As hair transplants abroad become more accessible, so do the risks. We spoke with Paradigm Clinic, Belfast (www.paradigmclinic.co.uk), about the potential dangers, key considerations, and why local expertise might be your safest option.
Statistics from the International Society for Hair Restoration show that one in 13 men worldwide is seeking hair restoration treatments. Meanwhile, at its Lisburn Road base, Paradigm Clinic has seen a notable increase in demand, particularly after the festive season.
Brendan Fogarty FRCS(Plast), the only Consultant Plastic Surgeon in the UK and Ireland leading a hair transplant clinic while also working as an active NHS consultant, explains: “Demand often increases around Christmas and summer, likely due to people gathering for events or holidays. After seeing holiday photos or hearing comments, many are prompted to act. Mondays also see more appointments, often from weekend comments.”
He adds that “an increasing number of expats are returning home for treatment at his clinic, perhaps because they feel it’s safer to be with family and have access to check-ups in the critical period of the first 10 days, when acute issues may arise that would jeopardise the results.”
According to UKsmiles.co.uk, 85% of men will experience significant hair thinning by age 50, making them potential 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 growing demographic.
As a result, the global market for hair transplantation is booming — valued at $8.05 billion (£6.5bn) in 2023 and expected to double by 2032. In line with this demand is the growth in medical tourism as people travel for more accessible prices but Brendan explains that lower costs can carry hidden risks. “Countries like Turkey treat around 5,000 international patients each month, but lower prices often lead to unsatisfactory results, which can be more costly to fix. In some cases, the damage is irreversible, and the only option is shaving the head to conceal it. The emotional toll can be long-lasting when correction isn’t possible.”
The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), of which Brendan is a Governing Council Member has voiced its concerns about the rise in unregulated surgeries, not just in hair restoration, but other areas. 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,” calling for more regulation.
Joanne Scannell, Nursing Lead at Paradigm, highlights some common signs of a botched hair transplant: “Patients often come to us with unnatural hairlines that are noticeable to friends and colleagues, visible scarring, poor hair density, and in more severe cases, infections or scalp necrosis. These issues typically stem from improper techniques and inexperienced surgeons, or in many cases, non-surgeons, carrying out this complex procedure.”
One of the most alarming risks, scalp necrosis, happens 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 cope, leading to irreversible hair loss and scarring.”
Other complications include cyst formation, infections from poor sanitary conditions, and disfiguring scarring.
“At Paradigm Clinic we prioritise patient safety, quality, and discretion because hair restoration is about restoring confidence and self-esteem, not just addressing a cosmetic issue. It must be done with respect for the patient’s needs, precision, and care,” Brendan says.
The clinic has developed a bespoke technique, Growth Optimised Follicular Unit Extraction (GOFUE), to ensure natural-looking results while protecting donor hair. Brendan also advises against hair transplants if he believes the patient won’t benefit from the treatment.
“Every patient’s hair loss journey is different. Our GOFUE technique allows us to craft a personalised plan that respects their future options. It’s about creating subtle, long-lasting changes that look completely natural,” he adds.
Joanne continues, “We don’t just perform a one-off procedure, we establish a relationship with our patients, offering support before, during, and long after surgery. This continuity is vital for achieving the best outcomes, and often that’s not something that can be established with transient treatments when going abroad or from a travelling clinic or doctor.”
Paradigm Clinic serves both men and women, including those needing scar-related hair restoration. With decades of experience as Lead Clinician for Plastic and Burn Surgery at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, Brendan is highly skilled in complex reconstructive cases, including trauma survivors, congenital scarring, and disfiguring scars from previous hair transplants.
“Scar tissue presents unique challenges,” he says, “but with the right techniques and experience, remarkable results are achievable. We’re thrilled for these patients, who, after years of low self-esteem, experience life-changing outcomes that stay with us.”
The clinic’s focus on considered patient and surgeon decision-making over a period also sets it apart. “This approach is particularly important for younger patients, as it preserves their options for the rest of their life.” And he offers practical advice for those considering overseas clinics: “Take your time to make an informed decision. Meet the surgeon in person to discuss their credentials and experience. Avoid feeling pressured; if you’re uncertain, trust your instincts and pause. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. High-pressure tactics, including free consultations (usually with sales personnel as opposed to medical staff), discounts especially time-limited discounts, detract from the real goal of patient safety and natural results. Focus on the expected result, not the cost — successful procedures offer life-long peace of mind, while failures prompt life-long reminders of bad decisions every time one looks in the mirror. The consequences of poor surgery are not only costly financially but also emotionally. Lastly, if one wishes one can seek unbiased advice from your GP and ensure that you’re totally comfortable with the process.”
He adds, “Surgery should be a positive experience, supported by a qualified team that 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.”
www.paradigmclinic.co.uk