About
Hair thinning can have many underlying causes, from genetics and hormones to stress and nutritional factors — which is why an accurate diagnosis matters before starting any hair restoration treatment. GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) is one of the non-surgical options available at Riva Skin, Hair & Aesthetics for people looking to address early to moderate hair thinning.
What Is GFC Hair Loss Treatment?
GFC stands for Growth Factor Concentrate — a treatment that uses concentrated growth factors derived from your own blood to help support the scalp environment where hair follicles grow. A small blood sample is drawn and processed in a controlled lab process to isolate and concentrate these growth factors, which are then injected into the scalp in the areas of concern.
Because GFC is derived from your own blood, it's considered a biocompatible option, meaning the risk of allergic reaction is minimal compared to treatments using external or synthetic substances.
How Does GFC Work?
Hair follicles need a healthy scalp environment to function properly — adequate blood supply, nutrients, and signalling molecules that support the hair growth cycle. GFC introduces a concentrated dose of growth factors directly to the scalp, which is intended to help:
Support the hair follicle's growth phase
Improve the scalp's micro-environment around thinning areas
Complement the hair's natural growth cycle over a course of sessions
GFC is typically most relevant for early-stage or moderate pattern hair thinning, rather than areas with long-standing, complete hair loss — a scalp assessment during consultation will clarify what's realistic for your specific case.
The GFC Procedure — Step by Step
Consultation & scalp assessment — Dr. Priyanka examines your scalp and discusses your hair loss pattern, history, and goals to determine if GFC is suitable, or whether it should be combined with other treatments.
Blood draw — A small sample of blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
Processing — The sample is processed to concentrate the growth factors.
Scalp preparation — The scalp is cleansed, and a topical numbing agent may be applied to improve comfort.
Injection — The concentrated growth factors are injected into the scalp across the treatment area using fine needles.
Aftercare guidance — You'll receive specific instructions on scalp care for the following days.
The full appointment typically takes under an hour, and most people return to normal activities the same day.
Who Might Consider GFC Treatment?
GFC may be worth discussing at a consultation if you're noticing:
Gradual thinning or reduced hair density
Early signs of pattern hair loss
A preference for a non-surgical option before considering more invasive treatments
GFC is not a substitute for a proper diagnosis — conditions like thyroid imbalances, iron deficiency, or scalp infections can also cause hair thinning and need to be ruled out or treated separately. Your dermatologist will confirm suitability after an in-person or remote consultation.
What to Expect: Downtime & Aftercare
Mild scalp tenderness, redness, or minor swelling at injection sites is common and usually settles within a day or two.
Most people can return to work and daily activities immediately.
You may be advised to avoid washing your hair for a short period immediately after treatment, and to avoid harsh chemical hair treatments for a few weeks — your dermatologist will confirm exact timelines.
A course of multiple sessions, spaced several weeks apart, is generally recommended for a full treatment cycle, followed by periodic maintenance sessions depending on your response.
GFC vs. PRP vs. QR678 — Which Is Right for You?
Riva offers three non-surgical, injection-based hair restoration options, and they're often confused with one another:
GFC — Concentrated growth factors isolated from your own blood
PRP — Platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
QR678 — A specially formulated mixture of hair growth factors (not blood-derived)
There's no single "best" option for everyone — the right choice depends on your specific hair loss pattern, scalp condition, and how your hair responds over time. Some treatment plans combine more than one approach. This is best determined at a consultation rather than self-selected.
See related treatments: PRP Hair Regrowth Treatment, QR678 Hair Growth Treatment, and Hair Botox for conditioning rather than regrowth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GFC hair loss treatment?
GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) uses concentrated growth factors derived from your own blood, injected into the scalp to help support the environment hair follicles need to grow.
How many sessions will I need?
Hair restoration treatments typically involve a course of multiple sessions spaced weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions — your dermatologist will design a plan specific to your degree of hair thinning.
Is GFC suitable for all types of hair loss?
GFC is generally considered most relevant for early to moderate pattern hair thinning; a scalp assessment during consultation will determine if it's right for your case, or whether another treatment or combination is more suitable.
When will I start seeing results?
Hair growth cycles are gradual by nature, so visible change typically takes a few months of consistent treatment; results vary by individual and shouldn't be expected immediately.
Is there any downtime after treatment?
Downtime is minimal — mild scalp tenderness or redness at injection sites can occur but usually resolves within a day or two.
Is GFC treatment painful?
A topical numbing agent is typically applied to the scalp beforehand, so most people find the discomfort manageable.
Concerned about hair thinning? Book a consultation with Dr. Priyanka to find out if GFC is right for you.