Hair transplantation is now widely recognized as a permanent solution for treating hair thinning, with more and more men and women choosing it to restore the appearance and density of their hair.
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) recently released its annual global report on hair transplantation, which compiles data from its members—physicians specialized in surgical hair restoration.
As explained by Dr. Konstantinos Anastassakis, member of the ISHRS and President of the Hellenic Academy of Hair Restoration Surgery (ELAMAT)—the official Greek representative to the ISHRS council of member nations:
“The findings of this year’s survey reveal a steadily increasing demand for hair transplantation among both men and women, who now view it as a reliable, long-term solution to thinning hair. The combination of natural, high-quality results and the advanced specialization of today’s hair restoration surgeons has significantly changed public perception, increasing confidence in what hair transplantation can truly offer.”
Research on Hair Transplantation: 64% Global Increase
According to data released to the press and officially presented at the 25th World Congress of the ISHRS in Prague, October 4–7, 2017, the number of hair transplant procedures increased by 60% since 2014, with 635,189 procedures performed in 2016 alone. Correspondingly, industry revenue grew by 64%, reaching a total market volume of $4.1 billion USD.
“Modern hair transplantation techniques offer remarkably natural and dense results,” emphasizes Dr. K. Anastassakis, MD, PhD.
The days when hair transplants resulted in unnatural, doll-like, and sparse hair are fortunately long gone. The fundamental techniques—FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)—remain the same; there are no “new” or “revolutionary” methods as some claim. However, today’s tools are vastly improved, knowledge and expertise are greater, and a certified specialist in hair transplantation can deliver excellent results using either technique chosen.
“The ISHRS is a global scientific organization of physicians specialized in hair transplantation and scalp restoration, including some of the pioneers who have shaped the history of hair transplantation,” explains Dr. Konstantinos Anastassakis. “It is crucial for everyone involved—physicians, the public, and us members of this scientific community—to provide accurate information about the latest developments and the realities of hair transplant procedures.”
“Many of us colleagues encounter patients who have already undergone hair transplantation but come to our clinics with results so sparse and unnatural that it’s as if they never had a transplant at all. This frequent issue arises either because the practitioner lacked the necessary knowledge, technical training, or skill, or simply because they were not even a licensed physician! We see this almost exclusively in cases performed with the FUE technique, where some clinics, aiming to cut costs and increase profits, advertise and apply only this method using non-physician staff such as nurses and assistants.
“We certainly must mention the alarming phenomenon of ‘hair farms’ thriving in parts of Asia and the Middle East, where hair transplants are performed simultaneously on 10–20 or more patients in the same facility, often under questionable hygiene and cleanliness conditions. The ISHRS has issued a global advisory warning the public to exercise caution and to ask for all necessary credentials and to consult directly with the physician who will perform the procedure before making any decisions.”
Hair transplantation remains the most popular cosmetic procedure among men and one of the top six among women. As Dr. Anastassakis emphasizes, “When hair transplantation is performed by a specialized physician and every surgical step is meticulously followed by the doctor and their team, only then can a perfect result be achieved!”
“The smiles and satisfaction of those who trust us are the greatest reward for us physicians who have devoted years to hair transplantation. My advice to anyone considering a hair transplant is to conduct thorough research and choose a physician whose knowledge, experience, and guidance will make them feel comfortable and confident. You must be extremely careful whom you entrust with your head!”
Dr. Konstantinos Anastassakis is a Head and Neck Surgeon, PhD, specialized in Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. He is a member of the ISHRS and the first Greek physician Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery.
0
