Hair Loss Treatment in Wollongong
Doctor-led hair loss assessment, diagnosis and tailored treatment plans at our Corrimal clinic, serving Wollongong and the Illawarra.
Hair Loss Treatment in Wollongong
Doctor-led hair loss assessment, diagnosis and tailored treatment plans at our Corrimal clinic, serving Wollongong and the Illawarra.
Understanding Hair Loss
Hair loss can affect people of all ages and may appear as gradual thinning, sudden shedding or patchy loss. The cause is often a combination of factors: genetic predisposition, hormonal change, autoimmune activity, nutritional gaps, medications or significant stress. Working out what is driving the hair loss is the first step toward managing it, and that needs a medical assessment rather than a single off-the-shelf treatment.
Common Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss is not a single condition. The right treatment depends on which type you have, and a pattern that looks similar on the surface can have very different drivers underneath.
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss)
The most common type of hair loss. Driven by genetics and hormones, it typically follows a recognisable pattern: receding at the temples and thinning at the crown in men, and diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp in women. It is usually gradual and progressive.
Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system targets hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. It can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows or other body hair. Onset is often sudden and the condition can come and go over time.
Telogen Effluvium
A temporary, diffuse shedding usually triggered by a physical or emotional stressor: illness, surgery, childbirth, significant weight loss, or a major life event. The shedding usually settles once the underlying trigger resolves, although it can take several months.
Traction Alopecia
Caused by prolonged tension on the hair, often from tight hairstyles, extensions or chemical processing. Early identification is important because long-standing traction can permanently damage the follicle.
Scarring Alopecia
A group of less common conditions in which inflammation destroys the hair follicle and replaces it with scar tissue. Scarring alopecias need prompt medical assessment because, once the follicle is scarred, hair loss in those areas is generally permanent.
What Can Contribute to Hair Loss
A range of factors can contribute to hair loss, often in combination.
Common contributors include:
- Family history of hair loss
- Hormonal change, including pregnancy, menopause and thyroid conditions
- Autoimmune conditions
- Nutritional gaps, including iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and protein
- Certain medications and medical treatments
- Significant physical or emotional stress
- Scalp conditions, inlcuding psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Hairstyling practices that place ongoing tension on the hair
How we Assess Hair Loss at Advantage Skin Clinic
Every hair loss appointment begins with a consultation with one of our doctors. The assessment is designed to identify the likely cause before recommending a treatment plan, and typically includes:
A review of your medical history, medications, family history of hair loss and dietary patterns
A scalp examination to assess the pattern, density and condition of the hair
Discussion of when the hair loss started and any associated symptoms such as itching, scaling or redness
Where appropriate, blood tests to identify nutritional or hormonal factors that may be contributing
A clear written or verbal plan with treatment options tailored to your situation
A diagnosis-led approach matters because what works for one type of hair loss may have no effect on another. Your doctor will explain what is most likely driving your hair loss before discussing how to manage it.
Hair Loss Treatments at our Wollongong Clinic
Doctor Consultation
The starting point for all hair loss patients is a Doctor Consultation. Your doctor will work with you to identify the likely cause, discuss medical management options, review lifestyle and nutritional factors that may be contributing, and recommend further investigation or referral where appropriate. For some patients, medical management alone is enough to slow, stabilise or improve the hair loss.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
PRP is an in-clinic procedure in which a small sample of your own blood is processed to concentrate the platelets, then injected into the scalp in the affected areas. The growth factors in the platelets are thought to support the activity of the hair follicles. PRP is most commonly considered for early to moderate androgenetic alopecia and certain cases of alopecia areata, and is typically delivered as a course of treatments spaced several weeks apart. Suitability is decided during your consultation, taking into account the type of hair loss, your overall health, medications and previous treatments.
When to See a Doctor About Hair Loss
It is worth booking an assessment if you notice any of the following:
- Sudden or rapidly progressing hair loss
- Patchy hair loss, including round or oval bald areas
- Scalp pain, persistent itching, burning or visible inflammation
- Hair loss alongside other symptoms such as fatigue, weight change or skin changes
- A family history of progressive hair loss that you would like to investigate early
- Concern about the emotional impact of your hair loss
Early assessment matters. Some causes of hair loss are easier to address when treatment begins early, and some scalp conditions need prompt medical attention to prevent permanent change to the follicle.
FAQs
Will my hair grow back?
It depends on the type and cause of hair loss. Some types, such as telogen effluvium, often resolve once the underlying trigger is addressed. Others, including androgenetic alopecia and scarring alopecias, require ongoing management. Your doctor will give you a realistic outlook for your specific situation during the consultation.
Do I need a referral to see your doctors about hair loss?
No, you do not need a GP referral to book a hair loss consultation at our Wollongong skin clinic. If your doctor identifies that a specialist referral would help during your assessment, they will discuss that with you.
Do you treat male and female hair loss?
Yes. Our doctors assess and manage hair loss in both men and women. The pattern, contributing factors and treatment approach often differ between the two, and your doctor will tailor the plan accordingly.
Is PRP suitable for everyone with hair loss?
No. PRP is not suitable for every patient or every type of hair loss. Suitability is decided during a consultation with one of our doctors, who will consider the type of hair loss, your overall health, medications and previous treatments before recommending PRP.
How many PRP sessions will I need?
PRP for hair loss is typically delivered as a course of treatments spaced several weeks to months, requiring four quick treatments then 2 more spaced further apart for optimal hair follicle health. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan during consultation.
Can hair loss be a sign of something more serious?
In some cases, yes. Hair loss can reflect underlying conditions such as thyroid issues, autoimmune disease, nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance. This is one of the reasons a medical consultation matters: to identify and address treatable contributing factors.
How long is a hair loss consultation?
An initial hair loss consultation typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your doctor will discuss your history, examine your scalp and hair, and explain the diagnostic and treatment options.
Does Medicare cover hair loss treatment?
Medicare rebates may apply to the doctor consultation in some cases. PRP and other in-clinic procedures are typically not covered by Medicare. Our reception team can confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs at the time of booking.
What can I do at home alongside in-clinic treatment?
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments such as addressing nutritional gaps, managing stress, reviewing hairstyling habits and supporting general scalp health. Home steps work best alongside medical assessment, not instead of it, because the underlying cause needs to be identified first.
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