Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Days after the Tamil Nadu government issued an order to regulate aesthetic, cosmetology and hair transplant clinics, mandating their registration under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act and bringing them under formal rules, doctors have called for similar regulations to be implemented across the country amid a surge in procedures driven by social media.The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) has urged the government to roll out comprehensive national guidelines and strictly enforce existing rules to curb quackery and protect patients, warning that the fast-growing sector is slipping beyond oversight.Specialists say complications from cosmetic procedures such as hair transplants, Botox and laser treatments are being reported more often, as young Indians seek quick fixes and aesthetic enhancements promoted heavily online.The Tamil Nadu order mandates that hair transplants be performed only by registered medical practitioners—preferably dermatologists or plastic surgeons—and requires clinics to have proper infrastructure, including monitoring systems, emergency equipment and anaesthesia support.Concerns have sharpened after reports of botched procedures, including the deaths of two engineers in Kanpur that triggered a police probe. The issue has also drawn judicial attention. In 2022, the Delhi high court flagged salons offering hair transplants without medical supervision, warning that such procedures by unqualified individuals can be dangerous and even fatal.Experts stress that hair transplant surgery requires knowledge of skin biology, hair disorders, infection control and managing complications, and should be carried out only by specialised registered doctors.“Aesthetic procedures require specialised training beyond an MBBS degree,” said Dr Vinay Singh, president of IADVL, noting that dermatologists undergo three years of postgraduate training in skin and hair disorders along with procedural skills.“Many cases of hair loss can be treated medically and do not require surgery,” said Dr Kabir Sardana of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, underlining the need for proper diagnosis before opting for a transplant. He added that rising demand is being fuelled by social media influence and increasing disposable incomes.Highlighting the scale of the problem, IADVL said its anti-quackery committee has this year identified and shared a list of over 100 alleged unqualified practitioners offering such procedures with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) for action.The debate over who is qualified to perform hair transplants has intensified since the Dental Council of India allowed oral and maxillofacial surgeons to train in aesthetic procedures, including hair restoration, creating a regulatory grey area.IADVL has also urged patients to verify a doctor’s qualifications and registration with the state medical council before undergoing any skin, hair or cosmetic treatment, and to ensure the registration number is clearly mentioned on prescriptions. The public has been advised to remain alert and avoid falling prey to misleading advertisements or treatments offered by unlicensed practitioners.
