Growth Factor Concentrate or GFC treatment for hair loss is a relatively new solution. It is non-surgical and minimally invasive, resulting in less downtime after each session. The GFC hair treatment success rate is around 70% or more. However, the results depend on the type of hair loss and its severity.
Types of Hair Loss
Growth Factor Concentrate can be used to treat hair loss caused by different conditions, such as the following:
- Alopecia areata
- Telogen effluvium
- Tractional alopecia
- Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness)
- General hair loss and hair thinning
It is suitable for all genders to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth over time. However, GFC treatment is used in combination with other hair loss treatments like topical applications of minoxidil or finasteride.
Nevertheless, people with low platelet count, chronic liver diseases, or cancer should not opt for this treatment. Those who take blood thinner medication, consume alcohol, or smoke are also not good candidates for GFC therapy.
What is GFC?
Growth Factors are found in the blood platelets. These are extracted without any platelet loss and stored in GFC kits. Then, the growth factor concentrate is directly injected into the scalp to promote hair growth by strengthening the follicles.
The GFC therapy is similar to PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) but has significant differences. While blood is drawn from the patient to extract platelets in both procedures, growth factors are derived from platelet activation (without any platelet loss). Additionally, GFCs can be stored for up to eight hours at room temperature. The treatment is also less painful and reduces the risk of inflammation and infections.
How GFC Hair Treatment Works
GFC treatment is an outpatient procedure that takes around half an hour to forty-five minutes in each session. Make sure to get the treatment only from a certified and experienced dermatologist.
Inform the doctor in advance about your medical history and medication to avoid complications and side effects.
Before the Session
- Stop taking blood thinners, alcohol, and/ or nicotine at least three days before the session.
- The doctor will take pictures of the targeted area for future comparison.
- A topical anesthetic will be applied to the scalp to reduce pain during the process.
During the Session
- One GFC kit is used for a single patient for a single sitting.
- About 08ml to 16ml of blood is drawn for each session. This depends on the quantity of GFCs needed and varies from person to person.
GFC Preparation
- The doctor will collect blood from your body and process it in a special medical device to activate the platelets. This can take about thirty minutes.
- Different types of growth factors are released by the blood in this process.
- In the next step, the GFCs are separated and collected using syringes.
- The growth factors can be seen at the top near the cap of the test tubes and can be in different colors like yellow, brownish, reddish, and orange.
- The collected GFCs are injected into the scalp (all over or in specific patches, depending on your condition).
There could be a tingling sensation on the scalp when injecting the GFCs.
After the Session
- You may experience some pain and discomfort on the scalp for a few hours after the session.
- Don’t smoke or drink for another three days (or more).
- Don’t use blood thinners for three to four days.
- Don’t use hair products for a minimum of six hours after the session (no hair masks, hair oil, etc.) and ideally for two days.
- Use a mild shampoo (pH-balanced) to wash your hair, and that too only after a couple of days.
- Don’t expose the scalp to direct sunlight or water (swimming pools, rain, etc.) for the next two days.
- Don’t work out excessively or sweat a lot during the next two or three days.
- Apply ice packs on the scalp for a few minutes to reduce pain and inflammation.
A bit of swelling, pain, and mild itching sensation are common and temporary side effects of this hair therapy. Consult the doctor immediately if the severity increases or doesn’t subside in a couple of days.
Typically, three to five sessions are required to get the full benefit of GFC treatment. The dermatologist will determine the exact number of sittings necessary based on your health condition and the severity of hair loss.
Types of Growth Factors for Hair Loss
Different types of hair growth factor concentrates have a role in reducing hair loss, promoting hair growth, and strengthening the hair shafts.
- Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
PDGF encourages hair growth and stimulates angiogenesis and vascularisation. It is also helpful for mitogenesis of mesenchymal, fibroblast proliferation, and endothelial stem cells.
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
EGF helps promote hair cell regeneration and proliferation as well as the stimulation of mitogenesis of mesenchymal, angiogenesis, and epithelial cells.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
VEGF stimulates perifollicular angiogenesis and is expressed in DP cells during the active growth of hair follicles. It accelerates the process while increasing the size of perifollicular vessels during the anagen hair growth phase.
- Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)
IGF-1 increases overall hair growth on the scalp, stimulates angiogenesis, and maintains hair follicle growth.
Benefits of GFC Treatment for Hair
GFC hair therapy has many benefits like the following:
- Safe (GFCs are extracted from your blood and injected into your scalp)
- Pure extract with no unwanted cells (RBCs or WBCs) which reduces pain and inflammation
- Requires fewer sessions compared to other treatments like PRP or mesotherapy
- Effective in men and women
- Suitable for different types of hair loss conditions
- Reduces hair fall and hair thinning
- Increases hair thickness and promotes hair growth
The sessions are scheduled closer to each other (in a gap of a week or ten days) for maximum benefit. Similar to most non-surgical hair loss treatments, GFCs also take around six months to show the results. You will notice new hair growing as more hair follicles are activated and strengthened on the scalp. The hair thickness, volume, and texture will also be better.
To get the best results of GFC treatment and hair PRP benefits, consult the senior dermatologists at Mehektagul Dermaclinic and get a complete hair and scalp checkup. With the right treatment and medical support, you can experience healthy hair growth and luscious hair.
