What is GFC Therapy?
GFC — Growth Factor Concentrate — is an advanced hair restoration treatment that takes the science behind plasma-derived growth factor therapy one step further. While standard plasma therapy uses a broad mix of growth factors, GFC uses a specialised activation process to extract a highly concentrated, purified preparation of specific growth factors: PDGF, VEGF, EGF, and TGF-β. The result is a formulation that delivers a significantly higher concentration of the growth factors most responsible for stimulating hair follicle activity — without the inflammatory components found in conventional plasma therapy. At Panache in Delhi, Dr. Ankit Gupta offers GFC therapy as a premium hair restoration option, particularly for patients who want the most advanced non-surgical approach to hair thinning and loss.
GFC vs Standard Plasma Therapy — What's the Difference?
Both treatments are derived from your own blood, but GFC represents a meaningful upgrade in concentration, purity, and consistency.
- Higher growth factor concentration — GFC typically delivers 2–3× more growth factors than standard plasma therapy
- Platelet-free — the final GFC preparation contains isolated growth factors without platelets or red blood cells, reducing injection-site inflammation
- Standardised output — the activation process produces a more consistent, predictable result regardless of the patient's baseline platelet count
- Better tolerated — less post-injection redness and swelling on the scalp compared to conventional plasma therapy
- Fewer sessions needed — most GFC protocols require 4 sessions vs 6+ for standard plasma therapy
- Suitable for a broader range of patients, including those with lower platelet counts where standard plasma yield may be suboptimal
The Procedure
GFC therapy at Panache is an in-clinic procedure completed in under an hour, with no downtime required.
A small amount of blood (20–30ml) is drawn from your arm — comparable to a routine blood test.
The blood is processed using a specialised GFC kit that activates platelets to release and concentrate growth factors into a purified preparation — no centrifuge spinning required.
A topical anaesthetic is applied to the scalp and local injections ensure a comfortable, essentially painless experience.
The GFC preparation is injected across the thinning areas of the scalp using a fine needle, targeting the follicular units directly.
Results & Protocol
GFC therapy works by delivering growth factors directly to the hair follicle, reactivating the dormant growth phase (anagen), improving blood supply to the follicular unit, and strengthening the hair shaft from the root.
- Standard protocol: 4 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart
- Maintenance: 1 session every 4–6 months to sustain results
- Initial results visible from 8–12 weeks; full results by 4–6 months
- Works best for early to moderate androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
- Effective for both men and women experiencing thinning
- Can be combined with hair transplant surgery to improve graft survival
- Can be combined with minoxidil or finasteride for enhanced results
GFC therapy is not effective for completely bald areas where follicles are no longer present. It works best for areas with existing, though thinning, hair. Dr. Ankit will assess your suitability during consultation.
Aftercare
Recovery after GFC therapy is minimal. Most patients return to work and daily activities immediately after the session.
- Mild tenderness or tightness on the scalp may be present for 24 hours
- Avoid washing hair for 12 hours after treatment
- Avoid swimming pools, steam rooms, or direct sun exposure on the scalp for 48 hours
- Avoid harsh chemical hair treatments (colours, relaxers) for 5 days
- Do not use blood-thinning medications or alcohol for 24 hours before and after sessions
Cost
GFC therapy pricing at Panache varies based on the treatment area, number of sessions planned, and whether it is combined with other hair restoration treatments. A personalised quote is provided after your consultation with Dr. Ankit Gupta.
