Tempus Hair Restoration Logo
Schedule a Free Consultation!

More Hair Loss Myths

Schedule Consultation
Home Hair Loss Procedures

Category Archives: Hair Loss Procedures

More Hair Loss Myths

Hair Loss Procedures

Separating fact from fiction can be challenging, especially when it comes to personal topics like hair loss. Misconceptions about hair loss are everywhere, and they often discourage people from seeking real solutions. In this post, we’re tackling eight common hair loss myths that might be holding you back from the confidence you deserve. Let’s dive in and separate myth from reality, helping you find the answers that truly support your hair restoration journey.

If you’ve ever wondered if your hair loss might reflect something about you beyond genetics, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: There’s no scientific evidence linking intelligence to hair loss. The primary cause of male pattern hair loss—known as androgenetic alopecia—is influenced by genetics and hormones, not intelligence. While society sometimes perceives bald men as wise or intelligent, these impressions are just that—perceptions.

  1. Highly Intelligent People are More Likely to Go Bald

The “logic” behind this myth is that intellectual people think so much, their brain overheats the hair follicles—or there’s increased blood circulation through the scalp, thanks to all that active thinking just below. Another variation suggests that high-level thinkers worry more, causing their hair to fall out. There’s a grain of truth here, as stress can trigger temporary hair loss through a condition called telogen effluvium, but this has no connection to intelligence.

Bottom line: Hair loss is not a measure of intelligence. If you’re experiencing it and want to understand your options, Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—is here to provide clarity and guidance based on over 25 years of expertise.

  1. Baldness is Inherited from Your Mother’s Side

For those wondering if genetics might hold the answer to their hair loss, know that this isn’t entirely true. While early genetic studies suggested balding was passed down through the maternal line, we now know that genes from both sides of the family can influence hair loss.

To put it simply, both parents contribute to the genes that determine hair loss potential. According to Harvard Medical School, “Contrary to the folk wisdom that baldness is inherited from one’s mother’s family, the condition depends on genes from both parents.”

Bottom line: Genetics play a role, but they’re not solely responsible. Dr. Barusco can help you understand the genetic factors that may be at play in your unique case, giving you a clearer picture of your hair restoration options.

  1. Too Much Exercise Causes Hair Loss

You may have heard that working out too much can cause hair loss. While it’s true that excessive, high-stress workouts might impact hair health, regular exercise does not cause hair loss—in fact, it can boost blood flow to the scalp, supporting healthy hair growth.

For those involved in extreme training, like competitive bodybuilding, there can be additional factors at play, such as anabolic steroid use and nutrient deficiencies, which can indeed contribute to hair loss. The key is balance, along with making sure you’re getting essential nutrients to support healthy hair.

Bottom line: Your workout routine isn’t to blame for hair loss unless it involves extreme factors. Want to learn more about how lifestyle choices impact your hair health? Dr. Barusco is here to provide expert insights tailored to you.

  1. Too Much Testosterone Causes Hair Loss

This myth has staying power, thanks to portrayals of high-testosterone athletes and action movie heroes with thinning hair. The reality, though, is that high testosterone levels don’t directly cause hair loss. Instead, genetics determine how sensitive your hair follicles are to androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone.

If your follicles are sensitive to DHT, even small amounts can trigger hair loss. For those with this sensitivity, solutions are available that target DHT without compromising overall health.

Bottom line: It’s not about how much testosterone you have, but rather your genetic sensitivity to it. Dr. Barusco can help you understand how your genetics play a role in hair loss and what can be done to manage it.

  1. A High-Sodium Diet Causes Hair Loss

A high-sodium diet certainly isn’t great for overall health, but it doesn’t directly cause hair loss. Instead, an excess of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems—conditions that can affect your hair health over time by limiting nutrient delivery to the scalp.

Bottom line: For a healthy head of hair and a healthy you, a balanced diet is key. If you’re unsure how nutrition might be affecting your hair, Dr. Barusco can offer personalized advice as part of your hair restoration journey.

  1. Sleeping on One Side Causes Hair Loss

The idea here is that sleeping on one side puts pressure on those hair follicles, causing them to weaken over time. In reality, this isn’t something to worry about. Most people shift positions throughout the night, and hair growth patterns are largely genetically programmed.

Bottom line: Sleeping position has no effect on hair loss. Hair restoration is about working with your unique biology, and Dr. Barusco can help you understand your options based on your individual needs.

  1. Frequent Shampooing Causes Hair Loss

This myth likely stems from concerns about harsh shampoos and over-styling, which can cause hair to break. However, regular shampooing, especially with gentle products, actually supports scalp health by keeping follicles clear.

Bottom line: Enjoy the refreshing feel of a clean scalp, knowing it’s only helping—not hurting—your hair. Dr. Barusco can recommend the best care routine tailored to your hair and scalp type.

  1. Blocked Follicles Cause Hair Loss

This is perhaps the most persistent myth of all, with countless products on the market claiming to “unblock” follicles and restore hair growth. However, hair growth isn’t affected by external blockage of the follicles.

Dr. Barusco has addressed this in detail on his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice, where he explains that hair grows even when follicles appear “blocked” by sebum or oil. Products that promise to reverse hair loss by cleansing follicles don’t actually target the biological mechanisms involved in hair loss.

Bottom line: Don’t let these claims fool you. Real solutions start with understanding the root causes of hair loss, and Dr. Barusco’s years of expertise make him the trusted choice to help you explore options that work.

When It’s Time to Get Real Answers

Hair loss is about more than just appearance—it can affect how we see ourselves and how we feel each day. At Tempus Hair Restoration, we’re committed to giving you the confidence that comes with knowing you have expert support on your side. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Barusco provides personalized care for each client, ensuring that every step of the journey is crafted with your unique needs in mind.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for answers to your specific hair loss questions, schedule your free virtual consultation with Dr. Barusco today. Consultations are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. And for out-of-town clients, we offer a complimentary two-night hotel stay for those traveling over 100 miles to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center.

Take the first step toward restoring your hair and your confidence. Secure your consultation now—spots fill up quickly, and we’re here to make this journey as smooth and supportive as possible. Contact us today, and let’s start your journey together!

Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?

Hair Loss Procedures,

Originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has gained widespread attention as an effective weight loss solution. But could hair loss be an unwanted side effect of Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications? Some media outlets sensationalize claims that patients are shedding hair along with the pounds, and exaggerated reports on social media can make it hard to separate fact from fiction. Let’s take a closer look at the real story.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs, and How Do They Cause Weight Loss?

GLP-1 drugs—also known as GLP-1 agonists—mimic the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar and hunger. According to Harvard Medical School, GLP-1 agonists stimulate the pancreas to release insulin while suppressing glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. This process is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes.

In addition to controlling blood sugar, GLP-1 drugs act on the brain to reduce hunger and slow down stomach emptying, which can lead to significant weight loss. The FDA has approved these medications not only for diabetes patients but also for individuals with obesity who are looking to lose weight.

Is Hair Loss a Side Effect of GLP-1 Medications?

In early 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating reports of hair loss in people taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. However, their findings did not demonstrate a clear link between these drugs and hair loss.

Instead, hair loss during dramatic weight loss is more commonly attributed to telogen effluvium—a temporary condition triggered by physical stress on the body, including rapid weight loss. Telogen effluvium causes hair follicles to shift into the shedding phase of their growth cycle, leading to noticeable hair loss about three months after the stressor.

The good news is that telogen effluvium is usually temporary, with hair growth resuming within three to six months after the underlying cause is addressed. However, it can take longer for your hair to return to its normal fullness, especially if it’s longer. Most people regain their hair volume within six to nine months.

What About Other Types of Hair Loss?

The American Hair Loss Association (AHLA) warns that while telogen effluvium is temporary, there may be more serious concerns for those misusing GLP-1 medications for rapid weight loss without medical supervision. The AHLA has suggested that hormonal changes triggered by these drugs could potentially accelerate androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss), which is a progressive form of hair loss that can lead to permanent thinning.

Considering Medical Weight Loss? Choose Your Physician Wisely!

Unfortunately, GLP-1 medications have become one of the many “services” offered by telehealth companies that also sell hair restoration and male health products. These companies may downplay the importance of proper medical supervision, turning prescriptions into a transactional service rather than a thoughtful medical decision.

Always consult with a licensed physician before beginning any weight loss treatment. Choosing a trusted medical professional ensures that your health is carefully monitored, and any potential side effects—such as hair loss—are properly addressed.

Considering a Hair Restoration Procedure? Choose Your Surgeon Wisely!

When it comes to hair restoration, you deserve care from a surgeon with experience, integrity, and a proven track record. Dr. Marco Barusco, with over 25 years of experience and a notable reputation in the field, leads Tempus Hair Restoration with a commitment to delivering personalized care.

At Tempus, every consultation is conducted by Dr. Barusco himself, ensuring that you receive expert advice tailored to your unique situation. We also offer financing options to make your hair restoration journey as accessible as possible.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book your free virtual consultation with Dr. Barusco today and explore the solutions that best fit your needs—all from the comfort of your home. Consultations are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. For out-of-town clients, we offer a complimentary two-night hotel stay for those traveling 100 miles or more to our Port Orange, Florida, surgical center.

No matter the distance, we are here to help you restore your hair and your confidence. Contact us today and let’s start your journey together!

August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month

Hair Loss Procedures, ,

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has designated August as National Hair Loss Awareness Month to focus attention on the causes of and treatments for hair loss. According to Penn Medicine, hair loss affects more than 40 million men and 20 million women in the United States. However, statistics are made up of individuals. If you are experiencing hair loss, it’s a personal source of worry, uncertainty and frustration. We at Tempus Hair Restoration want to take this opportunity to cover the various common reasons for hair loss – both permanent and temporary – as well as transplant procedures and the types of hair loss each can best address.

What is 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 (AGA) is a common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this condition is also known as male-pattern baldness.

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

Other common types of alopecia include the following:

Alopecia areata – This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This can lead to hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere. Typically the hair loss involves totally smooth, round patches about the size of a coin or larger. This disease may affect children, women or men of any age. The hair follicles – the “bulbs” below the skin surface – remain protected, so hair loss typically isn’t permanent. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation provides free information and resources for those living with this condition.

Traction alopecia – This is the term for hair loss from mechanical damage to the hair follicle caused by repeated tension or pulling. This can be caused by wearing the same hairstyle for long periods of time – especially those that tug on the hair, such as tight braids, cornrows and weaves. Tight hairstyles applied to chemically relaxed hair can lead to even greater damage. Our blog post – “Is a Hair Transplant a Solution for Traction Alopecia?” – covers this topic in greater detail.

What Are Other Causes of Hair Loss?

Although many people assume that the cause of hair loss is entirely genetic, lifestyle and health play an important role. No element of the human body exists or functions independently of the others – including hair follicles. Our blog post – “How Lifestyle Affects Hair Loss” – covers this topic in detail.

The following factors can cause or accelerate hair loss:

Stress – Many people experience a general thinning of the hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. Stress hormones – such as corticosterone – can put hair follicle stem cells into a resting phase, preventing them from regenerating hair follicles. However, the demands and uncertainties of modern life have made chronic stress commonplace. Fortunately, stress-induced hair loss is unlikely to be permanent. Using stress-management techniques and/or seeking professional counseling may help the mind-body connection deal with stress in a healthier way.

Smoking – Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor – which makes blood vessels contract. This restricts the delivery of oxygen to every cell of the body, including the skin and hair follicles. Over time, this makes hair regrowth harder, so when strands fall out, they aren’t replaced as readily – or at all. In addition to nicotine starving cells of oxygen, the numerous toxic substances in cigarettes have been implicated in causing damage to the DNA of hair follicles.

Poor diet – Hair is sensitive to nutritional imbalances. An inadequate intake of essential vitamins or minerals can impact the hair growth (anagen phase)/rest cycle (telogen phase). For this reason, a junk food diet high in saturated fat, salt and sugar – and low in essential vitamins and nutrients – not only leads to hair follicles being poorly nourished, but increases the risk for type 2 diabetes. Fad diets likewise tend to be imbalanced in food varieties and essential nutrients, and therefore should be avoided.

Medications and medical treatments – As Mayo Clinic states, hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs – such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure. Radiation therapy to the head also causes hair loss.

Steroid use – Bodybuilders and others looking to increase muscle mass and athletic performance have long turned to anabolic steroids, despite their dangerous side effects and risk of addiction. Add hair loss to the list. Those who are genetically predisposed to AGA can quickly accelerate its progression, because the Type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme transforms testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT clings to receptors on hair follicles and causes them to weaken. Hair loss accelerated by steroid use is permanent. Our blog post – “What You Need to Know About Bodybuilding and Hair Loss” – covers this topic in detail.

Hair Transplant Procedures

Not every type of hair loss can be addressed with a hair transplant procedure. Those whose loss is caused by AGA or traction alopecia can be good candidates for a hair transplant – taking into account such factors as the extent of hair loss, availability of hair in the donor site (the scalp area from which hair follicles are removed) and the overall health of the individual, among others.

For most other causes of hair loss, hair will eventually grow back unless the follicles themselves are no longer viable.

Hair transplant procedures include the following:

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

No-Shave FUE – Developed by  Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – the no-shave FUE completely conceals harvested donor sites immediately, allowing you to resume your regular activities with virtually no evidence of the procedure.

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

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

The Importance of Choosing Your Surgeon Wisely

If National Hair Loss Awareness Month is making you think about seeking help for your own hair loss, you also need to be aware that not all hair restoration practices are equal in getting the best possible outcome. As we always say, “Knowledge is power.” Knowing how to find a skilled, experienced, ethical hair restoration surgeon is essential – yet can be difficult, as there is much misleading “information” regarding hair transplant surgery that works against consumers educating themselves about how to choose a qualified surgeon.

A good place to start is the website of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS). This site 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. We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we offer financing options that can place this important goal within reach.

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

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

Reviving Confidence: A Comprehensive Guide to Hair Restoration with Dr. Marco Barusco

Hair Loss Procedures,

We at Tempus Hair Restoration often talk about the hair restoration journey. This is an accurate analogy, as there are many steps from the time you decide to explore your hair restoration options to the happy day when your new growth fills in so that you once again recognize the man in the mirror. However, there is much to learn to navigate this journey successfully and achieve the result you want.

We always sign off our Tempus Hair Restoration monthly blog post with the statement, “Choose your surgeon wisely.” Of course, we mean Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration. This month, we dedicate our blog post to introducing you to Dr. Barusco and the many reasons why he is the wise choice for your hair restoration procedure!

Meet Dr. Marco Barusco

A native of Brazil, Dr. Barusco decided to pursue advanced training in hair restoration techniques after completing his training in general surgery. His family’s history of hair loss weighed heavily in Dr. Barusco’s choice of specialty, knowing that he was very likely to experience it as well.

Says Dr. Barusco, “I’m a hair transplant patient too, so I understand how hair loss can affect your confidence and why I’ve dedicated my professional life to helping others who suffer from hair loss.”

In practice since 1998, Dr. Barusco is a leading hair restoration surgeon, devoted to developing and bringing the most advanced techniques to his patients. Moreover, he is a tireless educator who lectures and conducts workshops both nationally and internationally to instruct current hair transplant surgeons and educate the next generation. He is Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and has written chapters for numerous hair restoration textbooks.

Dr. Barusco also has been honored to serve in key positions for hair restoration organizations, including the following:

Know Your Surgeon – Who Will be Performing Your Hair Transplant Procedure?

Now that you know Dr. Barusco’s background, think about other surgeons or hair transplant clinics you might be contacting for a consultation. Who will be performing your surgery? What is his or her professional background? If you schedule a consultation at a franchise clinic, you may not be meeting the surgeon, but a salesperson or medical technician. At some clinics, unlicensed technicians illegally operating robotic devices harvest and implant hair follicles. We invite you to read Dr. Barusco’s article about the significant risks of this too-common practice.

In our blog post – “Behind the Reviews – Dr. Marco Barusco’s Hair Transplant Patients Share Their Stories” – beard transplant patient Argelis F. describes his consultation experience with Dr. Barusco as an example of how this important discussion should be conducted.

“I called plenty of other surgeons, but his was the only practice I called where I spoke to the doctor himself. With the other places, I never got the actual procedure explained to me by the doctor. It was always by somebody else in the office. But Dr. Barusco was different.”

So what should this conversation be like? Dr. Barusco’s consultations cover the following areas: your hair loss history, your family history of hair loss, your medical history, your past and current medications, your allergy history, surgical history and a timeline of your hair loss. The consultation will also include an examination of your hair and a basic medical examination if the consultation is conducted in-office. Dr. Barusco will then arrive at a diagnosis of your hair loss.

Although not generally known, people can have more than one type of hair loss. For this reason, Dr. Barusco may have two or three ideas of the cause – which is known as a differential diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis is given, Dr. Barusco will discuss your hair restoration goals with you. Dr. Barusco knows that good communication is essential to getting the result you want – which includes setting realistic expectations of what you can expect. For example, a 45-year-old can’t get back the hair he had at age 18, but can get a good hairline and aesthetically pleasing crown coverage, if those are the goals. It’s a collaborative process in which you and Dr. Barusco have a candid discussion about what’s possible, and the best procedure for achieving the optimum outcome.

Dr. Barusco’s Leading-edge Hair Transplant Procedures

Dr. Barusco has long 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 this procedure is the long-hair FUE. It is also known as the “preview” long-hair FUE because it provides 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 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 instead of many.

Regardless which procedure Dr. Barusco performs, he harvests and implants each hair follicle by hand. This is essential in selecting the right follicles from the donor area of the scalp, and creating the implantation site to achieve the best possible coverage. Implanting each follicle by hand also allows Dr. Barusco to position them at the correct angle – which is necessary to achieve the look of natural growth. No matter what you may have read or heard, no robotic device can achieve this degree of accuracy or level of artistry.

Dr. Barusco’s Skill in Performing Hair Transplants for Patients with Special Circumstances

Dr. Barusco is also renowned for his skill in performing hair transplants to conceal scars caused by head trauma or surgery (such as facelifts) – as well as restoration procedures for those who have undergone chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. We invite you to read the inspiring story of “K.J.” – a patient whose near-fatal motorcycle accident left him with a wide scar where surgeons had to replace a section of his skull.

“(The patient’s) case was difficult, and posed a higher risk of serious complications due to the surgeries he had for his head trauma,” said Dr. Barusco. “Particularly the reconstruction of his skull with a synthetic material, which was placed under the area to be transplanted. This made the procedure of transplanting hair more challenging and risky. Most other doctors don’t have the experience or the facilities to perform this procedure under sterile conditions, and with the pre- and post-operative preparations that were needed to do it safely.”

Dr. Barusco created a pre- and post-operative protocol designed to increase safety in these types of procedures. This protocol was published in a scientific journal and in a medical textbook, and today is used by many doctors in the field.

As for K.J., his hair transplant successfully concealed his scar, allowing him to put this painful reminder of his traumatic injury in the past – and is now making the most of his second chance at life.

Success by Design – How Dr. Barusco’s Aesthetic Sense Creates Outstanding Results

Do you remember paint-by-numbers pictures? They’re still around and still the same: an outline of a drawing printed on canvas that has numbered sections for the different colors of paint to be used. The finished product is technically a painting, yet far from a work of art. Consequently, a hair transplant by a surgeon who lacks a sense of aesthetics may cover bald spots, but will look somewhat “off.”

As our blog post – “Principles of Male Hairline Design” – covers, in addition to properly positioning the hairline restoration to your facial features, implanting each follicular unit to create the appearance of natural growth is essential to preventing the result from looking like a hairpiece.

“There are no straight lines on the human body,” says Dr. Barusco. “You don’t want to put anything in a straight line because it doesn’t look natural. It will catch peoples’ eyes for the wrong reason. You want to create variability.”

During the transplant procedure, Dr. Barusco implants hair grafts to build macro and micro irregularities into the hairline. Each follicular unit graft can contain one to three (or even four) hair follicles, which Dr. Barusco varies to further create a natural effect.

Dr. Barusco also takes great care in creating a frontal temporal transition to achieve this visual variability. “If I just design a hairline and go straight into the hair without creating that soft transition to the temples, it’s going to look artificial. The effect will be so obvious that people will either know you’ve had a transplant, or think you’re wearing a hairpiece. Neither is a desirable outcome.”

Dr. Barusco Puts the Patient First

If you’re considering a hair transplant, you probably don’t know what to expect regarding the patient experience. What you should know is that you shouldn’t be treated like a product on an assembly line.

Dr. Barusco always puts the patient first. He makes sure that you understand how local anesthesia will be administered before the procedure, and that you have the appropriate pain management medications immediately after. His patients typically report that they are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure itself. They often are pleasantly surprised that Dr. Barusco gives them his personal cell phone number if they have questions, and calls them later that evening post-op to follow up on how they’re doing.

To further ensure a smooth recovery process and success of the procedure, post-op examinations are later scheduled at various intervals to allow Dr. Barusco to monitor scalp health and hair growth.

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely – Choose Excellence with Dr. Barusco

When it comes to hair restoration, expertise and compassion are essential. Dr. Barusco’s commitment to excellence, patient-centered approach and artistic precision make him a top choice for those seeking to restore their confidence and reclaim their youthful appearance. Explore your hair restoration options with Dr. Barusco, and embark on a transformative journey toward a revitalized you!

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

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

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

The Truth About Robotic Devices in Hair Transplant Procedures

Hair Loss 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!

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!

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

Hair Loss Procedures,

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?

Hair Loss Procedures,

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

Hair Loss Procedures, , ,

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

Hair Loss Procedures, Surgery, Uncategorized, , ,

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.