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More Hair Restoration Scams

General, ,

Have you heard about the latest cure for hair loss? If you spend any amount of time online, you’ve probably watched an ad on YouTube or other social media platform touting a breakthrough new product that will stop hair loss and grow back what you’ve already lost – all within one month! Of course, this treatment is so advanced and revolutionary that it’s available exclusively on the brand’s website – doctors don’t prescribe it and drugstores don’t carry it.

Sound too good to be true? That’s because it is. It’s one of too many fraudulent hair loss remedies targeted at men who are noticing their hair thinning and hairline receding, and want to stop nature from taking its course.

It seems that new scams emerge every year, each with a new twist. While you may laugh at the wild claims made by yesteryear’s fake baldness cures, their marketing language was geared toward what consumers of the day considered the latest in medical knowledge. Nothing has changed. Today’s fraudulent remedies also latch on to pseudoscientific terms to lend legitimacy to their claims. Knowing what to look for in telling true from false will help you avoid wasting your money and valuable time. Unlike what most of these products promise, the fact is that once a hair follicle stops producing hair, it has shut down permanently.

First, however, let’s look at the all-too human reason behind the ongoing popularity of these products. Projecting a strong image is important to many men, but experiencing hair loss is unsettling on a very personal level, signaling the loss of youth and desirability as a partner. It also triggers anxiety about one’s employability, as our blog post – “Does Hair Loss Hurt Your Career?” – covers. With the right sales pitch, a product or treatment claiming to prevent or reverse hair loss can override the healthy skepticism that might otherwise lead you to research its claims for yourself. You place your order with hope and high expectations of the promised results. While you wait for the miraculous growth that never occurs, you’re going without proven treatment that could actually achieve what you want. Instead, hair loss will progress.

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – is dedicated to educating consumers about fraudulent hair restoration products, as well as those based on half-truths about their efficacy (effectiveness). For example, our blog post – “Will it Help My Hair Loss? How to Separate Fact From Fiction!” – covers biotin’s promotion as a hair growth supplement. While biotin (vitamin B7) has a role in good nutrition, it does not produce the thick, rapid hair growth that many products claim. Biotin itself isn’t bogus, but claims for its results are significantly exaggerated by those marketing it as a hair growth super-charger.

The worst offenders don’t contain even this kernel of truth, making claims that are completely fraudulent. There are three main categories of hair restoration scams:

  1. Products that claim blocked follicles cause hair loss.
  2. Products that claim a lack of vitamins/nutrients reaching the scalp cause hair loss.
  3. Products that claim poor scalp circulation causes hair loss.

Products That Claim Blocked Hair Follicles Cause Hair Loss

This is a popular claim among products marketed to “unblock” hair follicles. Details may vary, but the basic story goes as follows. Sebum forms deep within hair follicles, clogging the follicle. This prevents hair growth. Using the product being sold will deep-clean the follicles, once again allowing hair to grow.

Products of this type are so common that Dr. Barusco devoted a video to disproving the “blocked follicles” scenario on his YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice.

“If you’ve ever had an ingrown hair on your scalp, your face or your body, you know that the hairs keep on growing no matter what,” says Dr. Barusco. “This claim is just ridiculous.”

How did the blocked follicle scam get started? Follicles do sometimes fill with sebum, which is a soft, waxy product of the sebaceous gland from within the follicle. It’s a natural lubricant for skin and hair. However, sebum does not block hair follicles. Ignore the animations in advertisements showing follicles clogging with sebum, suppressing the hair beneath, until their product cleans out the sebum so the hair is finally free to grow. In this case, seeing is not believing.

Products That Claim a Lack of Vitamins/Nutrients Reaching the Scalp Cause Hair Loss

Much like weight loss products that claim to target specific areas of the body to fight “fat cells,” these products make the false claim that hair loss is caused by vitamins or nutrients failing to reach the scalp to nourish hair follicles. For healthy people with no medical conditions that affect blood circulation, hair follicles are reached along with all other tissues and organs as the blood circulates.

In addition, vitamin deficiencies are rare among well-nourished adults, although they can occur due to excessive long-term alcohol use, or an eating disorder. Hair vitamins or supplements do not stop or reverse hair loss.

Products That Claim Poor Scalp Circulation Causes Hair Loss

Poor scalp circulation is another popular culprit for hair loss that scammers exploit, and just as bogus as the previous two. According to Johns Hopkins, hair loss is not caused by poor circulation to the scalp, vitamin deficiencies, dandruff (those blocked follicles again) or excessive hat-wearing. Of course, there is an abundance of products to massage or stimulate the scalp to promote hair growth – each with a scientific-sounding explanation as to how and why they work. While they may feel good, they’re of no actual benefit.

So how can you tell when a product that claims to treat or prevent hair loss is bogus? Look (or listen) past the marketing language in its ads and on its website. You don’t need a medical degree to see through them!

Red Flags to Look for in Ads for Hair Restoration Products

  1. They undermine the credibility of medications proven to treat hair loss, such as finasteride (Rogaine) and minoxidil (Propecia). Finasteride and minoxidil are the only two medications for hair growth approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The voiceover narrator for an online ad stated that he’d tried both, but they didn’t work – strongly implying that consumers would be throwing their money away. Of course, the shampoo he was promoting was effective in treating the “real” cause of hair loss – blocked follicles! Oddly enough, a visit to this product’s website lists minoxidil at a 5% concentration among its ingredients. Assuming the shampoo has any effect at all, minoxidil would be the reason.
  2. They guarantee results, as well as guarantee fast results. Hair restoration practices that follow the industry’s ethical guidelines don’t make claims guaranteeing results, much less claiming that hair loss can be prevented or reversed across the board. Those who market fraudulent products have no such restraints. Moreover, as our blog post – “Hair Restoration Scams: Beware of 21st Century Snake Oil” – covers, “One big red flag signaling a scam product is overselling and/or guaranteeing hair growth. If it promises “amazing” and “quick” results, be suspicious. Legitimate non-surgical treatments produce gradual results, depending upon the individual. Again, consulting with a hair restoration specialist should set realistic expectations about the results that a particular treatment can achieve for you.”
  3. Over-the-top testimonials. Customer testimonials are a popular way for brands to earn the confidence of potential new customers. But if the product endorsements are written in the same over-the-top manner as the manufacturer’s claims, they’re probably fake. Watch for testimonials claiming results in a very short amount of time, as in, “My hair started growing back in two weeks,” etc. Such testimonials are likely also to be confined to the brand’s website, rather than on well-known review websites.

Don’t Waste Time and Money on Bogus Hair Growth Products

When hair loss begins, time is not on your side. The longer that hair loss goes untreated, the chances for success diminish. Buying fraudulent products not only wastes your money, but the time you could have spent in the care of a hair restoration surgeon with legitimate treatments to stabilize hair loss, and monitored until you’re a good candidate for a hair transplant procedure. If your hairline has already receded substantially, believing that using such products is an economical alternative to a hair transplant is misplaced faith.

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

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

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

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

The “Zoom Boom” – Is There More Demand for Hair Transplants as the World Reopens?

General,

COVID-19 had many unexpected consequences. Long lockdowns and working from home resulted in men who had more time to look at their receding hairline in the mirror and on screen during Zoom meetings – and decided they didn’t like what they saw. The resulting phenomenon in men seeking hair transplants and cosmetic surgical (and non-surgical) procedures has been dubbed the “Zoom boom.” While the surge in demand for cosmetic procedures of all types includes almost equal numbers of men and women, we will look specifically at male hair restoration.

Even before the pandemic, however, the trend was already definitely upward. According to results of a member survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the number of people seeking proven medical and surgical treatments for hair loss grew 13 percent from 2016 to 2019. Specifically, 681,964 surgical patients sought treatment in 2019 (a 14 percent increase from 2016), with 1,401,589 nonsurgical patients treated in 2019 (a 13 percent increase from 2016).

This increase represents a continuous trend over the last decade of more men and women of all ages turning to hair restoration, as the ISHRS reported a 157 percent increase in hair restoration patients from 2008 to 2019.

Patients are Honest About Their Reason for Getting a Hair Transplant

In the not-so-distant past, many candidates for a hair transplant cited somewhat general reasons for seeking the procedure – such as a desire to look younger, or be better able to compete in the job market or dating scene. Today, prospective hair transplant patients specifically name Zoom as the motivation that brings them to the surgeon’s office.

According to a report in Esquire magazine, the need to look “Zoom ready” has led to a surge in demand for procedures. It is not helped by the fact that 11% of men feel as if they look five years older as a result of the stress brought about by lockdown, according to a report from the Uvence clinic from September 2020.

This demand is also occurring “across the pond.” Amid recent news that English comic Jimmy Carr had a hair transplant and extensive cosmetic dentistry, British plastic surgeons have reported a 70% rise in requests for video consultations over 2020.

Why Zoom is So Unforgiving to Faces

Just as with every other type of camera – be it still or video – your desktop computer’s camera is interpreting a three-dimensional object (your face) on a flat surface. Distortions are inevitable, which means that without special lighting or camera angles – or filters – the image others see of you won’t tend to be flattering. Add hair loss to the equation, and the picture that looks back at you in that little square can have a very unsettling effect on your self-image and self-confidence.

Of course, there will always be those who believe we should simply accept the hand we’ve been dealt. There may be well-meaning people in your life who say you can’t compare yourself to celebrities. But it ultimately isn’t about comparing yourself to others, or a matter of vanity – it’s all about living up to the image you have of yourself. If that image is youthful, healthy and successful, that’s what you want to see represented in Zoom calls as well as in person!

Just Looking Into Your Hair Restoration Options? Here’s What You Should Know!

Assuming you had been somewhat concerned about your hair loss before video conferencing became part of your life but did not have a sense of urgency in reversing it until now, researching hair restoration procedures and options can be challenging. While you want to restore your hairline or eliminate that bald spot as soon as possible, do your homework carefully. Rushing into a procedure without researching the reputation of the hair restoration practice – and surgeon – you’re considering could have serious consequences.

However, 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? Our blog post – “The Importance of Consultation Before Hair Restoration Treatment” – covers this critical step in detail.

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. The video includes a link to a Hair Loss Consultation Checklist to print out and take with you to your consultation appointment.

But first comes the matter of deciding upon a hair restoration practice to contact for a consultation. Because national franchise hair clinics do a great amount of advertising and have high name recognition, they’re more likely to get your attention. Keep in mind that such clinics operate on volume, and may offer a very limited number of procedures. One in particular offers only the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) procedures.

If you visited the home page of our website before visiting this blog post, you would have seen that Tempus Hair Restoration offers every surgical procedure – including those you may not have known about, such as the No-Shave FUE developed by Dr. Barusco. This advanced technique allows hair to be harvested from the donor site without having to shave your existing hair – thus greatly reducing postoperative downtime.

In addition, if your hair loss was caused by scarring due to head trauma – or if your hair loss is exposing such scars – a high-volume franchise hair clinic isn’t likely to help, as their surgeons typically lack the experience to conceal scars and/or the facility itself isn’t equipped to provide the sterile environment required. Treating special circumstances hair loss is among Dr. Barusco’s specialties. We invite you to read the story of one such patient, for whom Dr. Barusco concealed extensive scarring from head trauma after a near-fatal motorcycle accident.

In the interest of consumer education, there are far worse pitfalls than choosing a clinic with only two options for transplant procedures. Clinics in which non-medical technicians perform surgeries assisted by robotic devices and foreign clinics engaging in “medical tourism” present serious risks to patients – including scarring, infection, destruction of the donor site (which means that no hair remains to perform a corrective procedure) and poor, unaesthetic “pluggy” results.

Knowledge is Power – Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

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

Knowing what you know now, we hope that you are ready to make one more video conference call – one that can put you on the road to feeling much more confident about your appearance on future calls! 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!

Deciding Between Hair Restoration and a Hair System

Male 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

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!

Getting Your Hair Back After You Get the Good News – Hair Restoration for Cancer Survivors

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The popular quote, “Cancer is a word, not a sentence,” is now, fortunately, more true than ever. If you’ve recently received the news that you are cancer-free, you may be starting to make plans that don’t revolve around doctor appointments, medical treatments and long stretches of post-treatment down time. While October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, surviving any type of cancer represents a new beginning that deserves to be celebrated.

Today, hair restoration is increasingly being considered an important step in the healing process. Our team at Tempus Hair Restoration, led by Dr. Marco Barusco, feels privileged to help these patients reclaim their life.

Because each patient is unique, evaluation of when hair restoration treatment can begin varies. If celebrating a cancer-free declaration by your oncologist means making plans to get your hair back to a full, healthy appearance, you should learn as much as possible about your options. It’s important to know that the experience and skill of the hair restoration doctor you select will make a significant difference in the results you can expect.

As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Barusco has a depth of medical knowledge not found with many other hair restoration specialists. Combined with the advanced hair replacement procedures and non-surgical treatments he utilizes (and in some cases, pioneered), Dr. Barusco is recognized as a leader in providing specialized care to post-cancer patients.

Does every cancer survivor need hair restoration treatment?

Hair loss is a typical side-effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapies. In the case of chemotherapy, hair usually begins to grow back approximately two to three months after the last treatment. Chemotherapy also causes the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes. When scalp hair regrows, it may be a different color or texture than before treatment, or areas of regrowth may be irregular. Occasionally, however, as a result of extremely high doses of certain drug combinations, the loss will be permanent.

Unlike chemotherapy – which works systemically (throughout the body) – radiation therapy targets a specific area, using high-energy particles of waves to destroy cancer cells. It may be used alone, or in conjunction with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can burn the skin over the treatment area, which may permanently kill hair follicles. Regrowth occurs at a slower rate than after chemotherapy, at an expected four to six months for an inch of hair.

So the short answer to this frequently asked question is “no.” If hair regrowth is satisfactory in the amount of scalp coverage and overall aesthetic effect – even if it looks different than before – enjoy this important progress! But for those who are not experiencing regrowth or a satisfactory amount of regrowth – or if radiation treatments or surgery to the head have resulted in scarring – hair restoration treatment could be an option. In the second situation, a hair transplant that successfully conceals such scars can also provide a powerful psychological boost, as your self-image as a healthy, whole person is restored and you no longer feel that others see your scar instead of seeing you.

What types of hair restoration procedures and treatments are available?

A wide variety of surgical and non-surgical restoration options are available for post-cancer clients. However, the first – and most important – question should be, “What are the qualifications of the surgeon?”

Not every hair restoration practice can provide the high level of surgical experience or sterile surgical environment required to treat those who have recovered from cancer. It is especially important to only consider surgeons who focus solely on hair restoration. Those who also offer “full-service” aesthetic procedures typically lack the level of medical education and experience to provide the safest possible environment and best possible outcome.

And despite the sophisticated marketing campaigns for practices utilizing robotic devices to harvest hair follicles, such are best avoided. We strongly encourage you to read Dr. Barusco’s insightful article about the risks involved with robotic technology and hair transplants performed by non-licensed, non-medical technicians.

To learn about the procedures and treatments that are available for post-cancer clients, please visit our website’s page, Chemotherapy Hair Regrowth, which also includes post-radiation hair restoration procedures:

  • Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
  • No-Shave Follicular Unit Extraction
  • Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
  • Medical Treatments (includes prescription-strength hair restoration medications and other solutions)

Other important factors to consider

Tempus Hair Restoration maintains the highest standards of environmental services (EVS) in the operating room to ensure infection control – far above the measures taken by other hair restoration practices. This is especially imperative for patients with a weakened immune system, as results from chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Your safety is always our foremost priority.

Before scheduling a consultation with any hair restoration surgeon, discuss your intention to undergo hair restoration with your oncologist. If he or she agrees that you’re ready to move ahead, choose your surgeon wisely.

During your long, challenging journey back to health, we hope you had the support of a dedicated medical team who went beyond treating your condition to heal you as a complete person. You can be assured that you will find the same dedicated, compassionate treatment here at Tempus Hair Restoration.

If you are ready to take the next step in your healing, we are here to help you achieve the results you want to make the most of your new life. Schedule a free, no-obligation virtual consultation with Dr. Barusco to discuss your goals and learn your options. We look forward to hearing from you!

Don’t Let a Technician Perform Your Hair Transplant Surgery

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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!

Does Hair Loss Hurt Your Career?

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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.

“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.”

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.

 

Undoing the Damage of a Bad Hair Transplant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

Hair Transplant Dr Mauro Barusco

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patients should ask the following questions:

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

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

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

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

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

Expanding Our Practice Once Again…

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We are excited to welcome Alex Beara as our newest Patient Educator.

Alex has a Bachelors of Science in Operations Management and Management Information Systems from the University of Massachusetts, Darmouth.

He enjoys the science behind educating and creating value on someone’s life, and for the past two years he has been a coach and an educator so this is a natural transition. “Dr. Barusco’s charisma and the team’s level of commitment and expertise to provide the best value to the customer is obvious. It’s a team you immediately want to be part of,” stated Alex.

Alex was born in Massachusetts but grew up in Alphaville County near the city of Sao Paulo, in Sao Paulo Brazil until he was 17 years old. At 17 Beara moved back to the United States. He moved to Florida about a year ago. He speaks fluent Portuguese and English.

The team at Tempus Hair Restoration is excited to welcome Alex to our growing practice! He can be contacted at 321-279-5256 or Alex@TempusHair.com.

Tempus Hair Restoration Teams Up with Todd Patrick & Co. Salon to Host a Hair Professional’s Seminar

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“In my 27 years of being a hair stylists, I’ve never seen hair regrowth options like I have since finding Dr. Barusco online over a year ago. That’s why I’m honored to partner with him and Tempus Hair Restoration for an upcoming educational seminar,” says Todd Patrick, owner of Todd Patrick Salon located in Ormond Beach. The “Hair Restoration Education & Business Development Seminar” will be held on Monday, June 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Todd Patrick Salon located at 145 W Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

“Dr. Barusco changed my life and I want others to know. As a stylist and hair transplant recipient I know it’s my job to educate my clients on the options they have to look and feel their best,” Patrick continued. Hair and beauty professionals will learn about cutting-edge procedures for hair regrowth & hair transplants from Dr. Barusco, one of the country’s top hair restoration surgeons. They will also see new and exciting options for women, young adults and those with thinning hair. Todd Patrick will discuss his personal experience with his peers and the team at Tempus Hair Restoration will explain business benefits during the crucial steps of hair transitioning.

To participate in this free seminar, contact Diane Michael at 386-538-1083 or Diane@TempusHair.com.

WHO: All Hair & Beauty Professionals
WHAT: Hair Restoration Education & Business Development Seminar
WHEN: Monday, June 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hosted by Todd Patrick Salon located at 145 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
WHY: To learn about cutting-edge procedures for hair regrowth & restoration
COST: Free. Please RSVP by June 12 to Diane at 386-538-1083 or Diane@TempusHair.com or visit the event page on Facebook.

Tempus Hair Restoration Grows Practice Again—Welcome Jessica Aivazis

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VOLUSIA COUNTY (Monday, March 1, 2017) – Tempus Hair Restoration, the premier hair loss treatment in Orlando, is proud to announce the return of an outstanding member of staff. Sylvia Kennihan, MBA, Founding Partner and CFO of Tempus Hair Restoration, PA, and Dr. Marco Barusco, Founding Partner & Medical Director, recently rehired Jessica Aivazis as an administrative assistant. Aivazis worked for Tempus Hair Restoration from August 2011 to February 2015 and then left to work at Florida Hospital Memorial Wound Care Center. She returned in January 2017. “We were ecstatic to hire Jessica back! Her natural ability to make our patients feel comfortable is evident. She was and is an asset to our growing team,” said Mrs. Kennihan.

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