For Dr. Sanusi Umar, cloning was never about bringing Zeus back. It was a deeply personal decision to continue the genetic legacy of a companion whose loyalty, presence, and love had changed him.

“Welcome home, Zino.” Those words open and close a story that began long before a new puppy arrived. For me, the story begins with Zeus, a dog whose steady presence remained constant through both triumphs and trials. I have witnessed countless transformations in my professional life, but none changed me the way he did.

Zeus communicated without words. What stayed with me was an unspoken understanding and an unwavering loyalty. A mentor once taught me that true love is presence. Zeus never had to say it. He lived it.

The Love That Stayed Unfinished

When Zeus died, I was left with a feeling that something remained unfinished. People often say that time heals, but grief does not always follow a simple path. In my case, the bond I had shared with Zeus led me to consider an option that I knew would raise questions.

Years earlier, I had followed a veterinarian’s advice to neuter Zeus. I later regretted that decision. Had Zeus left offspring, I would not have considered cloning him. Without that possibility, cloning became, for me, a way to continue a legacy that had ended too soon.

That distinction matters. This was not an attempt to erase loss or pretend that another dog could simply become Zeus. The decision came from what Zeus represented in my life: loyalty, presence, and love.

Zeus and the Legacy of Dr.UGraft Zeus FUE

Zeus was not only my companion. He was also part of the life of the Dr. U Clinic, where the staff knew him, loved him, and felt his loss. His death therefore carried a meaning that extended beyond my own grief. He had become part of our clinic family.

His name also became part of the work itself. The Dr.UGraft Zeus FUE device was named after Zeus, giving his legacy a lasting place in the technology developed at the clinic. The device carries patented technology created to advance FUE hair transplantation, linking Zeus’s name to an important chapter in Dr. U Clinic’s work.

For that reason, remembering Zeus means remembering more than the companionship we shared. His legacy continues in the people at the clinic who loved him and in the Dr.UGraft Zeus FUE device that bears his name. That professional legacy adds another dimension to the personal story that eventually led me to Zino.

Why I Chose Cloning

I made a choice some people will question. I chose cloning, creating what I describe in the video as Zeus’s exact genetic twin. The choice was personal, and I do not present it as an answer for everyone who loses an animal they love.

The question at the center of the story is not whether grief can be reversed. It cannot. The question is what it means to carry a legacy forward when a relationship has had a lasting effect on your life. For me, cloning offered one way to honor what Zeus had represented.

That is also why the new arrival needed his own name and his own place in the family. He shares Zeus’s DNA, but the video makes the boundary clear: “Not Zeus. Zino.”

Same DNA, a New Story

When I look at Zino, I recognize features that immediately connect me to Zeus. In the video, I describe the resemblance simply: “Same DNA, same eyes, same quiet power.” Yet resemblance is not identity. Zino enters this story as himself.

That difference is central to what welcoming him home means. The legacy of Zeus can continue without asking Zino to become a replacement. Memory belongs to Zeus. The future belongs to Zino.

The photographs surrounding this homecoming capture that transition in human terms: holding a small puppy close, introducing him to family, and beginning the ordinary moments through which a new relationship can develop. They do not undo the past. They mark the beginning of something new.

A Legacy That Continues

With cloning in the public conversation, I wanted to share why my family made this choice. Our experience came from a very specific history with Zeus and from my own regret that he had left no offspring. It was not about replacing him.

Some stories do not end cleanly. They continue through what we remember, what we carry forward, and the choices we make because a life mattered to us. Zeus taught me something about presence that stayed with me after he was gone. His name also lives on through the Dr.UGraft Zeus FUE device and its patented technology for FUE hair transplantation. Zino does not change that history. He begins another one.

So the final words are both a greeting and a statement of continuity: Welcome home, Zino. The legacy of Zeus continues in you.

Watch the Full Video

Watch the complete story of Zeus and Zino and hear Dr. Sanusi Umar explain the personal meaning behind his decision to pursue cloning.

@dr.sanusiumar The Story of Zeus and Zino I chose continuity through cloning my dog after ending Zeus’s line. Ask me anything below I was told neutering would protect Zeus. It also ended his line. When cloning my dog became possible, I chose continuity, not replacement. Cloning is in the headlines after Tom Brady’s announcement. Here is what that choice meant for my family. Some stories do not end. They continue. . . . . #dogstory #Clone #Cloning #TomBrady #doglove ♬ original sound – Dr. Sanusi Umar

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Explore more stories and perspectives from life at Dr. U Clinic: Life at Dr. U Clinic

Disclaimer: This article shares a personal experience and perspective. It is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary, medical, genetic, or reproductive advice. Individual circumstances and outcomes may vary.

Further Reading

1. https://dru.com/hair-cloning-hair-multiplication/
2. https://dru.com/dr-u-loves-natural-products/

The post Video: Cloning, Love, and the Legacy of Zeus: Welcome Home, Zino appeared first on Dr. U Hair & Skin Clinic | FUE Hair Restoration, Dermatology and Laser Surgery | Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach | Dr Sanusi Umar MD.

According to the report, all the women in the case series who used Gashee in its topical or oral form showed notable hair improvements in hair fullness and cessation of hair symptoms.

What is Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia & Who Does it Affect?

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is scarring alopecia and a common cause of hair loss, affecting an estimated 15% of black women over 30 [1-2].

What are the symptoms of CCCA?

CCCA is a persistent condition that causes:

1. Inflammation
2. Pain, itchiness
3. Scarring,
4. Expanding area of permanent hair loss [2].

CCCA causes permanent scarring at the follicular level on top of the scalp, leaving patients with a large balding crown on top of the head.

Left untreated, CCCA scarring damages hair follicles permanently, resulting in irreversible hair loss.

What Causes CCCA?

Although modern medicine is still studying CCCA to figure out its exact causes, CCCA development has been attributed to various hairstyling practices, such as tight braids and hairstyles, harsh chemicals and heat, and more.

Other factors still being considered as a cause of CCCA such as infections (bacterial and fungal), genetics, and autoimmune disease [2].

How Is CCCA Scarring Alopecia Treated?

CCCA has been a source of frustration for many patients and doctors alike.

It is stubborn to treat and is often resistant to many medications doctors use, such as pharmaceuticals and steroid injections into the scalp. 

Current treatments for CCCA include:

1. Immunosuppressants
2. Topical steroids
3. Steroid injections
4. Tetracyclines
5. Hydroxychloroquine
6. Oral & topical minoxidil
7. Calcineurin inhibitors
8. Mycophenolate
9. Cyclosporine
10. Thalidomide
11. Topical metformin

How Effective are General CCCA Treatments?

Although pharmaceutical drug-based treatments for CCCA exist, these treatments can be improved.

One fact to consider is how these treatments are often discontinued due to potentially dangerous side effect profiles from consistent usage of pharmaceutical drugs.

Furthermore, there are reports of poor compliance from patients undergoing these treatments. Many of them are frustrated by the lack of progress, the unpleasantness of repeated scalp injections, and other frequent complications [3-8].

Due to a combination of these factors, many CCCA patients undergo treatment, only to try several different prescribed methods to no effect.

Eventually, many CCCA patients lose a significant portion of their hair even if they catch it early on – resulting in near-total baldness and scarring, often leading to a lifelong need for wigs and headwear to hide their condition. 

New Gashee CCCA Publication: A Significant Development for CCCA Hair Loss – The Role of Natural Products

New GASHEE CCCA Publication: The new publication states that all CCCA patients in the study used Gashee and were able to reduce its symptoms.

The report also states that all patients showed significant hair growth.

The Significance of a Plant-Based Product 

Although “natural product” does not guarantee compatibility with all users – as some users may pose allergies or reactions to certain plants – GASHEE’s natural ingredients background does pose the possibility of continued long-term use for those who are not allergic nor pose any reactions to its ingredients. The report highlights the potential of well-researched natural hair products in supporting hair health and hair growth in this form of scarring alopecia.*

Still, considering the current difficulty of popular treatments in treating CCCA patients, this publication highlights a significant development that warrants further study, as natural botanical products may be more amenable for long-term use with a potentially more favorable side effect profile. Most hair loss patients, including those affected with CCCA, have coincident hair health issues which must be addressed.

As more and more consumers favor a more holistic approach to wellness, natural products will soon be the way of the future.

“The ingredients in Gashee are sourced from around the globe using a proprietary compounding process that I personally developed to optimally preserve and deliver the beneficial molecules of the plants to the hair. Even the packaging took into account our respect for nature.”

GASHEE CCCA Publication: Improving Hair Health in CCCA, Improves Quality of Life

We are happy that patients have improved their quality of life by improving their hair health even in harsh hair loss conditions such as CCCA through GASHEE natural Products.

After years of witnessing the devastating effects of CCCA and its frustrating effect on my patients, I cannot be happier witnessing the result of the work reported in the paper. I cannot wait to further study this botanical’s role on CCCA and other scarring alopecia.

As with all conditions related to alopecia or hair loss, improving the patient’s quality of life by minimizing their symptoms is the priority we aim for as dermatologists.

Next, we want to halt the progress of hair loss as much as possible and, finally, aim for a state where the patient will no longer need any treatments – a state where they can flourish comfortably on their own. 

Why Prevention is the Best Cure for CCCA:

While we are encouraged by the reported findings, I have always emphasized the importance of preventive measures for my CCCA patients.

While the cause of CCCA is unknown, there are clear aggravators or precipitators of the condition that must be minimized. These include hair grooming practices such as tight braids, weaves, heavy or tight dreadlocks, and harsh chemicals. Here, the rule of thumb is to stop if it hurts or itches.

VIDEO: GASHEE Reported as First Botanical Product with Positive Response Towards CCCA

GASHEE Reported as First Botanical Product with Positive Response Towards CCCA – Video Results

PR: Newswire Link:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/treatment-refractory-central-centrifugal-cicatricial-alopecia-responsive-to-a-novel-botanical-trea…

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CCCA FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What were the patient results of the Gashee – CCCA Study?

According to the study, all patients’ scalp pruritus had stopped within two weeks of treatment, and significant hair regrowth was observed within two months.

All patients we stated to report a high satisfaction level without adverse effects from the Gashee products.

Can hair grow back from CCCA?

CCCA is a persistent and progressive condition that spreads and worsens over time.

Due to this, CCCA will result in permanent scarring of the hair follicles, leading to permanent or irreversible hair loss.

Is CCCA reversible?

Although later stages of CCCA result in permanent hair loss due to the permanent scarring of the hair follicles, if CCCA is treated effectively early on, it is possible to recover some lost hair. However, in its later stages, CCCA does create permanent damage to the hair follicles, which means that hair regrowth is very unlikely.

What are the factors that contribute to CCCA?

Many factors could contribute to the development of CCCA, such as:

1. Genetics
2. History of autoimmune disease
3. Various hairstyling practices such as the use of excessive heat and tension (tight braids, tight weaves, tight dreadlocks), and tension chemical relaxers on the scalp

Although factors such as genetics and history of autoimmune disease may be beyond personal control, avoiding the various hairstyling practices mentioned above is recommended to reduce the likelihood of CCCA.

About Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD, FAAD

Dr. Umar is a board-certified dermatologist, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a world-renowned hair expert with several related patents in hair transplantation. He is an associate faculty at the Department of Medicine, Dermatology Division, University of California, Los Angeles, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, where he leads the Scalp Disorders Specialty Clinic and private practice at Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic in Manhattan Beach, California.

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References

1. Bin Saif GA, McMichael A, Kwatra SG, et al. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia severity is associated with cowhage-induced itch. Br J Dermatol. 2013;168(2):253–256. doi:10.1111/bjd.12043
2. Aguh C, McMichael A. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. JAMA Dermatol. 2020;156(9):1036. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.1859
3. Araoye EF, Thomas JAL, Aguh CU. After using topical metformin, hair regrowth in 2 patients with recalcitrant central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. JAAD Case Rep. 2020;6(2):106–108. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2019.12.008
4. Olsen EA, Whiting D, Bergfeld W, Olsen EA, Whiting D, Bergfeld W, et al. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a novel formulation of 5% minoxidil topical foam versus placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57(5):767–774. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.04.012
5. Gathers RC, Lim HW. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: past, present, and future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60(4):660–668. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2008.09.066
6. Callender VD, Kazemi A, Young CM, et al. Safety and efficacy of clobetasol propionate 0.05% emollient foam for the treatment of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(7):719–724. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5201
7. Okereke UR, Simmons A, Callender VD. Current and emerging treatment strategies for hair loss in women of color. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(1):37–45. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.10.021
8. Herskovitz I, Miteva M. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: challenges and solutions. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:175–181. doi:10.2147/CCID.S100816
9. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.aocd.org/page/CCCA> [Accessed 22 April 2022].

Further Reading

More information on what is Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia CCCA?

Preparing Scarring Alopecia Patients for Hair Transplant: Is Hair Transplant Possible with CCCA?

The post GASHEE Reported as First Botanical Product with Positive Response Towards CCCA appeared first on Dr. U Hair & Skin Clinic | FUE Hair Restoration, Dermatology and Laser Surgery | Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach | Dr Sanusi Umar MD.

Our Dr. Umar Hair and Skin Clinic staff celebrated this year’s annual holiday party at Hermosa Beach’s Comedy and Magic Club.

The evening was filled with dinner, dessert, and laughter as ten different comedians took the stage that night. It was a time of connection and celebration of another year’s hard work as a team.

We look forward to the new decade, and we want to thank each patient and client who made our time at Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic so special. 

From our staff to yours, happy holiday season.

Happy Holidays & Further Reading

Celebrity Hair Transplants: 7 Famous People with New Looks

Hollywood Actor Successful Hair Transplant Results by Dr. U

The post Happy Holidays from Dr. Umar Hair and Skin Clinic appeared first on Dr. U Hair & Skin Clinic | FUE Hair Restoration, Dermatology and Laser Surgery | Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach | Dr Sanusi Umar MD.