Dr Raymond Kwah — Hair & Scalp Dermatologist in Singapore

Dr Raymond Kwah Yung Chien is a consultant dermatologist and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Dermatology). He graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1999 and was formerly a dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon at the National Skin Centre.

As a dermatologist, he manages general and aesthetic dermatology including hair and scalp conditions such as alopecia areata and scarring alopecia. He also underwent hair transplant training at Kyungpook National University Hospital in South Korea.

He practises at Dermatology Specialists Clinic at Paragon and has held visiting consultant roles at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Singapore General Hospital.

Clinical focus

Scarring alopecia (dermatology).

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), MRCPS (Glasgow), FRCP (Edinburgh), FAMS (Dermatology).

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: Dermatology Specialists Clinic — Orchard (Paragon)
• Hospital / training affiliation(s): Formerly National Skin Centre; visiting consultant, KTPH and SGH

Getting to the clinic

Dr Raymond Kwah practises at Dermatology Specialists Clinic at Paragon Medical, 290 Orchard Road, in the heart of the Orchard shopping belt. The most convenient stations are Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14) and Somerset MRT (NS23), both a short, sheltered walk along Orchard Road to Paragon, which houses a large cluster of specialist medical suites above the retail floors.

Many bus services run along Orchard Road, and taxi or ride-hailing drop-off is easy, with a set-down point at the Paragon entrance. Drivers will find a paid carpark within Paragon, with additional paid parking in the neighbouring Orchard malls; it fills quickly at weekends and over lunch, so allow time. Lifts serve the medical floors directly, making the clinic straightforward to reach once you are inside the building.

What scarring alopecia and scalp dermatology cover

Dr Raymond Kwah is a consultant dermatologist whose work includes general and aesthetic dermatology and hair and scalp conditions such as alopecia areata and scarring alopecia. Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia is a group of conditions in which inflammation damages the hair follicle and replaces it with scar tissue, so that hair loss in the affected area can become permanent. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment are important, with the goal of controlling the inflammation before more follicles are lost.

Alongside scarring forms, scalp dermatology covers non-scarring hair loss such as alopecia areata (an autoimmune patchy loss), pattern hair loss, and diffuse shedding, as well as inflammatory scalp conditions like scalp psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and folliculitis. A dermatologist is trained to distinguish between these — they look similar to the untrained eye but call for very different treatment — and to manage the underlying skin disease that may be driving the hair loss. Dr Kwah has also undergone hair transplant training.

What to expect at a consultation

A first appointment usually begins with a detailed history of the hair loss — its pattern, speed and any scalp symptoms such as itch, pain, redness or scaling — together with your medical history, medications and family history. The dermatologist then examines the scalp closely, often with dermoscopy, looking for features that distinguish scarring from non-scarring loss and identifying active inflammation.

Where scarring alopecia or an unclear diagnosis is suspected, a scalp biopsy is often arranged, as it is frequently the key to confirming the type and guiding treatment; blood tests may also be requested. The dermatologist then explains the diagnosis and the plan, which for scarring alopecia centres on controlling inflammation to preserve remaining hair, and sets realistic expectations, since hair already lost to scarring cannot be regrown medically.

Booking, referrals and fees

As a private specialist clinic, an appointment can usually be made directly without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help with subsidy eligibility in some pathways and is worth asking about. Bring a list of medications and supplements, any previous scalp or biopsy reports, relevant blood results, and a note of how the hair loss began and progressed; photographs over time are useful.

Specialist consultations are generally paid out of pocket. MediSave, MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply to certain eligible procedures, such as a diagnostic scalp biopsy in some circumstances, within set limits, but routine consultations and cosmetic treatments are usually not covered. Confirm fees and what applies directly with the clinic, and verify the doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register.

Common questions

What is scarring alopecia and why does it matter?

It is a group of conditions in which inflammation destroys hair follicles and leaves scar tissue, so the hair loss can be permanent. Early diagnosis and treatment matter because the aim is to halt the inflammation before more hair is lost.

Why might a scalp biopsy be recommended?

A small scalp biopsy often provides the clearest answer about the type of hair loss, particularly when scarring alopecia is suspected, and it helps guide treatment that differs considerably between conditions.

Can hair lost to scarring alopecia grow back?

Hair lost where the follicle has scarred generally cannot be regrown with medication, which is why treatment focuses on protecting the hair that remains. Options for the scarred area can be discussed once the condition is stable.

How is scarring alopecia told apart from ordinary hair loss?

To the untrained eye they can look similar, but a dermatologist uses close examination, dermoscopy and often a scalp biopsy to identify the active inflammation and follicle damage that distinguish scarring forms, which need different and more urgent treatment.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is a non-scarring, autoimmune form of hair loss that typically causes patchy bald areas. Unlike scarring alopecia, the follicles are not destroyed, so regrowth is possible, and it is managed differently. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss options.

Related guides

• Female hair loss
• PRP for hair loss

Sources & verification

• Dermatological Society of Singapore – Dr Kwah Yung Chien Raymond

See also: our editorial directory of hair-loss doctors in Singapore and our shortlist of hair-loss clinics.

This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.