Dr. Mark DiStefano has been elected to the Board of Directors for the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery & International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS/IBHRS).

Dr. Mark DiStefano, MD

Since DiStefano Hair Transplant Center was founded over 15 years ago, it has grown to become the largest independent hair transplant practice in New England and, today, is at the forefront of transplantation technology. But it wasn't until 1991 that Dr. DiStefano had even considered entering the practice of hair transplants.

A veteran of both the ER and surgery, Dr. DiStefano was well-known in Massachusetts medical circles for his surgical skills. A 1979 graduate of Georgetown University Medical School, the Worcester native returned home to complete his internship and residency in local hospitals, specializing in surgery, and then emergency medicine. He met and married his wife, and started a family. As his family grew to include three sons he found the unreliable hours of his professional career often intruding on his home life.

His brother's hair transplant proved to be the catalyst for change. Recognizing that hair loss is not just a cosmetic issue, but one with far reaching emotional implications for its sufferers, Dr. DiStefano soon found himself intrigued with the idea of redirecting his talents to improve the treatment options available to those who suffer from hair loss.

Although he had the surgical expertise, DiStefano knew he would have to learn the finer points regarding transplant procedures and aesthetics. He sought out Dr. Dow Stough, a leader and teacher within the field, and trained under him in hair transplant surgery at the Stough Clinic in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Today, Dr. DiStefano is renowned for his artistry in the reconstruction of hairlines with over 5,000 hair transplants to his credit.

In 2004, Dr. DiStefano began studying with Dr. Patrick Frechet, the creator of the revolutionary Triple-Flap procedure. His surgical background has allowed Dr. DiStefano to become one of the only doctors in the United States to successfully perform the procedure. He has performed numerous Triple Flap surgeries and is now recognized internationally for his specialized talent and expertise.

Harvard Medical International, in 2004, through the nomination of the esteemed Dr. Elof Eriksson, Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Head of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, recommended Dr. DiStefano to provide physcian training and mentoring in hair transplantation, applications of relevant technology and evolution of clinical protocols. In 2006, Dr. DiStefano was retained by Harvard Medical International to assist in the development of Hair Transplant Technician licensing requirements for Dubai Healthcare City.

Dr. DiStefano is a Clinical Instructor in Plastic Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, MA providing instruction and training for surgical fellows on a national level and also on a international level with the United Arab Emirates Health Ministry. He is a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery - actively participating in their "Operation Restore" program; The American Hair Loss Council; and The World Hair Society. Recently, he was appointed to the Medical Advisory Board of Lexington International, LLC, assisting in the use and advancement of Low Level Laser Technology in hair growth and preservation.

Dr. DiStefano lives in Sutton, Massachusetts with his wife Dr. Mary Wendel, medical director for the woman's hair loss centers, and their 3 children, Mark Jr., Michael and Matthew. Dr. DiStefano likes to spend his free time with his family and donating time to various non-profit organizations, and loves playing basketball and skiing with his boys.

During the summer, Dr. DiStefano is a passenger ferry captain on Lake Winnipesauke for the Sandy Island Camp, a family camp associated with the Greater Boston YMCA. His, wife, Dr. Wendel is the camp physician and his boys serve in the service crew and as lifeguards.