There is a dangerously increasing trend of spas and medical offices using unlicensed technicians to perform all or some aspects of hair restoration surgery. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS), a not-for-profit medical association focused on medical and surgical outcomes excellence in the field of hair restoration, recently issued a consumer alert warning patients of the risk of having hair restoration surgery performed by an unlicensed technician. Dr. Michael Vories, medical director of Carolina Hair Surgery, applauds this push to educate patients of the importance of working with a licensed physician or licensed allied health professional practicing within the scope of their license.

When a hair transplant is performed by an individual without proper licensure or specialized training, the patient is at risk for misdiagnosis, unnecessary or ill advised surgery which jeopardizes their safety and outcomes, and a possibility that the unlicensed technician may not be covered by malpractice insurance.

ISHRS strongly recommends that only a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant practicing within the scope of his or her license perform hair restoration surgery.

“New technology and improved hair transplantation techniques have made hair restoration procedures less complicated prompting some medical practices and spas to allow non-medical personnel or staff not properly licensed to take part in the hair transplantation procedure,” said Dr. Vories. “This type of practice is not only irresponsible, but can have devastating consequences for a patient. Only a licensed practitioner with a specialty in hair restoration has the specialized training to handle all facets of a hair transplantation procedure.”

The ISHRS and Dr. Vories recommend that patients ask the following questions when considering a hair transplant to ensure patient safety and best hair restoration results:

1. Who will evaluate my hair loss and recommend a course of treatment? What is their education, training, licensure, and experience in treating hair loss?

2. Who will be involved in performing my surgery, what role will they play, and what is their education, training, licensure, and experience performing hair restoration surgery?

3. Will anyone not licensed by the state be making incisions or harvesting grafts during my surgery? If so, please identify this person, explain their specific role and why they are legally permitted to perform it.

4. Is everyone involved in my surgery covered by malpractice insurance?

Hair restoration surgeon Michael Vories, M.D. specializes in the follicular unit-extraction (FUE) hair transplantation, a procedure he uses exclusively in his Charleston and Charlotte area medical practices. Dr. Vories is currently the only diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery in South Carolina. His expertise in the FUE procedure has made him a sought after medical conference speaker and hair transplant medical expert for media interviews. CarolinaHairSurgery.com