Bad Idea, Say Expert Doctors, About Going Out of the Country for Hair Restoration Surgery

Seems we touched a nerve in our May 9 post about the dangers of what the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery describes as “Black Market Hair Transplantation Surgery!”

My friends and colleagues, member of this organization of this esteemed group of physicians who have made correcting hair loss problems their life’s work are collectively horrified at the results they have given feedback from patients who’ve been butchered by un-trained doctors and technicians.

As we pointed out in our post, the advent of robotic-assisted machines for hair extraction (and sometimes, implantation) allow doctors to think they can “get in on” the hair restoration business with no training, and that by simply hiring technicians to run these surgical procedures they can provide satisfactory results.

What the doctors and experts say:

“I tell (prospective shoppers for foreign hair surgery)..your low cost hair transplant could end up being the most expensive decision you’ll ever make after you have to pay an experienced, qualified hair transplant surgeon to correct what a technician did”.

Dr. Robert Reese, ABHRS Board-Certified of ISHRS, Minneapolis, MN.

“ I support your effort to help educate consumers!”

Tampa Surgeon and physician trainer of 20+-Years, Dr. Michael Markou,

“Your description of what is going on with companies promoting unlicensed technicians doing hair surgery is accurate and alarming. In New York State the Medical Practice regulations allow delegation only to licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are qualified by the kind of program they are trained in and who are supervised by qualified surgeons. I have had extensive direct communication with the medical board about this. Despite this there are many practices in which hair transplants are being performed daily by unlicensed technicians and nurses (neither permitted) in New York State.

It is crucial that the public is informed and advised to be very cautious and selective. It is always the wisest decision to select a practice in which the doctor will be the one doing the surgery.”

Robert H True MD, MPH, Fellow ISHRS, Diplomate ABHRS

“I support both this project, and all of your dedicated efforts to expand the awareness of the truth as guiding information to those seeking hair loss solutions.”

Dr. Steven Holt, Veteran Hair restoration Surgeon in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This article is excellent! I think this article should be everywhere! It is never just about the surgical tool or instrument, until full automation from AI is possible — which it currently isn’t, it will always be about who is using the tool or instrument. There is a reason for medical licensure, the public should never forget why there are safeguards and medical licensure requirements because many businesses are trying to convince them it is all about saving money rather than for quality of care and safety.

Dr, Sharon Keene, Past President of the ISHRS and Chair of committee for public education to safeguard the public against mistaken advertising that promotes doctors credentials but delegated surgery to non-physicians.

I support your efforts, John- nice work.

Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, Cosmetic Surgeon in Miami, Fl

Good work John. We need to get the message out there to the public.

Ivan Cohen M.D.,Fairfield, CT.

John…thank you for your efforts!

Dr. Paul Rose, Past President of the ISHRS

Unfortunately the Black Market in hair restoration has been growing very fast worldwide.Health laws in each country are different but It is critical that the patient know: in medicine, we emphasize the relation of Doctor-Patient. The practice hair restoration is no different.

Dr. David Perez-Meza, recipient of the ISHRS Platinum Follicle Award and multiple chair of the ISHRS Live Surgery Workshop.

For more information, read Hair Loss Dossier: The Big Lie About the Causes, Cures, Treatments and Scams. Available from Amazon, iBooks, Barnes & Noble and on Audible