Kerala man's scalp gets bacterial infection after hair transplantation: Doctor explains reasons

When Sanil stepped into the hair transplantation clinic in Panampilly Nagar, he hardly imagined that it was the beginning of a long ordeal that could even threaten his life. He underwent hair transplantation surgery on February 26 and 27. However, he began feeling severe pain on his head a few days after the procedure. He reached the clinic and explained his condition to the doctor who did the procedure. Sanil says that he was given a few painkillers and steroids when he complained of severe pain on his head.

Sanil decided to consult a medical practitioner at a private hospital in Kochi as his pain didn’t subside despite taking the medicines prescribed by the clinic. However, Sanil and his family were in for a shock when the doctor at the hospital explained that a flesh-eating bacteria had been growing on his head, possibly due to the hair transplantation. He underwent 13 surgeries on his head, including skin grafting, until now. A few parts of the skull are still visible and require further treatment for complete healing.

Sanil always carries a vacuum machine with him to collect the pus that oozes out of his skull. He has filed a complaint against the clinic and the doctor at the Thevara police station. However, the clinic remains closed since Sanil lodged the police complaint, and the doctor couldn’t be reached.     

What went wrong?
According to Kozhikode-based dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon Dr Muhammed Razmi, infections like these mainly occur when unqualified practitioners perform procedures like hair transplantation. He explains, "As per National Medical Commission rules, a procedure like hair transplantation should be done only by a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. However, many under-qualified or unqualified medical practitioners also do such cosmetic procedures. They are known to do inadequate sterilisation of instruments, not ensure a sterile environment or even crash carts, which are required to handle emergencies during such procedures. It's also important to properly care for patients with conditions like diabetes, for a proper outcome from the procedure." He explains that if patients encounter infections like the one Sanil faces, doctors will have to remove the affected skin or patch from their body so that it does not spread to other areas. 

How can patients stay safe?
If you wish to do a cosmetic procedure like hair transplantation, here are a few pointers recommended by Dr Razmi for patients, both pre- and post-procedure:
1) Ensure that the doctor you consult is a qualified professional and personally performs the procedure. Sometimes, a certified doctor is just the face of the clinic, while underqualified staff carry out the procedure. If possible, you can also get in touch with former patients and inquire about their experience. 
2) If the rate of a procedure is quoted too low, be aware that quality will eventually be compromised. Many credible doctors quote around Rs 30 to 60 per graft (around three hairs). At the same time, quoting a high price does not guarantee quality either. 

3) Predatory marketing techniques, with well-known faces as 'brand ambassadors', need not ensure quality, as the service offered may vary across customers.
4) Allow at least a week for healing, and if you experience pain or similar complications, seek medical guidance regularly.
5) Follow the doctor's prescribed medications and precautions consistently and with discipline.