Kerala has hosted its first hands-on hair transplant training programme for surgeons. The programme focused on practical skills and proper surgical techniques.
The programme formed part of the 22nd annual State Conference of the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India. The Kerala chapter organised the conference at Udaya Samudra in Kovalam.
Nearly 400 delegates from across Kerala attended the conference. Organisers also arranged specialised pre-conference courses and hands-on workshops at two locations.
These included ReNew Aesthetic Centre in Akkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, and KIMSHEALTH Hospital. The hair transplant workshop specifically targeted junior surgeons seeking practical surgical experience.
Workshop focuses on surgical skills
Dr Deepu Sati, a hair transplant and facial cosmetic surgeon, highlighted the need for structured training. He said medical colleges do not extensively teach hair transplant surgery. The workshop aimed to familiarise young surgeons with established hair transplantation techniques. It also allowed participants to observe and participate in live surgical procedures.
Dr Amit Porwall, a facial cosmetic and hair transplant surgeon, described the programme as Kerala’s first pre-conference training initiative. He said the workshop demonstrated live hair transplant procedures for budding surgeons. He also pointed to growing hair loss among younger people.
According to Amit some technicians and assistants involved in hair transplant procedures lack adequate qualifications. He also raised concerns about unqualified individuals performing cosmetic procedures.
Doctors raise concerns over unqualified practice
Dr Amit said some beauty parlours and non-medical practitioners undertake hair transplant procedures. Such practices can create risks for patients and produce unsuccessful surgical outcomes. The organisers are also considering a stronger regulatory framework for the cosmetic sector. Dr Deepu raised concerns about unqualified practitioners and counterfeit medicines.
The proposed framework could help establish clearer standards for cosmetic procedures and professional practice. However, the current report did not provide details about its structure. The training programme comes as hair restoration services continue to attract younger patients. This trend has increased the need for surgeons with appropriate practical training.
Conference explores new surgical technologies
The conference also covered wider developments in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Its scientific programme included artificial intelligence applications and digital surgical planning. Delegates also discussed virtual surgical planning, aesthetic procedures and reconstructive surgery. Contemporary implantology and clinical decision-making featured among the other subjects.
Emerging technologies also formed part of the scientific discussions. Organisers placed greater emphasis on interactive learning during this year’s conference. The programme included panel discussions, case-based sessions, debates and expert interactions. These formats replaced conventional lecture-based learning in several sessions.
Organisers said the approach encouraged critical thinking and practical knowledge exchange among faculty and delegates. It also aimed to make discussions more clinically relevant.
Conference brings surgeons together
The Trivandrum Maxillofacial Study Circle organised the conference. Mathew Jose served as Organising Chairman, while Benoy Stanly served as Organising Secretary. The organising team included several oral and maxillofacial surgeons from Thiruvananthapuram. The team also included Dinesh Gopal, Joji Thomas, Anand Sekhar and Anup Nair.
Other members included Suvy Manuel, Yeshaswini Thelekkat, Deepu Sati and Sherin Kalam. The initiative adds practical hair transplant training to Kerala’s surgical education programmes. It also places greater emphasis on qualified surgical practice within hair restoration.