ISHRS accreditation and why it matters

What is the ISHRS?

The ISHRS is a global professional organisation for hair restoration surgeons, running conferences, publishing the field's specialty forum, and promoting standards. It is where much of the field's practical knowledge is exchanged, and several studies underpinning what is known about graft survival were published through its forum.

What does ISHRS membership tell you, and what does it not guarantee?

ISHRS membership shows the surgeon engages with the professional community, is likely current with technique, and adheres to an organisational code of ethics. It does not certify surgical skill, verify results, replace national medical registration, or mean the member personally performs your surgery.

• Does: the surgeon engages with the professional community and is likely current with technique
• Does: there is an organisational code of ethics
• Does not: certify surgical skill or verify results
• Does not: replace national medical registration
• Does not: mean the member personally performs your surgery

Which credentials carry more weight than ISHRS membership?

Credentials that carry more weight than ISHRS membership include registration with the national medical regulator of the destination country, a recognised specialist qualification such as dermatology or plastic surgery, verifiable identity with a searchable registration number, facility licensing under local health authority rules, and documented experience in your specific case type.

• Registration with the national medical regulator of the country you are travelling to
• A recognised specialist qualification, for example in dermatology or plastic surgery
• Verifiable identity: full name, registration number, and a register you can search
• Facility licensing under local health authority rules
• Documented experience in your specific case type

How do you check a surgeon's credentials?

Ask the operating surgeon for their full name and registration number, then look it up yourself on the relevant national register; a clinic that won't provide a name is itself the answer. Be wary of society logos alone, since badges are easy to display and hard to verify; confirm membership with the society directly.

Membership is one signal among several, and the others are set out in our guide to choosing a clinic.

Sources

1. Parsley WM, Perez-Meza D. Review of factors affecting the growth and survival of follicular grafts. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2010;3(2). jcasonline.com

This article summarises published research and standard clinical practice. It is general educational information, not medical advice, and it does not replace the instructions your own surgical team gives you. Where their guidance differs from anything here, follow theirs.