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New Zealand doctors are urging people considering overseas hair transplant procedures to carefully assess the risks, amid growing demand for hair restoration surgery and increasing numbers of Kiwis travelling offshore for treatment.
The warning comes as Auckland specialists invest in what is believed to be New Zealand’s first purpose-built hair transplant facility, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector locally.
Industry estimates suggest more than 700,000 hair transplants are performed globally each year, with around 350 procedures undertaken annually in New Zealand.
Growth driven by medical tourism
Doctors say demand for hair restoration procedures has increased alongside greater acceptance of treatment for hair loss and the growth of medical tourism.
Lower-cost procedures in destinations such as Turkey, India and Thailand have attracted patients seeking more affordable options than those available in New Zealand.
However, specialists say patients should carefully consider issues such as clinical oversight, continuity of care and pre-surgical assessment when choosing where to undergo treatment.
Concerns over clinical oversight
The Auckland Clinic skin cancer and hair transplant specialist Dr Kai Matthews says procedures involving the transplantation of living tissue require thorough medical assessment.
“New Zealand and Australia have the highest melanoma rates in the world, meaning procedures involving skin transplantation carry a higher risk profile than in other countries for Kiwis.
“If a cancerous or pre-cancerous area is not identified, it can be physically moved during the transplant process. You’re moving living tissue across the scalp and that carries real medical risks if it’s not done properly.”
Kai says patients should ensure they receive appropriate medical assessment before undergoing surgery.
“In my experience, about one in 20 patients presenting for hair transplants has a suspicious lesion requiring further investigation, highlighting the need to treat these procedures as surgery rather than a cosmetic treatment.”
Demand creating local investment
The growing popularity of hair restoration procedures is also driving investment within New Zealand.
The Auckland Clinic says it has established what it believes is the country’s first purpose-built hair transplant facility as demand continues to increase.
Hair restoration specialist Dr Sneha Verma says the industry is evolving rapidly.
“Without proper medical assessment, scalp conditions that patients may not even be aware of can be missed prior to surgery.”
She says a growing proportion of procedures undertaken locally involve correcting previous transplants performed overseas.
Call for stronger standards
Kai says the growth of the sector presents an opportunity to strengthen patient education and clinical standards.
“As we continue to see growth in hair transplants in New Zealand, there is an opportunity to lift standards and provide clearer guidance for patients.
“It would be valuable to see the establishment of an independent body which provides evidence-based clinical information and guidance on best practice to support informed patient decision-making.”
Growing sector
The comments come as New Zealand’s medical tourism and elective treatment sectors continue to evolve, with hair restoration emerging as a growing area of demand.
Doctors say patients considering treatment either locally or overseas should ensure they understand who will perform the procedure, what pre-operative assessments are undertaken and what follow-up care will be available after surgery.
