Alopecia Areata Treatmentin Gangnam, Seoul
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune form of hair loss in which the immune system affects the hair follicles, usually causing one or more round patches of loss on the scalp or beard. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we confirm the pattern first, then plan treatment — often intralesional steroid injections for limited patches. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- One or more round, well-defined patches of hair loss
- Sudden patchy loss on the scalp or beard
- People whose patches have appeared relatively recently
More extensive or long-standing cases are managed differently; the right approach is decided at consultation.
How it works
In alopecia areata, immune cells target the hair follicle and interrupt growth, so hair falls out in patches while the follicle itself is usually preserved. For limited patches, small injections of a corticosteroid (such as triamcinolone) into the affected areas can calm the local immune activity and encourage regrowth; sessions are typically spaced a few weeks apart. More extensive or resistant cases may need other approaches, which are discussed at consultation.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01An autoimmune process
In alopecia areata, immune cells target the hair follicle and interrupt growth, so hair falls out in one or more well-defined patches.
02The follicle is usually preserved
The follicle itself is generally not destroyed, which is why regrowth is possible when the local immune activity settles.
03Calming local immune activity
For limited patches, small injections of a corticosteroid (such as triamcinolone) into the affected areas can reduce the local immune response and encourage regrowth.
04Extent guides the approach
Limited patches often respond to local injections, while more extensive or resistant cases may need different approaches decided at consultation.
Treatment areas
- Scalp patches
- Round, well-defined areas of loss on the scalp.
- Beard & other facial hair
- Patches in the beard or brow area, treated cautiously.
- Extensive or recurrent cases
- Larger or repeating loss, which may need other approaches decided at consultation.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and confirmation of the pattern
- 2Marking of the affected patches
- 3Intralesional corticosteroid injections (for limited patches)
- 4Soothing and aftercare guidance
- 5Follow-up every few weeks as planned
Time: An injection session for limited patches takes about 10–15 minutes.
Recovery & aftercare
- Little downtime; you can usually return to daily activities the same day. A topical numbing option may be used for comfort.
- Temporary tenderness, redness or small dents at the injection sites may occur; sessions are spaced a few weeks apart.
- Side effects such as skin thinning or pigment change at the site may occur and are reviewed at consultation.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0 Injection session
For limited patches, an injection session takes about 10–15 minutes; brief stinging, then possible tenderness or redness at the sites.
DAY 1-3 Settling
Tenderness or redness at the injection sites generally eases; you can usually return to daily activities the same day.
EVERY FEW WEEKS Repeat sessions
Sessions are usually spaced a few weeks apart, with the schedule based on your response.
MONTH 1-3 Possible regrowth
Regrowth, often initially as fine or lighter hairs, may appear gradually in responsive patches. (Results vary by individual.)
FOLLOW-UP Review
Some cases settle and others may recur, so follow-up is important; extensive cases are reassessed for other approaches.
Sessions & results
Treatment for limited patches is usually a series of sessions a few weeks apart, with regrowth appearing gradually. Some cases settle and others may recur, so follow-up is important. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
Approaches for alopecia areata differ mainly by how extensive the loss is. These are differences in suitability, not in quality, and the right one is decided at consultation.
| Comparison | Intralesional steroid | Topical treatment | Other approaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suited to | Limited, well-defined patches | Limited patches or as an adjunct | More extensive or resistant cases |
| How given | Injected into the affected areas | Applied to the scalp | Decided case by case at consultation |
| Sessions | Every few weeks | Ongoing at home | Varies |
| Downtime | Little to none | None | Varies |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Brief stinging during injection, with temporary tenderness or redness at the sites
- Small dents or thinning of the skin (fat atrophy) at injection sites, usually temporary
- Lightening of skin color (hypopigmentation) or fine visible vessels at the sites
When to take extra care
- More extensive, long-standing or rapidly progressing loss — a different approach may be needed
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — let us know at consultation
- Diabetes, glaucoma or other conditions affected by steroids — tell your doctor
- Active infection at the treatment site
Injections are used for limited patches, and the dose and frequency are limited to reduce local side effects. Diagnosis and suitability are confirmed at consultation. Some cases recur, effects vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Your care at QD Clinic
Performed by a board-certified doctor
Your treatment is performed and medically reviewed by a board-certified doctor, not delegated unsupervised.
Diagnosis confirmed first
The pattern is confirmed before planning, so treatment matches the type and extent of the loss.
Care in your language
Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.
A short walk from Gangnam Station
Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the number and size of patches and the number of sessions. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
Many limited patches respond to treatment with gradual regrowth, though some cases recur and results differ between people. (Results vary by individual.)
A fine needle is used and most people feel a brief stinging; a topical numbing option can be used for comfort.
Sessions are usually spaced a few weeks apart, with the schedule decided at consultation based on your response.
It is an autoimmune condition; stress may act as a trigger for some people, but the cause is not fully understood. Diagnosis is confirmed at consultation.
Larger, resistant or recurring cases may need approaches beyond local injections, which are discussed at consultation.
Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.
Often considered together
Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.
+Topical treatments
Applied scalp treatments may be used alongside injections or for areas not suited to injection, decided at consultation.
+Topical minoxidil
Sometimes used as an adjunct to support regrowth in treated patches, where appropriate.
+Approaches for extensive cases
Larger, resistant or recurring loss may need approaches beyond local injections, discussed at consultation.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.
For International PatientsMedically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.