Category Archives: Male Hair Restoration

The Big Picture: Hair Replacement and Self-Confidence

June 14, 2022Male Hair RestorationHair Loss, Hair Replacement, Men Hair TransplantTempus Hair Restoration

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

Society has always expected men to be emotionally strong and impervious to self-doubt, anxiety and insecurity about their ability to achieve their goals. But experiencing hair loss can have an effect that’s more demoralizing than most care to admit. Understanding that you have the right to pursue an appearance that makes you feel better about yourself and your place in the world is essential in taking the steps to improving your self-esteem and emotional health.

Does Hair Loss Really Affect Self-Esteem?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video Conferencing – Nowhere for Balding Men to Hide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another leading-edge, yet proven procedure is the combined FUE and FUT (follicular unit transplantation). This technique covers large areas of baldness in a single surgery. Patients with advanced hair loss are typically required to undergo multiple hair transplant procedures to obtain coverage of their entire bald scalp – having to wait one year or more between procedures. This allows patients to achieve their ultimate goal sooner, with one procedure versus many.

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely and Reclaim Your Self-Confidence

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

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

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

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

December 17, 2021Male Hair RestorationFUE, surgical hair transplantTempus Hair Restoration

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

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

Advancements in FUE

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

To start at the beginning, FUE is a surgical hair transplant technique in which follicular units in groupings of one, two or three hairs are individually extracted from the back of the head (donor area) using small circular punch blades instead of a scalpel. The grafts are then transplanted to the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. Once the desired number of grafts are obtained, the donor sites are left to heal without suturing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Up-close Look at Hair Grafts

September 21, 2021Male Hair RestorationHair Grafts, Hair Grafts HarvestedTempus Hair Restoration

If you are just beginning to explore your hair restoration options, you’ve doubtlessly encountered the term “hair graft.” But what exactly is a hair graft? The sources you may turn to for information could assume that you possess more background knowledge than you actually have. There is nothing wrong with that. As we at Tempus Hair Restoration always say, knowledge is power. The more you know about what a hair transplant involves, the better able you’ll be to find an ethical practice dedicated to providing the best possible result for your individual situation.

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – answers this fundamental question in an episode of his YouTube channel series, Hair Loss Medical Advice. Also known as a hair implant or follicular unit, a hair graft is a cylinder of skin and hair that encompasses the hair follicle, the sebaceous gland (which secretes sebum – a lubricating oily matter – into the hair follicles to lubricate the skin and hair), the arrector pili muscle (a microscopic band of muscle tissue which connects a hair follicle to the dermis), and the papilla – or bulb – of the hair, which is an important stem cell reservoir. A hair graft includes all of these structures. Each follicular unit graft can contain one to three (or even four) hair follicles.

How Are Hair Grafts Harvested?

The type of hair transplant procedure you have will determine how the grafts are harvested. For the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method, hair follicles are harvested from the donor area of the scalp as strips. After harvesting, each strip is divided into smaller sections until ready for transplantation. For the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) method, follicular units are extracted individually from the scalp.

As you now know, each hair graft is a complex structure that must be harvested carefully so that it remains intact. And this is the point at which Dr. Barusco cautions against the increasingly popular use of robotic devices in hair transplantation. Many hair clinics that utilize such robots promote this as a selling point. The website for one such practice proudly states that “The physician does not actually harvest the donor grafts; the harvesting step is completed by the [brand name redacted] robot.”

We invite you to read Dr. Barusco’s insightful article on this topic, in which he shares his experience in treating patients whose original hair transplant procedure was botched by robots operated by non-licensed, non-medical personnel. Although the subject has been covered in some of our previous blog posts, unfortunately, it still bears repeating.

The Issues With Robotic Devices

The following excerpt from Dr. Barusco’s article explains the situation from his insider’s perspective.

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

“Many doctors have also bought a robotic device that assists in FUE procedures. A robotic arm makes incisions in the skin to remove follicles from the donor area. The new version also makes recipient incisions and places the removed hair grafts. But robots are machines, and if the person behind the controls does not know basic rules of hair transplantation, the results may be bad. Sometimes, the robot can’t see the hair very well (the best case for the robot is dark, straight hair against light skin) and the surgeon has to switch mid-procedure to a manual extraction. Well, what if the surgeon does not know how to do this?

“In non-ideal patients, hair follicle damage (transection) rates can be higher than manual extraction done by an experienced surgeon. Also, manual extraction and an experienced surgeon allow the use of very small diameter punches (0.8mm or smaller), which creates very small incisions. The robotic device uses a two-step punch (a sharp punch scores the skin, and a slightly larger, dull punch dissects the hairs). This limits how small the punches can be. Bigger punches create larger incisions, which in turn create larger scars. Finally, a robot is a machine, and cannot provide the constant small adjustments needed to create a natural-looking transplant, which is the outcome you’re looking for.”

An Important Fact About Hair Grafts

Once a graft is taken from the donor site, hair will never grow there again. This is yet another important reason to research the credentials of any hair transplant surgeon and/or practice that you consider to perform your procedure. Only an experienced, skilled surgeon can harvest grafts without creating “patchy” areas that are missing hair, or leaving scars that cannot be concealed by new hair growth. And, only such a surgeon knows the proper alignment when implanting the grafts to the receptor site to achieve the effect of natural growth for an aesthetically pleasing result.

Keeping Hair Grafts Viable

Taking the proper steps to keep hair grafts viable after harvesting is just as essential as the harvesting procedure itself. Improperly treated grafts quickly die, and will not grow in the recipient area – resulting in a failed transplant. Poor quality control conditions include dehydration, warming and oxygen deprivation.

During your consultation with your (potential) hair transplant surgeon, ask how hair grafts are treated and prepared for transplantation after harvesting. An ethical surgeon will readily answer this – and any other – question you may have. If the surgeon wants to know why you want to know, or hesitates or offers a general “answer” – such as the practice follows industry standards (without explaining what those standards are) – continue your search.

By the way, the person who performs the actual consultation should be the surgeon him/herself – not a technician, nurse, associate or salesperson. Our blog post – “The Importance of Consultation Before Hair Restoration Treatment” – covers the process step-by-step, including questions a good hair restoration surgeon will ask each patient, and the examination of hair and scalp to make an accurate diagnosis in order to determine the appropriate treatment. It also contains a link to Dr. Barusco’s video on this topic. As most people have no experience in how to evaluate the practices and clinics with which they’re about to schedule a consultation, this is critical information for protecting yourself and achieving your hair restoration goals.

Now That You Know, Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

The hair graft is the foundation of every hair transplant procedure. From how it is harvested, prepared before transplantation and finally implanted to achieve the effect of natural hair growth, the graft must be in the hands of an experienced, skilled surgeon at each step. 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.

Deciding Between Hair Restoration and a Hair System

July 4, 2021Male Hair Restorationhair restoration, Hair SystemTempus Hair Restoration

Those looking into hair restoration options may be considering a hair system as a possibility that offers the instant gratification of immediate concealment of their balding scalp. In spite of the dramatic before-and-after photographs on the websites of establishments specializing in hair systems, however, there are a good number of factors to weigh in your decision.

Assuming you’re doing your homework – which is presumably why you’re on our website’s blog page – you probably are already familiar with the basics of today’s hair systems. A hair system is designed to provide complete or partial coverage of the scalp. Unlike the toupee of days past, a hair system is applied semi-permanently, and is only removed for replacement or replenishing at the provider’s salon or facility. One reason a hair system may be attractive is its ability to provide a wide range of options in fullness, length and style – whereas the results of a hair transplant depend upon the amount of donor hair you have available, as well as the potential for future hair loss.

Having said that, not every hair system is the same, yet has the same potential drawbacks. Here are the questions and factors to consider.

Does the Hair System Use Human or Synthetic Hair?

Human hair, as can be expected, provides a more natural look than synthetic. Most human hair comes from China and India, and is stripped of its cuticle and dyed to match client specifications (in the case of a custom-made system). A colorfast garment dye is used, rather than salon hair color. Additional processing may be done to alter hair texture.

What is the Foundation of the Hair System?

Another factor that affects quality and price is the foundation, or base, to which the hair is attached. The base is typically lace or polyurethane. The higher the quality, the more refined the foundation – and the higher the cost. At the upper price range, the foundation will be carefully shaped to mimic a natural male hairline.

However, here is something for Floridians to consider. No matter how lightweight the hair system’s foundation, it – and the attached hair – will cover the entire scalp, or most of its surface. Given the Sunshine State’s intense summer heat, wearing a hair system attached to the top of your head by adhesive will be hot and uncomfortable if you spend any amount of time outdoors. Add the inevitable sweat that stays trapped underneath the foundation to the equation. Now, keep in mind that the hair system cannot be removed except by the provider of the service.

Is the Hair System Custom-Made or Mass-Produced?

Again, a bespoke hair system will provide a more natural appearance than a mass-produced or “stock” system that’s only adjusted for fit and trimmed for style.

What is the Cost of a Quality System, and How Long Does It Last?

Prices vary among providers for both custom and stock systems. If you’ve already conducted basic research online, you’ve probably seen that even general, “ballpark” figures are difficult to find and not particularly useful. Providers want prospective customers to schedule an appointment rather than lead you to expect a set price, which is understandable. For reasons that we hope are obvious, you should not order a hair system online.

The lifespan of a hair system is easy to determine, however. A system can last for two to six months, but most providers recommend replacing it after two to four months, before signs of wear-and-tear become obvious. For this reason, providers recommend purchasing at least two systems. In addition to needing to be replaced frequently, other regular costs include monthly maintenance and/or retightening charges.

The Advantages of a Hair Transplant Procedure

For the advantages that hair system providers claim, this solution entails ongoing expense, high maintenance and – for those living in hot climates – some amount of discomfort, especially during triple-digit summer temperatures. With a hair transplant – no matter which of several procedures is determined best for your particular case during a consultation with a hair restoration surgeon – you have your own hair, growing from your own scalp.

Unlike the extensive maintenance that a hair system involves, transplanted hair requires no special care. Our blog post – “Busting Common Hair Transplant Myths” – dispels the notion that you’ll have to “baby” your transplanted hair indefinitely. Aside from following initial post-surgical care instructions, you can shampoo, dry and style your hair as usual – as well as enjoy your favorite outdoor activities.

If the non-surgical aspect of a hair system appeals to you, a hair transplant procedure involves minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is administered by injection, numbing the scalp. You remain awake and comfortable during the procedure. Post-surgical discomfort is readily treated by short-term prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. Depending upon the type of procedure, down-time is also minimal. While you don’t get the immediate effect of a full head of hair, once your newly transplanted hair starts to grow, it’s all yours!

One exception to the need for patience is the breakthrough No-Shave FUE. Developed by Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – this procedure immediately conceals donor areas of the scalp, allowing patients to quickly resume regular activities. The No-Shave FUE is of particular benefit for those whose job puts them in the public eye, although anyone who is a good candidate will appreciate the instantaneous aesthetic result.

For others considering a hair system, not having a complete understanding of state-of-the-art hair restoration techniques could be weighing the decision more toward this end. One common misconception is that hair restoration only involves hair transplantation. Depending upon your individual case, hair transplant surgery may be followed up with such non-surgical treatments as Finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine) to prevent or slow further loss and promote growth.

More recently, the introduction of adipose tissue and growth factor treatment has proven to be effective when administered as part of a course of treatment that includes surgery, or as a stand-alone treatment. It promotes stronger hair growth in thinning areas, improving volume and scalp coverage. Adipose (fat) tissue is a biologically active tissue that can stimulate the growth cycle of scalp hair. This therapy utilizes the stromal vascular fraction of subcutaneous adipose tissue, and the growth factors they secrete.

In other words, the treatment uses the patient’s own fat, harvested from just under the skin through a very thin liposuction cannula, with no stitches necessary. The fat is concentrated and purified in a centrifuge. It is then combined with plasma obtained from the patient’s blood, and injected into the scalp. This therapy helps repair damaged hair follicles, stimulating stronger, thicker growth. Results may be seen in three to four months, with 12 months typical to achieve the full benefit.

Our blog post – “Adipose Tissue and Growth Factors – Expanding Hair Restoration Horizons and Telling the Truth” – describes this treatment in detail, as well as Dr. Barusco’s role in its ongoing research through the STRAAND clinical trials.

Another concern may be the possibility that subsequent hair transplant surgeries will be necessary as hair loss continues. While the non-surgical treatments just mentioned are prescribed and administered to prevent or slow the progress of further hair loss, an additional transplant may be needed. However, this is a situation to be discussed with and monitored by your hair restoration surgeon.

Why You Should Consult a Hair Restoration Surgeon Before Making a Decision

Before choosing a hair restoration system over a hair transplant, schedule a consultation with a hair restoration surgeon. An ethical surgeon will conduct a thorough consultation and recommend the course of treatment appropriate for your individual situation. In fact, you may even be told that you are not a good candidate for a hair transplant. If so, this would not necessarily be a green light to get a hair system. Any recommended non-surgical treatment would require a non-covered scalp.

Dr. Barusco covers what prospective patients can expect during a consultation with him in our blog post – “The Importance of Consultation Before Hair Restoration Treatment” – as well as in his informative YouTube video – “The Importance of Consultation” – both of which explain the role of consultation in making an accurate diagnosis of the cause of hair loss and mapping a treatment plan that will achieve the optimal outcome.

Weighing the Cost of a Hair Transplant Procedure

Finally, we understand that a good deal of one’s decision may be influenced by price. As previously covered, the true cost of a hair system over the years adds up considerably – and in the end, you have nothing to show for all of the money spent.

Should you reach a point where a hair system is no longer desirable, practical or affordable, consider whether your self-image and self-confidence will be removed as the last system is peeled from your scalp. A hair transplant is permanent, even if an additional procedure may eventually be needed. Again, supplemental non-surgical treatments can help prevent or slow the progress of further hair loss. A hair transplant is an investment in yourself that can ultimately pay big dividends!

Unlike many other hair restoration practices and clinics, Tempus Hair Restoration does not have set-fee procedures or pricing per number of hair grafts. Our approach is to treat each client as an individual, taking into account such factors as the following:

Your specific type of hair loss
Amount of current and projected hair loss
Complexity of procedure
Ethnic background (which affects hair texture and growth patterns)
Medical history/pre-existing conditions
Desired aesthetic result
Additional relevant circumstances, depending upon your individual situation

Once Dr. Barusco has made a diagnosis and treatment plan, our patient educator discusses next steps, including pricing and financing options. We offer qualified clients third-party 12-month interest-free financing — as well as low-interest 60-month financing. A hair restoration procedure by world-renowned surgeon Dr. Barusco can be within reach.

Learn the Facts, and Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

When Should You Have a Hair Transplant Procedure?

April 21, 2021Male Hair RestorationHair Transplant, Young Hair TransplantTempus Hair Restoration

If you’re experiencing hair loss, you may be wondering if there’s a “right” time to explore your hair replacement options. Should you schedule an appointment with a hair restoration surgeon as soon as you notice hair loss, or wait? At the other extreme, is it possible for hair loss to be too far advanced for you to be a good candidate for a transplant – or for you to be too old?

As you may have already guessed the answer, each person experiences hair loss differently – therefore, there is no single window of opportunity that presents itself to everyone in the same manner. However, there are ways to help you determine when a hair transplant is advisable.

Are You Too Young for a Hair Transplant?

Male pattern baldness affects up to two thirds of men in the United States by age 35, and can start showing as early as age 18. Almost 85% of men experience thinning hair and a more extensive degree of loss by the time they reach age 50.

These statistics provide the starting point for questions. We’ll begin at the first extreme: very young men.

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

Also, 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.

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

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

More recently, the introduction of adipose tissue and growth factor treatment permits earlier intervention for younger hair loss patients. This breakthrough therapy can provide a positive outcome, as stronger hair returns in the areas that are thinning, improving volume and scalp coverage. Adipose (fat) tissue is a biologically active tissue that can stimulate the growth cycle of scalp hair. This therapy utilizes the stromal vascular fraction of subcutaneous adipose tissue, and the growth factors they secrete.

In plain language, the treatment uses the patient’s own fat, harvested from just under the skin through a very thin liposuction cannula, with no stitches necessary. The fat is concentrated and purified in a centrifuge. It is then combined with plasma obtained from the patient’s blood, and injected into the scalp. This therapy helps repair damaged hair follicles, stimulating stronger, thicker growth. Results may be seen in three to four months, with 12 months typical to achieve the full benefit.

Although younger men are typically not good candidates for a hair transplant, placing yourself in the care of an experienced, qualified surgeon is essential to make sure you receive the best possible treatment to prevent further hair loss and promote new growth. Should a hair transplant eventually be advisable, you’ll be in a good position to make an informed decision.

Who are the Best Candidates for a Hair Transplant?

Dr. Barusco discusses this topic in his YouTube video, “Who is a Good Candidate for a Hair Transplant?” As Dr. Barusco explains:

“When I see a patient in the office, the first thing I do, obviously, is to diagnose their hair loss. Even patients with hair loss that can be treated surgically may not be good candidates for surgery. What makes someone a good or a bad candidate for surgery has to do with many factors: age, degree of hair loss, color of their hair, potential for hair loss in the future and family history of hair loss. All these things are taken into consideration when I’m telling someone whether they need surgery or not.

“The best candidates are men or women in their 30s or 40s, and their hair loss is already significant enough that it bothers them. We, of course, rule out every other type of hair loss that could not be treated with surgery, and then they are willing to do some kind of medical therapy to stabilize the loss, because hair loss tends to be progressive over time, and they have abundant donor hair – the hair on the back of the head that doesn’t fall out – and they understand the limitations of the surgery. It’s still a procedure. We make sure that their expectations are correct.”

Are You Too Old for a Hair Transplant?

Men over age 50 are a rapidly growing category for first-time hair transplantation. In addition to society’s emphasis on youth, men want to stay competitive in the job market longer – as well as on the dating scene. As noted in our blog post – “Busting Common Hair Transplant Myths” – older men can benefit from the boost in self-esteem that a fuller head of hair can provide. This is especially true for those who lead a healthy lifestyle and pride themselves on being fit and projecting a more youthful image. As society redefines aging, a hair transplant can help enhance your enjoyment of life on your own terms.

However, those with type 2 diabetes need to have their condition under control, and get clearance from their primary medical care provider for the procedure. Tell your hair restoration surgeon during your consultation about any health conditions, as well as prescription medications that you take. A conscientious surgeon will ask about your medical history – as well as many other areas – during the consultation. Our blog post – “The Importance of Consultation Before Hair Restoration Treatment” – covers this crucial, yet often overlooked, topic in depth.

Also, keep in mind that the goal of a hair transplant should be to produce age-appropriate correction of hair loss. Therefore, having realistic expectations about the result is essential. Goals should be frankly discussed and agreed upon between the patient and surgeon.

Are You Too Bald for a Hair Transplant?

While this is definitely a question to be discussed during a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon, there may be a solution. Dr. Barusco offers a safe, proven hair transplant procedure for patients with advanced hair loss: a combined procedure that he developed in which – by using both Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) techniques – he is able to move a large amount of hairs in one procedure, covering large bald areas at one time.

This allows patients to achieve their ultimate goal in less time, with one procedure versus many. But be aware that this is an advanced procedure and should be performed only by doctors and teams with a great amount of experience. For this reason, selecting the right doctor and team is even more important!

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely for Your Hair Restoration Journey

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

The Importance of Consultation Before Hair Restoration Treatment

March 3, 2021Male Hair Restorationhair loss treatment, hair restoration treatmentTempus Hair Restoration

The decision to undergo a hair restoration procedure is the result of a personal journey. Whether you want to increase your self-confidence, present a more youthful image to the world or be more competitive in the job market, the motivation that begins your search for a hair restoration specialist is personal. This, however, is the critical stage. Most people have no experience in how to evaluate the practices and clinics with which they’re about to schedule a consultation. How do you know what to look for, or what questions to ask?

Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – is a tireless advocate of consumer education in his field. People seeking treatment who have little to no knowledge of best practices are vulnerable to poorly qualified, unethical practitioners who misdiagnose patients and/or perform an unnecessary procedure – or even the wrong type of procedure. For this reason, Dr. Barusco emphasizes the importance of consultation. Knowing how the surgeon should conduct the consultation – and knowing what questions to ask – are essential to finding the right surgeon to trust with your procedure.

Dr. Barusco’s informative YouTube video – “The Importance of Consultation” – is a comprehensive discussion of what you should expect during your hair loss consultation. Running at just over 24 minutes, this video covers every aspect in detail – complete with Dr. Barusco’s candid observations about how less-than-conscientious practitioners fail their patients. This article is based upon the video, which includes a link to a Hair Loss Consultation Checklist to print out and take with you to your consultation appointment.

Taking the approach that hair loss is a medical condition that should be treated by a physician, Dr. Barusco says the following:

“So what is important in a consultation? A medical consultation involves a few steps. Whether you go for diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease, hair loss is a medical condition. It may not be considered a disease, although many of them are. The only one that’s not considered a disease is genetic hair loss – or angiogenetic alopecia as it’s known – which is the most common. But there are many other types of hair loss that are diseases. You may have one, but you won’t know if you go with someone who doesn’t take the steps and doesn’t understand hair loss. They’re going to miss it. So you need to go with someone who specializes in hair loss.”

Following are the categories of questions that Dr. Barusco asks during every consultation – as well as the process leading up to diagnosis. Whoever you consult, these are the areas that should be covered. But first, be sure that you will be talking to the surgeon who will be performing your procedure – not a salesperson or medical technician. If you’re told the doctor cannot or will not meet with you, leave – or don’t schedule the consultation in the first place. This is a red flag that should not be ignored!

Hair Loss History

Asking about when you started noticing your hair loss, which areas of your scalp were first affected, how the loss is progressing, etc., provide important information that can help the doctor start to form a complete picture of the cause and treatment options for your individual case. Even if you think a detail may be insignificant, mention it to the doctor.

Your Family History of Hair Loss

You should be asked if your immediate family members (including females) had/have hair loss, and if so, what kind. How did it start and progress over time? Says Dr. Barusco, “If your physician or provider is not asking these questions and you don’t know to volunteer this information, they’re not going to give you the correct diagnosis.”

Your Medical History

The doctor should ask for a detailed medical history. Such conditions as diabetes, heart or thyroid disease – and the medications you take for them – can affect or accelerate hair loss. For women, irregular or painful menstrual periods need to be noted. Says Dr. Barusco, “That information is important because it will help us see what kind of hair loss you have, and if any of these things are influencing your hair loss. If you don’t treat the source of that problem, you’re not going to get the best result from your treatment.”

Your Past and Current Medications

Some prescription medications can cause hair loss. “If I don’t ask you about them, you’ll assume it’s not important,” says Dr. Barusco. “But if I do, and you tell me, we’ll know it’s influencing your hair loss.”

Your Allergy History

Your doctor should ask if you are allergic to any medications or have had an allergic reaction to anesthesia. Dr. Barusco notes that the medications he prescribes are well-tolerated by most people, but some could have a rare reaction. Knowing if this has occurred is important in prescribing an alternative medication.

Your Surgical History

Your doctor should ask if you’ve had surgery of any type. Again, this can provide additional information about a medical condition that could be relevant to your hair loss, as well as your ability to tolerate anesthesia. Says Dr. Barusco, “If you tell me you almost passed away after anesthesia was administered and you had to be resuscitated, or you had terrible bleeding, this is important for me to know. As a surgeon, it will help me plan my surgery better. Again, you may not think to tell me if I don’t ask.”

A Timeline of Your Hair Loss

A good hair restoration physician should start creating a timeline of your hair loss based upon all of the previous information he/she has gathered from your answers. “I try to frame it in a timeline and try to associate that timeline to the various stages of hair loss with things that are important,” says Dr. Barusco. “For example, your hair loss started getting worse five years ago, and you had your thyroid disease for six years. Was that a factor in your hair loss? Did you start taking birth control pills, or a blood pressure medication prior to that period?

“I am a hair loss specialist, but I’m also a physician. I understand how your body works, and how that impacts hair loss. Unfortunately, from what I’ve seen, many people out there either don’t know, or they forgot what they learned in medical school. As a result, they’re not serving you as best as they could – and that’s wrong.”

Your Goals for Your Hair

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.”

Examining Your Scalp

Just as your regular physician examines your body during a checkup, a good hair restoration specialist should examine your hair and scalp – which are also parts of your body. “If I’m just looking for hair loss and forget about everything else, I might miss clues that are hidden under the scalp or in other areas that may indicate an underlying condition that could be causing hair loss.”

Dr. Barusco first examines the scalp, looking for miniaturization of the hair follicles, redness and inflammation, swelling, dandruff and skin cancer. He then examines the hair. Is it coming out of the scalp very easily? Is the hair breaking? Are there patchy bald areas? If your consultation is in-office, the doctor should also have such tools as a magnification camera.

“I have patients who come to me and say that the other doctor they saw for a consultation never touched their hair. ‘They just saw me across the table and made a recommendation for a transplant, and I left the office.’ That’s not right.”

Online consultations can be conducted in a thorough manner that provides the information the doctor needs. Dr. Barusco has been conducting online consultations for many years – even before COVID-19 made them a necessity throughout every field of medical practice. During an online consultation, Dr. Barusco instructs the patient to take pictures of his/her scalp with a smartphone. This can be done by the patient, or with assistance from another person in the room. If he isn’t sure about an area of the scalp based upon the photos, Dr. Barusco will ask the patient to schedule an in-office consultation.

Examining Other Areas, Complementary Tests and Consulting Other Specialists

Dr. Barusco will perform a basic medical examination, which includes listening to the heart and palpitating the thyroid area. He will talk further with the patient about any issues that may have been brought up during the medical history portion of the consultation. As a licensed physician, he is qualified to do so. This is intended to further rule out or identify any underlying medical condition that could be causing hair loss, or better inform Dr. Barusco about which course treatment should take.

If necessary, Dr. Barusco will refer a patient to the appropriate specialist. He will also order a scalp biopsy and blood work to look for underlying conditions. In the case of patients who have a history of heart disease or another condition that could place them at risk during hair transplant surgery, Dr. Barusco may ask for a medical clearance In the case of patients who have a history of heart disease or another condition that could place them at risk during hair transplant surgery, Dr. Barusco may ask for a medical clearance Although hair transplants are generally safe, some fatalities have occurred (not among Dr. Barusco’s patients). Although hair transplants are generally safe, some fatalities have occurred (not among Dr. Barusco’s patients).

“The procedure is not as simple as many people assume. It is the obligation of us – the physicians treating you – to look after your safety.”

Arrive at a Diagnosis of Your Hair Loss

Only after Dr. Barusco has all the information he needs, he arrives at a diagnosis, or a tentative diagnosis. 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.

Review Your Goals and Discuss Expectations

Once the diagnosis is given, your doctor should again review your hair restoration goals and discuss expectations – which should be realistic. Dr. Barusco tells patients what they can expect from treatment based upon his diagnosis. Being honest is the only way to build trust – which is why Dr. Barusco has treated family members of his patients.

“They know I’m going to give them the best advice, regardless of money. That’s what you need to expect from a professional, and that’s what I don’t see happening very much right now. It pains me to see it, because I see people getting hurt all the time by misdiagnosis and procedures that were too aggressive – procedures they never needed, and a lack of counseling on their hair loss.”

A plan to prevent future hair loss also needs to be part of this discussion. “You have to prevent hair loss. That’s as much or more important than any transplant – to save the hair you have so you don’t continue to lose hair – or at least slow down the loss. If you have a hair consultation without any kind of discussion on hair loss prevention, you need to run away from the place and never come back.”

Discuss a Treatment Plan with You

Finally, your doctor should discuss 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. Medications that will be prescribed should also be covered – including possible side effects and the number of times a day you’ll take them.

After that, it is up to the patient to decide whether to proceed. Dr. Barusco does not pressure people to make a decision during the consultation. Any hard-sell at this point is another red flag you should heed.

“You will leave the consultation with all the information that you need, including prescriptions and the estimate for the cost of the procedure. A follow-up schedule is also very important, because surgery, medications and the course of future hair loss has to be followed up. I never see a patient only once.”

If Procedures are Recommended, Ask Questions

Educating consumers about hair restoration best practices and ethics is Dr. Barusco’s mission. Dr. Barusco is a Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – the world’s leading medical authority on hair loss treatment and restoration. 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.

“If someone recommends a procedure to you – be it a hair transplant, PRP, etc., ask questions! Do not take it at face value. Ask about how much donor hair will be used. Who will actually be performing the surgery? Technicians are not legally allowed to perform surgery, but they do in too many practices. Ask about the experience of the doctor. If you’re not seeing the doctor at that point in the consultation, I don’t think you should even be in the same room.”

Knowledge is Power – Learn All You Can and Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

Continuing his commitment to consumer education, Dr. Barusco posts videos to his YouTube channel on a regular basis. Our website’s FAQ page also provides a link to Dr. Barusco’s channel, and direct links to his videos that answer common questions about hair loss and hair loss treatment. Each video is essential viewing for anyone who is considering hair restoration treatment.

Does Hair Loss Hurt Your Career?

February 20, 2020Male Hair Restorationhair restoration, male pattern baldness, surgical hair restorationTempus Hair Restoration

Like it or not, 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. While there is no single answer that applies to all, this is a legitimate question that’s being asked more frequently in today’s highly competitive environment.

Not very long ago, only men in the entertainment industry had to be concerned about hair loss affecting their career. Our blog post – “Celebrities and Hair Loss – When Image Really Counts” – discussed two patients of Dr. Marco Barusco: Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart and Brazilian actor Humberto Martins. Hart’s career path led from musician to professional wrestling superstardom. Still involved in the wrestling and entertainment worlds, Hart believed that his gradual hair loss was eroding his youthful image – and in turn, his ability to connect with his fans. In the case of Martins, the dashing leading man noticed the roles he was being offered were for older characters.

Now, however, men in professional-level jobs are anxious about hair loss. This can be attributed to the often unspoken concerns regarding age discrimination in the workplace. 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.

Surveys reveal widespread anxiety about hair loss and job marketability

The job search website Ladders reports a survey conducted by Dove Men+Care which found that of the 2,000 men who participated, the majority tied their work identities to their hair. The article reports the following results and observations.

The Ladders article also notes the following:

“A study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that a few more hair follicles can make all the difference between people seeing you as a success or a lost cause. The Johns Hopkins University researchers 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.”

While Americans are known for being focused on self-image, the anxiety that balding men face regarding discrimination while job hunting is international. As Joe O’Shea reports in the Irish Independent, the reasons why men feel compelled to take action on hair loss have changed in recent years. Where once the main motivation may have been in conforming to an ideal of attractiveness, professionals in the hair restoration field say their clients now talk about wanting to look young and vital in an increasingly competitive job market.

“We do have guys that come to us that feel that going thin on top is going to count against them in their careers,” says Jessica Kidd of JK Hair Replacement, a Dublin practice specializing in non-surgical hair replacement treatments and hair systems. “They worry that people will make negative judgements in a job interview, or how they are seen in the company they work for.”

According to Thomas Cash, emeritus professor of psychology and author of The Body Image Workbook, societal bias against men experiencing hair loss is real. In a study that looked at bias, Cash showed people photographs of bald or balding men – as well as men with a full head of hair – asking them to rate the men for qualities such as self-assertiveness, social attractiveness, intelligence, life-success, personal likability, physical attractiveness and perceived age. He found that “… the bald or balding models were perceived more negatively on every dimension except intelligence.”

As for the matter of age perception, Cash’s study found that when people were shown photographs of bald men and asked to estimate their age, they added an average of three years and nine months to the men’s actual age. Men with a full head of hair had an average of two years and five months taken off.

Be proactive, but be smart

Considering the aging effect that hair loss has on one’s appearance, an increasing number of men are more proactive in seeking treatment during the early stages, which typically begins after age 20, but can occur sooner – even during adolescence. Unlike previous generations, today’s young men are less willing to accept hair loss as inevitable.

This has perhaps led to the rise of online subscription hair restoration companies, which prescribe and sell prescription medications to treat hair loss. While patients may like the convenience such services offer, a brief online consultation with a doctor chosen by the company or simply diagnosing their own type of hair loss to receive home delivery of medication carries risks. It is a little-known fact that there is no single federal or state agency in charge of overseeing online prescription drug services.

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.”

Online subscription companies treat healthcare like any commodity that can be ordered and shipped. For treatment in any branch of medicine to truly be successful, a doctor-patient relationship based on trust, accountability, mutual respect and transparency is essential. The bottom line: make sure you’re not trading your health for convenience in stopping the advancement of hair loss.

Surgical hair replacement procedures for those who take the next step

Just as in other fields of medical science, advancements are constantly being made in hair transplantation surgical procedures. Tempus Hair Restoration offers advanced procedures that provide options to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing, natural-appearing results. Our surgical treatments include the following.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – Typically done as a shaved procedure (where the donor area is shaven), Dr. Barusco created an improved technique known as the “No-Shave FUE.” This technique allows patients to have the benefits of an FUE procedure without having the downtime of waiting for the hairs of the donor site to grow in. Advantages include complete concealment of harvested donor sites immediately, and a quicker return to normal activities, as no suture removal is required.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) – This is commonly known as the “strip” method of hair transplantation. In this procedure, hair is removed from the donor area of the scalp by removing a strip of skin and hair before the area is then stitched up. Advances in the closure methods and the healing of the donor incision results in a small, thin linear scar that is easily concealed without having to grow the hair very long.

Word of warning: sensationalist marketing material from doctors wanting to promote the FUE method usually depicts a large linear scar on the back of an individual’s head next to another picture of an individual where the scar is not visible. These types of advertisements have been produced to scare patients away from FUT surgery so they only consider the FUE procedure. However, the FUE technique does not work for every patient. For a variety of factors, you may be a better candidate for the strip surgery.

Combined FUE and FUT procedure – 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.

Tempus Hair Restoration offers a safe, tested hair transplant surgery solution for patients with advanced hair loss: a combined procedure in which – by using both FUE and FUT techniques – we are able to move a large amount of hairs in one procedure, covering large bald areas at one time. This allows patients to achieve their ultimate goal sooner, with one procedure versus many. But be aware that this is an advanced procedure and should be performed only by doctors and teams with a great amount of experience. For this reason, selecting the right doctor and team is even more important!

Dr. Barusco’s success stories

As mentioned earlier, two of Dr. Barusco’s celebrity patients – Jimmy Hart and Humberto Martins – achieved the career revitalization they’d hoped for with thick, full hair. Hart began getting compliments on his ageless appearance – a tale he relates in his inimitable style in his testimonial video for Dr. Barusco. And Martins was again winning younger roles.

Will a hair transplant make it easier for you to land your next job or get a promotion? Some psychologists say that the increased self-confidence helps create an aura of success that can translate into convincing a potential employer you’re the perfect fit – or a current employer that you’re the one to move up the ladder. And if you believe employers expect to see a youthful, vital candidate and that’s what you are, you’ll have a valuable competitive edge!

You are invited to learn more about the innovative surgical and non-surgical hair restoration procedures that Dr. Barusco offers at Tempus Hair Restoration – as well as schedule a free consultation to learn your options. If you are unable to visit one of Tempus’ 16 Florida locations in person, you may consult with Dr. Barusco via teleconference. For your convenience, consultations are offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

See Me, Not My Scar – Restoring Hair to a Head Trauma Patient Other Surgeons Turned Away

August 28, 2018Male Hair Restoration, SurgeryTempus Hair Restoration

It had been several years since the motorcycle accident that almost cost K.J. his life. Suffering severe head trauma, he was unconscious in his hospital bed when the doctor told his wife to prepare herself for the worst. But the 40-year-old husband and father fought to live, eventually making a recovery that stunned the doctor who had made the grim prognosis. Now, the only visible sign of his injury was the surgical scar and slightly recessed area where steel plates held a piece of his skull in place. Ready to move forward and make the most of his second chance at life, K.J. wanted to take the final step in healing: restoring his hair.

Although K.J.’s story may seem easy to sum up in one paragraph, his journey was grueling, with setbacks along the way. The injury necessitated removing a heart-shaped piece of skull, which was preserved for future replacement. The plate that was originally placed over the area also had to be removed because of high intracranial pressure – a life-threatening development. After he was out of immediate danger, K.J. underwent physical rehabilitation and wore a protective wrestler’s helmet for six weeks prior to surgery to replace the section of bone.

“It was pretty intense,” K.J. recalled. “For some crazy reason, I’m still here.”

K.J.’s next contact with the medical field was voluntary. Learning about the Orlando Live Surgery Workshop – a conference of hair restoration surgeons sponsored by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – he submitted his case for consideration. Having attended full of hope, his heart began to sink as surgeon after surgeon declined to treat him.

Until Dr. Marco Barusco, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration, reviewed K.J.’s case and examined his scars – then gave K.J. the answer he had long been awaiting: he was a candidate for hair transplant surgery.

What did Dr. Barusco see that the other surgeons had missed? The deciding factor wasn’t so much what they didn’t see, as what they were unable to do.

“(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.”

However, K.J. would have to wait a little longer for the complete restoration of his appearance. Because Dr. Barusco determined the surgery required more controlled conditions than the live surgery workshop provided to minimize the risk of infection, Dr. Barusco performed K.J.’s hair transplant surgery at Tempus Hair’s Port Orange location, which is designed to provide patients with a safe and comfortable surgical experience.

Dr. Barusco chose the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) procedure on K.J., which he determined would achieve the best results. “Due to his various scalp scars, the safe area for donor hair harvesting was limited to the back and right areas of his scalp,” said Dr. Barusco. “An FUT was recommended in order to move more hair in one procedure.”

“I had quite a bit of hair loss,” said K.J. “But I started seeing results about six months after the transplant, with full growth after one year. I could hardly believe it! The scarring is covered, and the growth pattern looks natural. Before, I felt like people saw the scar before they saw me.”

When asked what motivated him to undergo one more surgical procedure after he’d been through so many, K.J. reflected: “I wanted to move on in life. When I see people with scarring, I can relate to what they’ve been through. My life is back to normal. I have my wife and my friends. Once you have hope and the will to survive, you make changes. I work out at the gym five days a week, and lead a healthy lifestyle. I’m in better shape now than when I was 40!”

In fact, K.J. recently returned to Tempus Hair Restoration for the same reason as the vast majority of Dr. Barusco’s other patients who trust themselves to his care – to treat standard, typical hair loss.

“When you start feeling more confident, you want to keep that feeling,” said K.J. “Dr. Barusco is just a phenomenal surgeon. I highly recommend him. He and his staff were very supportive. Dr. Barusco did his research and took his time.”

As remarkable as K.J.’s experience was, he is not the only patient with a challenging situation who Dr. Barusco has successfully treated. In fact, 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.

We invite you to visit our Before & After Gallery to see a wide range of inspiring results – then schedule a free, no obligation consultation with Dr. Barusco at one of our locations, or by video conference to learn your options. We look forward to meeting you, and helping you achieve the self-confidence to live your best life!

An Affordable Hair Transplant that Doesn’t Sacrifice Quality

February 1, 2018Male Hair Restoration, SurgeryTempus Hair Restoration

Sufferers of hair loss understand that it can have a big impact on one’s self-esteem, especially at a younger age. Hair is often perceived as a sign of youth, beauty, and virility. When someone loses it, they may feel like they have had many aspects of their lives taken from them.

That can in turn interfere with their work performance, personality, and charisma, affecting their social and professional lives. Despite all of these psychological effects, insurance companies still see hair restoration as a “cosmetic procedure.” That means they will not cover it.

While doing your research in this procedure and the doctors who perform it, you may be tempted to look for a bargain and go with someone who has less experience or who does not perform only hair restoration. While the procedure may seem simple enough, (it isn’t like they’re operating on your brain), there are still plenty of things that can go wrong; you can avoid them with a more skilled surgeon. Poorly performed hair transplants can lead to infection, the hair may grow properly, or the results may not look natural. Dr. Barusco has met many patients who have suffered from these complications.

“Sometimes I can help them, but sometimes I can’t. A bad liposuction or a bad breast surgery can at least be hidden from view. A bad hair transplant cannot. And what is even worse, is that these patients are coming to me not only with poor results on their hairline, but also terrible scarring and thinning of their donor hair (the limited supply of permanent hair we use for transplants) caused by taking too many hairs with incisions that are larger than they should be.”

That is why, as in any procedure, you want to look for someone who has experience, quality, and artistic ability, who knows what can go wrong and how to avoid it.

Dr. Barusco is an internationally recognized surgeon, with over 20 years of experience in hair restoration procedures. Elected as the President of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery in 2017, he focuses on innovative procedures with natural-looking results. He has written chapters in multiple textbooks on the Tempus No-Shave FUE, the Crown-Hatching Technique that he created and on complications in hair transplantation.

But with an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Barusco, you may be concerned about costs. First, every consultation is performed by Dr. Barusco and it is free. There are no fees for speaking with us. After Dr. Barusco makes an individualized recommendation based on your situation and goals, you will meet with one of our patient educators, who will discuss the costs of what Dr. Barusco has prescribed. If you need to finance the procedure, we offer special 6 and 12-month financing plans with no interest. We are very transparent on the cost of our services, and what you see on the bill is what you will pay in the end. And remember, this isn’t a frivolous purchase; it is a lifetime investment. You will keep this hair for life.

At Tempus, we make our procedures affordable without compromising our quality. We aren’t a one-stop shop for cosmetic surgeries. We focus on hair restoration alone, because that is an important issue that deserves undivided attention. We want to help you get your life back. So schedule your free consultation today, and let’s talk about how we can help.

Self-Worth vs. Vanity – How Hair Transplants Affect Other Areas of Your Life

January 26, 2018Male Hair RestorationTempus Hair Restoration

There is a common misconception that ties cosmetic surgery to vanity – that anyone who gets a hair transplant is only concerned about their own image. The truth is much more complicated. Losing one’s hair can be detrimental to self-esteem, and, in turn, affect many aspects of life. It may even hold a person back from being happy.

Look at Joe, one of our patients. After his divorce, he started thinking less of himself. “I had gained weight and lost all desire to start over,” he said. “My hair was receding, which made everything else worse.” Stress and an individual’s mental state have been shown to be a cause of hair loss. When this happens, a person’s self-esteem can become even worse. Said Joe, “Each day that passed it was harder and harder to look in the mirror and gain the motivation to get my life together.”

Restoring hair isn’t about some desire to be sexy, but rather to help one’s self-worth – as Joe experienced after his procedure. “My confidence definitely increased as the compliments came rolling in. I joined a gym and felt determined again … I looked in the mirror and finally feel happy with who is looking back.”

Dr. Barusco understands what hair loss can do to someone. After losing her husband and going through chemotherapy, Carol’s hair began to thin out. Trying to get her life back on track, she went to Dr. Barusco for a consultation. Carol said she “… immediately felt a warmth and sincerity from [him]. He truly understands the emotional impact hair loss can cause on someone, and treated me as his patient rather than a dollar sign.”

He made sure Carol felt comfortable in the whole process, and explained exactly what would happen. Since then, she said, “My results have been amazing and I feel great about myself again. It truly has changed my life.”

Hair loss can be so destructive to one’s confidence, they feel the need to hide. Another of Dr. Barusco’s patients, J.D., battled Traction Alopecia for some time. This condition is a type of hair loss that happens over time. It’s caused by putting the hair under constant strain or tension, and usually results from wearing hair in very tight ponytails, pigtails, tight braids or cornrows. J.D. used weaves, wigs and extensions to cover and mask the issue – which, in turn, caused even more hair loss.

J.D. works as a pharmaceutical representative, a profession that requires confidence when visiting multiple physician offices on a daily basis. “My results have been amazing and speak for themselves,” she said. It truly was the best decision I have ever made. I waited a long time in order to find the right person to do this. I am now wearing my natural hair and feel so confident. I have now opened my own business and living my best life.”

Joe, Carol, and J.D. all suffered from hair loss, and it was important to their self-worth that they could recover it. Since their procedure, each has gone on to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. If you are suffering from hair loss, don’t hesitate to schedule your free consultation and learn what you have to do to get your life back.