Can the hair transplant business help to save the Greek economy?

Can medical tourism provide new hope for a faltering economy? Hara Bourgani, Communications Manager from Advanced Hair Clinics in Athens, believes that Greece is well positioned to take advantage of the growth in travel for hair transplantation

Despite 50% unemployment amongst young people and 25% in the general population, the hair transplantation business in Greece is resilient and following a global growth trend. Statistics from the ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) show that across Europe demand for hair restoration decreased by 14% between 2012 and 2014, as a result of the economic crisis. However, demand in Mexico/Central & South America has increased significantly – up by 82%, in the Middle East by 62%, and in Asia 39%. In overall, the increase at international level has been 28%.

A Greek plastic surgeon, Dr Anastasios Vekris, says that the attraction of hair transplant tourism to Greece is the combination of low prices compared to northern Europe and the USA and years of expertise. Many such tourists combine their treatment with a stay in Athens sightseeing or take some time to travel to a Greek island during the recovery period. This has led to an increase of people coming to his clinic during 2013-2015.

The low cost and the quality of hair transplant services are appealing to foreigners from many source countries. Around 3 out of 10 of the patients treated by Dr Vekris are international patients. Most of them come from the Middle East, central and northern Europe (mainly the UK). But recently the clinic’s catchment has widened. Patients have come from as far afield as the USA, Canada and Panama. Word of mouth plays a vital role in generating patient referrals. Many of those happy with their procedures refer a hair transplant clinic to friends who are interested in getting hair restoration.

Thomas Panduro, 28, who works in the estate agency business in Denmark is a recent example. He took the plane to Athens, where he had hair restoration using the FUE technique, a modern, minimally invasive method which leaves no scars behind. Thomas says: “Before I decided to come to Greece I had done my own research. I visited three clinics in Denmark but in the end I realized I would get a good result with the same technique at a lower price in Greece. The procedure was not painful for me. Now I expect to have more hair in the front”. Back in Denmark not only does his business thrive, but his self esteem is also higher.

The FUE technique performed at the clinic is a minimally invasive method and the most modern approach to hair transplantation, leaving no scars behind. Hair grafts are extracted and implanted one by one, under local anaesthesia, aiming at a natural result.

Generating income for the local economy

So what does this niche sector of medical tourism generate for the local economy? The cost of treatment will vary according to the individual’s needs, from 1,500 euros for small procedures such as scar correction and eyebrow restoration to more than 8,000 euros for two day sessions to cover large bald areas. A typical session may last up to 8 hours. Treatment sessions for minor problems may last 3-5 hours.

The patient usually stays in Athens for two to three days depending on the extent of treatment. It is not necessary for a friend or a relative to accompany the client, since no hospitalization or general anaesthesia is required, but many will bring someone. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure makes it possible to combine the treatment with a short city experience and in this way it is quite common that a friend partner or relative accompanies the client and takes advantage of the local tourism and sightseeing opportunities. The surrounding hotels in the centre of Athens receive medical tourism clients who combine hair transplant with holidays. “The majority of patients are treated on their initial visit but a second visit to Athens may be required. Hair loss is an ongoing process” says Dr Vekris.

Those content with the result of their hair transplantation in Greece, encourage others to come. In difficult economic times, this specialist sector makes a welcome contribution to the local economy.

About Dr Vekris

Dr Anastasios Vekris is a specialized plastic surgeon, a member of the Greek Association of Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery, registered in the Specialist Registry of the General Medical Council of Great Britain, and member of the ISHRS. He specialized in the surgical management of baldness and hair transplantation at some of the most renowned centers abroad such as the KNU University Hospital of South Korea. Dr Vekris is the Head of Hair Transplant at Advanced Hair Clinics in Athens.