, rather than evenly.

As for treatment, each person – whether a COVID-19 survivor or one who is experiencing the stress of COVID’s impact on their family or other areas of life – is different. Your individual case involves numerous factors, such as genetic predisposition. For this reason, it is very important to not try to diagnose and treat yourself. Making an appointment with a licensed medical specialist is essential to determine your state of health and its relationship to your hair loss. Based upon an examination, a specialist can recommend and/or prescribe the appropriate actions and/or medications required to promote hair growth.

Dr. Barusco is a board-certified hair transplant surgeon, trichologist and hair loss specialist with more than 20 years of experience. He is Assistant Professor of Surgery at University of Central Florida School of Medicine, and has dedicated his career to helping thousands of patients worldwide overcome their hair loss challenges using the latest medical and surgical procedures.

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.

As a COVID-19 survivor or one who is experiencing long-term stress from additional responsibilities and hardships resulting from the pandemic, you deserve to return to feeling whole and healthy, with the tools you need to promote your own sense of well-being. We would be honored to help you achieve your hair restoration goals. It may now sound clichéd, but we truly are all in this together – and we are here for you.

Early Signs of Hair Loss – What Hairstylists Can Look For

Hairstylists serve many roles in their client relationships. From style expert to confidant, you are the one your clients trust to make them look and feel their best. You also are the professional who can first detect early signs of hair loss in your long-term clients. In some cases, the client notices such symptoms as decreasing hair volume and turns to you for confirmation that they aren’t just “imagining things” – as well as advice on the next step to take. On other occasions, you may notice thinning or patchy areas of the scalp before your client does.

In either case, knowing how to talk to your clients about this initial stage of hair loss and how to advise them to seek an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment gives you greater value as a beauty industry professional. Obviously, if you can alert a client about his or her hair loss in a timely manner and provide a knowledgeable referral to the right medical professional, you will keep that client longer! In addition, you will enhance your own reputation as a leading hairstylist who provides a higher level of service.

What amount of hair loss is normal?

According to Mayo Clinic, people typically lose about 100 hairs a day. As Salon Today notes, this amount doesn’t cause noticeable thinning because new hair is growing in at the same time. Hair loss occurs when the cycle of hair growth and shedding is disrupted or when the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.

Knowing what to look for and providing the right advice

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – conducts a class on this important topic during the annual Premiere Orlando International Beauty Event. Although canceled this year due to COVID-19, this major industry show is scheduled to return to the Orange County Convention Center in October 2021.

This class is one way in which Dr. Barusco expresses his strong commitment to sharing his knowledge. In 2014, he was invited to be a part of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine faculty as Assistant Professor of Surgery. He also serves as a mentor for research projects in the areas of wound healing and surgery. Additionally, Dr. Barusco has written chapters in the most authoritative textbooks in the hair transplantation discipline. Some chapter examples include a description of the No-Shave FUE procedure developed by Dr. Barusco, and a description of the Tempus Crown-Hatching technique, which is used to improve coverage of the crown area of the scalp.

Dr. Barusco’s other credentials include the following:

As a generous authority in medicine and hair restoration, Dr. Barusco enthusiastically conducts his annual classes held exclusively for hairstylists. He knows that you are often your clients’ first defense in the battle against hair loss, and wants you to have the knowledge to help them prevent further loss. Dr. Barusco has provided the following text, taken from his class lessons.

Lessons from Dr. Barusco’s acclaimed class

“Stylists see hair loss all the time, multiple times a day, in both men and women. Unfortunately, not all of them are prepared to give their clients the correct advice, and often a patient will delay treatment for their hair loss because their hairstylist did not discuss it with them and/or did not refer them for medical treatment early enough.

“Many times, hair loss is present in areas of the scalp that are not accessible to the patient, such as the crown area and the back of the head, so clients sometimes don’t even know that they have an issue. Hairstylists are in a good position to detect potential hair problems and advise their clients, but in order to do it, they need to have the knowledge and be always on the lookout for problem areas.

“Hair loss can take many forms, and not all hair loss is genetic or “stress-related.” Many times a client’s hair loss can be triggered by medications, hormonal imbalances, anemia, thyroid disease, and other health issues that, unless treated, will continue to affect their hair.

Many of these health conditions are insidious and will not necessarily cause symptoms, so it is important to advise a client to look for a doctor with experience in hair loss so that these factors can be adequately investigated and treated. “Patchy” hair loss is easier to spot, and they can mean more serious problems, so if noticed, a referral to a specialist like us is paramount. Symptoms like itching, burning, and pain in the scalp are all red flags of inflammation, which can cause hair loss as well.

 “The bottom line is: any new onset hair loss (increased shedding, areas of thinning, patches of hair loss, irritated scalp, etc.) should be referred to a doctor for investigation, and not simply treated with the products that are sold at the salon. By working in conjunction with us, clients will have better hair for longer and will be happy that the stylist knew and cared enough to refer them. Worst case scenario, the client will have a simple type of hair loss and will benefit from treatment, along with their hairstylist’s advice on how to better make use of their hair.”

Open communication is key

Fortunately, most people feel comfortable talking with their hairstylist. If you are the one who notices early signs of hair loss, you can start the conversation by asking if the client has seen any changes in their hair recently. If the client brings the subject up, acknowledge that you see the change, as well, and take it from there. Losing hair is unsettling and frightening to most people, as so much of our self-esteem is based upon maintaining a certain image of ourselves. Having the support and informed advice of a trusted professional can make a significant difference in the progression of hair loss – and, in turn, the emotional well-being of your clients who face this challenge.

Make your referrals wisely

With Dr. Barusco’s extensive experience in medicine and hair restoration, you can be assured that your clients will receive an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plan for their individual situation. In addition to his innovative surgical techniques, Dr. Barusco is a leader in such non-surgical treatments as subcutaneous adipose (fat) tissue, and growth factors therapy – which permits earlier intervention with a positive outcome, as stronger hair returns in the areas that are thinning, improving volume and scalp coverage.

We make it easy for your clients to contact us to schedule a free virtual consultation. Dr. Barusco conducts every consultation himself, giving your clients the opportunity to learn their options in the comfort of their home – or any location, on any internet-enabled device. Dr. Barusco conducts consultations in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

As we are always interested in building professional relationships, we invite you to reach out if you see the value in referring your clients to us for their hair restoration journey. We look forward to learning about you and your goals!

Consumer Beware – The Risks of Medical Tourism for Hair Transplants

If you’re considering a hair transplant, you have probably conducted online searches for hair clinics. In the process, you’ve also probably found websites for overseas clinics – usually in Turkey – offering transplants at bargain rates, included as a package deal with airfare, luxury hotel accommodations and transportation. But the lure of combining an exotic vacation with hair transplant surgery should raise a major red flag, as black market hair restoration practices are proliferating unchecked – leaving patients with disastrous results and no recourse.

So serious is this problem that the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – the world’s leading medical authority on hair loss treatment and restoration – has initiated a worldwide patient awareness campaign designed to help people recognize fraudulent hair restoration clinics and misleading advertising claims. The ISHRS has encouraged its members to raise awareness of the risks of medical tourism for hair transplants.

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. As such, Dr. Barusco and the Tempus Hair Restoration team are proud to help the ISHRS in this important mission.

Launched in March 2019, the campaign, Beware of the Hair Transplant Black Market, provides valuable resources to help patients evaluate a surgeon’s credentials, and patient photos illustrating the disfiguring – and many times irreversible – outcomes of botched surgeries by untrained, unqualified staff members.

To define the issue, “medical tourism” can be a confusing term. Patients often travel long distances for a surgeon with an excellent reputation and credentials. Dr. Barusco treats international patients at Tempus’ surgical center in Port Orange, Florida, providing a convenient, complimentary two-night stay at a nearby hotel. However, all travel, additional transportation and other expenses are the patient’s responsibility.

The negative aspect that the medical profession attributes to medical tourism is when unscrupulous clinics leverage the promise of travel to unsuspecting patients, then subject them to treatments performed under substandard conditions by nurses or non-medical technicians.

Why Turkey is the world’s black market hair transplant capital

Popular destinations for hair transplants include Mexico, India and Sweden, but Turkey is where the most aggressive marketing is conducted. Although Turkish law prohibits hair transplant surgery from being performed outside of a hospital setting, black market practitioners get around the restrictions by illegally setting up shop in private hospitals or clinics. Bribery of officials is commonplace, allowing such clinics to operate without consequences. The TURSAB (a committee working with the Turkish Health Ministry) reports that Turkey’s income from medical tourism topped $4.5 billion in 2015.

In addition to lining the pockets of those entrusted to protect the public, black market clinics use the internet to draw in patients. Slick clinic websites making false claims about their legitimacy, staff experience and positive patient outcomes do effective groundwork in misleading potential patients. Their doctors are given a veneer of respectability by paid writers who represent themselves as journalists filing objective reports about the clinics and the successful results they achieve.

According to the ISHRS, “Many of the illegal clinics have sophisticated websites ranking high with Google paid ads to attract the consumer into a clinic that appears on the surface very professional. The marketing tactics are deceptive as it appears like a team of professional doctors with excellent testimonials. However, the reality is your surgery may be done by someone with no medical training. The demand is so high, reports are that Taxi cab drivers and Syrian refugees do the surgery in some overseas countries.”

What is the real cost of a hair transplant?

Consumers who lack knowledge about ethical medical practices and conduct in the hair restoration field are particularly susceptible. But their greatest vulnerability is the pursuit of a bargain. The cost of a hair transplant in the United States varies widely, depending upon many factors – such as the type of procedure, extent of hair loss, amount of donor hair available, etc. The patient can expect to pay several thousand dollars, however.

As the ISHRS emphasizes, hair transplant surgery is still surgery, with all the risks of surgery performed on any other area of the body. Unethical overseas clinics offer procedures at the same price for all patients, ranging from just $600 to $2,000 USD.

What do patients get for their hair transplant package? Poor growth, improper graft preparation (which means a higher number of grafts become non-viable), misangled graft placement, unnatural hairlines, a pluggy doll’s hair appearance and complete donor decimation are often reported. Severe scarring and disfigurement are also common. Add to that the risk for such infections as hepatitis or HIV. This is because the emphasis for the clinic is volume – performing as many hair transplants as possible each day for maximum profit.

Why don’t victimized patients report black market hair transplant clinics?

Why hasn’t word gotten out? Ironically, many patients are satisfied with their experience – at first. Results from a hair transplant typically require a year to fully activate and grow out. Patients who don’t know what a good transplant looks like during each stage assume that what they see is normal, and that the appearance of their scalp and hair will improve over time.

When they finally realize their surgery has been botched, they have no recourse. Dr. Barusco treated one such patient who traveled back to the Turkish clinic that performed his transplant to have complications corrected, and found the clinic had gone out of business. Actually, the clinic may well have moved to a different location under a new name, continuing to run its illegal assembly line surgeries – as is common practice.

As noted by one observer of Turkey’s booming medical tourism scene, “The market is plagued by corruption, fake clinics and gullible customers looking for a bargain. And the market is only expanding.”

Knowledge is power

Human nature being what it is, we want to believe what we want to be true. But if something sounds too good to be true, it is. This includes a bargain hair transplant performed during an all-expenses-included exotic vacation. Educating yourself about hair transplants and the questions you need to ask any surgeon before consenting to treatment are essential to avoiding unscrupulous clinics and ensuring the best possible outcome. Our July 8, 2019 blog post – “Undoing the Damage of a Bad Hair Transplant” – includes the following questions:

  • 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 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?

Once you are at the consultation, make sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction and DEMAND TO SEE A PHYSICIAN. At Tempus Hair Restoration, every prospective patient meets with Dr. Barusco – whether the consultation is in-office, or by video conference.

Investigate other trusted resources

We hope we have provided information that will prevent you from making a serious mistake that can negatively impact the quality of your life and general health. To further educate yourself, we recommend visiting the links we’ve provided in this blog post to the ISHRS website. This organization is an unbiased source of information, and holds its members to the highest ethical standards – as well as establishing and enforcing industry standards.

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.

Dr. Barusco also conducts virtual consultations for those who can’t travel to one of our 14 Florida locations, and our office will arrange travel and accommodations for out-of-area patients. We invite you to learn more about our procedures, then contact us to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Barusco. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your options.

 

 

Undoing the Damage of a Bad Hair Transplant

Undergoing a hair transplant is an important decision. But if you choose the wrong doctor, the outcome of a bad hair transplant can be far worse than disappointing – it can be disfiguring and virtually impossible to hide. Disastrous results may range from over-harvested donor areas to unnatural growth patterns. For those who anticipated a fuller head of hair and a more youthful appearance, a bad hair transplant can have a profoundly negative effect on one’s self-image and self-esteem.

While such a devastating experience may leave one reluctant to undergo a corrective procedure, Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – has proven it is possible, in many cases, to mitigate the damage of bad hair transplants and achieve the look the patient had originally anticipated. First, however, we should look at why some hair transplants go wrong – as our July 2018 blog post covers.

Unfortunately, the main reasons are not improving. Many hair restoration practices market themselves primarily as providing an aesthetic service, rather than performing surgical procedures and acknowledging the serious responsibilities and risks involved. Unethical practices take advantage of their prospective patients’ lack of knowledge to mislead them into accepting situations and conditions that should not be at all acceptable – such as allowing technicians (not a doctor) to harvest hairs from the donor area and to create the incisions that will receive the harvested hairs.

The consensus of the many international professional societies dedicated to hair restoration surgery, the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and many State Medical Boards in the United States and abroad is that harvesting donor hair from a patient and creating incisions on the scalp to receive the harvested hairs are “non-delegable” phases of this complex procedure, and should only be done by a physician or adequately licensed professional.

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – of which Dr. Barusco is a committee member – is concerned about the growing risk to patients of technicians performing substantial aspects of hair restoration surgery. 

The use of technicians to perform the aspects of hair restoration surgery that should only be performed by a properly trained and licensed physician, places patients at risk of misdiagnosis and mistreatment; failure to diagnose hair disorders and related systemic diseases; and performance of unnecessary or ill-advised surgery – all of which jeopardizes patient safety and outcomes.

An increasing number of hair restoration disasters are being reported by patients whose Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedure was botched by technicians using robotic surgery and other devices, the most widely known being the Neograft and the SmartGraft devices. The manufacturers of these devices recruit doctors with little to no experience in hair transplantation and sell them a machine that they don’t have to learn how to use – your entire procedure at these practices will be performed by technicians sent by the company. 

Dr. Barusco has written an informative, insightful article about the widespread misuse of robotic technology in hair transplants. He relates his own experience in correcting the damage done to patients who had placed their trust (and money) in doctors who depend on these machines to perform the delicate procedures that only a highly skilled surgeon can.

Regardless of who you select to perform your hair restoration surgery (initial or corrective), taking a few minutes to read Dr. Barusco’s account will make you a better informed patient.

A key member of Dr. Barusco’s team is Jessica Aivazis, Patient Education Liaison. She has met at length with those seeking corrective treatment, and relates the experiences they’ve shared with her, as well as her own observations.

“Unfortunately, skill and technique are not uniform in this field, and we have seen many clients who have suffered poor results coming to Dr. Barusco for a solution. Unnatural results in the hair line and poor hair placement, and overharvesting of the donor site are the most common. We have even seen clients looking for assistance with infections they have developed at other offices.

“Each case is different, but Dr. Barusco makes it a point to meet with every client and attempt to assist them in gaining the results they originally expected. Due to his many years of experience and expertise, Dr. Barusco can provide a treatment plan most of the time. But it is heartbreaking when the situation is so bad that we cannot offer any help.”

 

Ms. Aivazis addresses the following questions regarding bad hair transplants.

Is there any type of badly performed procedure that’s particularly common?

“Due to the popularity of the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedure, we have seen many patients who have suffered from overharvesting and detrimental scarring to their donor area. While this procedure is excellent – as it offers the patient the opportunity to have different hair styles – it must be done by a physician with experience and skill, as it has a higher chance of complications when not performed correctly.”

 

Why did these patients initially choose the doctor who botched the procedure? Was their decision based solely on cost, or were they uninformed, or both?

“Many times, cost was a driving factor for the clients who have had ‘botched’ results. During the consultation, we educate clients that skill and experience in hair transplantation and hair loss diagnosis should be the driving factors in choosing a physician. Here at Tempus, we offer many different financing options to make this an affordable decision, thus eliminating cost as a factor.”

 

Did anyone mention to you that they had some misgivings about their original doctor before and/or after the procedure? Was there a point at which they knew something was seriously wrong?
“Yes, many times clients feel in their gut that something isn’t right during the consultation, i.e. even before the procedure is done. There are many cases where clients don’t even meet their physician until the day of the procedure, or they don’t see the physician at all and notice that the technicians are performing the entire procedure themselves.”

 

I imagine that it is much more difficult to correct another doctor’s bad work than it is to start fresh, so to speak. How does Dr. Barusco plan corrective surgery in such cases, knowing that each situation is unique?

 Hair Transplant Dr Mauro Barusco

“Dr. Barusco meets with every client during the consultation, which I believe is pivotal in deciding the best treatment plan for the client. Once he develops the treatment plan, it is discussed with the client in length prior to scheduling. On the day of the procedure, Dr. Barusco takes as much time as needed to make sure that the patient understands and agrees with the treatment plan before proceeding. I have seen Dr. Barusco cancel procedures in the morning they were going to take place, because he did not feel that the patient was ready and/or had a good understanding of both the short- and long-term implications of his or her decisions. This gives a hands-on approach in tackling every client’s unique case.”

 

What kind of credentials should a surgeon who does corrective work have?

“The surgeon should have experience in hair restoration, and it should be their specialty. Add to that a background in surgery, good cosmetic sense and a team that has been with the physician for years, and you have a great combination.”

 

Can you provide examples of patients (anonymously, of course) who saw a major improvement after Dr. Barusco corrected their bad transplant?

“I know many clients who have seen major improvements by Dr. Barusco’s hands. However, the two that stand out to me are the following.

“A gentleman had a couple of procedures done by a doctor via FUT (or strip method). Typically when an FUT procedure is done and a client comes in to have another procedure (whether it be for density purposes or to assist with further loss), the physician will utilize the same scar line on the client so they do not have multiple scars. However, this was not the case for this gentleman, who was left with multiple unsightly scars on the back of his head.

“Dr. Barusco was able to assist the client with scar revisions and hair into the scar area in order to limit the client to one scar. Unfortunately, his donor area was affected due to the multiple scarred areas, and the chance of having another procedure to add density is no longer there unless the patient undergoes hair clone therapy, which is under development.

“There is also a female client who comes to mind who had a procedure elsewhere and was left with an unnatural hair line that was extremely evident to all who looked at her. She had a hard time styling her hair, and the punches done were large and unsightly. Dr. Barusco was able to soften her hair line with one procedure to give her a more delicate, feminine look. Her hair is now better able to be attractively styled, and she has more confidence.”

What advice can you give people who are considering a hair transplant to ensure they get the best restoration procedure?

“The best advice I can give is to know your surgeon, do your research and ask questions. A well-informed client is important to ensure a decision like this can be made confidently.”

Patients should ask the following questions:

  •         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 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?

Once you are at the consultation, make sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction and DEMAND TO SEE A PHYSICIAN. At Tempus Hair Restoration, every prospective patient meets with Dr. Barusco – whether the consultation is in-office, or by video conference.

Throughout the time a patient is under Dr. Barusco’s care, Ms. Aivazis guides each patient, educating them on the technique(s) that will be implemented during their treatment. She spends as much time as needed to ensure that patients understand what they can expect, as well as to provide instructions and explanations on post-surgery care. Besides, all patients have direct access to Dr. Barusco’s cell phone, so they have an open line of communication with him if needed.

Choose your surgeon carefully 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.

Dr. Barusco also conducts virtual consultations for those who can’t travel to one of our 14 Florida locations, and our office will arrange travel and accommodations for out-of-area patients. We invite you to learn more about our procedures, then contact us to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Barusco. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your options.

Celebrities and Hair Loss – When Image Really Counts

From local celebrities to international superstars, image is everything. While a growing number of people pursue an “Instagram-ready” look for their “followers” of friends and family, celebrities are under greater pressure to maintain a youthful, vital appearance. For male celebrities experiencing hair loss, a hair transplant procedure can be what’s needed to keep their career active, and the confidence to stay on their “A” game.

Because successful men in the public eye typically seek the best, most qualified surgeon to achieve phenomenal results, Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – has had the honor of treating many leading actors, entertainers and professional athletes. While most choose to not confirm or discuss their procedure – wishing to maintain the illusion of eternal youth – others are glad to speak out about what led them to undergo a hair transplant.

Dr. Barusco and Jimmy Hart

One of Dr. Barusco’s patients who is well-known for speaking out is Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart.

His career began in the 1960s with a rock band called The Gentrys, whose biggest hit was “Keep on Dancing.” After The Gentrys disbanded, Hart found superstardom as a professional wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling. Now a manager of professional wrestlers, Hart continues his passion for music and showmanship.

In his testimonial video for Dr. Barusco, Hart enthusiastically relates his hair transplant journey.

Hart’s hair loss involved his hairline, crown and back of the head. Although always keeping an upbeat attitude in public, he was increasingly unhappy with the changes, and believed his fans noticed the difference, as well.

“I know I could tell when I would do the shows … where people go, ‘Hey, Jimmy, how you doing,’ but nobody really came up to me and said, ‘Oh my gosh, you look so young!’”

That changed after meeting Dr. Barusco and undergoing a hair transplant procedure Hart described as painless and easy, allowing him to return to his busy schedule the following day.

Dr. Barusco describes the procedure he recommended for Hart:

“Jimmy had a couple of FUT (or strip) procedures, with the goal of filling in his hairline, mid scalp and crown. Due to the characteristics of his donor hair (caliber, density, etc.), I felt that the FUT procedure would provide him with the best result, combined with medical treatments to strengthen and preserve his native hair. He has done very well, and the small scar on the back of his scalp is not noticeable at all.”

Hart’s fans now tell him how young he looks – which speaks volumes about the successful result Dr. Barusco achieved. On a trip to Los Angeles, he said,

“Everybody asked me the same thing: ‘Jimmy, you look younger and younger! What’s the secret?’ I said, it’s the hair, baby!”

Dr. Barusco and Raven

Another of Dr. Barusco’s patients from the professional wrestling world, Raven, experienced hair loss in a more dramatic way – in the ring. The legend of ECW, WCW, WWF and TNA wrestling tells the story behind his decision to undergo a hair transplant in two testimonial videos for Tempus Hair Restoration – one pre-surgery; the other, the following day.

 

 

Raven’s larger-than-life persona owed a great deal to his luxurious mane of hair. One fateful match required the loser to have his head shaved immediately after – in the ring, before a house full of fans. Unfortunately, Raven was not the victor that night, and the person in charge of shaving used a sheep sheer turned upside down, slicing through Raven’s scalp with every pass. Blood ran down Raven’s face, which brought cheers from the crowd, who probably thought it part of the show. After the wounds healed, Raven’s hair failed to regrow properly, thinning in the center.

Quoth Raven: “I always thought I would just go bald, but after seeing my head bald, it’s not a good look for me. It was either go thin, or get a hair replacement. My ego prevailed. I never thought I would have an ego about this – that when it came time to go bald, I would just go bald gracefully. But apparently, I have more ego than I thought.”

 

Dr. Barusco recommended a procedure that would give Raven the desired fullness: “For Raven we also opted for the FUT procedure. He normally wears his hair long on the back, and for him having a small linear scar on the back of his head is not a big deal. We also recommended a plan so that his hair loss will slow down.”

The day after undergoing surgery, Raven spoke about the ease of the procedure and minimal sensation at the surgical sites. Today, he’s no longer balding, and back to bringing on the intimidation!

Dr. Barusco and Humberto Martins

Dr. Barusco’s famous patients aren’t all professional wrestlers, however. He tells of renowned Brazilian actor Humberto Martins, whose long career includes numerous movie and TV roles. As hair loss creates the appearance of age, this dashing leading man was being offered more and more roles of older characters. He decided to start treatment with Dr. Barusco in 2016 to win younger roles again.

Said Dr. Barusco: “For Humberto we used a combination of various strategies to rejuvenate and preserve his existing hair, which achieved the results he expected: subtle changes in his hair density, which has helped him with his career.

“However, whether a patient is a celebrity or not, everyone is a VIP for us and we use every treatment and technique at our disposal to provide patients with accurate diagnosis and the latest treatment modalities, including medications and/or surgery, when appropriate.”

Dr. Barusco and his staff treat one patient at a time, giving each the focused attention they deserve for a safe, comfortable procedure and the best possible outcome.

You are invited to learn more about the innovative surgical and non-surgical hair restoration procedures that Dr. Barusco offers at Tempus Hair Restoration – as well as schedule a free consultation to learn your options. If you are unable to visit one of Tempus’ 14 Florida locations in person, you may consult with Dr. Barusco via teleconference. For your convenience, consultations are offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

As fitting, we’ll let The Mouth of the South have the last words about the benefits of a hair transplant by Dr. Barusco – regardless the degree of your fame.

“Through the years, we all get a little bit older, and we all want to look a little bit younger … If you feel good, that’s what it’s all about!”

Advanced Treatments for Non-Pattern Hair Loss

Non-patterned Hair Loss – Causes and Treatments

The stages of hair loss typically follow one of several common patterns – from a receding hairline to the classical horseshoe to the central bald spot. While genetics is the leading cause of male pattern baldness, some types of hair loss occur outside of this category. Hair falling out in patches or during a relatively short time period can have a number of causes, making non-patterned hair loss challenging to treat, as well as frustrating and troubling to those suffering from it. Learning to identify the various characteristics of non-patterned loss can lead to a quicker diagnosis and effective treatment.

As cited by WebMD, heredity accounts for 95 percent of all the cases of alopecia (baldness) in the United States. The remaining five percent can be due to a number of factors, including:

Diet – Unusually high levels of vitamin A or low levels of iron or protein. Iron is essential for the production of hair protein.

Illness – Thyroid disease, severe infection or flu.

Medications – Drugs used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), heart problems, depression or gout; birth control pills.

Hormonal imbalances – Changes in female hormone levels during pregnancy or menopause. Also, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can cause hair loss by increasing levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Stress – One of the most common causes of non-patterned hair loss, stress can trigger production of higher androgen levels. Androgens can attack the hair growth cycle and shorten it, which can cause hair loss.

Recognizing Alopecia Areata

Often mistaken as stress-related hair loss, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles. 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).

The AAD notes that alopecia areata in all of its variations is not due to nerves, and most often occurs in otherwise healthy people. Hair typically grows back, but can fall out again.

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) is a resource for those living with this condition. The NAAF states that although there are currently no treatments that work for everyone, some are effective for some people, depending on which type of alopecia areata is involved, the patient’s age and the extent of hair loss.

The main goals of treatment are to block the immune system’s attack and/or to stimulate hair regrowth. According to the NAAF, this can be effective, especially for those with less than 50 percent hair loss. For those with greater than 50 percent loss, oral and topical medications are available, as well as phototherapy (light treatments).

Recognizing Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs over time. It is caused by putting the hair under constant strain or tension, and usually results from wearing hair in very tight ponytails, pigtails, tight braids or cornrows. As more hair falls out, sufferers tend to attempt to mask the issue through weaves and hair extensions – which sets up a vicious cycle that worsens the condition.

This was the case with J.D. – a patient of Dr. Marco Barusco who sought treatment for her traction alopecia, made worse by the weaves she used to create the appearance of a full head of hair. In her job as a pharmaceutical representative, presenting a polished, professional image is essential, which led J.D. to research hair restoration specialists before scheduling an appointment at Tempus Hair Restoration. After a successful treatment program, J.D. is now proud to let her natural hair represent her self-confidence to the world. And she is not wearing tight ponytails anymore.

Treatments For Non-Patterned Hair Loss

Unlike male and female pattern baldness, the cause of each individual case of non-patterned hair loss is different. A diagnosis by a licensed physician who has experience with hair loss needs to be made in order for a course of treatment to be planned. While you may suspect a cause, attempting to treat non-patterned hair loss without a diagnosis can make the condition worse – or at the very least, delay effective treatment and the desired outcome of healthy hair.

Dr. Barusco has over 20 years of experience treating all types of hair loss – including non-patterned. His professional credentials include: Diplomate and Past President (2017) of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery; Assistant Professor of Surgery – University of Central Florida College of Medicine; Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS).

We offer the latest, most advanced treatments available for non-patterned hair loss. Our blog post, “Non-surgical Treatments for Hair Restoration,” discusses prescription medications and other treatments our practice utilizes, depending upon the individual patient’s case.

If you are suffering with non-patterned hair loss, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Barusco. Unlike many other hair restoration practices, Dr. Barusco conducts all consultations (both in-office and virtually) himself, and performs all procedures.

Should you be reading this article outside of the areas served by our 14 offices throughout Florida, we can make arrangements for a virtual consultation with Dr. Barusco. For your convenience, consultations are offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Dr. Barusco and our staff look forward to meeting you, and helping you get the right treatment for your type of hair loss.