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GFC (growth factor concentrate) treatment is a therapeutic approach that involves injecting a highly concentrated preparation of a person’s own blood into their scalp or skin to promote tissue regeneration and repair.
According to several experts, GFC treatment is a safe and effective therapy for various dermatological and cosmetic issues. This treatment involves injecting GFC into the patient’s scalp or skin. The therapy provides a high concentration of a person’s growth factors to the layers of the skin, facilitating regeneration and repair.
Experts explain how GFC treatment is not associated with any serious side effects. Although mild ones in some cases can be observed such as swelling, pain at injection sites, and bruising.
A published study found that GFC treatment improved the appearance of facial wrinkles and skin texture in 90% of participants without any significant side effects. Another study reported that GFC treatment effectively promoted hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia with no significant side effects. (1)(2)
This article will provide detailed information about GFC treatment and its reported symptoms.
Side Effects of GFC Treatment in Various Cases
Here are some possible side effects which may arise as a result of getting a GFC treatment.
1. No serious side effects for androgenetic alopecia
Research has deemed GFC as a novel and safe treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
GFC treatment decreases hair fall and enhances hair thickness and volume. Studies conclude that the use of GFC treatment for AGA is efficacious and safe with no serious side effects reported. (3)(1)
2. No reported side effects for smile/laugh lines
Research has presented strong evidence that supports the use of GFC for nasolabial folds (also known as smile lines). Studies conclude that a single application of GFC is highly effective and safe for nasolabial folds with no reported side effects.
Moreover, growth factors have been known to be an efficacious therapy for facial wrinkles. A study evaluated the effect of GFC in patients with nasolabial folds. The majority of subjects showed superior improvements after GFC treatment at the end of the study. (2)
3. Mild postoperative pain for bone defects
GFC is an incredible agent for promoting bone healing in bony defects caused by periodontal disease, trauma, and infection.
Research shows that GFC therapy may be a simple and useful method of enhancing the healing of bone defects. It is because GFC has a significant impact on almost all stages of bone graft healing.
The study presented case studies of GFC use in treating bone defects, where mild postoperative pain and swelling were observed in some patients but no serious side effect such as bleeding was reported. (4)
4. Very minimal side effects for melasma
GFC is a good treatment option for melasma, which is a skin disorder where pigmented patches and spots develop on the face. This condition is pretty common but is often confused with other skin conditions.
A study was conducted to assess the potential effects of GFC therapy for the treatment of melasma. The study reported that only mild side effects were observed by the patients that resolved by themselves within a few days of onset. These include: (5)
- Injection site pain
- Erythema
- Edema
- Bruising
How Is GFC Treatment Done?
The specific procedure for getting GFC treatment may vary depending on the medical facility and the individual patient’s needs. However, the following steps are generally involved:
- Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider who specializes in regenerative medicine. During the consultation, the provider will evaluate the patient’s medical history and condition to determine if GFC treatment is a suitable option.
- Blood draw: If the provider determines that GFC treatment is appropriate, the patient will need to have a blood draw. The blood sample will be used to extract platelet-rich plasma, which will be used to extract GFC.
- GFC preparation: The plasma is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and growth factors from other blood components. The resulting solution is the GFC.
- Injection: Once the GFC is prepared, it is injected directly into the affected area. For example, if the patient is receiving GFC treatment for knee osteoarthritis, the injection would be administered into the knee joint.
- Follow-up: After the injection, the patient will typically need to follow up with the healthcare provider to monitor the treatment’s effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
It’s important to note that GFC treatment is not appropriate for all medical conditions, and individual patient outcomes can vary. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider to determine if GFC treatment is a suitable option for their specific needs.
How Does GFC Treatment Work for the Hair and Skin?
GFC treatment is a therapeutic approach that has been shown to promote hair and skin regeneration and repair. The therapy involves injecting a highly concentrated preparation of a person’s own blood into their scalp or skin, which is rich in growth factors that promote tissue healing and regeneration.
Research suggests that GFC treatment works by stimulating the growth and proliferation of cells that are essential for hair and skin regeneration. Experts found that GFC therapy promotes hair growth by increasing the proliferation of hair follicle cells and enhancing the expression of growth factors that are critical for hair follicle development.
Similarly, professionals report that GFC treatment improves skin texture and reduces wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins that are essential for skin health. (1)(2)
How Do GFC and PRP Differ, and Which Is Better?
Both GFC and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) lead to significant improvement based on the Global Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Treatment (GAIS) in various clinical studies. (GAIS is a commonly used measurement tool that assesses the overall effectiveness of a treatment based on patient-reported outcomes.)
GFC is a concentrated solution of growth factors drawn from your blood that is derived from platelet activation. In PRP treatment, platelet-rich plasma, platelet-poor plasma, and other red blood cells are obtained from your blood. Only platelet-rich plasma is used at the end.
Some studies have suggested that GFC may be more effective than PRP in certain cases.
One study found that both PRP and GFC treatments were effective in improving hair growth and reducing hair loss in patients with AGA. However, the GFC treatment group showed a greater improvement in hair density and thickness compared to the PRP group.
The study concluded that both PRP and GFC treatments are effective options for treating AGA, with GFC potentially offering superior results.
Also, the number of sittings required is less with GFC as compared to that of PRP, and the results are more consistent with GFC. Experts say this may be because GFC contains a more diverse array of regenerative cells and molecules than PRP, which may make it a more potent and effective form of regenerative medicine for some conditions.
That being said, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of both PRP and GFC can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the specific medical condition being treated, the patient’s individual health status, and the expertise of the healthcare provider administering the treatment.
Ultimately, the choice between PRP and GFC should be made based on the individual patient’s needs and the healthcare provider’s clinical judgment. Both treatments have been shown to be safe and effective for a variety of conditions, and the best option for a given patient should be determined through careful evaluation and discussion between the patient and their healthcare provider. (2)(6)
Most-Asked Questions About GFC Treatment
What causes melasma?
Melasma can be caused by:
- Sunlight exposure
- Cosmetics
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal treatment
- Phototoxic drugs
- Medication side effects
- Genetic factors
Is GFC expensive?
Although GFC treatment is a superior alternative to PRP, it is a very affordable therapy.
Final Word
Based on the present evidence and related sources, growth factor concentrate treatment is highly effective and safe for conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, bone defects, and skin disorders with little to no side effects. It is possibly a better and cheaper alternative to traditional PRP therapy.
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