Consumer Warning: Misleading Advertising in Hair Transplantation
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and the Hellenic Academy of Hair Restoration Surgery (ELAMAT) — the official Greek chapter of the ISHRS — recognize the importance of providing the public with accurate information regarding hair transplantation and scientifically validated treatments for hair loss.
At the same time, both organizations are deeply concerned about the growing problem of misleading or false claims being promoted across various media platforms, including television, radio, online, and print advertisements. These messages often mislead individuals interested in hair transplantation.
ELAMAT has received a series of consumer complaints concerning a recent advertisement that made the unsubstantiated claim that hair follicles can be “doubled” after the application of a so-called “special liquid.”
ELAMAT wishes to inform all prospective patients that such claims are completely unscientific and do not reflect reality.
As ELAMAT President Dr. Konstantinos Anastassakis explains:
“Unfortunately, misleading advertising in the field of hair transplantation is rampant in Greece. Reputable surgeons and physicians with proven expertise and experience often face patients who have been deceived and misled — patients whose overall experience reflects poorly on the entire field of Hair Restoration Surgery.”
“These individuals were deliberately misinformed to sell them a hair transplant procedure. In many cases, they were never even consulted by a physician and, alarmingly, some underwent surgery performed by non-physicians.”
Many people are lured into undergoing a hair transplant under the false promises of low-cost offers and high-pressure sales tactics. Others are misled by the portrayal of the procedure as “non-invasive,” “scar-free,” “incision-free,” or “minimally invasive.” Such misleading terminology only adds to the confusion and is not supported by any valid scientific evidence.
“ELAMAT issues an URGENT CALL to all individuals considering hair transplantation to carefully read the following announcement. Both ELAMAT and I, as its President, remain at the disposal of anyone who wishes to report cases of misinformation or deceptive practices related to Hair Transplantation.”
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
and
Hellenic Academy of Hair Transplantation and Scalp Restoration (ELAMAT)
Important Announcement
A.Misleading Terminology
Since November 17, 2017, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) has issued a formal statement to protect individuals considering hair transplantation from misleading and false advertising language.
The ISHRS warns against the use of specific words or phrases that falsely imply or suggest that hair transplantation:
- Is a “scar-free surgery”
- Is a “no-incision surgery”
- Is a “non-invasive technique”
- Is performed with “no pain at all”
- Can be done with an “unlimited number of grafts”
- Is carried out “without touching the grafts”
- Is done “without removing any skin”
- Involves “cloning of hair or follicles”
- Involves “multiplication of hair follicles or hairs”
- Comes with a “guarantee of permanent follicles”
The use of such language in any message related to hair transplantation is considered misleading and false
Β. Inappropriate Use of Personnel
The following practices may mislead the public and violate various national laws in certain countries.
- Misleading Use of Credentials When physicians advertise their credentials and certifications to the public, but subsequently delegate the hair transplant procedure to unauthorized personnel, patients are misled and placed at risk.
- Unauthorized Practice of Medicine Unlicensed, non-medical individuals performing surgical hair transplant procedures.
- Lack of Informed Consent Non-physicians participating in hair restoration procedures without the patient’s informed consent.
C. Credential Misrepresentation and Intellectual Property Violations
The following publications are deceptive, mislead the public, and in some countries, violate legislation:
- Intellectual Property Violations:
Posting before-and-after photos claiming or implying they show results from their own patients, while in reality the photos belong to other doctors or clinics. - Misleading Photos: Publishing photos that have been digitally enhanced or altered to deceive the public.
- False Credentials: Claims that the clinic or physician is certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (“ABHRS”), or is a member of the ISHRS, or otherwise states or implies experience in hair restoration surgery that is untrue.
Please refer to the official announcement in English on the ISHRS website.
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