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.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel says more missiles launched from Iran; Kuwait claims drone attacks by TehranTrump Talks Iran Deal Window: US president sees major points of agreement; five day period to test talks’Fake news’: Iranian Speaker says Trump’s talk claims aimed at manipulating oil marketsThe 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.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTwo More Indian LPG Ships Pine Gas And Jag Vasant Transit Strait Of Hormuz Amid Iran-Israel War’India Moving Ahead With Resolve’: PM Modi’s Big Message On West Asia Conflict’Never Faced Such Humiliation’: Jaya Bachchan Slams VIP Culture In RS, Flags Traffic DisruptionsUS Finally Ready For De-Escalation? 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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.
