The Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) has issued a public advisory stating that only registered medical practitioners (RMPs) with recognized medical qualifications are authorized to perform hair transplantation and aesthetic procedures in the state. The council clarified that these procedures qualify as medical and surgical interventions and must not be performed by unqualified individuals or unregistered establishments.
The advisory follows recent enforcement actions against unauthorized clinics operating in Tamil Nadu.
Authorities recently sealed an unlicensed hair transplant clinic in Anna Nagar, Chennai, after identifying alleged violations. According to reports, individuals without recognized medical qualifications were performing hair transplant surgeries at the facility. Law enforcement agencies arrested three persons in connection with the case.
Following this incident, TNMC intensified monitoring of aesthetic clinics and warned that strict action would be taken against establishments that violate medical regulations.
Hair transplantation and laser-based aesthetic treatments in skin and hair, shall be performed only by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) possessing recognized specific medical qualifications and are duly registered with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council.
Tamil Nadu Medical Council
Hair transplantation involves the surgical extraction of hair follicles from a donor area and implantation into areas affected by hair loss. The procedure requires sterile technique, surgical skill, and appropriate patient assessment. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, scarring, graft failure, and anesthesia-related risks.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued professional guidelines stating that hair transplant procedures should be performed only by doctors with appropriate training, including specialists in dermatology or plastic surgery holding recognized postgraduate qualifications. The NMC Act, 2019, also considers unauthorized medical practice unethical and subject to disciplinary action.
The TNMC advisory reiterates that aesthetic procedures involving invasive techniques cannot be delegated to untrained personnel.
TNMC has further clarified that clinics offering hair transplantation must be registered under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Act. Registered facilities must maintain patient records, obtain informed consent, and comply with prescribed safety standards.
The council has directed health authorities to conduct inspections of aesthetic clinics across the state to identify non-compliant centers. If authorities detect violations, they may seal the premises and initiate legal proceedings against those responsible.
Strict legal action shall be initiated against such persons and the establishments where such procedures are carried out, in accordance with applicable laws, by the State Health Authorities and other competent regulatory bodies.
Tamil Nadu Medical Council
Although many patients seek hair transplantation for cosmetic reasons, the procedure remains a medical intervention involving surgical manipulation of scalp tissue. Improperly performed procedures increase the risk of complications and long-term adverse outcomes.
Regulatory oversight aims to ensure that qualified practitioners perform these procedures in licensed facilities that meet established safety standards.
The sealing of the Anna Nagar clinic demonstrates the enforcement process. Authorities identified alleged unauthorized practice, closed the facility, and arrested the individuals involved. TNMC has placed illegal hair transplant clinics under its regulatory radar and warned against unethical medical practices.
Patients are advised to verify the registration status of both the doctor and the clinic before undergoing hair transplant procedures.
1. Tamil Nadu Medical Council. Official Website. Accessed February 14, 2026. https://www.tamilnadumedicalcouncil.org.
