#USA #Chicago #Hair Transplant #ISHRS #Black-market Clinics

World Hair Transplant Repair Day: A Call for Awareness

On November 11, the World Hair Transplant Repair Day aims to shed light on the rising issue of illegal hair transplant clinics operating around the globe. Organized by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), this day draws attention to the dangers posed by these unlicensed facilities, which often mislead patients with misleading advertisements and cut-rate prices. This year, from November 7-9, 2025, ISHRS will also host a live surgical workshop in Bucharest, Romania, focusing on hair restoration techniques.

The Dangers of Illegal Clinics

According to a recent ISHRS survey, the prevalence of black-market hair transplant clinics has surged in recent years, with an alarming number of individuals falling victim to these illicit practices. A stark illustration comes from a police incident in Dubai earlier this month, where a man was arrested for running an illegal hair transplant clinic from his apartment. The repercussions of treatments from these clinics can include severe complications, scarring, and even mental health consequences for affected individuals.

Dr. Conradin von Albertini, ISHRS president, expressed concern over the numerous emails received from distressed patients. One such account from a young man in the UK revealed the severe emotional impact and physical trauma stemming from a failed hair transplant procedure, leading to thoughts of suicide. This underscores the urgent need for awareness and prevention regarding these fraudulent practices.

The Fight the FIGHT Campaign

In response to these growing concerns, the ISHRS is implementing its Fight the FIGHT initiative, aimed at educating the public about the pitfalls of illegal hair transplant clinics. The campaign encourages individuals who have been harmed to reach out for corrective procedures through the network of volunteer physicians associated with ISHRS. Since the program's inception in 2020, the number of participating physicians has grown significantly, allowing more victims to receive the help they desperately need.

Statistics paint a troubling picture; in 2024, 59% of ISHRS members reported the existence of black-market clinics in their regions, an increase from 51% in 2021. Moreover, incidences of repair cases due to prior procedures performed by these clandestine operators surged from 6% to 10% over the same period.

Educating the Public

To combat these escalated threats, the ISHRS has launched a resourceful website, Fight the FIGHT, which provides educational content in ten languages. The site features live streaming sessions aimed at informing prospective patients on how to avoid becoming victims of illegal hair transplant practices. Additionally, real patient case studies illustrate the severe consequences of undergoing operations in unregulated settings.

Dr. Paul T. Rose, an ISHRS committee member, emphasized that empowering individuals with knowledge about their hair health is a cornerstone of this campaign. It enables them to make informed decisions regarding who is qualified to perform hair transplant surgeries. He advocates for clear understanding concerning the tasks that only a licensed surgeon should undertake versus those that technicians can perform.

The Importance of Qualified Medical Personnel

The ISHRS advises potential patients to be aware of the distinctions between surgical and technical roles in hair restoration procedures. Among the responsibilities strictly reserved for surgeons are:

• - Patient history documentation and necessary examinations to ensure successful graft placement.
• - Drawing hairlines and making incisions in recipient and donor areas for graft placements.

On the other hand, technicians can only assist with tasks such as:

• - Extracting marked grafts as designated by the surgeon.
• - Loading sharp implantors and delivering them to the surgeon for actual placement.

In certain countries, laws are stringent regarding technicians' involvement in these procedures, highlighting the necessity for patients to thoroughly research and understand the practices in their respective areas.

Conclusion

The World Hair Transplant Repair Day serves not only to raise awareness of the global risks posed by black-market clinics but also to facilitate healing for those already affected by these practices. Through initiatives like Fight the FIGHT and professional workshops, the ISHRS is unwavering in its commitment to the safety and well-being of patients worldwide. For more information and to participate in the educational efforts, visit HairTransplantRepairDay.org.

The ISHRS stands as a leading authority in hair restoration, pooling its efforts to ensure ethical practices and superior outcomes for all patients involved in hair loss treatments.