Dermatologists urge regulations against unauthorised aesthetic and hair transplant procedures

The Karnataka branch of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL KN) on Thursday appealed to Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil to introduce urgent regulations curbing the unauthorised conduct of aesthetic dermatology and hair transplant procedures.

The association raised concerns over a 2022 public notice issued by the Dental Council of India (DCI), which is allegedly being misinterpreted by some dental professionals — including BDS graduates and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS) — as permission to perform invasive skin-related treatments. These include Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, hair transplantation, Botulinum toxin and filler injections, among others, despite their lack of formal training in dermatology or surgery.

This practice contradicts the National Medical Commission (NMC) circular dated September 20, 2022, which clearly states that only Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) with structured postgraduate qualifications in dermatology or plastic surgery are authorised to carry out such procedures, said Girish M.S., Senior Specialist and Head of the Department of Dermatology at ESIC Medical College and Model Hospital in Rajajinagar, who was part of the delegation.

As a result, a surge in unregulated “Dental, Skin and Hair” clinics has been observed across Karnataka, with over 1,000 unqualified individuals reportedly operating illegally, he said.

Cautioning that such mushrooming of unregulated clinics poses serious risks to patient safety, the association members cited at least five deaths and numerous cases of disfigurement and psychological trauma nationwide. They called for immediate government intervention and public clarification to prevent further misuse and ensure patient safety in the domain of aesthetic medicine.