Effect of COVID-19 Outbreak on Hair Transplant Field in India

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the hair transplant (HT) field in India, according to a survey conducted among 78 members of the Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons of India (AHRS). The survey found that 96.10% of HT surgeons stopped their practice due to the nationwide lockdown. The majority of surgeons (84.42%) believed that avoiding HT surgery during the pandemic would help prevent the spread of the virus. After the lockdown, 61.04% of surgeons planned to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and 55.84% intended to implement special sterilization techniques. However, 30.26% of surgeons were uncertain about when they would resume surgeries. The survey also revealed that 47.37% of surgeons believed their practice would be affected by at least 50% post-pandemic, and 10.53% thought their practice would be 100% affected.