Prospective patients researching hair transplants often look for before-and-after photos as proof of results. So why doesn't Dr. John Watts publish photos of every patient who has undergone a transplant at his clinic? A viewer asked him directly, and his answer centers on something more important than marketing: patient privacy.
Adding Value to a Patient's Life -- Privately
Dr. Watts starts by reframing how he thinks about his work. "Whenever I quote that I have transplanted hair for so and so many patients, it means that I have added value to their life and self-esteem," he said. But that value doesn't come with an automatic right to publish someone's image.
"The reason why I do not show pictures of all hair transplant patients is that it deals with their privacy. If they do not wish to reveal their pictures, I cannot show them," he explained.
Consent Has Always Been the Rule
In his early days as a hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Watts says he used to ask for explicit consent before showing a patient's picture on the Trichos website or social media channels -- and that practice hasn't changed. "Even today, if you visit our website, you can see pictures of our old patients from whom I obtained prior consent. However, as a surgeon, it is my responsibility to protect the identity and privacy of the patients. If they do not wish to reveal their identity, I cannot and should never make their pictures or identity public," he said.
Why Confidentiality Matters So Much
Dr. Watts explains that the doctor-patient relationship depends on trust. Patients approach a clinic confident that their doctor will protect their privacy, and some have faced unwanted calls and attention from their social circle after their photos were made public, which discourages others from disclosing their identity. "I must guard the identity and private information of every patient in general," he said.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't Dr. Watts show before-and-after photos of every hair transplant patient?
Because publishing a patient's photo requires their consent, and many patients prefer to keep their hair transplant private.
Does Dr. Watts ever publish patient photos?
Yes -- his website features photos of patients from whom he obtained prior consent, going back to his early days as a surgeon.
What happens if a patient's photo is shared without consent?
Some patients have received unwanted calls and attention from their social circle after their photos became public, which is part of why consent and privacy are taken seriously.
Is hair loss something to be embarrassed about?
Dr. Watts frames hair transplants as adding value to a patient's life and self-esteem -- not something shameful, but still a personal and private matter.
