PRP/GFC

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

The utility of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has spanned various fields of dermatology from chronic ulcer management to trichology and aesthetics. Platelets are cells in the blood that contain more than 30 bioactive proteins, many of which play a fundamental role in hemostasis or tissue healing.

About the procedure

10-15cc of a patient’s blood is withdrawn into a test tube coated with an anticoagulant. It is then placed in a centrifuge machine that separates the blood into different layers depending upon the specific gravity of individual cell components. This PRP contains platelets up to 5 times the concentration of the original blood sample. This is then injected into the required site – mostly in the scalp in cases of alopecia. Since PRP contains many growth factors such as platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) etc., it stimulates hair growth.

The PRP injection technique is a simple office procedure with no downtime. The patient can resume his/her daily activities after receiving a treatment session. At least 4-6 sessions are recommended every 3-4 weeks in order to obtain satisfactory results. In case of treatment for alopecia, the patient may notice visible results in the form of thicker, darker hair growth with increase in density.

Risks

Since the patient’s own blood is injected into the specific treatment area, side effects are negligible

• Pain during injection, which can be minimized using topical anaesthetic creams, vibrational device, cooling machine, ice or by giving a nerve block.
• Mild bruising.
• Infection, in rare instances if proper aseptic measures are not followed.

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Growth Factor Concentrate

Growth factor concentrate (GFC) is a biological product that contains a high concentration of growth factors, which are proteins that play a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Growth factors are naturally produced by the body and have a wide range of functions, including promoting tissue repair and regeneration, stimulating the immune system, and regulating cell differentiation during development.

GFC is typically derived from a patient's own blood or bone marrow, which is processed to isolate and concentrate the growth factors. The resulting product can then be injected or applied topically to promote tissue healing and regeneration in a variety of medical and cosmetic applications, such as wound healing, joint repair, and hair restoration.

This is relatively new innovation compared to PRP.

About the procedure

10-15cc of a patient’s blood is withdrawn into a test tube coated with an anticoagulant. Once the sample is obtained, it is processed to isolate the growth factors. This is typically done by centrifugation, which separates the blood or bone marrow into its different components based on density. The layer containing the growth factors is then collected and further processed to concentrate the growth factors.