Introduction
PRP and GFC treatments have emerged as two popular tissue repair and regeneration options in regenerative medicine. Dermatologists mostly recommend either of these two treatments for regenerative purposes, especially for hair growth.
While PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, GFC stands for Growth Factor Concentrate. Both therapies promote tissue regeneration using the body’s natural healing properties. Both provide optimum results for healthy hair growth.
So, which one is better, between GFC and PRP hair treatment? Keep reading this article to know!
What is PRP Hair Treatment?
PRP is used for many concerns requiring tissue healing and rejuvenation.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a substance that enhances the healing process when it is injected. Plasma is your blood component with special proteins helping in your blood clotting. Some of these proteins promote cell growth.
PRP therapy involves injecting PRP into damaged tissues, stimulating your body to grow new healthy cells. In turn, it promotes healing.
Those facing premature hair loss can benefit from PRP hair treatment. It can effectively promote new hair growth and enhance your appearance.
The PRP treatment stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss by utilizing your body’s proteins, stem cells, and growth factors.
What is GFC Hair Treatment?
GFC hair treatment is a highly safe and dedicated treatment that involves generating growth factors from your blood for the best results in treating your hair loss.
During the procedure, medical professionals apply growth factors directly to the hair roots by superficially injecting them into the scalp.
The GFC treatment not only helps prevent hair loss but also stimulates hair growth, enhances the thickness of hair follicles, and boosts the overall number of hairs.
What Growth Factors Does GFC Treatment Rely On?
Our platelets store various growth factors which support regeneration and tissue repair. These growth factors also contribute to stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): It boosts the growth of new blood vessels. It controls perifollicular angiogenesis in hair and enhances perifollicular vessel size during anagen.
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): It supports the growth and repair of hair cells. It multiplies specific types of cells in the body, surrounding tissues, and outer layers. In addition, it also promotes new blood vessel formation.
- Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF): PDGF promotes hair growth and enhances blood vessel formation. It aids in the multiplication of stem and endothelial cells and the growth and movement of fibroblasts.
- Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): It contributes to the development of hair follicles, accelerates hair growth, and stimulates angiogenesis.
Comparative Analysis: Benefits of PRP & GFC
Advantages of PRP Hair Treatment
- PRP injections can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. The growth factors present in the plasma help nourish the hair follicles, improve their health, and encourage the development of new hair strands.
- PRP treatment is a suitable treatment for men who are more susceptible to hair loss. Women with thinning hair can also benefit from this treatment.
- PRP procedure offers hope for restoring hair loss caused by stress, sudden weather changes, unhealthy eating and lifestyle choices, and even harsh hair products.
- Anybody suffering from alopecia should consider PRP treatment. It strengthens hair.
- It is a safe procedure as there are no incisions needed in this procedure. Additionally, since the PRP treatment utilizes an individual’s blood, there are no allergy risks.
Advantages of GFC Hair Treatment
- GFC treatment reduces hair fall and makes your hair thicker and fuller in volume.
- It is appropriate for individuals of all genders. The blood is extracted using a syringe, and the growth factor is carefully analyzed to create a contamination-free treatment called GFC for hair.
- The growth factors present in GFC treatments can help improve scalp health by reducing inflammation, balancing sebum production, and promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.
- It is a suited treatment for individuals suffering from alopecia.
- Unlike the PRP treatment, the process generates no additional blood cells.
- GFC can produce outcomes in fewer sessions.
Ideal Candidate for PRP Hair Loss Treatment
Individuals with a good density of hair follicles are ideal candidates for PRP hair treatment.
However, people with the following conditions may not be suitable for PRP injections:
- Active scalp infection
- Autoimmune disorders
- Low platelet count
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic skin condition
- Bleeding or blood clotting disorders
Efficacy of PRP and GFC
While PRP treatment can provide long-lasting results, the longevity of its effects depends on factors such as age, the extent of hair loss, and the underlying cause. In addition, doctors often combine PRP therapy with medications for optimum results.
The results of PRP hair treatment are usually seen after the third session. The required number of sessions depends on the severity of the condition. Typically, there is a five to six weeks interval between sessions. You may need maintenance sessions after the procedure for long-lasting results.
On the other hand, according to a study conducted on a group of healthy males and females with androgenetic alopecia, GFC provided 83% positive results.
Whether it is PRP or GFC treatment, it is critical that a doctor investigates the underlying cause of your hair fall, e.g., dandruff, hormonal issues, or nutritional deficiencies, and corrects it for optimal results.
Conclusion: PRP vs. GFC Hair Treatments
PRP and GFC hair treatments are hailed as the two most successful non-surgical hair loss treatments by renowned dermatologists across the globe. Both treatments are considered minimally invasive and safe in general.
GFC and PRP treatments provide optimum results in the long run. However, GFC treatment is usually more expensive than PRP hair treatment.
Before determining the hair treatment plan, discussing your concerns with a doctor and opting for the most suitable treatment plan that satisfies your needs is important.