Dr Boden Applauds Push to Educate Patients of Dangers of Unlicensed Technicians Performing Hair Restoration Surgery
There is a dangerous 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 Surgery (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. Scott Boden, a board-certified hair transplant surgeon with Hair Restoration Center of Connecticut, applauds this push to educate patients of the importance of working with a licensed physician.
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.
The ISHRS strongly recommends that only a licensed physician 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. Boden. “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.”
“It is critical for patients with hair loss to seek a qualified, board certified physician who personally performs the procedure,” continued Dr. Boden. “In Connecticut and in many other states, it is not only unethical, but illegal for non-physicians to perform skin surgery including hair transplantation.”
The ISHRS and Dr. Boden 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?
Dr. Boden uses advanced hair transplantation techniques, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) to provide fuller hair and a natural hair line that is indistinguishable from your natural, youthful hairline.
The Hair Restoration Center of Connecticut is located at 415 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 400, Wethersfield, CT 06109. For more information, please contact (860) 563-1400 or visit http://www.hairtransplantct.com.
