Why only GMC registered doctors should perform hair transplant surgeries

March 20, 2025

At Seneca Medical Group, we understand the importance of professional standards when it comes to hair transplant surgeries. Hair restoration is a complex medical procedure that requires a high level of skill and experience, which is why we make sure that only licensed and qualified doctors perform these surgeries.

According to the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS), hair transplant procedures, including advanced techniques like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Hair Stem Cell Transplantation (HST), should only be performed by doctors with the necessary medical qualifications. These procedures require precision, medical knowledge, and the ability to handle any complications that may arise.

Why only doctors should perform hair transplants

Medical expertise and safety: Hair transplants are surgical procedures that involve the harvesting of hair follicles and the careful implantation of these follicles into thinning areas of the scalp. Only doctors are trained to assess the overall health of the patient, screen for medical conditions that could affect the procedure and manage any potential complications, such as infection or anesthesia-related risks.

The BAHRS clearly states that a licensed medical professional must oversee and carry out the surgery to ensure patient safety and optimal results.

Adherence to ethical standards: Performing a hair transplant surgery is governed by ethical and medical standards. The BAHRS position statement highlights the importance of performing these procedures under the supervision of qualified doctors who follow strict ethical guidelines. This includes ensuring that all patients are fully informed about the risks, benefits and potential outcomes before consenting to the procedure.

Precise surgical techniques: Techniques like FUE and HST require a high level of precision, and it’s essential that only experienced surgeons perform these delicate procedures. The BAHRS emphasizes that these methods should only be performed by trained medical professionals who have the skill to ensure natural-looking results and minimize risks such as scarring or follicle damage.

What tasks can non-doctors complete?

Non-doctors can assist in several aspects of the hair transplant procedure under the supervision of a qualified doctor. These tasks include assisting the doctor during surgery, extracting FUE grafts that have been incised by a doctor or a doctor-controlled robotic device, processing follicular unit grafts, and implanting these grafts using forceps, blunt implanters, or other devices that do not involve cutting the skin. These duties are essential to the procedure but do not require the advanced medical expertise of a doctor.

At Seneca Medical Group, we are committed to providing safe, effective and professional hair restoration treatments. We strictly adhere to the guidelines set forth by the BAHRS and ensure that only licensed and experienced doctors carry out all hair transplant surgeries. This commitment ensures that our patients receive the highest level of care and expertise, leading to the best possible outcomes for their hair restoration journey.