Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, affects both men and women of all ages and can result from genetics, autoimmune diseases, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medications, scalp disorders, or systemic medical conditions. Because different forms of alopecia require different treatments, an accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning therapy. At BOME Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, a board-certified dermatologist (M.D., Ph.D.) provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for alopecia using evidence-based dermatology. Every patient receives a detailed scalp examination to identify the underlying cause of hair loss and develop an individualized treatment plan focused on preserving existing hair, encouraging healthy regrowth when possible, and improving long-term scalp health. BOME emphasizes physician-led diagnosis rather than treating every type of hair loss the same way.

Whether you are experiencing sudden hair shedding, patchy bald spots, progressive thinning, or chronic scalp disorders associated with hair loss, BOME offers individualized care for Korean residents, expatriates, and international patients seeking expert medical dermatology.

Why Choose BOME Dermatology Clinic?

Hair loss is a medical condition with many possible causes. Treating androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, or scarring alopecia with the same approach may delay effective treatment. At BOME, every consultation begins with a thorough medical history and scalp examination before recommendations are made. The clinic focuses on identifying the underlying diagnosis first, then creating a personalized management plan based on scientific evidence and long-term scalp health.

Clinic Highlights

• Board-certified dermatologist (M.D., Ph.D.)
• Comprehensive hair and scalp evaluation
• Accurate diagnosis before treatment
• Evidence-based alopecia management
• Personalized treatment plans
• Advanced scalp assessment
• English-friendly consultations
• Private one-on-one appointments
• International patient-friendly care
• Convenient Apgujeong location in Gangnam

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia refers to hair loss affecting the scalp or other areas of the body. Hair loss may occur gradually or suddenly and can be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying cause.

Common forms of alopecia include:

• Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)
• Alopecia areata
• Telogen effluvium
• Anagen effluvium
• Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia
• Traction alopecia
• Hair loss associated with inflammatory scalp diseases

Each condition has unique clinical features and requires individualized evaluation.

Common Symptoms

Patients with alopecia may notice:

• Gradual thinning
• Widening hair part
• Receding hairline
• Crown thinning
• Patchy bald spots
• Increased daily shedding
• Hair breakage
• Reduced hair density
• Scalp itching
• Scalp redness or scaling

The pattern and speed of hair loss often provide important clues to the underlying diagnosis.

Common Causes of Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia

The most common cause of progressive hair thinning in both men and women, influenced by genetics and hormones.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing smooth, round patches of hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

Temporary diffuse hair shedding that may follow:

• Physical illness
• Surgery
• Emotional stress
• Childbirth
• Rapid weight loss
• Nutritional deficiencies

Scalp Inflammatory Disorders

Hair loss may also occur with:

• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Lichen planopilaris
• Discoid lupus erythematosus
• Chronic folliculitis

Nutritional and Hormonal Factors

Iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances may contribute to hair loss.

Conditions That May Mimic Alopecia

A board-certified dermatologist carefully distinguishes alopecia from:

• Hair shaft disorders
• Fungal scalp infections (tinea capitis)
• Trichotillomania
• Traction-related hair loss
• Scarring scalp diseases
• Medication-induced hair loss
• Congenital hair disorders

Accurate diagnosis helps ensure treatment is appropriate for the specific cause of hair loss.

Comprehensive Hair and Scalp Evaluation

During your consultation, your dermatologist evaluates:

• Hair loss pattern
• Duration of symptoms
• Family history
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Hormonal history
• Nutritional factors
• Stress history
• Previous treatments
• Scalp health

When clinically appropriate, additional investigations may include:

• Dermoscopic scalp examination (trichoscopy)
• Hair pull test
• Laboratory testing
• Scalp photography
• Scalp biopsy in selected cases

These investigations help identify the underlying diagnosis and guide individualized treatment planning.

Personalized Alopecia Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis, disease severity, and the patient's overall health.

Medical Therapy

Prescription medications may be recommended for androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, or other medically appropriate conditions after a comprehensive evaluation.

Topical Hair Growth Therapy

Topical treatments may help maintain existing hair and encourage hair growth in selected patients.

Low-Dose Oral Hair Loss Medications

For appropriately selected patients, oral medications may be considered after careful medical assessment and discussion of benefits and potential risks.

Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections

Patients with localized alopecia areata may benefit from corticosteroid injections performed by a dermatologist when clinically indicated.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Selected patients may be candidates for platelet-rich plasma therapy as part of a comprehensive physician-directed hair restoration program. Recommendations are individualized based on the diagnosis and current evidence.

Scalp Health Management

Treatment may also include management of underlying scalp inflammation, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or other conditions that affect healthy hair growth.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance

Patients receive individualized recommendations regarding nutrition, stress management, scalp care, and hair protection to support long-term hair health.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Step 1 – Consultation

Your dermatologist reviews your hair loss history, family history, medical conditions, medications, and treatment goals.

Step 2 – Hair and Scalp Examination

A detailed examination evaluates hair density, scalp condition, follicular changes, and the pattern of hair loss.

Step 3 – Diagnosis

The dermatologist determines the type of alopecia and whether additional investigations are appropriate.

Step 4 – Personalized Treatment Plan

Recommendations may include:

• Prescription medications
• Topical therapies
• Intralesional injections when indicated
• PRP for selected patients
• Laboratory evaluation
• Long-term scalp care recommendations

Step 5 – Follow-Up

Regular follow-up appointments help monitor progress, adjust treatment, and optimize long-term outcomes.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Early diagnosis may help:

• Preserve existing hair follicles
• Slow progressive hair loss
• Improve the likelihood of regrowth in selected conditions
• Reduce scalp inflammation
• Prevent permanent follicle damage in scarring alopecia
• Improve long-term treatment outcomes

Because some forms of alopecia may cause irreversible hair loss if untreated, prompt evaluation is recommended.

International Patients Welcome

BOME Dermatology Clinic welcomes:

• Medical tourists
• Expats
• International students
• Business travelers
• Long-term foreign residents

International patients receive:

• English-friendly communication
• Personalized dermatologist consultations
• Evidence-based diagnosis
• Individualized hair restoration plans
• Comprehensive follow-up recommendations.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Dermatologist?

Hair loss is not a single disease but a symptom with many potential causes. A board-certified dermatologist has specialized expertise in diagnosing disorders of the hair and scalp, distinguishing autoimmune, inflammatory, hormonal, genetic, infectious, and nutritional causes of alopecia, and developing individualized treatment plans based on current medical evidence. At BOME Dermatology Clinic, every recommendation begins with an accurate diagnosis and focuses on preserving long-term scalp and hair health through physician-led care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common type of alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss, is the most common cause of progressive hair thinning.

Can alopecia be reversed?

Some forms of alopecia, such as telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, may improve with appropriate treatment or over time. Others, including androgenetic alopecia, are chronic conditions that are typically managed rather than permanently cured.

Will I need laboratory testing?

Not every patient requires blood tests. Laboratory evaluation may be recommended when nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, or systemic illnesses are suspected.

Is PRP appropriate for every type of alopecia?

No. PRP may benefit selected patients with certain types of hair loss, but suitability depends on the underlying diagnosis. Your dermatologist will determine whether it is appropriate after a comprehensive evaluation.

Do you treat international patients?

Yes. BOME Dermatology Clinic provides English-friendly consultations and individualized treatment plans for international patients with androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, scarring alopecia, and other hair and scalp disorders.