New Delhi: Days after the Tamil Nadu government issued an order to regulate beauty, cosmetology and hair transplant clinics, mandating their registration under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act and bringing them under formal rules, doctors have called for implementation of similar rules across the country amid a rise in social media-driven procedures.The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) has urged the government to curb quackery and implement comprehensive national guidelines to protect patients and strictly enforce existing rules, warning that the fast-growing sector is going beyond oversight.Experts say complications from cosmetic procedures such as hair transplants, Botox and laser treatments are emerging more frequently, as young Indians seek quick fixes and aesthetic improvements are promoted online.The Tamil Nadu order states that hair transplants should be performed only by registered medical practitioners – preferably dermatologists or plastic surgeons – and clinics are required to have proper infrastructure, including monitoring systems, emergency equipment and anesthesia support.Concerns have grown after reports of poor procedures, including the death of two engineers in Kanpur, prompting a police investigation. The issue has also drawn judicial attention. In 2022, the Delhi High Court gave the green light to salons offering hair transplants without medical supervision, warning that such procedures performed by unqualified individuals could be dangerous and even fatal.Experts emphasize that hair transplant surgery requires knowledge of skin biology, hair disorders, infection control and management of complications, and should be performed only by specialized registered doctors.“Aesthetic procedures require specialized training beyond an MBBS degree,” said Dr Vinay Singh, Chairman, IADVL. He said dermatologists have to undergo three years of postgraduate training in procedural skills as well as skin and hair disorders.“Many cases of hair loss can be treated medically and do not require surgery,” said Dr Kabir Sardana, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis before opting for transplantation. He said the growing demand is being fueled by the influence of social media and rising disposable income.Highlighting the scale of the problem, the IADVL said its anti-quackery committee has identified more than 100 alleged unqualified practitioners offering such procedures this year and shared a list with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) for action.The debate over who is eligible to perform hair transplants has intensified ever since the Dental Council of India allowed oral and maxillofacial surgeons to train in aesthetic procedures including hair restoration, creating a regulatory gray area.The IADVL also urges patients to verify the doctor’s qualifications and registration with the state medical council before any skin, hair or cosmetic treatment and ensure that the registration number is clearly mentioned on the prescription. The public has been advised to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to misleading advertisements or treatments offered by unlicensed practitioners.