After conducting Bermuda’s first-ever hair follicle transplants, a local doctor predicts that having the surgery on island could boost Bermuda’s fledgeling medical tourism industry.

Kyjuan Brown of Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Centre in Devonshire, was speaking after he flew in a Turkish team, last week, to help 15 local men with thinning hair.

“It was a milestone,” he said. “This could enhance our medical tourism portfolio. We already have clients and patients visiting for various services we offer, from hair restoration to medical aesthetics. We are always looking for better ways to help our local economy and provide services our patients/residents demand.”

The team from the Bonita Hair Clinic, headquartered in Belgium, consisted of two technicians and a manager who were part of a larger group that travel the world.

“They regularly visit Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa,” Dr Brown said. “Hopefully, Bermuda will become part of their permanent rotation.”

The surgery moving hair follicles from the back of the head to the front, is a $2 billion a year industry in Turkey.

“They have been doing hair follicle transplants for years there, and even have schools there teaching people how to do it,” Dr Brown said.

The surgery is around four times cheaper in Turkey than in the United States.

“A colleague of mine in Florida does hair transplantation for $16,000 starting price,” Dr Brown said. “With the help of the Turkish team, we are able to offer it at $3,500 starting price.”

He knew of Bermudians who had travelled to Turkey for the treatment, so he decided to bring it to the island.

“This way, the money can stay in our economy while also saving our patients lots of money on travel and hotel expenditures,” he said. “It didn’t take long to secure our first 15 patients for this month.”

Dr Brown’s clinic already has clients lined up for another transplant session in October.

“Next time we might have a few women,” he said.

For several years, Dr Brown has been offering a range of hair tonics that reportedly help hair to grow back.

“In certain cases where hair loss has progressed significantly, a hair transplant may be necessary to restore hair density in areas where follicles have become inactive,” he explained. “The serum works well as a complementary treatment to maintain the health of transplanted hair and prevent further hair loss in untreated areas.”

The surgery takes four to six hours, depending on the needs of the client.

“There can be some pain and discomfort,” Dr Brown said. “We give the patient some medication to make them sleepy, but they could be wakened.”

During the first round of surgeries, a total of 60,000 follicular units were transferred.

Dr Brown said directly after, the hair is very short and takes three months to grow out.

“It will last the client’s lifetime,” Dr Brown said. “Our success rate is 90 to 95 per cent, and the back of your head, where the follicle are taken from, looks normal. We are not taking ever follicle, so there is no visible loss of density in the back. We are not going to create a problem in another region.”

However, he said some people do not have enough hair in the donor area to carry out the transplant.

“Not everyone is a good candidate for the surgery,” he said.

Dr Brown said the hair restoration work, provided their clients with hope and a renewed sense of self-confidence.

At least half of all men, worldwide, experience some degree of hair loss in their lifetime and about 30 per cent of women.

“Raising awareness about hair loss and scalp health is crucial,” Dr Brown said. “Our goal is to educate the public on the causes, preventive measures, and effective treatments available. If you are experiencing hair loss or scalp issues, do not wait — help is available with trained professionals right here in Bermuda at my clinic.”