AS WORLDWIDE VOLUME OF HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY SPIKES, LEADING SURGEONS URGE CONSUMERS TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

GENEVA, IL (November 20, 2017) According to just-released results of a member survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the worldwide volume of surgical hair restoration procedures performed from 2014 to 2016 rose 60 percent. With this jump, the world’s leading hair restoration medical association urges consumers to do their due diligence when choosing a hair restoration surgeon. The ISHRS has created a consumer education site, which provides a list of questions patients should ask when seeking a physician. Consumers are encouraged to visit: https://ishrs.org/article/consumer-alert-false-advertising/

“Our members are committed to the highest standards of medical practice and our society is committed to educating consumers about important issues related to hair loss treatment and hair restoration surgery,” said Ken Washenik, MD, PhD, FISHRS, Immediate Past President, ISHRS

Dr. Washenik cited stories from around the world where “physician-less clinics” advertise low costs and guaranteed results. “We have many skilled, ethical physicians in these countries who produce great results. But a black market has taken off under the auspices of ‘medical tourism’ and the unfortunate victims receive poor growth, poor results, and even permanent damage to the scalp,” stated Dr. Washenik.

Additionally, the ISHRS works diligently to educate consumers about the numerous challenges individuals face when considering hair restoration surgery — and the importance of thoroughly researching potential treatments, procedures and medical providers. Information about how to select a surgeon and what questions to ask can be found at: www.ishrs.org/article/questions-ask-your-hair-doctor.

During its 25^th World Congress (October 4-7, 2017) in Prague, the ISHRS officially launched “Stand Proud, Be Loud”, a member campaign to support the position that hair restoration surgery be performed by surgeons only. The ISHRS created the Stand Proud, Be Loud petition in which hundreds of physicians have shared concerns about doctors who enter the field simply to increase practice profits but do so without getting proper training in hair restoration surgery. Physicians and consumers are encouraged to sign the petition: https://ishrs.org/patients/consumer-advocacy/stand-loud-be-proud/

The ISHRS provides educational materials for patients considering hair restoration. Questions that consumers should ask physicians can be found at https://ishrs.org/article/your-medical-treatment-history-important-information-to-share-with-your-hair-restoration-physician/. “Find a Physician” services are also available by visiting https://ishrs.org or calling the ISHRS consumer inquiry line at 1-800-444-2737 (U.S. Toll-Free) or +1-630-262-5399.

About the ISHRS
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a global non-profit medical association and a leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration with more than 1,200 members throughout 70 countries worldwide. Above all, the ISHRS is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient outcomes by promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics, and research in the medical hair restoration industry. The ISHRS also provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair transplant surgery and is committed to delivering the latest information on medical and surgical treatments to consumers suffering from hair loss, and most commonly from androgenetic alopecia—male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. It was founded in 1993 as the first international society to promote continuing quality improvement and education for professionals in the field of hair restoration surgery. For more information and to locate a physician, visit www.ishrs.org.

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