IADVL, APSI raise concerns over patient safety in aesthetic and hair transplant procedures

The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) have raised serious concerns about patient safety following permissions granted to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) doctors by the Dental Council of India under provisions of the Dentists Act, 1948 to perform certain aesthetic procedures and hair transplantation.

It has advised patients to verify doctors’ qualifications and confirm registration with the State Medical Council before undergoing any skin, hair or cosmetic procedure and to remain vigilant and avoid misleading advertisements or treatments offered by unlicensed practitioners.

According to the medical bodies, these procedures have traditionally been conducted by specialists such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons trained under the regulatory framework of the National Medical Commission.

IADVL president Vinay Singh said, “Dermatology and aesthetic procedures require extensive specialised training. In addition to an MBBS degree, dermatologists undergo three years of postgraduate residency training at accredited medical institutions, where they receive in-depth exposure to skin diseases, hair disorders and advanced dermatological procedures.’’

Calling for strict regulation and specialised medical training for professionals performing such procedures, Delhi-based senior plastic surgeon Rajat Gupta said that patient safety and dilution of medical standards cannot be allowed.

The groups also noted that there is a growing number of cases being reported from across India involving unqualified practitioners performing aesthetic procedures, causing irreversible damage to patients.

Gaurav Garg, consultant dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon & dermato-surgeon, founder and director of Dermalife Skin and Hair Clinic in Delhi, said that hair transplant procedures now form a major business worldwide—driven by new tech and more people seeking treatment.

“It isn’t just older people now coming in for a transplant. Younger men, women and even teenagers are seeking hair transplant treatment. The most common hair transplant methods are still Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation. Robotic systems now support follicular unit extraction, improving accuracy in choosing and removing grafts—yet these tools remain rare outside premium clinics,’’ said Dr. Garg.

He added that hair transplant prices in places like India usually depend on each graft. A single graft may range from ₹30 to ₹120, depending on the clinic’s reputation, the person doing it, or the technique chosen. For a typical session involving 2,000 to 3,000 grafts, total expenses might be between ₹60,000 and ₹300,000 once all factors are included.

Speaking about the challenges in the field, he said that clinics opening without doctors’ supervision is the biggest problem.

India has reported cases of alleged death in Kanpur, following medical complications after undergoing hair transplant procedures done by a dental surgeon. Other alleged cases include severe infections, vision loss and serious complications linked to procedures conducted by untrained individuals.

The IADVL noted that hair transplantation is a modern medical procedure requiring a detailed understanding of skin biology, hair disorders, infection control and complication management and should be done by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) with specialised training. 

The group added that concerns have also been raised about misleading online listings. 

Meanwhile, legal proceedings have been initiated by the Tamil Nadu branch of the IADVL before the Madras High Court, challenging the guidelines issued by the Dental Council of India on December 6, 2022, which permit certain aesthetic and hair transplant procedures by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

During a hearing on January 21, the court observed a regulatory conflict between the Dental Council of India and the National Medical Commission and directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to review the matter and submit its response to ensure regulatory clarity in the interest of patient safety.

The associations have called on the government to issue comprehensive guidelines and ensure strict enforcement of existing regulations to curb quackery and protect public health.