Doctors flag unqualified practice, misleading ads, demand stricter regulations for hair transplant, aesthetic procedures

New Delhi: Raising serious concerns over patient safety and training standards in aesthetic and hair transplant procedures, doctors have called for stronger regulation and specialised training for hair transplant and cosmetic treatments, while warning against unlicensed and unqualified medical professionals.

Two medical bodies- the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI)- highlighted the issue during a joint press conference held at the Delhi Press Club recently.

The associations said the issue has gained urgency following permissions granted to MDS dental surgeons by the Dental Council of India (DCI) under provisions of the Dentists Act, 1948, to perform certain aesthetic procedures and hair transplantation.

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

Issuing the guidelines for the practice of Aesthetic & Hair Transplant procedures for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, DCI back in 2022 mentioned that these procedures can be undertaken by Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons registered with any State Dental Council in India.

DCI had mentioned that Aesthetic Procedures "can be performed by Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons after adequate training as per the curriculum". Further, the guidelines specified that "Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon should have an aesthetic back up with requisite resuscitation equipment and drugs. Preoperative clearances from a medical specialist as required must be obtained. There should be availability of adequate and well-equipped post-operative recovery room for patient monitoring and adequate record keeping."

The associations pointed out that the surgery requires knowledge regarding the biology of the skin, the disorders of the hair, how to manage infections, and how to manage complications. They also pointed out that hair transplants are a modern medical procedure and should only be conducted by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) who are specialised in that area. 

In February 2026, the Tamil Nadu Medical Council clarified that only Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) with recognised medical qualifications and valid registration with the state medical Council can perform aesthetic and cosmetology procedures involving skin and hair, including hair transplantation and laser-based aesthetic treatments.

Also read- Only registered doctors can perform hair transplantation, aesthetic procedures- TN Medical council warns against unethical practice

Following this, the associations have demanded similar restrictions in other states as well. It urged the government to issue comprehensive guidelines and ensure strict implementation of existing regulations to curb quackery and safeguard public health. 

"In the past year, there has been a growing number of unqualified people allegedly performing aesthetic medical procedures, and the Kanpur hair transplant case was the most pronounced example. Two engineers died after hair transplants that were allegedly done by a dental surgeon. Other cases of unqualified medical practitioners performing aesthetic procedures have been documented in many parts of the Country including severe infections, loss of sight, and many complications as a result," mentioned the press release. 

Medical experts warned that allowing professionals without comprehensive medical training in skin diseases, hair disorders and surgical complication management to perform such procedures could dilute training standards and increase risks for patients.

Commenting on the issue, Dr Vinay Singh, President IADVL said, "Aesthetic procedures and dermatology demand additional training. In addition to the MBBS degree, a dermatologist training program requires 3 years of residency at a postgraduate level in dermatology at certain accredited medical schools. The training includes condensed curriculum of various skin ailments, hair problems, and advanced procedures in dermatology."

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Selva SeethaRaman, Secretary of APSI, said, "Hair transplant, reconstructive surgery, and facial aesthetic surgery are beyond the scope of dental surgery, both on legal and scientific basis."

Misleading online advertisements

The medical bodies also warned about misleading online listings and advertisements. The associations mentioned that skin and hair concerns have resulted in frequent misuse of social media and dependency on medications from chemists and other non-medically trained personnel.

With increasing demand for cosmetic treatments, especially among youth, the associations noted that social media and online marketing often influence patients to opt for unsafe treatments or consult unqualified practitioners.

As a result, they warned of fraudulent marketing listings, saying that some websites advertising medical services promote "dermatologists" as a result of paid ad placements, and have little to no verified medical qualifications regarding the practice. This is a situation that continues to endanger the health of the public, the associations said. 

The associations have mentioned better formal and legal control mechanisms to regulate the marketing of medical practices.

The Tamil Nadu branch of IADVL has already approached the Madras High Court, challenging the DCI guidelines that permit dental surgeons to perform such procedures. 

During the hearing on 21 January 2026, the Court noted 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 examine the matter and submit its response to ensure regulatory clarity in the interest of patient safety.

Following this, IADVL and APSI urged the government to issue comprehensive guidelines and ensure strict implementation of existing regulations to curb quackery and safeguard public health. 

They also advised patients to verify the doctor’s qualifications and registration with the state medical council before undergoing any skin, hair or cosmetic treatment. The registration number should be clearly mentioned on the prescription.

Further, the associations appealed to the public to remain alert and avoid falling prey to misleading advertisements or treatments offered by unlicensed practitioners.

Also read- Can Dentists Perform Aesthetic Procedures? Here's What NMC, DCI Say