The TN order comes days after doctors seek similar regulations across the country as a hair transplant craze triggers safety alarms

NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government has issued an order regulating beauty, cosmetology and hair transplant clinics, requiring them to register under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act and bringing them under formal rules. Days later, doctors called for similar rules to be implemented nationwide amid a surge in surgeries driven by social media.The Indian Institute of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leproologists (IADVL) has urged the government to introduce comprehensive national guidelines and strictly enforce existing rules to curb charlatanism and protect patients, warning that the fast-growing industry is slipping away from regulation.Complications from cosmetic procedures such as hair transplants, Botox and laser treatments are increasingly being reported as young Indians seek quick fixes and cosmetic procedures heavily promoted online, experts say.The Tamil Nadu order states that hair transplants can only be performed by registered doctors (preferably dermatologists or plastic surgeons) and requires clinics to have appropriate infrastructure, including monitoring systems, emergency equipment and anesthesia support.Concerns have grown after reports of botched procedures, including the deaths of two engineers in Kanpur, which triggered a police investigation. This issue has also attracted the attention of the judiciary. In 2022, the Delhi High Court flagged some salons for providing hair transplant services without medical supervision and warned that such surgeries performed by unqualified individuals could be dangerous and even fatal.Experts emphasize that hair transplant surgery requires knowledge of skin biology, hair diseases, infection control and complication management, and should only be performed by professionally registered doctors.“Cosmetic surgery requires specialized training beyond the MBBS degree,” said Dr. Vinay Singh, president of IADVL, noting that dermatologists undergo three years of postgraduate training in skin and hair diseases as well as surgical skills.“Many cases of hair loss can be treated with medication and do not require surgery,” said Dr. Kabir Sardana of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, stressing the need for proper diagnosis before opting for a transplant. The reach of social media and rising disposable incomes are driving demand, he added.Highlighting the seriousness of the problem, IADVL said its anti-quackery committee this year had identified and shared a list of more than 100 allegedly unqualified practitioners with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) for action.Ever since the Dental Council of India allowed oral and maxillofacial surgeons to be trained in cosmetic procedures, including hair restoration, the debate over who is qualified to perform hair transplants has intensified, creating a regulatory gray area.The IADVL also urges patients to verify the doctor’s qualifications and registration with the National Medical Council before receiving any skin, hair or beauty treatment, and to ensure that the registration number is clearly stated on the prescription. The public is advised to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to misleading advertising or treatments offered by unlicensed practitioners.