In 2018, the Hair Peace Foundation (HPF) embarked on a transformative journey with Alejandro, who also goes by Alex. Before coming to HPF, the young man with a congenital facial nevus (mole) had undergone previous surgeries that left him without a right eyebrow and with irregular beard hair growth on one side of his face. It was imperative to remove the mole to eliminate any potential chance of it becoming cancerous.
Sensing his need for restoration as he approached a pivotal moment in his life—graduation from high school—the foundation, under the stewardship of Dr. Sanusi Umar, took on Alejandro’s case with a profound sense of purpose.
Encounter at Harbor UCLA Program
While working at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Umar found him while Alex’s mother was receiving chemotherapy treatments. Despite his physical challenges, the then-teen exuded a sense of contentment and self-assurance that transcended his appearance. Dr. Umar was immediately struck by Alex’s remarkable inner strength and confident demeanor. He further recognized the potential for enhancing Alex’s self-perception by addressing his physical appearance.
Alex had undergone several mole removal surgeries and a skin graft from different doctors before meeting Dr. Umar. Dr. U performed a laser treatment on Alex, which gave his skin a smoother and more natural result. Later, he offered a hair transplant by taking hair from Alex’s leg and the back of his head using his UGraft machine to restore his eyebrow and the other side of his beard.
Beard and Eyebrow Restoration Process
The unique challenge lay in recreating a natural look that matched Alex’s existing features. Dr. Umar opted for a combination of leg and nape hair follicles, considering their thickness and texture, which closely resembled Alex’s natural hair on the unaffected side of his face. This approach deviated from conventional methods but was crucial in achieving the desired outcome.
Facial Hair Restoration: Outcome and Impact
Through meticulous planning and precise execution, Dr. Umar successfully restored Alex’s eyebrow and beard hair, instilling a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment.
Alex’s resilience and unwavering positivity throughout his journey deeply inspired Dr. Umar, prompting reflection on the true essence of happiness and self-esteem. While physical enhancements can enhance one’s appearance, true fulfillment stems from inner contentment and self-acceptance. Alejandro’s story is a poignant reminder that self-worth transcends external validation, highlighting the profound impact of inner confidence and positive self-image.
On a Mission to Empower Individuals
The Hair Peace Foundation is humbled to have been a part of Alex’s journey, and we hope he continues living a fulfilling life and spreading his congeniality.
Through holistic support and personalized care, the HPF continues to empower individuals like Alex to embrace their uniqueness and embark on self-discovery and renewed confidence.
In recognition of his remarkable character and dedication, Alejandro was honored as the Most Inspiring Student of 2018 by the City of Long Beach Mayor—a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit.
Alex is happy. He is now living his life confidently and true to himself. He aspires to be a civil justice lawyer to help those in need.
