What You Need to Know About Hair Transplant Pricing

Category Archives: Surgery

What You Need to Know About Hair Transplant Pricing

If you’re researching your options for a hair transplant procedure, you’re most likely visiting the websites of a variety of clinics and practices – including this one, obviously. However, pricing structures vary widely, which can cause confusion. Because we at Tempus Hair Restoration believe that well-informed consumers are able to make the choice that’s best for their individual situation, we’ll cover the different types of pricing that some hair restoration practices offer, and how we determine our pricing – as well as why price shouldn’t be the main factor in this important decision.

Per-graft Pricing

This pricing structure is perhaps the most frequently promoted by hair transplant clinics. Based on search engine results about how pricing is determined, consumers tend to ask about the cost of 2,000 or 5,000 hair grafts. Thinking about the cost of a transplant in this way is counterproductive, however, as it leads people to believe that a set number of grafts will produce the desired result.

An ethical practice may refer to a price-per-graft, but emphasize that each person is unique, and the number of grafts needed can only be estimated during an in-person or virtual consultation. A common practice is to charge less per-graft as the number of grafts increases, so a patient doesn’t pay double the cost for a 2,000 per follicular unit graft over a 1,000 per follicular unit graft.

The Type of Hair Transplant Procedure Performed – FUT or FUE

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) refers to the “strip” method of hair transplantation. In this procedure, the surgeon takes hair grafts by removing a strip of skin from the back of the scalp.  Once the donor site is sutured, the strip is split into smaller sections with a surgical tool. These smaller sections are then implanted at the recipient site.

Traditionally, the FUT has been a less expensive procedure than the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which harvests hair grafts by way of a tiny circular incision made around each follicular unit. The follicular units are individually extracted directly from the scalp, then implanted in the recipient sites. Because this method is more time-consuming than the FUT, it typically is more expensive.

Red Flags to Look for With an FUE Transplant

The way in which follicles are harvested in an FUE transplant has given rise to devices that harvest and/or implant follicular units. This complicates matters, as practices that use such devices often promote them by brand name, and position them as a selling point. There are two basic types of these devices:

  1. Machines that use pneumatic pressure to power a hollow circular punch, then suck the hair graft into a container where the grafts are gathered for implantation.
  2. Robotic hair transplant systems, which are guided by a computer algorithm to identify and harvest follicular units.

We mention these devices because they’re used in advertising for the clinics that employ them, and you may assume they figure into the pricing. This could be a factor in the case of the robotic system, which tends to be higher because the practice has to recoup the cost of the machine – which can cost about $200,000. However, we strongly caution against choosing such a clinic, as it is common practice for them to use technicians and other unlicensed personnel to harvest follicular units.

Legally speaking, these devices are considered an extension of the hand of the surgeon. Florida and a few 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 have not already done so, we recommend you read Dr. Marco Barusco’s eye-opening report – “The Truth Behind Advertising Devices Instead of Surgeons” – for the complete story of the consequences of unqualified clinic personnel performing hair transplants with these devices.

Other Factors that Affect the Cost of a Hair Transplant

The overall cost of living in your area – as well as the number of hair transplant surgeons in your vicinity – can affect the cost of a hair transplant. Also important is the surgeon’s experience and professional reputation.

Keep in mind that hair transplant surgery is surgery. At Tempus Hair Restoration, the cost includes guarantee, local anesthesia, post-operative kit and follow-ups. Patients do need to pay for post-op pain medication at their local pharmacy with a provided prescription.

How Tempus Hair Restoration Determines the Cost of Your Hair Transplant Procedure

Tempus Hair Restoration charges per-graft. However, pricing is determined only after Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – conducts a one-on-one consultation with the prospective patient. During this consultation, he will diagnose the cause of your hair loss, discuss your hair restoration goals with you, and provide and discuss a treatment plan. To state the obvious, because each person is different, each treatment plan will be different. Therefore, pricing will ultimately be tailored to the individual.

We cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of choosing a transplant surgeon based on experience, skill, results and integrity rather than a bargain deal. You do get what you pay for. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice.

We want to help you achieve the best possible result that restores your self-image and boosts your confidence. Here at Tempus Hair Restoration, we understand the investment this involves, and offer many great financing options to place this important goal within reach.

Contact us to schedule your free virtual or in-person 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!

Don’t Let a Technician Perform Your Hair Transplant Surgery

We at Tempus Hair Restoration have been witnessing a disturbing trend over the last few years. An increasing number of hair restoration practices and clinics offering a range of aesthetic services (such as cosmetic surgery) are using non-medical technicians to perform hair transplant surgeries. This practice is becoming so prevalent, that consumers have come to accept this as a typical, legitimate situation – which it is definitely not. These clinics gear their marketing and advertising to mislead the public into believing that technicians have a high degree of training and are just as capable as a surgeon to perform most – if not all – of the procedure. And that doing so allows them to offer hair restoration surgeries at a discount.

Don’t believe it. So serious is this problem that the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – the world’s leading medical authority on hair loss treatment and restoration – has initiated a patient awareness campaign designed to help people understand why a surgeon is the only person who should be performing the procedure, and how to see through misleading marketing that makes technician-performed surgery seem safe and foolproof.

What is the ISHRS?

The ISHRS 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 organization is dedicated to achieving excellence in medical and surgical outcomes by promoting member education, international collegiality, research, ethics, and public awareness.

As the ISHRS states the situation, the organization “… is concerned about the growing risk to patients of unlicensed technicians performing substantial aspects of hair restoration surgery. The use of unlicensed technicians to perform aspects of hair restoration surgery, which should only be performed by a properly trained and licensed physician*, places patients at risk of: (i) misdiagnosis; (ii) failure to diagnose hair disorders and related systemic diseases; and (iii) performance of unnecessary or ill-advised surgery all of which jeopardizes patient safety and outcomes. There may also be a risk that unlicensed technicians may not be covered by malpractice insurance.”

The ISHRS believes the following aspects of hair restoration surgery should only be performed by a licensed physician*:

  • Preoperative diagnostic evaluation and consultation
  • Surgery planning
  • Surgery execution including:
    • Donor hair harvesting
    • Hairline design
    • Recipient site creation
    • Management of other patient medical issues and possible adverse reactions
    • Post-operative care

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

ISHRS policy states that hair restoration surgery should only be performed by qualified physicians who possess education, training, and current competency in the field of hair restoration surgery or other licensed health care professionals who are properly trained, performing the procedure within their scope of practice, and supervised by a qualified and experienced physician.

Penalties are now being handed down to physicians who commit such professional misconduct. The ISHRS reported on the suspension of Dr. Dennis Daly’s medical license by the New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct for allegedly allowing unqualified and unlicensed individuals to perform a hair transplant procedure at the SNY Surgery Center in 2017. Effective February 7, 2020, the Board suspended Dr. Daly’s medical license for a period of three years (which suspension was stayed) and placed him on probation for 36 months, among other penalties, including dissolving his practice.

Hair restoration surgery is surgery

It is important to understand that hair restoration surgery is the practice of medicine. Although patients receive a topical anesthesia and are awake during the procedure doesn’t mean that a hair transplant is without the potential for a disastrous outcome with permanent damage if performed incorrectly. Imagine a heart surgeon allowing a technician to perform any step of a bypass, and you’ll get the idea.

Even minimally invasive hair restoration procedures are, in fact, surgery requiring medical expertise. Important clinical decisions requiring expert clinical knowledge must be made during each procedure. For example, diagnostic decisions are continually being made – along with full thickness incisions into the skin. Follicular unit hair transplantation (FUT) involves hundreds to thousands of tiny incisions. This is also the case for hair transplant procedures using the strip-FUT and follicular unit extraction (FUE) methods.

As the ISHRS states, any procedure involving a skin incision for the purpose of tissue removal from the scalp or body, or to prepare the scalp or body to receive tissue by any means – including robotics – is a surgical procedure.

“Such procedures must be performed by a properly trained and licensed physician. All FUE harvesting tools, including robotic devices, are considered extensions of the hand of the operator, and as such, all operators of these devices must be physicians.”

“Physicians who perform hair restoration surgery must possess the education, training, and current competency in the field of hair restoration surgery.”

Now, a minute to address anesthesia. If your only experience with anesthesia has been at the dentist office, you may consider it a minor issue. However, appropriate dosing of anesthetic medication is critical to patient safety, and patients must be medically monitored.

There are no shortcuts. Any doctor, practice or clinic that advertises otherwise needs to be avoided.

A look at deceptive tactics

Unethical clinics that employ technicians to perform surgery aren’t always easy to identify at first glance. Some may have attractive websites that make their methods seem advanced and high-tech. Those that offer a variety of cosmetic procedures typically position this as an advantage – a convenient “one-stop-shop” for any aesthetic improvements you may want to achieve. They also often claim that their technology-assisted techniques make possible a high volume of transplants, which results in bargain prices.

It is typical in such clinics that physicians purchase a robotic device that can help perform one step of the hair transplant procedure. Instead of performing the procedure themselves, they hire technicians to perform most, if not the entire, procedure – including surgery planning, hairline design, graft removal and making incisions to place the grafts in the scalp. Patients are led to believe that a doctor will be performing the procedure, or assured that the technicians are “experts” and just as good as the doctor in performing hair transplants.

As we noted earlier, hair clinics that advertise heavily can mislead those unfamiliar with ethical practices and safe surgical procedures. In particular, the widespread use of robotic and power-assisted devices greatly enables technicians to perform procedures – which can lead to disastrous outcomes. As the ISHRS website notes:

“Only a doctor has been trained to maintain high patient safety standards, care for unexpected medical problems, has medical board oversight, and has taken an actual oath to keep your best interest in mind while you’re in his or her care. If your doctor allows technicians to do surgery for them, they are neglecting their oath, and you should shop elsewhere!”

We also invite you to read Dr. Barusco’s insightful post about the risks of robot-assisted hair transplant surgery. Dr. Barusco relates his experience with an ever-increasing number of patients seeking help whose initial procedure was botched – sometimes irreversibly – by unqualified personnel using such devices.

“Over the years, it would be fair to say that I’ve developed a unique perspective on these machines. I closely follow their development and release in our industry. First, they were aimed to experienced, competent hair restoration surgeons. Then, since many of us did not see the advantages of having them, the number of machines sold was too small to sustain business and profit, and they started advertising to cosmetic surgeons, plastic surgeons, family practitioners and others who had no training and no experience in hair restoration surgery. These doctors are pitched a quick-profit procedure that they really do not have to understand, since one company supplies the technicians to do all of the work, and the other will train them on how to operate the robot and its software—as if this did not require good cosmetic sense and a deep understanding of hair loss and hair restoration. The result? Many unhappy patients.”

As for the deep discounts that such clinics claim, a botched hair transplant is no bargain at any price. The additional expense to correct bad results will be greater than had you initially chosen an ethical practice – assuming enough hair remains in the donor area to be harvested.

Choose your surgeon wisely

Choosing a hair transplant surgeon based solely upon the amount of advertising the doctor or practice does is no guarantee of good results. The ISHRS provides a Find a Doctor list, which is maintained and updated with the name, location, contact information and link to the ISHRS member page of each member.

In conducting research on individual surgeons, the ISHRS recommends learning about the surgeon’s training, credentials and experience in the field of hair restoration. This is important, as a plastic surgeon may perform great liposuctions and facelifts and be an authority on these procedures, but no experience in hair restoration surgery. Be certain the surgeon will give you the names and contact information of patients you can talk to, as well as show you several before-and-after photos to ensure you like the aesthetic quality of their work.

Questions you should ask a hair restoration surgeon

Our blog post – “Undoing the Damage of a Bad Hair Transplant” – includes the following questions:

  • Who will evaluate my hair loss and recommend a course of treatment? What is their education, training, licensure, and experience in treating hair loss? Only physicians, Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are legally allowed to diagnose a patient and to recommend medical treatments. Otherwise, the person recommending procedures and/or treatments is practicing medicine without a license, a Felony crime in Florida and many other states.
  • Who will be involved in performing my surgery, what role will they play, and what is their education, training, licensure, and experience performing hair restoration surgery?
  • Will anyone not allowed by the State Medical Board be making incisions or harvesting grafts during my surgery? If so, please identify this person, explain their specific role and why they are legally permitted to perform it.
  • Is everyone involved in my surgery covered by malpractice insurance?

Knowledge is power

The best defense against falling prey to unethical clinics using technicians to perform hair restoration surgery is to learn as much as possible about the professional qualifications and standards that ethical surgeons attain and uphold. We hope we’ve provided you with the facts that you need to make an informed decision.

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!

Transgender Hair Transplants – Becoming Your True Self, Beautifully

The journey to becoming one’s true self is filled with challenges when that journey involves transitioning from the gender assigned at birth to one’s authentic identity – be it from male to female, or female to male. Transgender hair restoration surgery is typically the last step to achieving the natural appearance that aligns with the patient’s gender identity. Understanding the differences between male and female hairlines is of critical importance in hair transplants for both transgender females and males – as well as possessing the experience, skill and sense of aesthetics to successfully work with concealing scarring from previous procedures, such as surgical facial feminization.

As we celebrate Pride Month, Tempus Hair Restoration has been honored to help our transgender patients complete their journey, happy that the person they see in the mirror finally, truly reflects who they have always been inside.

As with all other surgical procedures in the transitioning process, choosing the right surgeon is critically important to attaining the desired result. Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – has more than 20 years of experience in performing and innovating advanced procedures, such as the No-Shave FUE. His artistic eye and unsurpassed technical skill allow him to create the best effect for each patient.

The differences between male and female hairlines

The hairline and growth patterns for males and females are noticeably different.

The male hairline has the following characteristics:

  • A lower overall position
  • M-shape
  • Forward flow pattern frontal hairs
  • Male pattern baldness

The female hairline is characterized by:

  • A higher overall position
  • Inverted U-shape
  • Frontal hairs in a backward-facing whorl flow pattern
  • Overall thinning

In a male-to-female transition, surgical feminization of facial features consists of such procedures as brow bone reduction, tracheal shave (Adam’s apple reduction), jaw contouring and rhinoplasty. Feminizing the hairline completes the desired aesthetic effect.

This is where the skill of an experienced hair restoration surgeon is essential. Unlike female hairline lowering for biological (also known as “cis”) females – which brings down the hairline to correct the effects of hair loss at the front of the scalp – the procedure must convert the M-shaped male hairline into the feminine U-configuration. Cutting a long incision to advance the hairline cannot fill in the outer temple areas. In addition, hairs in the male hairline grow in the opposite direction and flow to those of a female.

Complicating factors may include permanent forehead scarring as a result of brow bone reduction surgery. Much like the scarring caused by a facelift, healing can be successful, yet leave undesired evidence of the procedure. Scars can be concealed through utilizing advanced hair transplant techniques, which requires a surgeon with a proven record of performing challenging procedures.

Finally, the creation of an attractive hairline is not a one-technique-fits-all process. A surgeon with basic technical skill can construct a female hairline. However, to create a flattering hairline that complements the client’s facial features requires an artistic eye and the ability to correctly place each graft so that the hair grows and falls around the face in a natural, pleasing pattern. As we always emphasize, not all doctors who perform hair restoration procedures have the ability to provide the highest level of natural-appearing aesthetic results.

With transgender hair transplants, another factor in the equation can be male pattern hair loss. Male-to-female transgender clients who begin transitioning at a young age are less likely to experience this type of hair loss, due to the early intervention of hormone therapy. However, if balding has begun at the time of transition, hair restoration treatment will be necessary. Estrogen therapy may prevent further loss, but cannot restore hair that has already been lost.

In the case of female-to-male transgender clients, those who have a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness may start to experience hair loss. Again, an evaluation of the client’s individual situation will determine the best course of treatment – be it adipose tissue and growth factor therapy, a hair transplant procedure, or a combination of treatments.

As with transgender women, cosmetic surgery is available to create masculine features for transgender men. Facial hair transplant surgery is a popular option to achieve the client’s ultimate goal of being at ease in the world as a self-confident man – as well as to create this appearance without intensive cosmetic surgery. While hormone therapy may promote facial hair growth, it often is not dense enough to grow a full beard, mustache or sideburns. An eyebrow transplant may also be needed to provide the fullness typical of male eyebrows.

Techniques used for facial hair transplants differ from those used for the scalp, because the length, texture, characteristics and growth patterns of the hair differ. An experienced surgeon – such as Dr. Barusco – understands how hairs from different areas of the body behave, and has the skill and artistry to harvest those that are the best match, and ensure the hair follicles are angled correctly when transplanted.

Although June is designated as Pride Month, the long journey for transgender women and men deserves recognition and respect no matter what the calendar date. We provide a supportive environment for our transgender clients, and are here to help you achieve your desired outcome.

Our client, Ronie, took her time to provide a video testimonial about her hair replacement experience at Tempus Hair Restoration. Ronie wore wigs and hats for years to cover her hair loss. After learning about hair restoration surgery, she wrote an emotional letter to doctors all over the country asking for their help. Dr. Barusco was the only surgeon to respond. We thank Ronie for sharing her story and having the courage to prevail. Contact us to schedule your free virtual consultation with Dr. Barusco to learn your options, so that you can live your best, true life!

 

 

Hair Transplants to Conceal Facelift Scars – What You May Not Know

Once only within reach of millionaires and movie stars, facelifts are now more affordable – as well as more socially acceptable. Today’s emphasis on youth has made turning back the clock through cosmetic surgery a matter-of-fact procedure rather than a “secret” that nevertheless gave itself away when the recipient resumed their regular activities looking significantly younger!

Yet for all the open discussions about facelifts, many prospective patients may not realize that the surgery that refreshes their appearance also leaves permanent scars which – depending upon the patient’s hairline and amount of hair – are easily visible. For this reason, following a brow (forehead) lift, face lift or other cosmetic facial surgery, many people need a hair restoration procedure to conceal scarring, lower their hair line back to its original position or conceal hair loss that may have occurred at the incision site.

As an internationally renowned board-certified hair restoration surgeon, Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – has extensive experience in performing this final step in perfecting the patient’s desired aesthetic effect of an invigorated, youthful appearance. Here is what you need to know about scarring from facial cosmetic surgery, and how a skilled hair transplant surgeon can artfully conceal the results.

Do all facelifts leave scars?

A facelift is performed by the surgeon making incisions along the natural contours of the ears and face. Incisions can be made in the hairline starting at the temples, continuing down and around the front of the ears and ending behind the ears in the lower scalp. A skilled, experienced surgeon will work to ensure the incision heals with the absolute minimum amount of scarring possible.

However, each patient experiences different rates of healing. Also, the commitment to following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions play a role in the amount of visible scarring that results. Lifestyle choices are another factor. Heavy alcohol use and smoking hinder the healing process. Smoking, especially, deprives tissues of the oxygen essential to healthy function and, of course, healing.

In addition, the surgeon’s level of experience, skill and artistry can determine how well scars are concealed. As we well know, these qualities are extremely important in the results that hair transplant patients can expect, and not all doctors who perform hair restoration procedures have the ability to provide the highest level of natural-appearing aesthetic results. The same is certainly true of cosmetic surgeons.

Although this is not a definitive answer, two different people can undergo the same facelift procedure, yet one may experience more obvious scarring than the other. As we always recommend to our prospective patients, choose your surgeon carefully based upon thorough research. If you have not yet undergone a facelift but are in the consultation process, ask the surgeon direct questions about the type and amount of scarring your procedure will involve, and how he or she will work to minimize it. Also ask if the procedure will affect the position of your hairline. If you feel the surgeon is underplaying or dismissing your concerns, you may want to continue your search.

Other post-facelift issues that can necessitate a hair transplant

Scarring is not the only issue that a facelift patient may have to deal with. A facelift sometimes results in a hairline that is higher or farther back than desirable. And patients who are already experiencing hair loss – or who start losing hair after surgery – could find that previously hidden scars become more visible or exposed.

Hair transplant options for facelift patients

It does seem ironic that a surgical procedure performed to restore a youthful appearance can create its own issues that need to be corrected with additional surgery. Fortunately, achieving an aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking result is possible. Despite the misconception that hair cannot grow in scars, the transplanted hair continues to grow and look natural. Again, selecting the right surgeon is essential. Dr. Barusco employs several advanced techniques to conceal facelift scars. These procedures include the following:

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) – This is commonly known as the “strip” method of hair transplantation. In this method, 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.

Be aware that some hair restoration practices that specialize in the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedure try to steer patients toward the FUE by using misleading marketing material depicting “after” FUT photos of patients with a pronounced scar. Again, today’s advanced FUT technique provides greatly improved results. For a variety of circumstances, the FUE is not appropriate for every patient. Some may be a better candidate for the strip surgery than the FUE procedure.

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) –  Typically done as a shaved procedure (where the donor area is shaven) at Tempus, Dr. Barusco created an improved technique known as the “no-shave” procedure.This technique allows clients 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 .

Choose your surgeons wisely

As previously stated, cosmetic surgery and hair restoration surgery are, after all, surgical procedures, to be taken with the same degree of due diligence as choosing a surgeon to repair or replace a major organ. Most people wouldn’t consider looking for a bargain heart surgeon, yet too often do just that when seeking aesthetic surgery. You get what you pay for, and a never-ending supply of heartbreaking patient accounts about botched procedures should provide good reason to exercise caution.

When you have a consultation with a hair restoration surgeon, you should expect (in fact, demand) an open, detailed discussion about your concerns and aesthetic goals. The surgeon should not only assess your scarring, but the overall condition of your scalp, possible donor area and your general health.

Dr. Barusco examines and evaluates each patient on an individual basis. Because he is experienced and skilled in every hair transplant procedure, Dr. Barusco will recommend the option that is best for the patient – unlike many other hair restoration surgeons, who are only familiar with a limited range of techniques, and so promote them over a technique that could be more beneficial.

As also previously mentioned, open communication is essential. If you feel the surgeon is not answering your questions to your satisfaction, or otherwise seems dismissive of your concerns, look elsewhere. It doesn’t matter if the surgeon says that he or she has performed the same procedure “a million times” with no complications. You have the right to be fully informed. Our blog post – “What to Look for in a Hair Transplant Surgeon” – provides a valuable guide.

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

Dr. Barusco also conducts virtual consultations for those who can’t travel to one of our 16 Florida locations, and our office will arrange travel and accommodations for out-of-area patients for their procedures. We invite you to learn more about our procedures, then contact us to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Barusco. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your options.

 

What to Look for in a Hair Transplant Surgeon

You may be surprised to learn that the field of surgical hair restoration is not regulated by either the United States government or the medical community. According to the American Hair Loss Association, any licensed physician can legally perform hair transplant surgery without any prior surgical training or accreditation of any kind. While this is true for any medical specialty (theoretically, any licensed physician may do any medical procedure they want), you won’t see a physician trained in plastic surgery performing a hernia operation. They reason why is that most physicians know their limitations and train extensively before they feel that they are proficient in a given procedure.

However, hair transplantation is pitched to physicians by device manufacturers in the United States and abroad as a simple procedure that does not need to be performed by a physician. Instead, it may be done by trained “technicians.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Hair transplantation is a complex procedure that requires a trained physician and a trained team in order to be successful. Otherwise, horror stories occur. And these have become more common in the last few years.

Under these circumstances, the typical advice of “do your research” is all the more important and challenging for those considering a hair transplant. Even minimally invasive hair restoration procedures are actually surgery requiring medical expertise. Unlike buying a car, most people don’t have experience when deciding who to trust with performing hair transplant surgery. Because we at Tempus Hair Restoration recognize that knowledge is power, a well-informed consumer is one who will ultimately be the best-satisfied with the results. Toward this goal, we offer the qualities to look for, as well as warning signs of who to avoid.

The first area to navigate is finding reliable sources of information. As WebMD acknowledges, “Social media, radio, television, and traditional print media market to the vulnerable hair loss consumer a more risk-free, guaranteed product as opposed to the highly specialized cosmetic surgical procedure it is.” With today’s emphasis on convenience and instant gratification, such pitches have great appeal to people who want a full head of hair in the least amount of time and at the cheapest price. Patients have been lured into going out of the U.S. to have their procedures done. Any marketing that makes it seem everyone will get the same results – despite the required disclaimer that results are not typical – does not have education as its goal.

One excellent starting point is the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – 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, the ISHRS is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics and research in the medical hair restoration industry.

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – is a Fellow of the ISHRS. This is a distinction that is only given to those who achieve certain landmarks on teaching and leadership. Currently, fewer than 10% of the ISHRS members are Fellows. In addition, Dr. Barusco is an active leader in the ISHRS, with various committees participations, lectures ministered and surgeries performed in the ISHRS’ workshops and congresses.

The ISHRS website is written in consumer-friendly language, easily accessible to those seeking objective information. A section specifically for patients consists of the following:

So, whose advice should you trust in finding a hair transplant surgeon?

You may be surprised to learn that the American Hair Loss Association recommends avoiding referrals for a hair restoration surgeon from your dermatologist or family practitioner.

“While your family doctor or dermatologist might mean well, the fact is that most physicians in this country know very little about the scope and pitfalls of this demanding cosmetic procedure. Unless your doctor has personal experience with the hair transplant physician he [or she] is recommending, our advice would be to say thanks, but no thanks.”

This is good advice. If you ask your dermatologist or primary care doctor for a referral to a hair transplant surgeon, make sure you ask if they know the work of the doctor they are recommending. This is very important. Dr. Barusco receives numerous patients who have been referred by other physicians of many specialties. Many of these doctors are actual patients of Dr. Barusco, so they know first-hand the quality of his work.

Finding a surgeon

Again, choosing a hair transplant surgeon based solely upon the amount of advertising the doctor or practice does is no guarantee of good results. The ISHRS provides a Find a Doctor list, which is maintained and updated with the name, location, contact information and link to the ISHRS member page of each member.

In conducting research on individual surgeons, the ISHRS recommends learning about the surgeon’s training, credentials and experience in the field of hair restoration. This is important, as a plastic surgeon may perform great liposuctions and facelifts and be an authority on these procedures, but no experience in hair restoration surgery. Be certain the surgeon will give you the names and contact information of patients you can talk to, as well as show you several before-and-after photos to ensure you like the aesthetic quality of their work.

Questions you should ask a hair restoration surgeon

Our July 8, 2019 blog post – “Undoing the Damage of a Bad Hair Transplant” – includes the following questions:

  • Who will evaluate my hair loss and recommend a course of treatment? What is their education, training, licensure, and experience in treating hair loss? Only physicians, Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are legally allowed to diagnose a patient and to recommend medical treatments. Otherwise, the person recommending procedures and/or treatments is practicing medicine without a license, a Felony crime in Florida and many states.
  • Who will be involved in performing my surgery, what role will they play, and what is their education, training, licensure, and experience performing hair restoration surgery?
  • Will anyone not allowed by the State Medical Board be making incisions or harvesting grafts during my surgery? If so, please identify this person, explain their specific role and why they are legally permitted to perform it.
  • Is everyone involved in my surgery covered by malpractice insurance?

Once you are at the consultation, make sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction and demand to see a physician. If the surgeon who would be performing the procedure isn’t in the office at the time of your consultation appointment, leave. At Tempus Hair Restoration, every prospective patient meets with Dr. Barusco – whether the consultation is in-office, or by video conference. The consultation is the time during which you should make sure you have a clear understanding of what can be accomplished for your unique situation.

The in-office consultation is also the time when you should take note of how the office is run. Is the office staff helpful, considerate and willing to answer questions about billing, insurance, etc.? Is the office or clinic neat and clean?

One very important point we always emphasize is that you should never feel pressured to make a decision before you’re ready. Ethical practices do not use high-pressure tactics to have you sign a contract. You should feel comfortable taking all the time you need.

What to avoid

As we noted earlier, mass-market hair clinics that advertise heavily can mislead those unfamiliar with ethical practices and safe surgical procedures. In particular, the widespread use of robotic and power-assisted devices places patients at risk of disastrous outcomes – especially when they’re used by technicians to perform procedures. As the ISHRS website notes:

“Only a doctor has been trained to maintain high patient safety standards, care for unexpected medical problems, has medical board oversight, and has taken an actual oath to keep your best interest in mind while you’re in his or her care. If your doctor allows technicians to do surgery for them, they are neglecting their oath, and you should shop elsewhere!”

We also invite you to read Dr. Barusco’s insightful post about the risks of robot-assisted hair transplant surgery. Dr. Barusco relates his experience with an ever-increasing number of patients seeking help whose initial procedure was botched – sometimes irreversibly – by unqualified personnel using such devices.

“Over the years, it would be fair to say that I’ve developed a unique perspective on these machines. I closely follow their development and release in our industry. First, they were aimed to experienced, competent hair restoration surgeons. Then, since many of us did not see the advantages of having them, the number of machines sold was too small to sustain business and profit, and they started advertising to cosmetic surgeons, plastic surgeons, family practitioners and others who had no training and no experience in hair restoration surgery. These doctors are pitched a quick-profit procedure that they really do not have to understand, since one company supplies the technicians to do all of the work, and the other will train them on how to operate the robot and its software—as if this did not require good cosmetic sense and a deep understanding of hair loss and hair restoration. The result? Many unhappy patients.”

The next step of your hair restoration journey

Many people – especially men – typically don’t want to talk about the emotional toll that hair loss takes. Yet this is an important factor in choosing a hair restoration surgeon. Combined with a lack of solid, objective information, making a quick decision based upon emotions can leave you vulnerable to results ranging from unsatisfactory to disastrous.

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

Dr. Barusco also conducts virtual consultations for those who can’t travel to one of our 16 Florida locations, and our office will arrange travel and accommodations for out-of-area patients for their procedures. We invite you to learn more about our procedures, then contact us to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Barusco. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your options.

 

Consumer Beware – The Risks of Medical Tourism for Hair Transplants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the real cost of a hair transplant?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knowledge is power

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

  • Who will evaluate my hair loss and recommend a course of treatment? What is their education, training, licensure, and experience in treating hair loss? Only physicians, Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are legally allowed to diagnose a patient and to recommend medical treatments. Otherwise, the person recommending procedures and/or treatments is practicing medicine without a license, a Felony crime in Florida and many states.
  • Who will be involved in performing my surgery, what role will they play, and what is their education, training, licensure, and experience performing hair restoration surgery?
  • Will anyone not allowed by the State Medical Board be making incisions or harvesting grafts during my surgery? If so, please identify this person, explain their specific role and why they are legally permitted to perform it.
  • Is everyone involved in my surgery covered by malpractice insurance?

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

Investigate other trusted resources

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

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

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

 

 

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

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!

Advanced Treatments for Non-Pattern Hair Loss

Non-patterned Hair Loss – Causes and Treatments

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

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

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

Illness – Thyroid disease, severe infection or flu.

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

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

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

Recognizing Alopecia Areata

Often mistaken as stress-related hair loss, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), alopecia areata can cause different types of hair loss: alopecia areata (hair loss in patches), alopecia totalis (total hair loss on the scalp) and alopecia universalis (hair loss on the entire body).

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

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

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

Recognizing Traction Alopecia

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

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

Treatments For Non-Patterned Hair Loss

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

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

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

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

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

Why Do Hair Transplants Go Wrong?

Why Do Hair Transplants Go Wrong?

Hair plays a major role in one’s self-esteem. During various periods throughout history, elaborate wigs were signs of status and wealth – for obvious reasons. Today, instead of covering hair loss with a full or partial hairpiece, hair transplant surgery is readily available and within the economic reach of many. However, such availability comes at a high price for those who make the wrong choice in the doctor who performs the procedure, ranging from severe scarring to unnatural growth patterns of new hair.

Many factors can contribute to bad hair transplants. The following are the most prevalent.

Inexperienced Surgeons Can Cause Errors

The main reason for an unsuccessful hair transplant is selecting an unqualified doctor. Many are not certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. Such patients face the risks of surgical complications, scarring and infections. Many patients choose a doctor based on their advertising campaign, extravagant promises of results or low cost (or any or all of these). Also, at many clinics, the doctor (who may not even be on the premises at the time of surgery) allows technicians to harvest grafts or perform other procedures for which they have no medical qualifications.

Dr. Marco Barusco – founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – is a board-certified surgeon who is internationally recognized as a leader in hair restoration. His many credentials include: Diplomate and Past President (2017) of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery; Assistant Professor of Surgery – University of Central Florida College of Medicine; Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). He most recently received American Registry’s America’s Most Honored Professionals 2018 award and was recognized as being in the top one-percent of this distinguished group.

One of the most important stages of a hair restoration process is graft placement, as it determines the outcome of the final appearance of the patient. If this stage does not take place properly, the procedure will fail. It is easier for inexperienced doctors to make mistakes when trying to determine the safe donor site located on the back of the patient’s head, where the healthy follicles are extracted. Overharvesting could cause significant damage in the donor zone and result in a catastrophic outcome.

Hair Loss Types

Not knowing which hair transplant procedure is best for your type of hair loss could lead to disaster. Topics such as surgical treatments and post-operative stages are important to discuss with your surgeon prior to undergoing treatment. A surgeon with limited experience may only perform the procedure he is familiar with, assembly line-style, whether or not it is right for you. In addition, less experienced surgeons are often not up-to-date with newer (yet clinically proven) technologies and surgical procedures that could achieve superior results.

Sometimes, the degree of hair loss may not be enough for the patient to be an appropriate candidate for hair transplant surgery, yet recommended for the procedure. When asked about consulting young patients (early 20s) suffering from hair loss, Dr. Barusco explained: “They’re usually not the best candidates for surgery because of the potential for progression of hair loss. My approach with the young patients is to delay surgery, bring force to medical therapy, keep following them over a year, two, five, ten years until I think they’re ready for the procedure.” Timing is crucial. If you don’t seek the procedure at the right stage of your hair loss, it could result in a very odd-looking appearance.

Causes of Hair Loss

Another factor in determining the need for hair restoration surgery is medical condition. Hair loss may be due to many non-hereditary elements, such as stress, weight loss or hormonal imbalance. In such cases, hair loss is usually temporary. A poorly qualified doctor or unqualified clinician may misdiagnose a non-hereditary cause and perform a transplant. An unethical doctor may recognize the cause, but perform the procedure anyway.

Can a Bad Hair Transplant Be Fixed?

Every patient who undergoes any type of medical treatment is unique, and may have different results. Dr. Barusco has met several patients who have dealt with poor outcomes. When asked about how he approaches this situation, he said: “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 in their donor hair (the limited supply of permanent hair we use for transplants) caused by taking too many hair incisions that are larger than they should be.”

At Tempus Hair Restoration, Dr. Barusco performs every procedure himself. Our team pays great attention to your emotional well-being and follows up with every step of the procedure to ensure you are well-informed and directed in the right path. Our consultation is free. Dr. Barusco will discuss the different treatments available and will recommend the one that will work best for you. Depending on the cause of your hair loss, a non-surgical treatment course could be successful.

The pain, scarring, emotional distress and considerable additional expense of a bad hair transplant can be avoided by performing due diligence in the process of selecting a surgeon. Check credentials with professional accreditation organizations, such as those listed in the fourth paragraph of this article. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the consultation – and make sure your consultation is with the surgeon, not a salesperson. ISHRS provides an excellent list of questions to bring up, including: Who will be involved in performing my surgery, what role will they play, and what is their education, training, licensure, and experience performing hair restoration surgery?

Choose your surgeon carefully based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice. Dr. Barusco also conducts virtual consultations for those who can’t travel to one of our 14 Florida locations, and our office will arrange travel and accommodations for out-of-area patients. We invite you to learn more about our procedures, then contact us to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Barusco. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your options.

An Affordable Hair Transplant that Doesn’t Sacrifice Quality

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.