Hair transplant-Cosmetic surgery Risk: Who doesn’t want to look beautiful and smart? People do not shy away from spending a lot of money to become beautiful. The business of capitalizing on this weakness of people is flourishing today, but apart from this business, it should not happen that your desire to look beautiful overwhelms you and you lose your hair and real face too. A similar vicious game is going on on social media, regarding which many big organizations of doctors have not only issued warnings to the people but have also demanded to put a stop to it.

One of the biggest medical bodies of the country Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI). has expressed deep concern about the flood of doctors’ claims of successful treatment on social media and the safety and training standards of patients in aesthetic and hair restoration procedures being given to patients as if they were customers.

Doctors said India has one of the largest youth demographics in the world and the demand for skin, hair and other aesthetic procedures such as Botox, hair transplant and thread lifts has increased rapidly in recent years. This is the reason why the youth of India have become the target consumers of aesthetic and dermatological marketing and cunning people are adopting various tactics to take advantage of it. Many such advertisements are running on social media with claims and patients are also becoming their victims, which is a matter of great concern.

Where did the scam start?
Doctors associated with both the institutions said that under the provisions of the Dentists Act, 1948, the Dental Council of India (DCI) had given permission to MDS dental surgeons to perform some aesthetic procedures and hair transplantation. After which this matter has become even more important. According to medical bodies, these surgical procedures related to people’s face, skin and hair etc. have traditionally been performed by specialists such as trained dermatologists and plastic surgeons under the regulatory framework of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Hair transplant, skin grafting, botox are typical surgeries.
Doctors associated with APSI said that for such surgical procedures, it is very important to have a deep understanding of skin biology, hair disorders, infection management and handling possible complications. Since hair transplant is a modern medical procedure and should be performed only by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) who have expertise in this field.

From loss of life to loss of eyesight
Doctors said that it has been seen that in the last few years, the number of such cases has increased in which people without adequate qualifications have been accused of performing aesthetic medical procedures. Kanpur hair transplant case is a big example of this, in which two engineers died after hair transplant. It is alleged that this procedure was done by a dental surgeon. Other cases of aesthetic procedures being performed by unqualified medical practitioners have also come to light in many parts of the country, in which some people got serious infections and some lost their eyesight.

Medical experts warned that allowing professionals to perform such procedures without adequate medical training in the management of skin diseases, hair disorders and surgical complications could lower training standards and increase risks to patients.

MBBS degree is not enough
IADVL President Dr. Vinay Singh It is said that extra training in aesthetic procedures and dermatology is required to perform procedures like hair transplant. In addition to the MBBS degree, the Dermatologist Training Program requires three years of residency at the postgraduate level in dermatology in recognized medical schools. This training includes study of various skin diseases, hair problems and advanced procedures related to dermatology.

Social media doctors are dangerous
Dr. Singh said that nowadays social media is being misused for skin and hair related problems and people start using medicines on the advice of chemists or other non-medically trained persons. Fraud marketing listings are also going on on social media. Many websites promote paid ad placements as dermatologists to people who have little or no verified medical qualifications to practice. This situation can become a serious threat to people’s health.

It is necessary to stop advertising and marketing
The associations said there was a need for better formal and legal control systems to regulate advertising and marketing of medical practices. The Tamil Nadu branch of IADVL (Writ Petition No. 36164 and 12044 of 2024) has initiated legal action in the Madras High Court challenging the guidelines of the Dental Council of India dated 06 December 2022. Under these guidelines, oral and maxillofacial surgeons were allowed to perform some aesthetic and hair transplant procedures.

Recently the court gave order
During the hearing on January 21, 2026, the Court took note of the regulatory conflict between the Dental Council of India and the National Medical Commission and directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to investigate the matter and respond to ensure clear regulatory guidelines for the safety of patients.

Now the association has demanded from the government that complete guidelines should be issued and the existing rules should be strictly implemented, so that quacks can be banned and people’s health can be protected.

Special advice given to common people
Doctors said that the courts and governments are doing their work but there is a great need for the common people to be aware, so that the patients do not fall into such traps. If you are going to undergo any skin, cosmetic or hair treatment and have chosen an expert after seeing advertisements and claims of successful treatment on social media or elsewhere, then before the treatment, definitely verify the doctor’s qualification and his registration with the State Medical Council. The doctor’s registration number should be clearly written on the prescription.

People have also been advised to be cautious and avoid misleading advertisements and treatments from unlicensed doctors, otherwise they may have to lose their natural hair and facial beauty.