Hair Restoration Surgeries Jumped 60% Worldwide
GENEVA, IL. (PRWEB) September 21, 2017 -- Hair restoration surgery is having a moment, according to results released today of a new 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 635,189 procedures performed in 2016.
"Like other forms of cosmetic surgery that can boost self-confidence and self-image, people increasingly are more open to talking about having hair transplantation and with that, word is spreading how one can achieve permanent, natural-looking results with this proven surgical procedure," said Ken Washenik, MD, PhD, FISHRS, president of the ISHRS. "In recent years, we have noticed a surge in physicians registering for our annual congresses to learn the procedure, and some techniques have helped newer physicians to the field perform the procedure with greater ease. More educated physicians translates to better results for patients, which I believe is the reason we're noticing such an increase in the number of procedures taking place."
Of the 635,189 surgical hair restoration procedures performed worldwide in 2016, Asia led the way with 195,284 procedures, followed by the Middle East with 149,400 and the U.S. with 133,136 procedures. Overall, the number of surgical, and nonsurgical, hair restoration patients increased considerably from 2014. Specifically, 597,181 surgical patients sought treatment in 2016 (a 67 percent increase from 2014), with 1,241,764 nonsurgical patients treated in 2016 (a 78 percent increase).
While worldwide economic growth remained relatively flat in 2016, the estimated worldwide market for surgical hair restoration enjoyed a robust increase -- from $2.5 billion USD in 2014 to $4.1 billion USD in 2016. This represents a 64 percent increase in market size from 2014 (see the full report for details).
Other notable trends and facts from the ISHRS Practice Census survey include:
> In 2016, more than half of both male and female surgical patients worldwide fell between the ages of 30 to 49 years old, 59.7% and 59.0% respectively
> In 2016, ISHRS members treated a higher percentage of men with surgical hair restoration procedures (85.7%) than women (14.3%)
> The Middle East experienced the biggest increase in the number of hair restoration procedures in 2016 -- a 163% increase from 2014
> From 2014 to 2016, hair restoration procedures performed on the face (moustache/beard) increased 101% worldwide
> The Middle East reported the largest number of facial hair transplants (8,537 procedures) in 2016, with Asia a close second (8,376 procedures)
Interestingly, the majority (61.1 percent) of hair restoration patients treated by ISHRS members in 2016 traveled more than 20 miles/32 kilometers for their procedure, including travel to a different state, region or country. Dr. Washenik stressed that patients who decide to travel for a hair restoration procedure need to do due diligence when researching and deciding on their surgeon, as the ISHRS has witnessed a black market spawning from non-doctor clinics illegally performing the procedure under the auspice of medical tourism.
"In some countries, we are hearing horror stories of patients who receive poor growth, poor results and often permanent damage to their scalps at the hands of unlicensed technicians who are operating hair restoration clinics illegally," said Dr. Washenik. "While there are many qualified, ethical physicians in these countries who produce good results, others who operate illegal clinics entice unknowing consumers with cheap prices and promises of guaranteed results."
The ISHRS has provided information to help patients: http://www.ishrs.org/article/questions-ask-your-hair-doctor.
About the ISHRS
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a global non-profit medical association and the 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 http://www.ishrs.org.
About the Survey
Conducted by Relevant Research, Inc., of Chicago, IL, USA, the ISHRS 2017 Practice Census is a compilation of information provided solely by participating physicians. The information published in this survey was developed from actual historical information and does not include any projected information. The margin of error for the sample is within plus or minus 4.9 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. For a full reprint of the ISHRS 2017 Practice Census Report, visit Hair Restoration Statistics.
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Candice Warltier, ISHRS, +1 773-991-1210, [email protected]
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