A routine quest to restore his receding hairline turned into a harrowing ordeal for 49-year-old C Sanil from Ernakulam, Kerala. Following a hair transplant surgery at a private clinic in Kochi, Sanil contracted a life-threatening flesh-eating bacterial infection, triggering multiple surgeries and a prolonged, painful recovery that has left him and his family deeply scarred.
Sanil’s troubles began in September 2024 when he decided to undergo hair transplant surgery after spotting an advertisement from Insight Derma Clinic in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi. Despite multiple delays, the procedure was finally performed over two days in February 2025. During the surgery, Sanil noticed a staff member with visible skin issues, a sign he now believes foreshadowed the complications to come.
Within days, severe pain and yellow discharge appeared on Sanil’s scalp. Attempts to seek help from the clinic were met with dismissive responses, with doctors attributing the symptoms to normal post-operative effects. However, his condition rapidly worsened, culminating in a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis — a rare and aggressive flesh-eating bacterial infection that required immediate and repeated surgical intervention.
Since then, Sanil has undergone 13 surgeries and continues to face reconstructive procedures, including skin grafts. The infection devastated large areas of his scalp, exposing bone and creating open wounds that require constant medical care, including the use of a vacuum-assisted drainage pump. His hair transplant recovery has been prolonged and fraught with physical and emotional challenges.
“I’m determined to hold those responsible accountable,” Sanil said. “No one else should endure this.”
Law enforcement has registered a formal complaint, with an FIR filed on 20 May 2025 under charges related to negligence endangering life. Authorities are investigating the clinic, which has been sealed, and the qualifications of the medical professionals involved.
This case highlights urgent concerns over the safety and regulation of hair transplant surgeries in India. Health experts emphasize the necessity of choosing qualified surgeons and accredited clinics to avoid such tragic outcomes.
As Sanil continues his fight for justice and healing, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks that can accompany cosmetic procedures when proper medical standards are not upheld.
Related Topics:
- Hair Surgeon Warns: Brushing Wet Hair Could Cause Long-Term Damage
- Wagner’s Dramatic Return After Hair Transplant Venture in Brazil
- FUE vs. FUT and Beyond: Navigating Hair Transplant Surgery Options and Costs in 2025
