Alopecia Areata / Patchy Hair Loss Part II - Treatment

A quick search online, you can easily see advertisements from hair salons, hair treatment centers like Beijing 101. Personally, I have never tried treatments in those places but I never really believe in those hyped up, expensive package deals. My imagination of such treatments will be, an hour long session that includes, cleansing of hair, application of herbal stuffs and leave on for X amount of time, washing off and drying + blowing of hair. My thoughts: time-consuming, boring, expensive.

Another recommended alternative will be: Consult a doctor.
But wait, a private clinic or a specialist?

I have friends going to private clinic and getting steroids injections for around $100 bucks per jab for each session. And yea... That's not cheap either....

Personally, I go to National Skin Center to seek specialist treatment. The first consultation ranges from $75 to $100+. And subsequent visits costs me $32.20 for each session. If you don't mind a junior doctor, you can get a referral from polyclinics and each session should cost you less than $20.

In each treatment session, the doctor injects steroids directly on to affected areas on your scalp. (I can't remember the actual terms listed in the receipt) You will only be required to receive treatment once a month. The queue system for NSC has improved tremendously as compared to my visit there 6 years ago. They allocate a specific time for you each visit. Note: It's kinda pointless to arrive very early for your treatment as they allocate patients each 10-15 mins. So just arrive 5-10 mins earlier and waiting time should be lesser than 30 mins.

Each treatment session lasts around 5 minutes:
Doctor: "How are you doing? How's the hair growth?"
Me: "Still have some patches that's growing quite fine"
Doctor: "Let's give you some more injections"
Doctor: *Puts gloves on, prepares syringe. Steroid injections proceeds*
Me: *Tidies up hair after injection*
Doctor: "Your hair is growing fine, I will see you next month if injection is still required. Otherwise, you can cancel the appointment if you think you do not need any more injections"
Me: "Thanks doctor"

I remember my first treatment I had 6 years ago... Nobody told me about the injections and what to expect. When I first heard the word injection in the treatment room, I was like.... "WHAT?? Injection??? Where?" And yes... it's directly on the scalp....

Injection on the scalp? Does it hurt? Personal experience without any form of exaggeration: Yes... It fu*king hurts.... After injections, the pain lingers for around 30 mins.... Soft sharp pain on your scalp. But with the positive effects of hair growth, that pain is worth it!