Beware of black-market hair transplants and illicit clinics

The hair transplant industry has grown to become the world's largest cosmetic industry, with an annual revenue of approximately $5 billion. This quick development allows people to simply undergo the most modern hair restoration therapies. However, it is also catching the attention of the 'wrong people.' These individuals view the hair transplant industry as a quickly expanding and profitable business. As a result, they seek a piece of the revenue. To accomplish this, they have created a black market for Dubai hair transplants. They have no concern for the patient's health or well-being; all they worry about is money. Unfortunately, naive customers can easily become prey. As a result, it is critical to increase awareness among potential clients about these unscrupulous practitioners in the back alleys.

Patients must use caution when selecting a hair transplant surgeon or clinic. In this post, we discussed how patients might detect and prevent black-market frauds.

Detecting black market operation

Detecting the hair transplant black market is much easier than it appears. All patients need to do is remain vigilant during the screening process to avoid falling into a false sense of security.

 We want our patients to be knowledgeable and safe. As a result, we sought advice from Dr. Dimitrios Ziakas on how to identify dodgy hair transplant practitioners and clinics. Dr. Dimitrios Ziakas is Turkey's first board-certified surgeon and a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. The International Society of Hair Transplantation is the world's top authority on hair transplantation.

Dr. Dimitrios Ziakas recommended the following methods for identifying black-market hair transplant providers:

Cheap prices

Prices are frequently the most evident aspect in determining whether a service is real or fraudulent. Typically, the hair transplant black market provides its treatments at exceptionally low costs. For example, statements like "buy one, get one free" or "one dollar transplant" are rather popular.

Graft counts are high

These bogus vendors frequently claim to remove and harvest a greater graft count. Typically, they claim to harvest over 9,000 hair grafts in a single session. However, achieving this deceptive figure in a single session is unattainable. Furthermore, attempting to achieve this goal will pose a significant risk to the patient's health.

Unlicensed Non-Physicians

These illegal institutions most frequently deceive patients into believing a board-certified surgeon will perform the transplant. However, there are no such cases. Unlicensed non-medical personnel or technicians perform the entire procedure. In most circumstances, patients do not visit a doctor between the initial consultation and the operation.

There are no fixed rates

Because black-market hair transplant providers are mainly concerned with money, they do not offer fixed pricing. Furthermore, they lack a clear pricing structure that includes per-graft fees and other charges. In some cases, if they were concerned about losing a customer, they would lower their initial prices. However, without a special offer or a discount, no reputable clinic will immediately reduce its pricing.

ZERO MORAL VALUES

These fraudulent and illegitimate clinics have no moral or ethical principles and only care about money. They are not responsible for the patient's health and well-being. Typically, they conduct at least 5–10 transplants per day. As a result, their major goal is to dupe individuals into receiving subpar transplants from unlicensed practitioners in exchange for a few dollars.

The article discusses ISHRS and the Hair Transplant Black Market

Both patients and licensed doctors have expressed concern about the underground market for hair transplants. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) has been working to remove and abolish these illegal facilities and practices. In order to accomplish this, they launched a multifaceted public awareness campaign in 2019. This campaign's major goal is to create awareness and educate naïve clients about black-market hair transplant facilities. Furthermore, they advise potential patients on how to select a reputable hair transplant surgeon.

What is the Fight the Fight campaign?

The ISHRS has made numerous efforts to educate customers about the hair transplant black market. One of the most promising initiatives in this area is the Fight the Fight campaign. Fight the Fraudulent, Illicit, and Global Hair Transplants.

  Ricardo Mejia, MD, FISHRS, is the chair of the ISHRS Committee on Issues Concerning Unlicensed Practice of Medicine. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Regarding this campaign, he says:

  "Our goal with the Fight the Fight campaign is to not only warn consumers about this dangerous practice but to educate them on how to recognize deceptive marketing techniques and how to find qualified physicians trained in the art and science of hair restoration surgery." – (ISHRS)

  For quite some time, this campaign has been addressing the growing global issue of unlicensed non-physicians performing hair transplants. Fight The Fight has also developed a website where patients may share suggestions, ask questions, read case studies, and discover certified surgeons.

How can I make an informed decision?

According to ISHRS and Dr. Dimitrios Ziakas, patients should ask the following questions during their initial consultation session: These questions will help them determine whether a practitioner is fake or not. These questions will also help them make an informed decision.

Patients should pose the following questions to the practitioner.

Who will examine my scalp and prescribe a course of treatment?

Patients must inquire about the surgeon's education, training, licensure, and experience with hair transplants.

Who will be responsible for executing my surgery?

Typically, a hair transplant surgeon works alongside a team of assistants. Patients should inquire about their position in the procedure, as well as their education, training, licensing, and experience.

 During my surgery, will a non-licensed individual makeincisions or harvest grafts?

 Surgeons may ask their aids or technicians to prepare for the operation. If this is the case at your clinic, inquire about the specific person. Patients should enquire about the individual's unique role and the legal basis for their conduct.

 Is malpractice insurance protecting everyone involved in my procedure?

 Patients should confirm whether the staff and surgeons have malpractice insurance for their safety. As a result, patients will be able to file legal claims if any catastrophes occur.

The bottom line

The hair transplant black market is rapidly expanding, and patients should be aware of the risks that can arise. To be safe, patients must be cautious when looking for the correct hair transplant surgeon or facility. They should avoid making hasty decisions that they will later regret.