Dr. Damion Valletta’s professional path reflects a seamless blend of passion, precision, and purpose. From an early age, he knew his calling would involve helping others and being of service, and this deeply rooted desire has led him to make significant strides in the fields of orthopaedics, sports medicine, and innovation-driven hair restoration. As a U.S. Olympic team physician and founder of Restore Biologics, Dr. Valletta’s career reflects a rare blend of elite credentials and patient-centered service. Whether working with elite athletes or everyday individuals and families, Dr. Valletta’s approach remains grounded in excellence, empathy, and a dedication to advancing patient care.
The Journey to Excellence
When asked about his early inspirations, Dr. Valletta’s passion for medicine is clear. “From a young age, I had a strong sense that I was meant to do something purposeful,” he explains. “Helping people was the most direct way to feel I was of service, and medicine offered the most meaningful path to achieve that.” Participation in sports and early mentorship from physicians steered him toward orthopaedic surgery with a focus on sports medicine. For Dr. Valletta, this specialty is more than just fixing injuries; it’s about helping people regain their identity, especially athletes whose lives revolve around motion and performance.
Throughout his career, key moments have shaped both his philosophy and expert approach. Performing procedures on high-profile athletes such as U.S. Soccer star Abby Wambach and NFL wide receiver Malcolm Floyd taught him the importance of precision and preparation under immense pressure. Dr. Valletta, however, emphasizes that the satisfaction he derives from his work isn’t limited to star-studded cases. “I find equal fulfillment in helping all of my patients, whether it’s a teacher returning to daily walks or a teenager getting back on the field. Everyone deserves elite-level care.”
Balancing the diverse needs of his patients has been a defining skill. From professionals facing career-defining deadlines to individuals seeking relief from everyday discomfort, his principle remains the same. “Communication, empathy, and personalized care are at the heart of everything I do,” says Dr. Valletta.
Valletta Orthopaedics: A Hub for Precision and Holistic Care
Dr. Valletta’s medical practice, Valletta Orthopaedics, is a reflection of his belief in deeply personalized, patient-focused care. “What sets us apart is not just the surgical expertise but our holistic approach to understanding the root causes of injury and preventing recurrence,” he explains. Valletta Orthopaedics offers comprehensive structural examinations that go beyond identifying the immediate injury. By analyzing biomechanical factors like alignment, muscle balance, and joint integrity, Dr. Valletta and his team design solutions that last.
Working with elite athletes has refined Dr. Valletta’s meticulous approach. “These high-pressure cases demand an uncompromising standard of care, and that precision is something I bring to every patient, regardless of their level of activity.” From initial treatment to post-surgical education, his clinic emphasizes long-term outcomes, empowering patients with the knowledge they need to maintain joint health and mobility.
Contributions to Sports Medicine
Photo credit: Restore Biologics
Dr. Valletta’s work extends beyond his medical practice through his roles as a team physician. He also mentors medical students and residents, lecturing regularly on injury prevention and biomechanics in sports. He was privileged to serve as a U.S. team physician during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and has continued to support both U.S. Soccer Federation and local collegiate teams. These collaborations have brought some of the most rewarding moments of his career. “Managing high-stakes situations and making quick, informed decisions is critical in this field, but it’s equally important to ensure the long-term well-being of the athletes we care for,” he shares.
Dr. Valletta is also at the forefront of exciting advancements in sports medicine. From biologic therapies using PRP and stem-cell derivatives to data-driven rehabilitation and wearable technologies, the tools available to prevent and treat injuries are evolving rapidly. He incorporates functional movement screenings, tailored strength programs, and innovative recovery protocols into his practice to help athletes stay healthy and competitive.
Pioneering Hair Restoration with Restore Biologics
Photo credit: Restore Biologics
Dr. Valletta has also left his mark in the field of hair restoration through his subsidiary, Restore Biologics. This venture began as a natural extension of his work, addressing a growing need among health-conscious individuals experiencing hair loss. Dr. Valletta’s surgical expertise in orthopaedics, particularly his precise hand and deep anatomical knowledge, gives him a unique advantage in this field. “I saw an opportunity to bring clinical integrity to a space that’s often underserved or lacks personalization,” he reflects.
Dr. Valletta noticed that many of his athletic male patients were also quietly struggling with male pattern baldness. Using cutting-edge biologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Restore Biologics helps activate dormant follicles and enhance graft survival rates, offering patients both non-surgical and surgical options alike. His deep understanding of biologic injectable therapies, combined with an interest in evolving hair restoration technologies, made it a natural progression to help patients address this aesthetic side of their healthcare. “It wasn’t just about hair,” he notes. “It was about confidence, identity, and offering a solution rooted in the same medical integrity that I bring to orthopaedics.”
One key innovation Dr. Valletta has embraced is the ARTAS Hair Transplant System, a state-of-the-art robotic technology that improves precision and minimizes recovery time for patients. For him, this system symbolizes a fusion of technology and medicine that elevates results while maintaining patient comfort. “Combining these advancements with biologic therapies allows us to tailor solutions for individuals at every stage, from prevention to treatment.”
A Philosophy of Excellence
At the core of Dr. Valletta’s approach is the relentless pursuit of excellence. “My standard of care is rooted in discipline, integrity, and curiosity,” he states. This commitment to lifelong learning fuels his drive to stay at the forefront of medical advancements, whether in sports medicine, orthopaedics, or hair restoration. “Consistent improvement is the heartbeat of my practice.”
When reflecting on what motivates him, Dr. Valletta points to the tangible impact his work has on his patients. “Whether it’s helping someone return to their sport or restoring confidence with hair rejuvenation, I’m driven by the opportunity to improve lives in meaningful ways.”
Over the course of his career, his perspective on patient care has evolved. Success, he notes, is not just about achieving physical outcomes, it’s about creating trust and empowering patients to take control of their health. Beyond medicine, Dr. Valletta stays grounded by traveling, staying active, and engaging with peers across specialties. These experiences not only recharge him but also inspire fresh ideas and innovative concepts.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Valletta’s ambitions don’t stop at perfecting practices within his specialty areas. He envisions a future where healthcare is more transparent, personalized, and accessible. Through his venture with Be Seen Health, he aims to remove barriers to care by streamlining pricing and patient access, while restoring autonomy to physicians. It’s an ambitious project rooted in his broader mission “to modernize the medical experience and elevate care for all.”
When asked to share advice for aspiring medical professionals, Dr. Valletta emphasizes an approach grounded in purpose and humanity. “Skill can be taught, but mindset makes the difference. Always lead with curiosity, humility, and a focus on the patient,” he says.
As Dr. Valletta reflects on his career, he hopes his legacy will be defined by more than his surgical expertise or technological innovations. “I want to be remembered as someone who made care more accessible, transparent, and patient-centered. It’s not about what I built, but about who I helped along the way.”
From the operating room to technological breakthroughs, Dr. Damion Valletta continues to set a high bar for excellence, leaving a profound impact on his patients’ lives and on the greater medical community.
Contact information:
858-524-7000
Valletta Orthopaedics
Restore Biologics
8929 University Center Ln., Suite #206, San Diego, CA 92122
