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Why You Should Avoid Practices That Don’t Specialize in Hair Restoration

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Why You Should Avoid Practices That Don’t Specialize in Hair Restoration

Male Hair Restoration,

There is no shortage of clinics and medical practices that offer hair restoration. And it’s no wonder. Considering that hair transplants constitute a $53 billion dollar global market, the incentive to do so is great. However, if you’re considering a hair transplant, be careful about who you choose, and avoid practices that don’t specialize in hair restoration.

You may wonder why this would matter. After all, aren’t hair transplants a standardized surgical procedure? If a medical practice is offering them, shouldn’t the doctor be qualified to perform them safely and achieve the desired result? The answers may surprise you—and not in a pleasant way!

Not All Hair Transplants are Created Equal

As a consumer, all you know about hair transplant clinics and medical practices that offer them is likely through their advertising. Be it online or in print, of course, ads present these services in the best light—and always beneficial to the consumer. But if you’re looking for a bargain and/or are impressed by the use of high-tech robotic devices that claim to deliver a perfect outcome with a minimum of human intervention, there is much that you’re not being told.

The caution “consumer beware” should be your attitude in your response to advertising claims. If an ad for a clinic or practice that doesn’t specialize in hair transplantation gets your interest because of what seems to be a good price for a follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure, you should ask yourself why this practice is now performing hair transplants, how long it’s been doing so, and who is doing the actual planning, harvesting and implantation of hair grafts—and what their qualifications are.

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—is a vocal advocate for consumer education. In his three-part YouTube podcast series—“The Current State of Hair Transplant Surgery”—Dr. Barusco provides his personal perspective on this situation. In part three of the series—“Do It Right or Don’t Do It At All”—Dr. Barusco talks with podcast host Peter Roman about how such cosmetic surgery practices came to add hair transplantation to their services.

Dr. Barusco reveals that while you might assume a physician or cosmetic surgeon reached this decision after a good deal of thought and additional training, such typically isn’t the case. Instead, the purchase of a robotic device prompted this new service. Get ready to have your eyes opened!

Says Dr. Barusco:

“What they [the robotic device manufacturer] do is go to a plastic surgery conference and buy an exhibitor’s space and set up with the machines and some sales people. They tell the surgeons, ‘Look, you can add hair transplant surgery to your practice. It’s a 50 billion dollar industry you can get a piece of. Just buy my machine. You don’t have to do anything. I will send the staff to do the procedure for you, and do the advertising.’ So it became very popular.”

Let this sink in. A manufacturer’s sales representative pitches doctors a turnkey solution that requires no knowledge or skill on their part to operate so they can enjoy a new revenue stream. Other personnel who are hired by the device’s manufacturer will be sent out to perform the FUE procedure. The extent of their training does not qualify them to harvest and implant hair grafts – which is, by definition, surgery, as both require cutting into the skin.

Hair Restoration Surgeons Sound the Alarm About Unethical and Illegal Practices

Dr. Barusco is not alone in sounding the alarm. As Modern Aesthetics reports, hair transplant surgery is surgery.

“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.”

Florida and other states in the U.S. have passed legislation which deems that harvesting hair and making incisions on a patient are functions that only a physician, a Physician’s Assistant (not the same as a technician or nurse) or a Nurse Practitioner are allowed to perform.

“If you don’t see any of them in the room, the surgery is being done illegally,” says Dr. Barusco. “Technicians and any other such individuals are practicing medicine without a license, and the doctor who allows them to do it in their practice is also aiding and abetting the illegal practice of medicine and may lose his or her medical license and/or face felony charges.”

In a highly publicized case, the owner of a surgical center in Virginia Beach, VA, was arrested in 2023 for performing hair transplants without a license. The investigation began after a patient filed a complaint, claiming long-lasting medical issues as a result of his procedure.

The Potential for a Botched Hair Transplant is Real

You don’t need to try hard to imagine the potential for a botched outcome or even a risk to your health if you get a procedure from someone whose shingle lists “hair transplants” under other specialties. Also, consider the professional ethics of a doctor who sees you as just a quick buck, rather than a patient who deserves respect and the utmost care. Dr. Barusco has consulted with far too many such people who suffered poor outcomes as the result—including those whose transplant can’t be corrected because too much hair was harvested from the donor area of the scalp.

“I meet with patients almost every day who have trusted doctors and practices because they had these devices, only to find out later that they would need me to fix what’s been done to them. And what is even worse, is that these patients are coming to me not only with poor results on their hairline, but also scarring and thinning of their donor hair caused by taking too many hairs with incisions that are too close together and/or larger than they should be.”

It’s Important to Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

One big tip-off as to whether a practice has literally bought into using a robotic device as its sole means of performing hair transplants is if it only offers the FUE. A practice that does not also offer follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and/or the No-Shave FUE—which Dr. Barusco developed to completely conceal harvested donor sites immediately—does not have an experienced hair transplant specialist on staff, and should be avoided.

Also known as the “strip” method, the FUT involves harvesting a very small strip of hair and skin from the donor area, then placing it under a microscope to be prepared for implantation as hair grafts. The FUT 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. As this procedure cannot be performed by a robotic device, look for a practice that offers the FUT and other procedures besides the FUE. Tempus Hair Restoration offers the procedures mentioned in the previous paragraph, as well as the groundbreaking combination FUE and FUT, which covers large areas of baldness in a single surgery without having to wait one or two years between procedures.

Avoiding practices that don’t specialize in hair transplants is just the initial step in ensuring your procedure will be performed by a qualified, experienced, skilled surgeon who puts the well-being and hair restoration goals of the patient first.

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!

There’s No Time Like the Present for a Hair Transplant!

Male Hair Restoration

Are you considering a hair transplant? If so, how long have you been thinking about it? Hopefully, you’re spending your time researching hair restoration procedures and surgeons through credible sources in order to make a good decision. However, there’s no time like the present to take the big step to improving your appearance and self-confidence! The new year offers new opportunities. Being the best possible version of yourself can help you make the most of them!

The World is More Competitive – You Need Every Advantage You Can Get!

Maybe you keep up with today’s rapidly changing technology out of necessity for your job, or just because you enjoy it. Although in the recent past being a rock star in your field was enough to keep you employed or position you as a desirable job candidate, we need to be honest about today’s situation. Projecting a dynamic, fit appearance now counts a great deal in how your employer—or potential employer—sees you. A balding scalp has an aging effect on even a young man. For a mature man, it can be a serious deterrent to job security or advancement.

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

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

In addition to the job market, the dating scene is highly competitive. Hair loss can cause women to “swipe left” when they view your profile picture on dating apps. While it’s true that your positive qualities should outweigh physical appearance (the same could be said when you search such apps for an eligible bachelorette), many factors play into selecting a potential mate. And if that word seems a little prehistoric, there is much about how we subconsciously select a partner that’s hard-wired into our brain. A male with a full head of hair projects a desirable image of health and potency.

Again, let’s be honest. Women traditionally have been aware of the social price to be paid for showing signs of aging. But the bar is now being raised for men. If you’ve seen—or at least are aware of—the reality series, The Golden Bachelor, you know that men who have reached (or passed) their 50th birthday are expected to look robust and sport a full head of healthy hair. Also, highly promoted skincare brands marketed to men are making inroads, finding customers who want to fight wrinkles, under-eye bags and sagging skin. The ante has been upped when it comes to bringing your “A” game!

The Influence of Social Media, Pop Culture and International Culture on Perceptions of Male Attractiveness

We don’t live in a bubble. Expectations of physical appearance are now higher due to social media, as well as international influences on perceptions of male attractiveness. Instagram, TikTok and K-pop boy bands permeate our culture, setting style standards. Also, an openness to international cultures has introduced different aesthetic preferences.

For example, as our blog post—“Hair Restoration Around the World: A Cultural Perspective”—observes, the male beauty standards in East Asian popular culture – from Korean K-pop to Hong Kong’s movie industry—often favor big hair and boyish looks. With South Korea being a global leader in skincare and other beauty trends, the number of hair transplant clinics is growing. Moreover, hair transplant procedures are popular among Chinese males, with the number of Chinese patients in Asian clinics described by a CNN report as “booming.”

If you’re noticing more men sporting a hairline that’s closer to the forehead, there’s a reason! The hairline of Caucasian males is forward in youth, gradually receding from the temples somewhat until reaching its mature M-shape. Even when seeking a hair transplant for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss), Caucasian men typically are comfortable with a certain amount of recession remaining in this area.

However, a more forward hairline has long been favored by men of Black, Hispanic, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern heritage—who show a specific preference to restore this hairline when they undergo a hair transplant procedure. The aesthetic goal is toward a hairline that signals the vigor and virility of youth, which an increasing number of men of all backgrounds find appealing as the image they want to project.

Hair Restoration Techniques are Better than Ever!

Today’s hair restoration procedures and technologies are better than ever. When performed by an experienced surgeon who combines skill with an artist’s eye—such as  Dr. Marco Barusco—founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration—a hair transplant achieves the look of natural growth.

Dr. Barusco offers the following procedures and treatments:

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

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

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

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

So What Are You Waiting For? Don’t Let Another Year Go By Without Getting Your Hair Back!

This is the time to take action! Letting your hair loss continue will only make restoration more challenging should you eventually decide to explore your options for a hair transplant procedure. Meanwhile, the world will continue to turn faster, and standards for appearance will be set even higher. Don’t get left behind as others get the opportunities you want!

Start by scheduling your free virtual consultation with Dr. Barusco today and explore the solutions that best fit your needs—all from the comfort of your home. With over 25 years of experience and a reputation as an innovator in his field, Dr. Barusco leads Tempus Hair Restoration with a commitment to delivering personalized care. 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.

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! You deserve to live your best life! There’s no time like the present!

Can a “Pluggy” Hair Transplant be Corrected?

Male Hair Restoration,

Are you living with a hair transplant that gave you a “pluggy” or “doll-head” look? If so, you’re not alone. And if you’re reluctant to undergo another procedure to correct it because you’re apprehensive about making it even worse, help is available if you choose the right surgeon. Of course, we will soon talk about Dr. Marco Barusco—Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration—and his extensive experience in correcting botched hair transplants. But first, let’s look at the reasons this kind of bad result has occurred over the years, and why it continues to this day.

Pluggy Hair Transplants: A Brief History

Back in the mid-1970s through the ‘80s—when hair transplants were first gaining popularity—the technology and surgical procedures for harvesting and implanting hair grafts were primitive by today’s standards. Doctors harvested hair with a circular punch device, and each graft contained as many as 20 hairs. The surgical team placed the transplanted grafts far enough apart to ensure they had a sufficient blood supply to survive. The hair then grew out as isolated clumps, similar to those on a doll’s head, resulting in an unnatural look.

Fortunately, hair transplant technology has come a long way since then. When performed properly, the outcome has the appearance of natural growth—thus achieving the desired effect that no one can tell you had a hair transplant!

So Why Are Pluggy Hair Transplants Still Out There?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of unqualified or minimally qualified people performing hair transplant procedures. Regular readers of our Tempus Hair Restoration blog have learned about foreign black market hair transplant clinics where non-medical staff members harvest and implant hair grafts—often without supervision by a licensed surgeon—under unsanitary operating room conditions. In such clinics, a pluggy result would probably be the least of what could go wrong.

Even here in the United States, clinics and medical practices that use robotic devices to harvest and implant hair grafts can cut corners by using unlicensed technicians or other staff members to operate the machine—in effect, performing surgery. Our blog has covered this situation in depth, and Dr. Barusco has written this eye-opening article about why you should avoid choosing such a practice for your procedure.

Today, we can add changing taste in male hairline aesthetics to the reasons why pluggy hair transplants persist. Unlike their fathers, the new generation of men seeking hair restoration procedures tend to favor a more forward hairline, which is characteristic of a youthful hairline. In the hands of a surgeon who has a poor sense of how to place hair grafts to have some variation to avoid a straight-across look, however, the growth pattern appears “off,” with the hairs seeming to grow up from the hairline instead of subtly blending in.

Dr. Barusco’s Advice for a Viewer Unhappy with His Pluggy Hairline

Dr. Barusco answers questions from viewers of his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice. One viewer said he had a hair transplant in England in 2016, and has a concern about his hairline and the direction of the graphs. There were multiple hair graphs placed right on the hairline, resulting in a pluggy look. His question to Dr. Barusco: What can be done to fix it?

Looking at the viewer’s photo on screen, Dr. Barusco identified where the transplant went wrong. Of course, you should watch the video, but the essence of the issue is the hairline is at once too forward and too similar to that of an inverted U-shaped female hairline. While Dr. Barusco provides detailed advice regarding correction in the video, he recommends surgically removing some of the hairs from the hairline, dividing them into smaller units, and re-implanting them in a more natural pattern to soften the hairline. This is typically achieved by using advanced follicular unit extraction (FUE) techniques to achieve a less obvious, denser appearance that softens the pluggy effect.

Dr. Barusco also recommends removing some grafts from the corners of the hairline frontotemporal angles) to make them appear more natural.

Will the viewer follow up by booking an appointment with Dr. Barusco for a one-on-one consultation and undergo the corrective procedure? We don’t know yet, but watch this space for a follow-up blog post if he does!

Key Steps in Correcting a Pluggy Hair Transplant

While we just looked at one specific individual with a pluggy hair transplant issue, the general steps in performing a corrective transplant procedure are as follow:

Removal of old grafts—The primary step involves carefully extracting the large, visible “plug”grafts using a punch tool, essentially reversing the previous transplant procedure. 

Graft manipulation—Depending on the size and quality of the removed grafts, the surgeon might divide them into smaller follicular units for a more natural distribution. 

Strategic re-implantation—The newly separated grafts are then strategically placed in the recipient area, following a natural hair growth pattern to camouflage the previous unnatural appearance.

Camouflage techniques—In some cases, where the donor area is limited, the surgeon might use existing hair to “camouflage” the remaining visible pluggy areas. 

Factors to Consider when Correcting a Pluggy Hair Transplant

Severity of the “pluggy” appearance—The extent of visible plugs will determine the complexity of the revision procedure. 

Donor hair availability—The quality and quantity of remaining donor hair will influence the potential for achieving a natural result. 

Surgeon’s expertise—Choosing a highly experienced surgeon with a strong aesthetic sense is crucial for a successful correction.

Living with a Pluggy Transplant? Don’t Give Up Hope! Choose Your Next Surgeon Wisely!

When you get a hair transplant, you deserve the result you expected. If you didn’t, don’t resign yourself to living with it—as well as the dissatisfaction and diminished self-confidence you feel every time you look in the mirror. When it comes to hair restoration, you deserve care from a surgeon with experience, integrity and a proven track record. With over 25 years of experience and a notable reputation in the field, Dr. Barusco leads Tempus Hair Restoration with a commitment to delivering personalized care. Every consultation is conducted by Dr. Barusco himself, ensuring that you receive expert advice tailored to your unique situation. We also offer financing options that can help place this important goal within your reach.

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. We will be with you at every step of your hair restoration journey!

The Millennial Man’s Guide to Hair Restoration

Male Hair Restoration,

Call the millennials the generation that can never catch a break. Born between 1981 and 1996, its members have dealt with jokes about receiving participation trophies just for showing up, and their appetite for pricey avocado toast. Now for the ultimate indignity, millennial men are going bald. But the generation that’s also known for its spirit of cooperation is coming together to face hair loss head-on (so to speak), and proactively seeking hair restoration solutions that meet its needs. If you’re a millennial man, here is your guide to making the right decision – for both the present and the long term.

Before we begin, let’s state the obvious. Millennials are far from the first generation to battle hair loss. The earliest recorded remedies for baldness date back to ancient Egypt, in the year 1550 B.C.E. Obviously, they were unsuccessful. But if it seems that hair restoration is more important to millennial men than those of previous generations, you’re right!

Why Hair Restoration is More Important to Millennial Men

Several factors account for the reasons hair loss is less acceptable to millennials – with the pervasive use of social media being foremost. Today, your online presence and identity is you! This shift in perception began with Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) profiles and postings, then kicked into high gear when Zoom meetings became the main means of business and social interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. At about the same time, TikTok became a phenomenon, making everyone an online video star. With your digital persona an important part of your self-image, balding is an especially stinging affront.

Which leads to another leading reason – the fear of aging. Hair loss has an aging effect on even the most youthful face. While the popular mantra is “age is just a number,” most people are more realistic. As our blog post – “Does Hair Loss Hurt Your Career?” – covers, appearances count in our society. While we may believe that people should be judged by their merits, abilities and character, such isn’t always the case. In particular, men who are in the job market – or interested in career advancement – and experiencing hair loss could be wondering if their male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is harming their chances. The same goes for their social life.

For example, a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University recruited participants to compare photos of men before and after they got a hair transplant. Although they were looking at the same men, participants rated men after they got their hair transplants as more attractive, approachable, and successful.

Moreover, there are indications that men are beginning to experience hair loss at younger ages than any generation before them. However, it has not yet been established if this is a significant trend, or just more noticeable because of increased awareness.

If so, stress could be a contributing factor, considering the numerous personal and societal upheavals that the pandemic created. Poor nutrition may be another factor, as many millennials make fast foods the mainstay of their diet. As our blog post – “How Lifestyle Affects Hair Loss” – covers, 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.

Changing Attitudes Towards Hair Transplants

In previous generations, society judged men who had a hair transplant with some amount of contempt – considering them vain or trying desperately to hold on to youth. Fortunately, public opinion has changed to approval, with the recognition that the desire to enhance one’s appearance is based towards achieving greater self-confidence.

Among millennial men, getting hair restoration treatment or a hair transplant procedure is a standard, acceptable solution to hair loss. Members of this generation have been accustomed to finding a way to meet their goals, rather than just resigning themselves to circumstances – in this case, a future of ever-increasing baldness.

Improved Hair Transplant Procedures

To be fair to your elders, one big reason men of previous generations were reluctant to undergo a hair transplant was because the technology was by today’s standards primitive – typically resulting in an unnatural-looking hairline and pluggy “doll hair” growth patterns. As cringeworthy as the much-ridiculed comb-over was, many men who wanted to conceal their bald spot decided it was preferable to the even odder-looking effect of the day’s usual hair transplant result.  

Hair transplant techniques have since greatly evolved, providing the look of natural growth when performed by an experienced, skilled hair restoration surgeon. Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – offers the following procedures:

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

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

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

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

Hair Restoration Pitfalls to Avoid

Now, here is where the guidance comes in. Not all hair restoration practices and surgeons are equal. You may know your way around the internet, but your searches might not lead you to the best surgeon – and could even lead you to one who’ll seriously botch your procedure. Others may not prescribe the right course of non-surgical treatment and might be unable to adequately monitor the progression of your hair loss. Previous Tempus Hair Restoration blog posts have alerted consumers to the following pitfalls to watch out for. In case this is your first time visiting our blog, here is a breakdown.

Online Hair Restoration Subscription Services – Purchasing goods and services online is the preferred way of doing business for millennials. But although there are many telehealth companies offering hair restoration medications, 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 … And federal and state health laws, written to ensure competent medical care and drug safety, have not kept pace with online services …”

These telehealth 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. However, 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.

Overseas Black Market Clinics – You’ve probably read about the advantages of traveling to Turkey for a hair transplant at a bargain price, with accommodations at a luxury hotel. However, much of what you read about Turkish hair transplant clinics are a combination of deliberate disinformation produced by the clinics themselves, social media hype and publicity provided by mainstream publications more eager for readers’ eyeballs than presenting the facts. Such clinics put you at risk for permanent disfigurement by a botched procedure performed by non-medical clinic employees who go to their other jobs, like waiting tables or driving taxis, after their shift at the clinic.

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – the world’s leading medical authority on hair loss treatment and restoration – launched a worldwide campaign designed to raise awareness of the risks of medical tourism for hair transplants. Its Fight the FIGHT (Fraudulent, Illicit and Global Hair Transplants) campaign targets the hair transplant black market, which is built upon fraudulent hair restoration clinics and misleading advertising claims. Please click the links to learn why you should avoid such clinics. Our blog post – “The Dangers of Black Market Hair Transplants in Turkey” – provides additional information.

Robotic Hair Transplant Devices – Robotic assisted devices are promoted by many hair transplant clinics as a quick, foolproof tool for performing the FUE procedure. 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.

Unfortunately, the nature of such devices 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 topic in detail. We encourage you to read it, as well as our blog post – “The Truth About Robotic Devices in Hair Transplant Procedures” – for additional information.

The Millennial Man’s Guide to Hair Restoration

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

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

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

In conducting research on individual surgeons, the ISHRS recommends learning about the surgeon’s training, credentials and experience in the field of hair restoration. Start this process by visiting the website of each surgeon you’re considering. Our blog post – “Is Your Hair Transplant Surgeon Qualified? What You Need to Know!” – covers this important topic in detail.

For all the millennial men embarking upon their hair restoration journey, we hope we’ve provided helpful information for getting you on the right road! If you participate by choosing your surgeon wisely, you’ll receive a full head of healthy hair as your award!

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 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!

Hair Restoration Around the World: A Cultural Perspective

Male Hair Restoration,

People of different cultures and ethnicities have different standards of attractiveness. Fortunately, in recent years, this diversity has become celebrated and accepted in mainstream American society, so that people from a rich variety of backgrounds do not feel the need to conform to one particular “look” in order to be accepted.

As you’ve probably guessed the direction of our blog post by now, this diversity also affects an individual’s preferences and expectations when seeking a hair transplant. While you might assume that everyone wants the same aesthetic outcome from a hair transplant procedure, such is not the case. Hair is often tied to one’s cultural identity and heritage, which strongly influences self-image – which, in turn, also impacts self-confidence.

A native of Brazil, Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – has been privileged to perform hair restoration surgery on patients of all ethnicities, crediting his adopted home of Florida with being a popular destination for people of every racial heritage throughout the world. Here is the perspective that our practice has on cultural traditions for hair standards.

Hair Standards and Hair Loss Among Asian Men

According to a CNN report by Oscar Holland, while studies have suggested that almost all Caucasian men will eventually face some degree of male pattern baldness – and around half can expect to lose their hair by middle age – Asian men, and East Asians in particular, have historically experienced the lowest incidence of hair loss in the world.

“But losing your hair may be especially difficult in countries where it’s less common,” Holland writes. “The male beauty standards in East Asian popular culture – from Korean K-pop to Hong Kong’s movie industry – often favor big hair and boyish looks.” However, South Korean standards regarding balding for white and black men tend to be more accepting.

With South Korea being a global leader in skincare and other beauty trends, the number of hair transplant clinics is growing. Moreover, the same CNN report indicates that hair transplant procedures are popular among Chinese males, with the number of Chinese patients in Asian clinics described as “booming.”

A skilled hair restoration surgeon experienced in performing transplant procedures on Asian individuals takes into account the fact that their faces tend to be broader and rounder than their Western counterparts – especially Chinese and Korean faces. The hairline shape matches the face shape in that the hairline tends also to be broader and rounder in shape. In addition, the shape of the hairline has less lateral suppression – that is, it tends to stay rounder even toward the fronto-temporal region. Because Asian hairs grow out straight and black, the result can look unnatural if the angles of the hair grafts are not kept very low in relation to the scalp.

Preferences for Black/African-American Hair Transplants

As our blog post – “Why is Ethnicity an Important Consideration for a Hair Transplant?” – notes, black men prefer a more even hairline. In his article for the ISHRS, hair transplant surgeon William D. Yates, MD, writes that his male African-American patients prefer less temporal recession in the design – that is, a less-pronounced “M” shape that characterizes the mature male hairline. Although Caucasian men often seek a transplant to address a receding hairline, they tend to be more comfortable with some degree of temporal recession.

A straight hairline for men in Black American culture is a traditional preference, as it is widely considered a symbol of status and self-worth. As they have over many generations, Black men place great emphasis on personal grooming as a means of self-expression and identity preservation. A straight hairline typically occurs naturally, but is given a sharper edge by barbers.

When assessing an African-American male for a hair transplant, an experienced surgeon who is attuned to hair growth patterns among individuals of each ethnicity will take into account that restoring a straight hairline will produce an aesthetically natural result that would appear “off” if applied to a Caucasian male.

In addition to genetic hair loss – otherwise known as androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) – traction alopecia is a major cause of hair loss among African-American women. Traction alopecia 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. Tight hairstyles applied to chemically relaxed hair can lead to even greater damage. 

Unfortunately, many of the styling techniques – collectively known as protective styles – that cause traction alopecia have a long tradition in Black cultural identity and beauty. A protective style refers to hairstyles that tuck away the ends of each hair strand to protect them from the elements, as the end is the oldest, most fragile part of the strand. Protective styles include but are not limited to twists, braids, updos, weaves and wigs. However, protective styles ultimately have the opposite effect. According to Kimberly Lewis, CEO and co-founder of CurlMix – a clean beauty brand for curly hair – protective hairstyles actually damage hair and hurt hair growth.

If a woman experiencing traction alopecia has enough surviving hair, a transplant procedure can be an ideal solution for permanent hair loss, achieving a natural-appearing outcome that fills in and covers bald scalp areas – while restoring the patient’s self-image and self-confidence. Our blog post – “Is a Hair Transplant a Solution for Traction Alopecia?” – covers this topic in greater detail.

Hairline Preferences in Hispanic Culture

The term “Hispanic” is very broad and encompasses many types of individuals of Spanish descent – including Mexican, Caribbean, European, and Central and South American. A hair restoration surgeon must address the nuances of each when planning a transplant procedure, determining the appropriate hairline to complement the individual’s facial shape, degree of hair loss and specific ethnicity.

Moreover, Hispanic hair can range from straight and silky to curly and coily. The texture of Hispanic hair is typically finer than that of African-American hair, but coarser and thicker than Caucasian hair. Hispanic hair can have a wide range of curl patterns, from loose waves to tight spirals.

Whatever the hair texture or national background of the hair transplant patient, however, a Hispanic male’s hair is a source of pride – with most paying attention to hairstyling and how their hair establishes their status within their social circle and larger community – not to mention increases their attractiveness to women. An increasing number of Hispanic men now explore their hair restoration options when hair loss begins.

As for hairline preferences, many Hispanic men want a lower hairline that is typically associated with youth. As our blog post – “When Should You Have a Hair Transplant Procedure?” – covers, the male hairline continues to form up to approximately age 29. This occurs when the hairline moves back about a half inch to one inch from where it used to be. A mature hairline forms the “M” shape that distinguishes the male hairline from the female oval hairline shape. The preference for Hispanic (as well as many of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern heritage) males for a more forward hairline represents a desire to project the vitality and virility associated with young men.

You Deserve a Hair Restoration Procedure that Respects Your Heritage

Hair restoration is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its significance varies greatly across cultures. If you’ve decided to have a hair transplant procedure, be sure the surgeon you choose has experience with patients of your ethnic group, and has achieved good results. Our website’s Before & After Gallery provides examples of Dr. Barusco’s outstanding work in creating the look of healthy, natural hair growth for patients of all ethnicities. In addition, ask any surgeon you schedule a consultation with about their experience in performing hair transplant procedures on members of your group. The consultation also is the time to tell the surgeon about your own aesthetic preferences and expectations of the results you want.

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!

Planning a Hair Transplant for Future Hair Loss

Male Hair Restoration,

One common misconception about a hair transplant is that it’s a one-and-done procedure. However, the need for additional procedures is very possible as time and hair loss progresses. A conscientious, ethical hair restoration surgeon – such as Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – will discuss long-term as well as immediate plans for follow-up surgeries during the initial patient consultation.

“When I counsel my patients, I always discuss the possibility or the likelihood of more transplants in the future because hair loss is progressive,” says Dr. Barusco. “What you see today on your scalp is not going to be the same in 10, 20 or 30 years. It’s safe to assume that if you are experiencing hair loss and facing a transplant, you’re probably going to be needing more as you get older.”

Why You May Need a Second Hair Transplant

For a variety of reasons, patients often have more than one hair transplantation procedure over their lifetime. Hair loss is dynamic, and an individual’s trajectory continues to evolve over time based on numerous environmental factors, genetics, overall health and age. Age-related changes include decrease in hair density, pigmentation and mass.

However, the most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). This is an inherited, progressive condition. As the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) reports, it is also an unpredictably progressive condition. Early hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia can be an indication that hair loss will progress rapidly and will continue until most hair is lost. A hair restoration surgeon may recommend a program that conserves existing hair with a hair restoration drug approved by the FDA, such as minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) or finasteride (brand name Propecia – which is recommended for men only).

While a hair restoration surgeon assesses a patient’s donor area to determine the number of hair grafts available for the transplant procedure being planned, the surgeon should also be calculating how many can be harvested for a subsequent surgery. The donor area is the region at the back of the head where hair grafts are harvested for transplantation into areas experiencing hair loss. This area serves as the primary source of healthy hair follicles for the transplant procedure.

Predicting the progression of androgenetic alopecia is not easy. According to the ISHRS, “An experienced hair restoration doctor is able to anticipate future hair loss, and place transplanted hair into those areas to create a reserve against future hair loss. On the other hand, surgical hair restoration procedures may be required after the original procedure due to progressive and unpredictable hair loss. A potential problem over the years of treatment is the possibility that androgenetic alopecia will outpace efforts to restore hair, and at some point there might not be enough donor hair available for transplantation. The surgeon will be able to anticipate the patients’ need for subsequent procedures, and custom design the long-term treatment plan accordingly.

This is a critical issue that should be discussed by the patient with the physician hair restoration specialist in planning a comprehensive approach to long-term hair restoration.”

The Difference That a Skilled Hair Transplant Surgeon Makes

The key to planning hair restoration surgery to address future hair loss depends upon the surgeon’s skill, experience and eye for achieving the best aesthetic outcome in planning the initial surgery. This includes educating patients and ensuring they have realistic expectations of what can be achieved.

For example, men who start losing hair in their 20s may want a hair transplant – which is understandable, as hair loss has an aging effect. However, Dr. Barusco advises against hair transplant surgery for those under the age of 25. The reason is – as mentioned earlier – a hair transplant relies on using donor hair from the back of the head. If performed too early, the donor hair may be distributed too heavily in one area, leaving too little to be transplanted later, when needed on another area of the scalp as hair loss progresses.

Moreover, as our blog post – “When Should You Have a Hair Transplant Procedure?” – covers, the male hairline continues to form up to approximately age 29. Younger men may believe their hairline is receding, when in fact it’s evolving into what is known as a mature hairline. This occurs when the hairline moves back about a half inch to one inch from where it used to be. A mature hairline forms the “M” shape that distinguishes the male hairline from the female oval hairline shape.

For this and other reasons, Dr. Barusco advises his potential patients to wait until their hair loss has stabilized. Doing so not only allows him an accurate determination of the best procedure to perform to address current hair loss, but predict how the pattern will progress over time and plan accordingly for the second procedure.

One sign of a botched hair transplant is one in which the surgeon – or unlicensed technician who actually performed the procedure – created an aggressive, forward hairline and/or placed too many grafts to fill in bald or balding areas – thus overharvesting grafts from the donor area, not leaving enough for a future procedure. Our blog post – “Don’t Let a Technician Perform Your Hair Transplant Surgery” – covers this important topic in detail. We strongly recommend you take the time to read it.

Will Your Second Hair Transplant Procedure be the Same as Your First?

This depends upon the experience and skill of your surgeon. Each patient’s situation is unique, requiring the ability to accurately forecast the pattern of progressive hair loss and accessing the amount of grafts that will remain in the donor area. The main procedures are as follows.

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

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

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

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

This decision should be based on a thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon. Each patient’s individual circumstances, preferences and long-term hair restoration goals must be carefully considered. Engaging in open and honest discussions with your surgeon is crucial to plan for the future. Understanding how many grafts you might need over time can help you decide whether FUT, FUE or a combination of both techniques aligns with your hair restoration journey while maximizing the potential of your donor area.

Plan Wisely for the Future by Choosing Your Surgeon Wisely

Being aware of the possibility that you will need more than one hair transplant procedure in your lifetime gives you all the more reason to make sure you choose your surgeon wisely. 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 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 Current State of Hair Transplant Surgery

Male Hair Restoration,

Not so long ago, there was a certain degree of secrecy and shame involved with undergoing a hair transplant. Men who had a procedure didn’t want anyone to know – although the outcome tended to be obvious, as early techniques were crude by today’s standards. Now, hair transplants have gone mainstream, with men from all walks of life open about having had a hair restoration procedure, or actively seeking one. Improvements in technology allow results to have the appearance of natural growth, encouraging more men than ever to pursue their goal of a fuller head of hair – and the accompanying boost in self-confidence they expect.

However, the advanced state of hair transplant surgery has inadvertently led to abuse by those looking for a quick profit. Considering that hair transplants constitute a $53 billion dollar market worldwide, the incentive to do so is great. Black market Turkish hair transplant clinics and cosmetic surgery practices that utilize a robotic device operated by non-medical technicians are among the foremost bad actors. In a highly publicized case, the owner of a surgical center in Virginia Beach, VA, was arrested in 2023 for performing hair transplants without a license.

Dr. Marco Barusco Advocates for Hair Transplant Patients

Because such unethical clinics and practices continue to thrive, often causing irreparable harm to patients, Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – has become a tireless advocate for educating consumers about their risks. In his three-part YouTube podcast series – “The Current State of Hair Transplant Surgery” – Dr. Barusco provides his unique perspective as a leading hair restoration surgeon on why the situation has become so hazardous, why consumers need to take it seriously, and how they can protect themselves.

“One positive factor is that hair transplants are now mainstream,” says Dr. Barusco. “On the negative side, a lot of surgeries are being performed incorrectly. Right now, we’re seeing challenges in patients that have been really hurt by inexperienced people – unlicensed people. It’s been a dangerous thing.”

 

Part two of the series – “Pictures and Explanations: When Hair Transplants are Not Done Well” – features Dr. Barusco discussing photos of botched transplants with podcast host Peter Roman. Patient photos were provided by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) from its ongoing consumer education campaign, Fight the FIGHT (Fraudulent, Illicit and Global Hair Transplants). The graphic photos of disfiguring results are of black market Turkish clinic patients. Dr. Barusco is a Fellow of the ISHRS – a distinction held by fewer than 10% of ISHRS members – and is highly involved in its Fight the FIGHT effort.

 

In part three of the series – “Do It Right or Don’t Do It At All” – Dr. Barusco talks with Roman about how cosmetic surgery practices add hair transplantation with robotic devices operated by unlicensed technicians. Says Dr. Barusco:

“What they [the robotic device manufacturer] do is go to a plastic surgery conference and buy an exhibitor’s space and set up with the machines and some sales people. They tell the surgeons, ‘Look, you can add hair transplant surgery to your practice. It’s a 50 billion dollar industry you can get a piece of. Just buy my machine. You don’t have to do anything. I will send the staff to do the procedure for you, and do the advertising.’ So it became very popular.”

However, Florida and other states in the U.S. have passed legislation which deems that harvesting hair and making incisions on a patient are functions that only a physician, a Physician’s Assistant (not the same as a technician or nurse) or a Nurse Practitioner are allowed to perform.

“If you don’t see any of them in the room, the surgery is being done illegally,” says Dr. Barusco. “Technicians and any other such individuals are practicing medicine without a license, and the doctor who allows them to do it in their practice is also aiding and abetting the illegal practice of medicine and may lose his or her medical license and/or face felony charges.”

Of course, the patients receiving bad outcomes may have to live with the result – and Dr. Barusco has consulted with far too many such people.

“I meet with patients almost every day who have trusted doctors and practices because they had these devices, only to find out later that they would need me to fix what’s been done to them. And what is even worse, is that these patients are coming to me not only with poor results on their hairline, but also scarring and thinning of their donor hair [the limited supply of permanent hair used for transplants] caused by taking too many hairs with incisions that are too close together and/or larger than they should be.”

How the FUE Helped Pave the Way for Bad Hair Transplant Practices

The vast majority of abuses in hair transplant procedures involve the popular follicular unit excision (FUE). Why? Because of the manner in which the procedure is performed. 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. When performed properly by an experienced, licensed hair transplant surgeon, the resulting scars are not readily visible and are easily concealed even by very short hair.

In the follicular unit transplantation (FUT), a very small strip of hair and skin is harvested from the donor area, then placed under a microscope to be prepared for implantation as hair grafts. The donor area is then closed with sutures. The FUT 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. As the FUT can only be performed by a surgeon’s hands, this procedure cannot be performed by a robotic device or unlicensed staff member operating a punch. The deceptive ease with which the FUE can be performed has, unfortunately, opened this procedure to widespread abuse.

How to Make Sure You Choose the Right Hair Transplant Surgeon

As we hope you’ve learned, today’s state of hair transplant surgery allows those who are an appropriate candidate for a procedure to achieve outstanding results – but only if you choose a licensed surgeon who specializes in hair restoration procedures. Looking for a hair transplant at a bargain can lead to disaster, as Chris, a victim of a Turkish black market hair transplant clinic, relates:

“Before choosing a hair transplant clinic in Turkey, carefully consider the consequences of making a poor decision. The repercussions can haunt you for the rest of your life, with little opportunity for correction or repair … Believe me when I say that the losses incurred from choosing the wrong place extend far beyond hair and money.”

In beginning your search, the ISHRS website is an ideal 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. 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!

New Year, New You: Transform Your Confidence with a Hair Transplant

Male Hair Restoration,

Every year starts with TV commercials for fitness centers and weight loss products. The timing for such marketing is obvious. The new year symbolizes fresh beginnings – the promise you make to yourself that this will be the year you make improvements in your lifestyle, health and appearance.

Of course, these initial good intentions sometimes aren’t carried out into actions, set aside during the following months until next January delivers another guilt-inducing reminder of how last year’s resolutions went by the wayside. But if you need inspiration to kick-start a more vital-looking, self-confident you, a hair transplant can be the first step you take toward a new you in the new year!

Why New Year Resolutions are Hard to Keep

Let’s be honest. Getting in shape requires a lot of hard work and commitment to hitting the gym every other day. It’s a worthwhile goal, but your daily schedule might not be conducive to driving to a fitness center, and you may not have room in your home to accommodate equipment. Losing weight requires a commitment to changing the types of food you eat, and/or frequency of meals. Considering that eating is required to live, making this kind of modification in behavior is challenging on many levels.

When it’s hard to comply during the initial stages of any self-improvement program, motivation tends to suffer. If you’re not seeing results as soon as you’d like in proportion to the amount of effort or willpower you’re exerting, discouragement sets in. After all, why bother?

Unfortunately, this type of attitude leads to giving up and settling back into old, comfortable behaviors. Until next January, when you again feel the need to take control and make those positive changes. But maybe this year will be different!

How a Hair Transplant Can Make a Big Difference

If you are among the approximately 35 million men in the United States experiencing hair loss, a hair transplant can be a life-changing procedure. While well-meaning family members and friends may tell you that your self-esteem shouldn’t depend upon your physical appearance, it is human nature to feel better about yourself when you’re satisfied with the way you present yourself to the world. And that feeling can have a powerful effect.

As cited in our blog post – “The Big Picture: Hair Replacement and Self-Confidence” – multiple studies have linked male pattern hair loss to lowered self-esteem and decreased confidence. An article for WebMD written by journalist Marta Manning and medically reviewed by Jennifer T. Haley, MD, FAAD, cites a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Trichology. The study found that androgenic alopecia (genetic, a.k.a. male pattern baldness) lowered the quality of life for many men, with particular effects in the areas of self-perception and interpersonal relations. A 2018 research study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology identified low self-esteem in many patients with androgenic alopecia and found that confidence can improve after hair transplantation treatment.

Starting your self-improvement program with a hair transplant has one big advantage in that it requires no effort on your part – unlike exercise or following a weight loss plan. Although it generally takes 12 months for a hair transplant to fully grow out, you will begin seeing new growth and thickening from four to six months post-op. Our blog post – “What to Expect After Your Hair Transplant” – covers this topic in greater detail.

A Patient’s Testimonial Says It All

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – has been honored to receive five-star reviews and testimonials from patients on a regular basis. But one heartfelt testimonial sent to Dr. Barusco from “Joe” several years ago continues to stand out:

“After my divorce I was feeling really low. I had gained weight and lost all desire to start over. My hair was receding which made everything else worse. Each day that passed it was harder and harder to look in the mirror and gain the motivation to get my life together. Finally I figured I’d go talk to someone to see what can be done about my hair. I did a quick Google search and came across Dr. Barusco’s website. I was impressed with the vast amount of information … and before and after pictures. I thought I’d give it a shot as there was a consult office in my area and there was no charge … I moved forward with the procedure and was impressed with the professionalism … My confidence definitely increased as the compliments came rolling in. I joined a gym and felt determined again. I just got home from my final follow up. I looked in the mirror and finally feel happy with who is looking back.”

In Joe’s case, undergoing a hair transplant gave him the psychological boost he needed to make other major personal improvements. In a follow-up, Joe reported that he had some cosmetic procedures performed, and is now living his best life!

Which Hair Transplant Procedure Is Right for You?

Dr. Barusco is an award-winning board-certified hair transplant surgeon with more than 25 years dedicated exclusively to hair restoration. He 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 gives the patient a preview of what the ultimate result will be. As with any hair transplant, the hair in the newly implanted grafts soon falls out, to be replaced by new growth as the grafts establish themselves. Dr. Barusco is one of only a few doctors in the world with the experience and skill to perform this technique.

Another leading-edge 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.

However, it’s important to understand that choosing a hair transplant procedure isn’t the same as ordering from a menu. An experienced, ethical surgeon will examine your scalp, diagnose the cause of your hair loss, then discuss your hair restoration goals and expectations – followed by a treatment plan that is right for your individual situation. Areas to be covered should include the type of surgery, why this type of surgery is recommended, which areas of the scalp will be involved, how the surgery will be performed and the results you can expect. Our blog post, “The Importance of Consultation Before Hair Restoration Treatment” – covers this topic in greater detail.

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

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

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

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

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

What to Do if You’re Unhappy with Your Hair Transplant

Male Hair Restoration,

Getting a hair transplant represents a substantial financial and emotional investment. At the risk of perpetuating stereotypes, men don’t like talking about their emotions, yet hair loss has an effect that’s more demoralizing than most care to admit. The desire to project an image of vitality and the increase in self-confidence that results is a strong motivation in undergoing hair restoration surgery.

But what if you took the big step, and the outcome has fallen far short of your expectations? Should you resign yourself to dissatisfaction and regret? The hopeful news is that this may not be the end of your hair restoration journey. We’ll cover three common reasons why a hair transplant sometimes doesn’t achieve the patient’s aesthetic goal.

You’re Expecting to See Full Growth Too Soon

Of all the reasons we’ll discuss, this could very well correct itself. Hair transplant surgery isn’t magic. The surgeon wields a scalpel, not a wand. The “after” of the before-and-after patient photos that impressed you about the surgeon you chose most likely were taken one year post-op. During this time, your newly transplanted hair goes through various stages of shedding and growth.

Moreover, individual hairs don’t grow at the same rate. As our blog post – “What to Expect After Your Hair Transplant” – covers, while you might assume all of your hair will come in at the same time, don’t be alarmed if it’s somewhat patchy and grows out at different rates. Actually, this is typical of normal growth, but you don’t notice it with a full head of hair. About six months after your hair transplant, you may see that the new growth is not necessarily full or consistent around your head, but be patient. Despite the different growth rates, it usually looks natural throughout this time.

Backing up somewhat, the first stage of growth is the hair from the newly implanted grafts falling out. This indicates that the grafts are establishing themselves in their new location, and will start producing hair again – typically in about two months.

A good hair transplant surgeon will be sure to tell you what to expect during each phase of growth, so you shouldn’t experience anxiety about how your new hair is coming in. A good surgeon also will keep the lines of communication open to answer any questions you may have during this time. If your surgeon has addressed your expectations, all has gone well and there are no complications, you’ll see the desired result. However, this is assuming your surgeon has the skill to deliver the desired result – which leads to our next reason.

You’re Unhappy with Your Hairline and/or Scalp Coverage

Once your hair has grown out, your hairline or scalp coverage may not be as you had envisioned. Common reasons for dissatisfaction with a hairline are that it’s too far forward, or just looks “off.” You may not be able to put your finger on it, so to speak, but there is an explanation as to why your new hairline doesn’t have the appearance of natural growth.

While you may have an idea of where your restored hairline should be, a hair transplant surgeon’s technical skill should be informed by a strong aesthetic sensibility. Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – follows the classic “rule of thirds” as put forth by Leonardo da Vinci in determining each patient’s ideal hairline position.

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 (hair graft) 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.”

As for scalp coverage, a common reason for dissatisfaction is that there isn’t as much hair covering bald areas as you’d expected. So we pause at this point to emphasize the importance of consulting with your prospective surgeon before the procedure. When discussing your goals for your outcome, you should have a candid discussion with the surgeon about your expectations for your hairline and overall scalp coverage.

For example, Dr. Barusco has had patients who wanted hair on areas of the scalp that he considered secondary – that is, not as obvious as the hairline – yet that was the area on which the patient wanted to see hair growth. Learning what the patient wants is an important part of the consultation.

“However, patients need to be realistic. If you say you want the hair you had when you were 18, that will not be possible with a hair transplant. No one will be able to give you that unless you get a hair piece. But if I don’t tell you that – or worse, I lead you to believe that can happen – that’s wrong. If I don’t know what your goals are, I may make a recommendation that’s not appropriate.”

Your Hair Transplant Failed

Unfortunately, this is becoming an increasingly common situation as more clinics utilize robotic devices illegally operated by unlicensed technicians, or follow other unethical practices. Hair transplants performed by black market clinics outside of the United States – most commonly Turkey – are notorious for hiring unqualified, unlicensed individuals to harvest hair follicles and implant them into the recipient area. Our blog has several posts on this topic, which we encourage you to read.

The reasons a transplant can fail are numerous, including the following:

  • Poor diagnosis of the reason for hair loss – there may be a medical reason that a transplant can’t address.
  • Poor understanding of hair and scalp anatomy.
  • Poor understanding of hair physiology.
  • Poor planning of the transplant procedure.
  • Poor preparation of hair grafts, resulting in fewer viable grafts.
  • Poor technical execution of the transplant procedure – placing hairs at the incorrect angle or direction; placing transplanted hairs too close together, etc.
  • Poor management of the limited number of donor hair follicles – overharvesting the donor area.
  • Damage to existing hair follicles by overly aggressive surgery.

Can an Aesthetically Unpleasing or Failed Hair Transplant be Corrected?

This can only be determined by a consultation with a hair restoration surgeon who has extensive experience in corrective procedures. Depending upon the amount of healthy follicles remaining in the donor area and other factors, it is possible, in many cases, to mitigate the damage of bad hair transplants and achieve the look the patient had originally anticipated. Unfortunately, there are situations in which the damage is too extensive to be corrected. Again, only a consultation with a highly experienced, ethical hair restoration surgeon can provide an assessment of the degree to which a bad outcome can be repaired.

But how do you find one? You don’t want to repeat the circumstances that led you to misplace your trust in your original surgeon, but as we often warn, there is much misleading “information” regarding hair transplant surgery that works against consumers educating themselves about how to choose a qualified surgeon.

The website of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) 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. 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!

What to Expect After Your Hair Transplant

Male Hair Restoration,

If you’ve made the decision to have a hair transplant, you’re most likely focusing on the ultimate outcome. Imagining how you’ll look with a restored hairline and more overall fullness is the psychological light at the end of the tunnel. But between surgery day and the day your mirror reflects the image you want to show the world, there are many days that are critical in achieving the desired result. It is during these days that you should know what to expect in terms of post-surgical care, healing time and milestones in the growth process.

Your surgeon will provide this important information, but if you have just started researching hair transplant surgeons, it’s helpful to have a good idea of what lies ahead. It’s also helpful to have this knowledge beforehand when you consult with a surgeon so you can ask well-informed questions and therefore have a better overall understanding of the process.

The Basics of Post-Operative Hair Transplant Care

As we at Tempus Hair Restoration always emphasize, hair restoration surgery is surgery. As with any other outpatient surgical procedure, following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential to both your safety and the success of the procedure’s objective. Although specific instructions may vary depending upon the individual patient, general instructions you can expect to receive are as follows:

  • Your newly transplanted hair grafts are especially sensitive during the first seven days after surgery. Any rubbing, bumping, or scratching may cause them to be damaged and lost.
  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid any strenuous physical activity during the first seven days. Walking is okay, but not power walking. You may resume cardio exercises – such as running, cycling, etc. You may resume regular exercise (and weightlifting) after 14 days.
  • Do not swim in chlorinated pools during the first seven days after surgery, as chlorine (and other pool chemicals) may damage the grafts. Do not dive. 

Again, this is just a brief snapshot of general post-op instructions. Your surgeon will give you detailed printed instructions for you to take home and follow. But you now know that you need to plan for some amount of time to recover before resuming your regular schedule and activities. Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – covers the instructions he gives his patients in his video – “Post-Operative Instructions Following Your Hair Transplant Procedure” – on his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice.

Is What You’re Seeing Normal or Cause for Concern After Your Hair Transplant?

During this time and soon after, you could wonder if what you experience is normal or cause for concern. According to Dr. Barusco, about 50 percent of patients will have some degree of edema (swelling caused by fluid trapped in the body’s tissues) in their forehead. To prevent swelling, sleep at a 45-degree angle by using two or three pillows for the first three or four nights post-surgery, and avoid bending over.

As for the scalp itself, expect the graft sites to form scabs in 24 to 72 hours after surgery, and for the scabs to fall off in three to 10 days. As the scabs fall off, you may notice that hair is shed with them. This is to be expected. Do not pick or scratch the scabs, as doing so can cause infection and endanger the grafts.

Several weeks after your hair transplant or anytime thereafter, an ingrown hair(s) may appear. This will look like a small pimple or painless bump in the donor or recipient area. Applying a warm washcloth or compress to the area for 10 minutes three times a day is typically recommended for relief, but contact your surgeon before taking any action.

While we’re on the subject, contact your surgeon if you experience unusual swelling, inflammation or discomfort – or have questions about shampooing techniques or any other matter regarding how you should care for your hair and scalp during this initial time. Following advice you find online – regardless how reputable the source seems – can lead to complications or a poor outcome. When in doubt, call your surgeon and follow his/her instructions! Dr. Barusco gives every patient his cell phone number so he is always available to answer questions and address concerns.

What Should Your Hair Look Like as It’s Growing In?

A common question is if there is a difference between how hair grows in from a Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). The answer is no. Healing, growth velocity and the presence of aesthetically visible results are all independent from the surgical technique used.

The first stage of growth, ironically, is the hair from the newly implanted grafts falling out. This indicates that the graft is establishing itself in its new location, and will start producing hair again – typically in about two months. This should be followed by visible growth and thickening from four to six months.

While you might expect your hair to grow in at the same time, don’t be alarmed if it’s somewhat patchy and grows at different rates during this stage. All hair doesn’t grow at the same rate, but you just don’t notice it with a full head of hair. About six months after your hair transplant, you may see that the new growth is not necessarily full or consistent around your head, but be patient. Despite the different growth rates, it usually looks natural throughout this time. In fact, such gradual growth creates the impression that you haven’t had a hair transplant. Strangers and casual acquaintances aren’t likely to notice. Your hair transplant should be fully grown in by 12 months, barring any health issues during that time.

As you see, hair restoration is a journey that can’t be rushed. Doing your due diligence in choosing your surgeon wisely, following the post-op care plan that he/she gives you and taking care of yourself throughout the first year (and hopefully every year thereafter) will position you for success in achieving the result you had anticipated.

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. Putting yourself at risk of the consequences of a hair transplant procedure at an overseas black market clinic – or even an unscrupulous domestic clinic where unlicensed non-medical personnel harvest and implant hair grafts – isn’t worth the perceived savings.

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!