GFC

Introduction to GFC for Hair

Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) for hair is an innovative treatment derived from the patient’s own blood, designed to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. By concentrating vital growth factors, GFC effectively revitalizes hair follicles and promotes thicker, healthier hair. Unlike traditional methods, GFC offers a minimally invasive, natural approach to combat hair loss. It’s particularly beneficial for conditions like androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. As a cutting-edge solution in regenerative medicine, GFC leverages the body’s own healing capabilities to restore and enhance hair density and quality.

What is GFC?

Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) is an advanced regenerative therapy that uses the patient’s own blood to concentrate and deliver growth factors directly to the scalp. The growth factors are- Epidermal growth factor, platelet derived growth factor,Vascular endothelial growth factor, Fibroblast growth factor. These growth factors play a pivotal role in stimulating hair follicles, promoting hair growth, and improving overall scalp health.

It is free from cells and cell membranes, exogenous reagents and chemicals.

It contains various signaling proteins like- non inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, adhesive protein and basal proteins. These proteins help to proliferate fibroblasts, cell migration and MMp and neo-collagenosis.

How Does GFC Differ from Other Hair Restoration Treatments?

GFC stands out from other hair restoration treatments due to its high concentration of growth factors, offering enhanced potency compared to Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). Unlike medications or hair transplants, GFC leverages the body’s natural healing processes, making it a minimally invasive and autologous option without the risks of synthetic products or surgery.

• Stimulates Hair Follicles: Encourages dormant hair follicles to enter the active growth phase.
• Improves Hair Density and Thickness: Leads to fuller, thicker hair.
• Enhances Scalp Health: Reduces inflammation and supports a healthy scalp environment.
• Minimally Invasive: Simple procedure with minimal downtime.
• Natural and Safe: Uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
• Promotes the new blood vessels formation .
• Promote the hair follicles to enter and extend the anagen phase.
• No unwanted cells injected
• Safe and sterile
• Ideal for both men and women.

Scientific Basis of GFC in Hair Growth

Role of Growth Factors in Hair Follicle Health

Growth factors are proteins that regulate various cellular processes. Key growth factors involved in hair growth include:

• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF): Promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis, essential for nourishing hair follicles.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Enhances blood supply to hair follicles, supporting their function and growth.
• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Stimulates cell growth and differentiation, crucial for follicle development.
• Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF): Plays a role in the development and maintenance of hair follicles.

Mechanisms of Action in Promoting Hair Growth

GFC works by delivering a concentrated dose of these growth factors directly to the scalp, where they:

• Activate Dormant Follicles: Growth factors help stimulate hair follicles that are in the dormant (telogen) phase, encouraging them to enter the active (anagen) growth phase.
• Enhance Blood Flow: VEGF improves blood circulation in the scalp, ensuring follicles receive adequate oxygen and nutrients.
• Reduce Inflammation: Growth factors have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce scalp inflammation, which can inhibit hair growth.
• Promote Cellular Repair and Growth: GFC accelerates the repair and regeneration of cells in the scalp and hair follicles.

Preparation and Procedure

Steps in GFC Preparation

1. Blood Collection: A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, typically around 20-30 milliliters.
2. Resting this sample of blood in special GFC collection tubes for 30 mts , depending on the type of preparation.
3. Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate its components, isolating the growth factors by activation of platelets.
4. Concentration of Growth Factors: The platelet-rich plasma undergoes further processing to release the growth factors, resulting in the GFC.
5. Collecting this GFC for injection into the scalp, which contains  mostly PDGF,VEGF,EGF,and IGF-1.

Detailed Treatment Procedure.

      Precautions before the procedure –

1. Avoid aspirin and any other anticoagulants at least 3 days before the procedure.
2. Routine screening tests must be done , as per the doctor’s advice.
3. Check for any local infection of the scalp.

On the day of the procedure –

Have a hair wash at home and bring your blood tests.

Have your regular breakfast or lunch. 

The procedure generally  takes approximately 1 hour, after that you can resume your daily routine work.  

1. Preparation: The scalp is cleaned, and a numbing agent may be applied to ensure patient comfort.
2. Injection: GFC is carefully injected into the areas of the scalp experiencing hair thinning or loss using fine needles.
3. Generally GFC needs 3-4 sittings with booster injections afterwards.
4. Sessions are spaced nearly with 1 month to 45 days interval.

Post-Treatment Care and Expectations

• Avoid Hair Washing: Patients are usually advised to avoid washing their hair for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid topical minoxidil  or any other serum applications for 3 days.
• Avoid vigorous exercise,  heat or sona bath for 3 days. 
• Minimal Downtime: Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately, with some experiencing mild soreness or swelling.

Gradual Results: Improvements in hair growth and thickness typically become noticeable after a few weeks, with optimal results seen after multiple sessions.