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Planning a Hair Transplant for Future Hair Loss

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Planning a Hair Transplant for Future Hair Loss

Male Hair Restoration,

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

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

Why You May Need a Second Hair Transplant

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

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

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

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

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

The Difference That a Skilled Hair Transplant Surgeon Makes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan Wisely for the Future by Choosing Your Surgeon Wisely

Being aware of the possibility that you will need more than one hair transplant procedure in your lifetime gives you all the more reason to make sure you choose your surgeon wisely. Ultimately, choose your surgeon based on experience, results and integrity. Dr. Barusco’s long list of accomplishments, his notable artistic ability and his successful surgical team make Tempus Hair Restoration a renowned practice.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we offer financing options that can place this goal within reach.

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

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

 

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

Hair Loss Procedures,

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

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

Meet Dr. Marco Barusco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Barusco’s Leading-edge Hair Transplant Procedures

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

Going one step beyond this procedure is the long-hair FUE. It is also known as the “preview” long-hair FUE because it provides a preview of what the ultimate result will be. As with any hair transplant, the hair in the newly implanted grafts soon falls out, to be replaced by new growth as the grafts establish themselves. Dr. Barusco is one of only a few doctors in the world with the experience and skill to perform this technique.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Barusco Puts the Patient First

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

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

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

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely – Choose Excellence with Dr. Barusco

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

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

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

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

Behind The Reviews – Dr. Marco Barusco’s Hair Transplant Patients Share Their Stories

Uncategorized,

Are you looking for a hair transplant surgeon? If so, you’re probably reading online reviews to get an idea of the surgeon’s ability to accomplish results that meet patient expectations. If you’ve been reading reviews for Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Tempus Hair Restoration – you’ve seen numerous five-star ratings and enthusiastic, heartfelt accounts of each patient’s experience. But what is the story behind their reviews? Two of Dr. Barusco’s patients offered to speak at length about their hair restoration journey – and why they were glad they chose him to achieve their goal.

Kevin Geddings – Owner of WSOS Radio and Morning Show Host, St. Augustine, FL

When Kevin Geddings started losing hair in his early 20s, he wasn’t surprised that it was from his crown area. “Balding in the crown is common in my family,” he said. “It’s just what’s expected. So that was my area of concern in seeking a hair transplant.”

Because radio personalities aren’t known for being introverts, his friends and associates never suspected that self-confidence was an issue. But his bald spot was an always-present, unwanted family legacy. When Geddings decided to look into his hair restoration options, Dr. Barusco was the first – and only – surgeon he consulted.

“One thing that impressed me is that the initial consultation was not rushed,” Geddings said. “Typically with a doctor, their time is very limited, and you feel they want to move things along. But Dr. Barusco talked at length with me during the consultation. We talked about hair growth patterns and how he figures that into the procedure to achieve a natural-looking result. We also talked very openly about pain management.

“Additionally, Dr. Barusco is on the faculty of the UCF medical school, which says a lot about his credentials. Also, it’s rare to work with a surgeon who’s actually had the experience of having a hair transplant. He just inspired a lot of confidence.”

In discussing the plan for Geddings’ procedure, Dr. Barusco determined he was a good candidate for the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Also known as the “strip” method, the FUT procedure has undergone refinements over the years so that the only evidence is a pencil-line linear scar easily concealed by hair – even at a shorter length.

During the surgery, Geddings reported a comfortable, pain-free experience. Especially noteworthy to him was the presence of other surgeons and doctors who were there to observe Dr. Barusco in order to perfect their own technique.

“For me, that was a key indication of his skill level,” Geddings said.

After many years of living with a bald crown, Geddings started seeing new growth in three to four months post-op.

“When I first saw the new growth, I thought it was very exciting. I was very pleased that I made the decision to do it. As Dr. Barusco will tell you, your hair will go through a shock, and you’ll lose the new hair. But it starts to grow again after. The result started to be most noticeable after nine months. I had a follow-up exam, and Dr. Barusco told me that he thought I could get even better results with a second surgery, since I still had plenty of inventory [donor hair] that we could utilize.”

Geddings underwent the second procedure in 2019 – about one year and a half after the first – happy that Dr. Barusco was able to harvest even more hair follicles from his donor area than during the original surgery. Today, Geddings is still thrilled that through the skill and artistry of Dr. Barusco he was able to reverse the family curse of a bald crown. In fact, Dr. Barusco has been a frequent guest on his radio show.

“Dr. Barusco is one of the best hair transplant surgeons in the world, if not the best, yet he genuinely enjoys getting to know his patients. He’s incredibly laid-back, and has a great personality. You won’t feel intimidated. After my surgeries, he called me on his cell phone at 8 p.m. to see how I was doing. It’s pretty rare that the actual surgeon will check in on you hours after the procedure.”

hair transplant

                            Kevin Geddings: Before and After Crown Area FUT Hair Transplant

Geddings’ advice for men considering a hair transplant?

“Don’t delay. A lot of guys think this is going to be inconvenient or painful. These are excuses with no basis in fact. It wasn’t painful at all. I didn’t even take the prescription pain medication. I was right back to work on the radio the next day. Forget the old-school misconceptions of what transplants were back in the ‘90s. The results are really, really good!

“My biggest regret is that I should have done it years ago. If you’re thinking about a hair transplant, stop procrastinating. You’re not gaining anything by waiting.”

Argelis F. – Making the Dream of a Full Beard Come True

In his online review on RealSelf, Argelis F. shared the story of his beard transplant by Dr. Barusco, and the life-changing effect it’s had. 

Argelis wanted a beard ever since he was old enough to grow one. However, nature didn’t cooperate.

“I only had upper cheek patches,” he said. “The only thing that truly grew in was the line of the jaw, but I had always wanted fullness. Ironically, my brother was able to grow out a full beard.”

Although frustrated by his inability to grow a burly beard, Argelis had the financial responsibilities typical of a husband and father of four children. Yet he never lost sight of his dream, and eventually saved enough money through working overtime to look for a hair transplant surgeon.

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

Argelis had a video consultation with Dr. Barusco. The appointment was scheduled after Argelis sent Dr. Barusco photos of his face as it was, and with a line drawn to indicate the areas where he wanted growth. During the consultation, he was surprised that Dr. Barusco wanted to see the back of his head, from where the donor hair would be harvested. Argelis hadn’t considered that Dr. Barusco would want to make sure that enough good-quality hair would be available to give him the coverage he wanted – and was impressed with Dr. Barusco’s attention to such an important detail.

“The way Dr. Barusco explained everything made me very comfortable. It was an excellent conversation. I could tell he has experience.”

On the big day, Argelis reported a very comfortable experience during surgery, which was performed under local anesthesia. He enjoyed lunch during a break in the procedure, then drifted back into relaxed sleep.

“There was no pain, even afterwards. It was almost like it didn’t happen.”

But just over two weeks later, Argelis began to see the proof that it really did happen.

“I believe that after the second week, I was able to scrub my face. I saw hair. Dr. Barusco told me not to be discouraged if I didn’t see anything after the scabs fell off, but six or seven months in, there was growth!”

It was a proud day for Argelis when he went to the barber to trim his beard and even it up. “It looks so natural, I don’t tell people I had the procedure done.”

Argelis said he appreciates Dr. Barusco’s technical skill and artistry, based upon the reactions he’s received – as well as the poor results he’s seen of beard transplants performed by other surgeons. He told of seeing a man he’d known for a long time who remarked on his beard. The man assumed Argelis had just decided to grow a beard – as if he’d always had the ability, but simply chosen not to do so until recently. Argelis did not correct him.

On another occasion, he went to a restaurant with his father-in-law, who knew someone who worked there. His father-in-law told Argelis the man had a beard transplant. “He went overseas for the transplant. It had been some time since he had it done, but he still had patchy growth and some red areas on his skin.”

Argelis: Before and After Beard Transplant

                                             Argelis: Before and After Beard Transplant

What advice does Argelis have for men considering a beard transplant?

“Don’t go for the cheaper things in life. You get what you pay for. If you want a beard that looks natural, you need a good surgeon. I left the review for Dr. Barusco because I’m truly happy with the result. To me, this is life-changing. I feel more comfortable as a man. I want people to know that this is worth it. The person I went to is the real deal.”

Read the Reviews to Help You Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

We at Tempus Hair Restoration thank every patient who has placed their trust in Dr. Barusco to perform their hair transplant procedure. Taking the time to write a review or agree to appear in a testimonial video on Dr. Barusco’s YouTube Channel – Hair Loss Medical Advice – means a great deal to us. You have helped others get the information they need to make an informed choice about an extremely important decision.

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

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

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

The Current State of Hair Transplant Surgery

Male Hair Restoration,

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

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

Dr. Marco Barusco Advocates for Hair Transplant Patients

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vast majority of abuses in hair transplant procedures involve the popular follicular unit excision (FUE). Why? Because of the manner in which the procedure is performed. Follicular units (hair grafts) in groupings of one, two or three hairs are individually extracted from the back of the head (donor area) using small circular punch blades instead of a scalpel. The grafts are then transplanted to the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. Once the desired number of grafts are obtained, the donor sites are left to heal without suturing. When performed properly by an experienced, licensed hair transplant surgeon, the resulting scars are not readily visible and are easily concealed even by very short hair.

In the follicular unit transplantation (FUT), a very small strip of hair and skin is harvested from the donor area, then placed under a microscope to be prepared for implantation as hair grafts. The donor area is then closed with sutures. The FUT has undergone refinements over the years so that the only evidence is a pencil-line linear scar easily concealed by hair – even at a shorter length. As the FUT can only be performed by a surgeon’s hands, this procedure cannot be performed by a robotic device or unlicensed staff member operating a punch. The deceptive ease with which the FUE can be performed has, unfortunately, opened this procedure to widespread abuse.

How to Make Sure You Choose the Right Hair Transplant Surgeon

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

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

In beginning your search, the ISHRS website is an ideal place to start. It provides consumers with unbiased information on a wide range of issues – including how to be sure that a properly trained and licensed physician performs your hair transplant procedure, questions to ask during your consultation and many others.

We also invite you to visit Dr. Barusco’s YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice, where you can learn as he discusses such issues as the types and causes of hair loss, hair transplant procedures, and much more. And of course, our blog features informative posts, updated every month.

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

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

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

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

Male Hair Restoration,

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

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

Why New Year Resolutions are Hard to Keep

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

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

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

How a Hair Transplant Can Make a Big Difference

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

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

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

A Patient’s Testimonial Says It All

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

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

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

Which Hair Transplant Procedure Is Right for You?

Dr. Barusco is an award-winning board-certified hair transplant surgeon with more than 25 years dedicated exclusively to hair restoration. He has long been at the forefront of advanced hair restoration procedures, having developed such techniques as the groundbreaking no-shave FUE. Short for follicular unit excision, the no-shave FUE completely conceals harvested donor sites immediately, allowing you to resume your regular activities with virtually no evidence of the procedure.

Going one step beyond this procedure is the long-hair FUE. It is also known as the “preview” long-hair FUE because it gives the patient a preview of what the ultimate result will be. As with any hair transplant, the hair in the newly implanted grafts soon falls out, to be replaced by new growth as the grafts establish themselves. Dr. Barusco is one of only a few doctors in the world with the experience and skill to perform this technique.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Male Hair Restoration,

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

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

You’re Expecting to See Full Growth Too Soon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Hair Transplant Failed

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

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

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

Can an Aesthetically Unpleasing or Failed Hair Transplant be Corrected?

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

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

The website of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) is an excellent place to start. It provides consumers with unbiased information on a wide range of issues – including how to be sure that a properly trained and licensed physician performs your hair transplant procedure, questions to ask during your consultation and many others.

We also invite you to visit Dr. Barusco’s YouTube channel, Hair Loss Medical Advice, where you can learn as he discusses such issues as the types and causes of hair loss, hair transplant procedures, and much more. And of course, our blog features informative posts, updated every month.

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

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

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

Is a Hair Transplant a Solution for Traction Alopecia?

Uncategorized,

Traction alopecia is an especially distressing type of hair loss to experience. Unlike other types, it’s caused by repeated, prolonged tension on the hair follicles. When caught early enough, the condition can be reversed and hair can resume healthy growth. In advanced cases, the follicles are too damaged to recover, and hair loss is permanent

Although we always say “knowledge is power,” the knowledge unfortunately sometimes comes too late to prevent permanent hair loss from traction alopecia. The situation is not hopeless, as we’ll answer our own question now and affirm that a hair transplant can restore hair to the areas of the scalp left bald or patchy by traction alopecia. However, learning more may help you recognize if you’re experiencing this condition in its early or advanced stages, and take the appropriate action.

Common Causes of Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is the term for hair loss from mechanical damage to the hair follicle caused by repeated tension or pulling. This can be caused by wearing the same hairstyle for long periods of time – especially those that tug on the hair. Tight hairstyles applied to chemically relaxed hair can lead to even greater damage. 

Because traction alopecia progresses over time, those affected may not connect the hairstyling method they’ve practiced for years with the reason for their hair loss. Moreover, many of the styling techniques that cause traction alopecia – collectively known as protective styles – have a long tradition in Black cultural identity and beauty.

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

“Tension can be worse when you have short natural hair because the braider has to pull tighter to get all of your hair into the braid,” says Lewis. “Braids can seem like a better alternative to straightening your hair because there is less risk of ruining your natural texture but that doesn’t mean there is no risk. And many styles even go a step further by adding extra weight. The excessive use of ponytails weaves, and extensions are working double-time to give you tension damage. And what happens when your hair is pulled tightly and something heavy like extensions is weighing on it?”

What happens is the beginning of traction alopecia. However, women – and men – of color who wear protective hairstyles aren’t the only ones at risk. Gymnasts, ballerinas and women in fields that require their hair be pulled back can also develop it, as well as those who wear helmets or hats over extended periods, and repeatedly put them on and take them off. 

Recognizing the Early Signs of Traction Alopecia

When caught early, the effects of traction alopecia can usually be reversed. The signs aren’t always obvious, so it’s important to be aware of them in order to take action and avoid permanent hair loss.

The first signs of traction alopecia can include:

  • Redness or soreness around the hairline or scalp.
  • An itching or stinging sensation.
  • Pimples, small bumps or ulcers on the scalp or around the hairline.
  • Areas of thin or broken hair, especially where the hair has been under particular strain.

Should these early warning signs not be recognized, signs of advanced traction alopecia include:

  • Extensive hair loss and bald patches.
  • Irreversible scarring – the scalp may appear smooth and shiny.
  • A tender, inflamed scalp.
  • Frequent headaches.
  • A receding hairline – which typically occurs around the forehead, nape and temples. For some, the part might also widen over time.

Steps to Prevent Traction Alopecia

The best way to prevent traction alopecia is to wear a hairstyle that doesn’t create constant tension on the roots. If you must pull your hair up into a ponytail or bun, keep it loose and low on your head.

Other recommendations include the following:

  • Change your hairstyle every couple of weeks. For example, alternate between braids and wearing your hair down.
  • If you wear a ponytail, don’t use rubber or elastic bands to hold it in place. They can pull out your hair.
  • Avoid chemically processing your hair if you use weaves or braid your hair. The chemicals can damage your hair, making it more likely to break.
  • If you have weaves or extensions, wear them for only a short period of time and take a break between each use.
  • When you braid your hair or put it in dreadlocks, make the braids thick. Thinner braids pull more tightly.
  • Don’t use hair relaxers.
  • Keep the heat setting low on your hair dryer and flat iron.
  • Don’t sleep in rollers. Wrap your hair instead.
  • If you wear a wig, choose one with a satin wig cap, as it won’t pull as hard on your scalp.

Hair Transplantation as a Solution for Advanced Traction Alopecia

When hair loss is permanent, many women turn to wearing a wig. But having to wear a wig full-time to cover bald areas when out in public is very different from wearing one to be stylish. Even the highest quality wigs quickly become hot and uncomfortable. A hair transplant offers a permanent solution that can provide outstanding aesthetic results.

Our blog post – “Advanced Treatments for Non-Pattern Hair Loss” – relates the story of J.D. – a patient of  Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – who sought treatment for her traction alopecia. At the time, J.D. was a pharmaceutical representative – a profession that requires a polished appearance when visiting multiple physician offices on a daily basis. As her hair loss progressed, J.D. tried to conceal it with wigs, weaves and extensions, which made the condition even worse. After consulting with Dr. Barusco, J.D. underwent a procedure that restored her hairline and temples with the full look of natural growth – which not only restored her confidence, but provided the extra boost for J.D. to start her own business.

Dr. Barusco typically recommends the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) for traction alopecia. Also known as the “strip” method, this technique harvests hair follicles by removing a strip of hair from the back of the head (donor area). This strip is then dissected into smaller segments in order to implant individual follicles. The FUT has undergone refinements over the years so that the only evidence is a pencil-line linear scar easily concealed by hair – even at a shorter length. Dr. Barusco covers this method and its advantages for African-heritage women in his YouTube video – “Afro Hair Transplantation: FUT or FUE?” – on his Hair Loss Medical Advice channel.

The technology for the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) procedure has developed to allow people of all ethnicities to have this option. However, it is typically not recommended for women dealing with traction alopecia, as it decreases the volume of the donor area.

The curling and twisting of African-heritage hair provides the appearance of good scalp density, which is an advantage in hair transplants. As our blog post – “Why is Ethnicity an Important Consideration for a Hair Transplant?” – covers, its curliness allows coverage of scalp areas with a fewer number of hair follicles needed to achieve an aesthetically pleasing “full” coverage – thereby reducing the number of follicles needed for transplantation.

However, hair may emerge at a variety of angles from the scalp, which can make the harvesting of donor hair more challenging. Both the follicles and hairs have a degree of curvature in relation to the scalp that must be accommodated when harvesting.

The ability to create a natural-looking hairline that’s flattering to each individual woman is essential in achieving an aesthetically successful outcome. For these reasons, it is especially important to choose a hair transplant surgeon with extensive experience in performing procedures for those with African-heritage hair.

Another factor to keep in mind is that Black patients may be at risk for developing keloid scarring. This appears as a puffy or raised pinkish area, and occurs when the skin is injured, or cut during a surgical incision. A conscientious hair transplant surgeon will ask if a prospective patient has a history of such scarring, or any other scarring scalp disorders. The surgeon will also monitor for scarring post-op, as well as watch for ingrown hairs, which can occur two to three months after surgery, when the hair begins to grow.

If you are considering a hair transplant to restore your hairline and temples due to traction alopecia hair loss, we hope we’ve provided the information 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.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we offer financing options that can place this important goal within reach. Putting yourself at risk of the consequences of a hair transplant procedure at an overseas black market clinic – or even an unscrupulous domestic clinic where unlicensed non-medical personnel harvest and implant hair grafts – isn’t worth the perceived savings.

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

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

What to Expect After Your Hair Transplant

Male Hair Restoration,

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

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

The Basics of Post-Operative Hair Transplant Care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we offer financing options that can place this important goal within reach. Putting yourself at risk of the consequences of a hair transplant procedure at an overseas black market clinic – or even an unscrupulous domestic clinic where unlicensed non-medical personnel harvest and implant hair grafts – isn’t worth the perceived savings.

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

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

The Dangers of Black Market Hair Transplants in Turkey

Male Hair Restoration,

If you’re considering hair restoration surgery, you’ve doubtlessly read about the advantages of traveling to Turkey for the procedure. Surgery at a bargain price combined with an exotic vacation are strong lures for many men eager to restore their youthful hairline. However, much of what you read about Turkish hair transplant clinics are a combination of deliberate disinformation produced by the clinics themselves, social media hype and publicity provided by mainstream publications more eager for readers’ eyeballs than presenting the facts.

Yes, facts can be boring. But there are far worse things than being bored – for example, being permanently disfigured by a botched hair transplant procedure performed by non-medical clinic employees who go to their other jobs, like waiting tables or driving taxis, after their shift at the clinic. Unfortunately, since the publication of our blog post – “Consumer Beware – The Risks of Medical Tourism for Hair Transplants” – this dangerous trend is still on the rise.

In 2019, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – the world’s leading medical authority on hair loss treatment and restoration – launched a worldwide campaign designed to raise awareness of the risks of medical tourism for hair transplants. Its Fight the FIGHT (Fraudulent, Illicit and Global Hair Transplants) campaign targets the hair transplant black market, which is built upon fraudulent hair restoration clinics and misleading advertising claims.

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.

We want to make it clear that many members and Fellows of the ISHRS are Turkish citizens, and uphold the organization’s code of ethics. They are as concerned as all other members regarding the alarming proliferation of black market clinics, and are doing their part to educate consumers about how to identify and avoid them.

Yet despite the ongoing work of the ISHRS on a global level, black market clinics continue to thrive. There are two big reasons for this: social media and mainstream media – especially men’s lifestyle and fashion magazines.

One such magazine featured an article by a reporter who traveled to Istanbul for hair transplant surgery, and referenced (as well as quoted) the ISHRS website’s FightTheFIGHT page about the risks of black market clinics. The reporter also interviewed Dr. Ricardo Mejia, who sits on the ISHRS Board of Governors. Dr. Mejia advised him to conduct thorough research to ensure that any doctor he was considering is registered with the ISHRS. Despite Dr. Mejia’s caution and the warnings on Fight the FIGHT, the reporter was still more influenced by posts on Reddit and before-and-after photos showing apparently impressive results.

In a follow-up article written 10 months post-surgery, the reporter related a satisfactory outcome. Still, such articles do a disservice to readers, as they give the impression that the risks are exaggerated, and your experience may also be positive. The reporter provided no information as to how he determined the clinic he chose was legitimate. Instead, he seemed to take a leap of faith that his surgery wouldn’t be botched. He was lucky. You may not be.

Risks of Having Hair Transplant Surgery at a Turkish Black Market Clinic

At a legitimate hair restoration practice, you’ll have a consultation with the surgeon, who will diagnose the cause of your hair loss and recommend the best transplant procedure for your individual situation. A black market clinic only wants your money. The person you meet may wear a white lab jacket or surgical scrubs, but may or may not be a surgeon – or any licensed medical professional at all. You aren’t likely to receive an accurate diagnosis or solid treatment plan.

And you definitely won’t be told if you’re not a good candidate for the surgery. Reasons a legitimate hair transplant surgeon will turn away a patient include serious health conditions (such as uncontrolled type 2 diabetes), and not enough availability of donor hair. As long as you can pay, a black market clinic will take your money – and, of course, not produce the result you had expected while quite possibly endangering your life.

But that’s just the starting point. Other risks include the following:

An unnatural-looking hairline – Achieving a male hairline that looks natural is harder to do than you might think. An experienced hair transplant surgeon with knowledge of how the male hairline changes over time can implant hair grafts to get the right amount of coverage while looking age-appropriate. A hairline that’s too aggressively forward, goes straight across the forehead with no variations, etc., will look “off” at best, bizarre, at worst. Our blog post – “Principles of Male Hairline Design” – covers this topic in detail.

Hair growing in the wrong directions – A knowledge of the directions of hair growth is essential in placing grafts. Personnel at black market clinics lack this knowledge, which means hair grafts are implanted incorrectly – resulting in a strange, unnatural growth pattern.

Improper graft preparation – When hair grafts are harvested from the donor site, time is of the essence in preparing them for implantation. Improperly treated grafts quickly die, and will not grow in the recipient area – resulting in a failed transplant. Poor quality control conditions include dehydration, warming and oxygen deprivation. A photo taken at one Turkish clinic shows hair grafts on strips of cotton gauze laid out in bloody rows in what appear to be baking pans, evidently drying into non-viability as they wait to be transplanted.

Overharvesting of grafts from the donor area – The donor area is where grafts are harvested for implantation into bald areas of the scalp. Once a graft is taken from this area, no hair will grow there again. Black market clinics tend to offer a large number of grafts – usually between 2,000 – 4,000 graft extractions per session – but with no consideration for the patient’s degree of hair loss. A licensed, ethical hair transplant surgeon takes into consideration the amount of donor hair each patient has available, and plans the surgery according to anticipated – as well as current – hair loss. This helps ensure that enough donor hair will be available for future hair transplants. There are numerous accounts of black market clinics decimating donor areas, leaving disfiguring permanent scars – and no way to correct the often-botched transplant.

Infection from Unsanitary Operating Room Conditions – When you think of an operating room, you assume the surgical theater will be sterile. In black market clinics, it’s common for several patients to undergo transplant surgery simultaneously in one large room, much like a warehouse. Under such conditions, maintaining a safe, sanitary environment is impossible – putting patients at risk for hepatitis, HIV or other infections. This is because the emphasis for the clinic is volume – performing as many hair transplants as possible each day for maximum profit. Patient safety is not a priority.

Don’t be a Victim of a Turkish Black Market Clinic! Choose Your Surgeon Wisely!

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.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we offer financing options that can place this important goal within reach. Putting yourself at risk of the consequences of a hair transplant procedure at an overseas black market clinic – or even an unscrupulous domestic clinic where unlicensed non-medical personnel harvest and implant hair grafts – isn’t worth the perceived savings.

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

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

Questions to Ask a Hair Transplant Surgeon

Male Hair Restoration,

Have you made the big decision to undergo a hair transplant procedure? If so, you’ve most likely been paying attention to advertising by national brand clinics and other practices that position hair restoration somewhat as a consumer purchase. However, no matter what the procedure, hair transplant surgery is surgery. This takes it from the realm of a consumer purchase to a medical procedure. Once you see it from this lens, you understand how important it is to not only ask questions of the hair restoration surgeon who may be performing your procedure, but to ask the right questions. 

Heavily advertised clinics and practices depend upon consumers’ familiarity with their brand name, expecting you to assume that you’ll be treated well and get the outcome you want. However, as our blog post – “What to Look for in a Hair Transplant Surgeon” – states, choosing a hair transplant surgeon based solely upon the amount of advertising the doctor or practice does is no guarantee of good results. 

There are also those who “shop” by price only, looking for the practice offering the lowest cost and assuming that all hair restoration surgeons are equally skilled. This assumption is greatly mistaken. As our blog post – “Is Your Hair Transplant Surgeon Qualified? What You Need to Know!” – covers, 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 prior surgical training or accreditation of any kind. And as we frequently note, some clinics assign the harvesting and implantation of hair grafts to non-medical technicians, which has resulted in serious complications and outcomes ranging from poor to irreversible due to overharvesting of the donor site.

How to Find a Reputable Hair Restoration Practice

Dr. Marco Barusco – Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Tempus Hair Restoration – believes that knowledge is power – and therefore consumers need a base knowledge about the hair restoration field in order to make an informed decision. For this reason, we’ll start with how to find a reputable practice, which isn’t as easy as you may think. Advertising can be misleading, and websites that seem to be of an informative nature can have affiliate links, which means that the owner of the website is paid a percentage of the revenue of products sold on the site.

A valuable online resource for anyone considering a hair restoration procedure is the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). This is a global non-profit medical association, and the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration. The ISHRS offers objective, unbiased information, and does not accept advertising or affiliate links. Its website provides free resources for consumers – such as its Find a Doctor database. This is maintained and updated with the name, location, contact information and link to the ISHRS member page of each doctor. Dr. Barusco 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.

Questions to Ask the Surgeon During Your Consultation

Whether your consultation will be virtual or in-person, first make sure that you will be talking to the surgeon who will be performing your procedure – not a salesperson or medical technician. As our blog post – “The Importance of Consultation Before Hair Restoration Treatment” – cautions, if you’re told the doctor cannot or will not meet with you, leave – or don’t schedule the consultation in the first place. This is a red flag that should not be ignored!

For additional information on this topic, 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 – including Dr. Barusco’s observations about how less-than-conscientious practitioners fail their patients.

The following questions are courtesy of the ISHRS so that you can make an informed decision about the surgeon who will perform your hair restoration procedure.

The Physician’s Training and Credentials

Questions about the physician’s training include:

  • From what medical school did the physician receive his/her M.D. (Doctor of medicine, allopathic medical), D.O. (Doctor of osteopathic medicine) or M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery, also abbreviated as, M.B.Ch.B.) degree?
  • What year did he/she receive the medical degree?
  • When was the physician licensed to practice medicine? Is he/she licensed to practice medicine in your state/province or the state/province in which the treatment will take place?
  • Where (hospital or medical center) did the physician complete his/her internship and residency training?
  • Did the physician have additional training in a medical or surgical specialty after completing residency?
  • Is the physician board certified or a diplomate of a legitimate certifying board? Learn more about what this means.
  • Does the physician hold membership in their related specialty professional society? For hair restoration surgery, this is the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Do they attend scientific conferences and workshops? Membership and attendance in such societies is not essential, but it is an additional indication of commitment and advanced training.

The Physician’s Experience

If you are considering surgical hair restoration (hair transplantation, scalp reduction, flap grafting) you should want to know:

  • How long has the physician been doing surgical hair restoration procedures?
  • How many hair restoration procedures has the physician done? How many of the specific type you may consider having done?
  • How many hair restoration procedures does the physician currently do per month? A busy practice can be one indication that a surgeon is skilled and well respected by patients.
  • Is hair restoration surgery the physician’s only practice, or does the physician perform other types of cosmetic surgery? This question may be important to ask for two reasons: (1) if hair restoration is only part of an overall treatment you think you may need-for example, hair restoration and treatment to remove facial wrinkles and sun-damaged skin-a dermatologic or plastic surgeon will be able to consult with you regarding the overall treatment, and (2) to determine whether the surgeon performs enough hair restoration surgery to maintain his/her skills.
  • Will the physician, on request, provide names of patients who are willing to be references for the physician?

Other Relevant 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?

What is the Most Important Aspect of Choosing a Hair Restoration Surgeon?

As you’ve learned, a well-known brand name or cost should not be the basis of choosing a hair restoration surgeon. Being an informed patient and asking the right questions will help you achieve the outcome that allows you to face the world and live your best life with renewed self-confidence.

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

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