GFC Treatment for Hair loss: Benefits, Procedure and Side effects
Reviewed by Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili
MBBS- Prathima Medical College
MD-JSS University, Mysore.
Would you like to have a treatment that will make your skin feel brand new, blur the signs of aging, and strategically combat hair loss treatments?
If yes, then you must be searching for Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC). That is one highly popular treatment. It has recognized the great formula and replenishment qualities of their treatment.
GFC therapy is a non-surgical procedure, yet it uses the natural repair and regeneration processes in your body to treat acne scars and brittle hair.
This article explores the benefits and mechanism of GFC therapy, highlighting why it is gaining popularity at leading skin and hair clinics in Hyderabad.
Understanding GFC Treatment
GFC stands for Growth Factor Concentrate. It is one of those special formulations used in the treatment process to resolve skin problems and stimulate hair growth.
It doesn’t depend on synthetic solutions; instead, it uses the concentrated growth factors concentrated from the patient’s blood and infused back into the body to stimulate cells to regenerate.
GFC is now considered as the best available treatment for most of the concerns such as wrinkle formation, hair thinning, and even acne scars. Not only does it offer unmatched results but is also supported by science and research.
Diverse Growth Factors Involved in GFC Treatment
Blood platelets carry different types of growth factors, which contribute to tissue repair and regeneration besides facilitating stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
This makes each factor vary in their contributions toward hair loss prevention. Let’s just drill down this further.
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor : Promotes proliferation and has been found to stimulate hair growth. Promotes vascularization as well as angiogenesis. Facilitates mitogenesis in both mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells. Causes fibroblast proliferation as well as chemotaxis besides having mitogenicity on both the above types of cells.
- VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Throughout the anagen phase of hair development DP cells ought to contain such cells to regulate the use of perifollicular angiogenesis. Furthermore, during the anagen stage of growth it helps to smoothen the branching of perifollicular vessels.
- EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor): This factor also stimulates the mitosis of mesenchymal and epithelial cells, which also includes the proliferation and development of hair cells. It also causes angiogenesis.
- Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): This factors governs the skin structures, and hair follicle to either activate or not, therefore increases the chances of growing hair, whilst being an activator of angiogenesis.
Special procedures allow for a high amount of platelets to be taken, then kept in a GFC treatment kit.
Steps Involved in GFC Treatment
Would you like to understand the workings of the GFC hair Treatment in detail? This procedure is described in detail below:
Before treating the therapy
Many doctors have certain protocols against certain practices which they believe must be followed by patients before undergoing the GFC treatment in Hyderabad. These include:
- Do not take Vitamins, aspirin, blood thinners, and narcotic medications for 2-3 days prior to the procedure and only start taking them after the course of antibiotics.
- Check with your physician regarding any blood work.
- Patients will receive a topical anesthetic one hour prior to the start of the therapy.
During GFC hair therapy treatment
These are the steps which are followed during the GFC hair treatment:
- Blood collection: About 10 mL of blood is withdrawn from the patient’s left arm and placed in specialized GFC tubes.
- Releasing Natural Growth Factors and Activating Platelets: Prior to undisturbed resting for about half an hour, the GFC tubes should be inverted 6-10 times. This action in conjunction with the natural growth factors should trigger the blood platelets.
- Separation of GFC: To separate the concentrated GFC from other components of the blood like RBCs, WBCs, and platelets, the active GFC tubes should be rotated at 3400 RPM for 10 minutes.
- GFC injection preparation: The concentration of autologous growth factors is obtained from the cap of the tube and it may take various forms. These include yellow, orange, yellowish brown, or reddish brown. To extract pure growth factors, a sterile syringe is placed under the cap of the tube. A GF-filled syringe contains a rough estimate of 5 mL.
- GFC injection application: The GFC prepared is then injected superficially into scanty or bald sites on the scalp. The patient reports some tingling sensation as the cells begin to act.
Aftercare
It is recommended that patients do not make use of any hair product for 6 hours after GFC treatment.
- For at least three days, the patient should refrain from smoking, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Drink plenty of water during the first week after the therapy.
- For at least three days, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs should not be used.
- Only pH balanced shampoos should be used for the first few days, and head washes should be taken.
- Cold packs or cold compresses should be applied on the site of injection to minimize swelling.
- The patient should avoid swimming, heat exposure, sunlight, and vigorous activity for two days at minimum.
What Specific Areas Does GFC Treatment ?
Face (Plasma Glow Therapy)
- Fine lines and Wrinkles: This therapy helps improve the skin’s natural healing process. With repeated treatments, it gives a much smoother, more youthful look.
- Increased Collagen Production for Flatter and Tighter Skin: The treatment increases collagen production, which is important for skin elasticity. This helps to gradually build tighter, firmer skin that feels toned and rejuvenated.
- Smoother Texture: The therapy revitalizes skin at a deeper level for improved uneven texture. The ultimate result is a smoother, shinier surface with fewer blemishes.
- Soothing Glow & Rejuvenation: CGFS treatment makes tired and exhausted skin feel younger and replenishes skin glow. It makes the face look healthier, brighter, and visibly refreshed.
Hair (Plasma Growth Therapy)
- Hair follicle regeneration: This therapy attempts to restore and reactivate compromised hair follicles. Over time, you will have stronger, healthier hair, because healthy follicles make healthy hair!
- Less hair fall: The CGFS treatment gives strength to the hair roots, which helps in reducing the breaking and loss of hair. It ensures protection of existing hair, and enhances its overall health.
- Improved hair growth and density: The therapy nourishes the scalp and leads to fuller, stronger hair. Hair is fuller and better able to withstand damage.
- Stimulates inactive follicles: It enhances scalp health, leading to more noticeable increases in hair density and coverage.
GFC Treatment Benefits
Ready to know about the advantages you get while employing the GFC treatment? Here we look into some of its benefits:
- Decreases or eliminates hair loss
Advanced GFC therapy tackles extreme hair fall. The procedure is done by stimulating the hair root, which in turn strengthens the hair follicle, which will help reduce losing hair. This reduces the hair loss significantly.
- Revives hair follicles
This particular therapy stimulates the inactive cells that grow hair. It helps in promoting the natural hair growth enabling the hair to be more nourished and stronger.
- Promotes thicker or more voluminous hairs
The GFC procedure promotes the circulation in the scalp and so improves the supply of the nutrients to it. This nourished skin under the thickening and expanding hair gives the fuller look.
- Strengthens hair grafts and stimulates hair growth
It strengthens hair grafts so that they are less likely to break and more likely to survive the external injury. The factors enhance hair growth and provide even greater coverage to the bald areas.
- Improves hair volume, quantity and hair shaft thickness
GFC therapy improves the quality of the hair so many people want. Concentrated growth factors improve the thickness of hair strands, increase the total number of hairs and the sheer volume of the hair.
- Reinstates The Early Phase Of Androgenetic Cyclopean Hair Loss
Individuals experiencing initial stages of hair thinning will benefit from GFC treatment that can either reverse hair loss completely or delay it. It revitalizes inactive hair follicles, contributing to the restoration of lost hair and impending further baldness.
- Preparation of GFC is done in a non contagious setting
All the GFC setup procedures are done in a safe non-contagious environment. This increases the security of the patient and helps obviate the risk of contamination during the procedure.
- Doesn’t lose any platelets, As opposed to PRP treatment
Once again, GFC does not isolate platelets from blood cells while using GFC PRP hair treatment. This results in no partition loss, thus ensuring all platelets receive the enhanced growth elements needed for the most beneficial effects.
9. Non-invasive and Effective
GFC is a non-operational, low-risk treatment. Having the ability to master GFC means being able to do a straightforward hair recovery procedure without all of the riskier advanced surgery elements involved.
10. Produces improvements that can be documented
With GFC therapy, there is no waiting for months to see the results, since improvements can be documented within three to four treatments. It works perfectly for the busy individual who wants efficient solutions.
11. Minimal pain
People undergoing the procedure will not experience vigorous pain, as it is done without causing much discomfort to the patient.
12. Reduces inflammation risk
Using your own blood-derived growth factors will lower the risk of GFC therapy inflammation. Because it uses biocompatible elements, it is a safer solution for hair regrowth.
How Much Does GFC Cost?
GFC treatment has gained sheer popularity nowadays. However, several factors could play a part in determining the cost of this therapy. Here is a breakdown on how pricing can be calculated:
- The address and visibility of the clinic: The city or area you decide to get treated in plays an important role. Clinics located in highly populated areas or those that already have a positive reputation might charge more due to demand and quality facilities.
- Level of skill set and experience: A key determinant on cost is the level of education along with the experience of the specialist who is treating. A qualified and skilled specialist would definitely cost a fortune but their experience tends to make the entire procedure much safer.
- Extent of baldness: The prices might be different depending on how much hair loss one is facing. A person facing severe hair loss would require more sessions increasing the overall cost.
- Specific needs and types of hair: The most important factor is telling the practitioner what exactly needs to be done and what condition the scalp is in. The pricing can increase if treatment is made specific to certain problems as it requires more effort.
- The number of sessions needed: The final number of sessions required is determined by each person’s objectives and outcomes. Although more sessions usually cost more, they are frequently required to get the desired result.
- Average Cost for GFC Treatment in India: GFC method price in India ranges between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 1,00,000 depending on the above mentioned parameters. For example, a single session in a Bangalore clinic is between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 15000, depending upon the facility and patient requirements.
Side Effects of GFC Treatment
In general, GFC hair restoration is safe and poses no threat. Outlined below are some, possibly benign side effects of GFC therapy to treat hair loss:
- There are faint bruises on the injection sites: There can be some little discomfort around the sites where the injections were given. It is normal as the skin gets used to the trauma. These marks do not require additional treatment and generally fade away on their own within days.
- There is an itching sensation on the treated area: As the scalp starts healing and responding to the growth factors, one can experience mild pruritus. If the area is scratched, it could get inflamed. It may be useful to apply a protective and gentle soothing lotion.
- There is slight swelling at the injection sites: There is nothing to be worried about a little swelling around the injection area. This is how the scalp responds to treatment. It is common for the swelling to resolve spontaneously within a day or two and does not alter the outcome.
- Pain for Two to Five Days: After the procedure, discomfort or pain can be felt in the treated area. Pain that is experienced here is perfectly manageable using over-the-counter painkillers. During this period, refrain from any activity that places strain on the scalp.
What Makes GFC Therapy Distinct from PRP Therapy?
Would you like to know how GFC and PRP differ from each other? The table below provides a concise summary:
Comparative Parameters | Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) | Growth Factor Concentrate Therapy (GFC) |
Origin & Composition | Derived from the autologous blood plasma rich in platelets. | It contains more concentrated growth factors extracted from platelets that have more immediate advantages for tissue regeneration. |
Employing Platelets as opposed to Growth Factors | The method is limited in use, as it does not provide sufficient growth factors as much as it does platelets. | This at first hand is more beneficial than the previous method, as it does provide more concentrated GFCs, and with the intentions of achieving tissue regeneration, it has more advantageous effects in the short term. |
Methods & Outcomes | Uses single or double spin procedures; outcomes are uneven since it is difficult to remove RBCs and WBCs. | Demands an easier approach that concentrates solely on growth factor extraction, increasing efficiency and yielding consistent results. |
Degree of Difficulty of the Process | More complicated and time-consuming, with pain and inflammation frequently accompanying recovery. | Minimally invasive and simple, the patient’s blood is drawn, growth factors are isolated via centrifugation, and the solution is injected. |
Duration of Procedure | As more steps are involved, using simple methods with less effort makes the process shorter and easier. | Faster and more effective, cutting down on process time overall. |
Consistency of Results | With no standardised methods, outputs might be varied, resulting in contradicting outcomes. | Offers the best results with fewer risks of problems, guaranteeing more consistent results. |
Who is Most Suitable for GFC Treatment?
This is one of the best hair loss treatments for men and women. Let us explore its possible users:
- Patients with severe hair loss can also benefit from GFC Hair Treatment, like those suffering from Alopecia or Androgenetic alopecia.
- In addition, men and women experiencing hair loss due to hormonal changes or pregnancy can seek this treatment as well.
- Candidates embarking on this treatment should ideally be in good health with proper expectations set to manage the results of the treatment.
How many sessions of GFC Treatment are needed?
- It is recommended to repeat one session every month.
- total 4-6 sessions depending on the concern.
- Overall, these procedures and combinations will maintain a constant level of hair and prevent further deterioration of one’s hair condition.
Conclusion
The treatment of Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) is truly exceptional as it has the potential to increase your body’s self-renewing capacity, and also is capable of tackling a myriad of problems such as improving skin quality and maintaining a youthful appearance, and even more specific issues such as scarring.
It’s a relatively recent form of treatment, and on account of its newness, there are loads of opportunities of pain–free technology, and on account of which it has rapidly become more famous, as well as it really appeals to persons who strive to be completely restored.
In recent years, its popularity has significantly increased, especially among individuals seeking advanced solutions at a reputed hair clinic in Hyderabad. Many patients are now choosing GFC treatment in Hyderabad for its safe, minimally invasive nature and visible results in treating hair thinning, hair fall, and scalp concerns. With expert supervision and customized treatment plans, GFC continues to emerge as a reliable option for those looking to restore confidence and achieve long-lasting skin and hair rejuvenation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the effect of GFC treatment long lasting?
No, unlike most treatments, the effects do not last forever, however will last for a couple of months. In order to sustain these effects, individuals are recommended to come every 2-3 months.
Is GFC more effective compared to PRP?
GFC and PRP are both equally effective when dealing with hair fall issues. GFC is preferred by people who face severe hair loss and are looking for a quick solution, while people with budgets might prefer PRP.
What could be the reason I face a lot of hair fallout after getting GFC treatment?
Losing clumps of hair during GFC therapy is a common occurrence and signifying the fact that new hair growth is commencing. This stage is temporary and often does not last very long.
What is GFC Treatment’s success rate?
You may expect at least 70% to 80% chances of improved growth after GFC therapy. The effect is longer, and it is better than others, like PRP hair treatment and ordinary GFC surgery.
What is the age limit for GFC therapy treatment?
There is usually no specific age limit for GFC Concentrate treatment, but it is generally advised for use by older children and adults.