In today’s world, hair transplants are becoming increasingly popular. As the accessibility of hair transplants abroad grows, so do the associated risks. We had an in – depth conversation with Paradigm Clinic in Belfast to uncover the potential perils, important factors to consider, and why choosing local expertise could be the safest route for those seeking hair restoration.
The International Society for Hair Restoration’s statistics show that an astonishing one in 13 men globally is on the hunt for hair restoration treatments. At Paradigm Clinic’s Lisburn Road location, there has been a marked uptick in demand, especially following the festive season.
Brendan Fogarty FRCS(Plast), the sole Consultant Plastic Surgeon in the UK and Ireland who both leads a hair transplant clinic and remains an active NHS consultant, elaborates on the demand patterns. “Demand usually spikes around Christmas and summer. This is likely because people are gathering for various events or holidays. After seeing holiday photos or receiving comments, many decide to take action. Mondays also tend to have more appointments, often a result of weekend remarks.”
He also notes that more and more expats are coming back to their home country to receive treatment at his clinic. “They might feel safer being close to family and having the option to get check – ups during the crucial first 10 days. Acute issues can arise during this period, which could potentially ruin the results of the transplant.”
According to UKsmiles.co.uk, a staggering 85% of men will experience significant hair thinning by the age of 50, making them prime candidates for hair transplants. Research from the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery’s 2022 Census reveals that nearly 13% of hair transplant patients are women, a demographic that is steadily growing.
As a result, the global hair transplantation market is booming. It was valued at $8.05 billion (£6.5bn) in 2023 and is projected to double by 2032. Along with this demand, medical tourism for hair transplants has also increased as people are lured by more affordable prices abroad. However, Brendan cautions that lower costs can come with hidden dangers. “Countries like Turkey treat around 5,000 international patients every month. But the lower prices often lead to unsatisfactory results. Fixing these bad outcomes can be even more expensive. In some cases, the damage is permanent, and the only solution is to shave the head to hide it. The emotional impact can be long – lasting when there’s no way to correct the problem.”
The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), of which Brendan is a Governing Council Member, has expressed deep concerns about the rise in unregulated surgeries, not only in hair restoration but across other areas as well. In a recent statement, BAPRAS said it was “gravely concerned by the human stories of pain, suffering, and loss of life that have emerged in the press,” and called for stricter regulation.
Joanne Scannell, the Nursing Lead at Paradigm, points out some common signs of a botched hair transplant. “Patients often come to us with unnatural hairlines that are obvious to friends and colleagues, visible scarring, poor hair density, and in more severe cases, infections or scalp necrosis. These problems usually occur because of improper techniques, inexperienced surgeons, or in many cases, non – surgeons performing this intricate procedure.”
One of the most terrifying risks is scalp necrosis, which occurs when the tissue dies due to excessive trauma during surgery. “This can happen when surgeons attempt ‘mega – sessions’ of over 2,500 grafts in one go,” Brendan explains. “The skin can’t handle it, resulting in irreversible hair loss and scarring.”
Other possible complications include cyst formation, infections due to poor sanitary conditions, and disfiguring scarring.
“At Paradigm Clinic, we put patient safety, quality, and discretion first. Hair restoration isn’t just about a cosmetic fix; it’s about restoring confidence and self – esteem. It must be done with care, precision, and respect for the patient’s needs,” Brendan states.
The clinic has developed a unique technique called Growth Optimised Follicular Unit Extraction (GOFUE). This technique ensures natural – looking results while safeguarding the donor hair. Brendan also refuses to perform hair transplants if he believes the patient won’t benefit from the treatment.
“Each patient’s hair loss experience is unique. Our GOFUE technique allows us to create a customised plan that takes into account their future options. It’s all about making subtle, long – lasting changes that look completely natural,” he adds.
Joanne further elaborates, “We don’t just carry out a one – time procedure. We build a relationship with our patients, offering support before, during, and long after the surgery. This continuity is essential for achieving the best results, and it’s often lacking with short – term treatments when going abroad or from travelling clinics or doctors.”
Paradigm Clinic caters to both men and women, including those who need scar – related hair restoration. With decades of experience as the Lead Clinician for Plastic and Burn Surgery at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, Brendan is highly proficient in handling complex reconstructive cases, such as trauma survivors, congenital scarring, and disfiguring scars from previous hair transplants.
“Scar tissue presents its own set of challenges,” he says, “but with the right techniques and experience, we can achieve remarkable results. We’re overjoyed for these patients who, after years of low self – esteem, experience life – changing outcomes that we’re proud to be a part of.”
The clinic’s emphasis on careful decision – making between the patient and the surgeon over time also sets it apart. “This approach is especially crucial for younger patients as it preserves their options for the rest of their lives.” Brendan offers practical advice for those considering overseas clinics: “Take your time to make a well – informed decision. Meet the surgeon in person to discuss their qualifications and experience. Don’t let yourself be pressured. If you’re unsure, trust your instincts and take a break. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. High – pressure tactics, like free consultations (usually with salespeople instead of medical staff) and time – limited discounts, distract from the real goals of patient safety and natural results. Focus on the expected outcome, not the cost. A successful procedure provides life – long peace of mind, while a failure serves as a constant reminder of a bad decision every time you look in the mirror. The consequences of a bad surgery are not only costly in terms of money but also emotionally. Finally, if you want, you can seek impartial advice from your GP and make sure you’re completely comfortable with the process.”
He concludes, “Surgery should be a positive experience, backed by a qualified team you can trust. In the end, it’s about giving people the freedom to be themselves, and at Paradigm, we don’t just restore hair; we restore confidence and peace of mind.”
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