GFC for Hair Treatment in Auckland: What It Is, Benefits & How It Works

Hair loss is one of the most common complaints today. It can occur in various patterns, including diffuse hair thinning, circular bald spots or patches, and sudden shedding of hair in handfuls. This extensive hair fall can be temporary or permanent and may result from multiple factors such as extreme stress, genetics, aging, hormonal changes, poor hair styling, unhealthy diets, medication side effects, radiation therapy, or underlying illnesses.

The good news is that this concern can be addressed with a variety of hair treatments. One of the innovative therapies offered at our Hair Clinic in North Shore, Auckland, is GFC hair treatment. GFC is a hair restoration treatment that uses your own regenerative proteins, extracted from blood, and injected to stimulate hair growth.

This blog provides insight into GFC for hair loss, including how it works, its benefits, the procedure, candidacy, aftercare, and potential risks. We hope the information here helps you make a well-informed decision.

What is GFC?

GFC, short for Growth Factor Concentrate, is a highly safe preparation of all-natural growth factors found in blood plasma. These factors are released by activated blood platelets. Blood platelets are a storehouse of various growth factors. Using a special kit, these growth factors can be extracted from the blood and used to improve skin and hair health. GFC is particularly beneficial for hair loss and promoting hair growth.

In GFC hair treatment, the growth factor preparation is injected directly into the hair roots to address extensive hair fall or loss.

How Does GFC Hair Treatment Work?

In GFC treatment for hair, different growth factors are engineered from the patient’s blood. The growth factors and their roles in treating hair loss include:

• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Encourages the mitogenesis of epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells, allowing hair cells to proliferate and regenerate. It also aids in co-stimulation of angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels.

  
  

• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Controls perifollicular angiogenesis and increases the size of blood vessels during the anagen phase, which is the growth phase of the hair growth cycle.

  
  

• Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF): Stimulates vascularization and angiogenesis. It supports the mitogenesis of epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells and fosters the chemotaxis of fibroblasts.

  
  

• Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): Maintains, stimulates, and promotes hair growth. It also helps in stimulating angiogenesis.

  
  

GFC for hair growth is based on the concept of PRP hair therapy, where the body's natural healing ability is harnessed. GFC offers more effective hair restoration than PRP hair therapy because it uses purified growth factors.

Benefits of GFC Hair Treatment

Natural hair growth stimulation has many advantages. The benefits of GFC hair treatment include:

• Reduced hair fall

• Stronger and rejuvenated hair roots and follicles

• Growth of healthy, shinier, smoother, fuller, and thicker hair

• Highly stable GFC injection preparation

• Early, optimal results due to injections containing pure growth factors (no unwanted blood cells)

• Ideal for those suffering from early-stage alopecia

• Safe and effective for both men and women

• Minimal risk of infection or allergies due to the use of sterile and natural growth factor preparation

• Requires only a few sessions

• Least discomfort and minimal side effects

• Boosts confidence and self-esteem

• No significant downtime

  
  

GFC for hair loss is more beneficial than PRP hair therapy, providing comprehensive benefits of tissue regeneration. However, it is advisable to consult a Trichologist to confirm the most suitable treatment option based on the extent of hair loss and other individual factors.

GFC Treatment for Hair Loss: What Does the Procedure Involve?

Whether one needs GFC for hair restoration or GFC for thinning hair, here are the procedural steps involved:

1. Collection of the patient’s blood: A small portion of blood (roughly 16 mL) is drawn from the patient’s arm using a sterile syringe.

   
   

2. Extraction of growth factors: The collected blood is transferred to GFC tubes. The tubes are inverted 6 to 10 times to mix the blood with the platelet activator and then kept undisturbed in an upright position for about 30 minutes. Next, the tubes are spun at specific RPM and temperature to separate the activated blood platelets from other blood components.

   
   

3. Isolation of growth factors: Using a sterile syringe, the layer of pure growth factors just beneath the GFC tubes is collected. The final output is around 6-8 ml, ready for injection.

   
   

4. Injecting of growth factors: The targeted area of the scalp is properly disinfected. The GFC injection is then administered to stimulate dormant, weak hair follicles to grow healthy, new hair.

   
   

Who is a Good Candidate for GFC Hair Treatment?

Suitable GFC hair treatment candidates include:

• Individuals experiencing early or intermediate hair loss or thinning

• Men and women with a healthy scalp and normal skin sensitivity

• Healthy young adults with realistic expectations

• Those seeking non-surgical hair loss solutions

  
  

GFC treatment is beneficial for treating alopecia due to fluctuating hormones, genetics, or other reasons. Consult with our team to learn more about this hair loss treatment suitability and confirm if it's feasible for you.

GFC for Hair: Aftercare and Maintenance

GFC hair treatment recovery is usually short, taking around 12-24 hours. To achieve optimal and quick results, patients need to follow proper post-treatment care for hair. A minor mistake during the healing period could lead to potential harm and the procedure could fail.

Key GFC aftercare instructions include:

• Avoid strenuous activities, swimming, and direct sun or heat exposure.

• Drink adequate water daily to stay hydrated.

• Avoid using hair products for a few hours and thereafter use dermatologist-prescribed shampoo and conditioner to wash hair.

• A cold compress can be applied to reduce discomfort and swelling.

• Avoid hair coloring or perming for the initial 3 days.

• Do not use a brush to comb hair for the first 24 hours.

• Avoid caffeine intake for a minimum of 3 days following the treatment.

  
  

Risks and Considerations of GFC Treatment for Hair

GFC hair treatment is generally a safe remedy for hair loss. However, some side effects, usually mild and temporary, may occur. Patients should be aware of these potential effects so they can be properly managed. Commonly reported side effects of GFC for hair include mild and temporary redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.

Get Your GFC Treatment for Hair Loss

GFC hair treatment is one of the innovative, non-surgical hair restoration options that is safe and effective for treating alopecia. It leverages natural growth factors to boost hair regrowth. The procedure helps reduce hair fall, improve hair density and quality, and strengthen hair follicles with minimal discomfort. It can deliver significant outcomes with fewer sessions. If you are seeking this therapy, schedule a GFC hair treatment consultation at Hair Again Clinic and receive the best, tailored treatment plan.

FAQs on GFC Hair Treatment

Is GFC for Hair Loss a Permanent Solution?

• No. GFC treatment can significantly improve hair thickness and density, but ongoing maintenance sessions are required to sustain results. If sessions are stopped, hair loss may return to its previous pattern.

  
  

Are There Any Side Effects of GFC Hair Treatment?

• GFC hair treatment has minimal side effects and risks if performed by a licensed, experienced dermatologist. Patients should sincerely follow aftercare instructions. Potential side effects include redness, swelling, burning sensation, tenderness at the injection site, and mild rash.

  
  

How Many Sessions of GFC Are Needed for Best Results?

• Most dermatology experts recommend undergoing a series of 3 to 6 treatment sessions, typically spaced 30 to 45 days apart.

  
  

How Long Does It Take to See Results from GFC Hair Treatment?

• The outcome of GFC hair treatment usually starts to be noticeable in 3 to 6 months. However, optimal results are expected to appear in about a year. The exact time for results to be visible depends on the patient’s diet, lifestyle choices, and stress levels.

  
  

Can GFC Hair Treatment Be Combined with Other Hair Restoration Methods?

• Yes. GFC hair treatment can be combined with other hair restoration treatments like PRP hair therapy, hair mesotherapy, scalp microneedling, and hair transplant to enhance overall results.

  
  

Want to find out more about GFC and our other treatments? Book a consultation with us.