Dr. Anastassakis warns against low-cost hair transplants by uncertified practitioners after a man’s suicide following a failed beard transplant in Turkey.
In recent days, a tragic event has come to light involving the suicide of a 24-year-old French man following a failed beard transplant in Turkey.
Dr. Konstantinos Anastassakis, one of Europe’s leading hair restoration specialists and a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, has emphasised that incidents involving low-cost procedures performed by uncertified practitioners in non-European Union countries are becoming increasingly common.
According to the victim’s father, the young man suffered severe damage and facial disfigurement due to a procedure carried out by an uncertified practitioner.
Dr. Anastassakis MD, PhD, FISHRS, Medical Director of Anastasakis Hair Clinic and President of the Hellenic Academy of Hair Restoration Surgery (ΕΛΑΜΑΤ-HAHRS), a member of the Global Council of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) in Greece, issued the following statement:
“The case of Mathieu Vigier Latour is not an isolated incident. Opting for cheap solutions in hair transplant, often without ensuring the necessary standards of quality and safety, can lead to tragic outcomes. The young man travelled to Turkey seeking an economical solution, placing his trust in a pseudo-professional who was not even a doctor but a… real estate agent! The result was not only aesthetically catastrophic but, unfortunately, psychologically unbearable for him.”
He further highlighted: “Young men, driven by low prices, end up undergoing low-quality procedures, which can have serious consequences on their appearance, self-esteem, and mental health.”
Dr. Anastassakis concluded: “Raising awareness and providing accurate information to the public are crucial. The decision to undergo a hair transplant should be based on thorough research regarding the clinic’s credibility and the expertise of the doctor performing the procedure, not solely on price. Choosing a specialised and certified physician is vital for safety and results, and a wrong decision can have serious and irreversible consequences. Hair transplantation is a medical act and not a field for seeking ‘bargains.'”
In recognition of the severity of the issue, Dr. Anastassakis was approached by two national television stations for statements, highlighting the significant public attention this incident has received.
Dr Konstantinos Anastassakis seeks to raise consumer awareness and inform the public to protect them from the risks and consequences of aesthetic procedures performed by uncertified professionals. He urges anyone who has fallen victim to fraudulent so-called doctors, especially if they have experienced a failed hair transplant result, to speak up.
He reminds consumers that hair transplant procedures should only be performed by specialised doctors in certified clinics. It is crucial to always ask for the medical degree of the person who will perform the surgery and to view videos of hair transplantation results to ensure the doctor’s expertise and skills.
Watch the video by Dr Konstantinos Anastassakis here.