If you've been researching hair loss treatments in Pune, you've likely come across two names: GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). Both are injection-based, both use your own blood, and both claim to restore hair density. So what's the actual difference — and which one should you choose?
What is PRP?
PRP has been used in dermatology for over a decade. The process involves drawing a small quantity of blood, centrifuging it to separate the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting that concentrated plasma into the scalp. Platelets release growth factors that stimulate dormant hair follicles and improve blood supply to the scalp.
PRP is well-studied, widely available, and has shown consistent results for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and telogen effluvium — the stress or nutritional-triggered shedding that is among the most common causes of hair fall in women.
What is GFC?
GFC is a more refined evolution of PRP. Rather than injecting the full platelet-rich plasma, GFC uses a specialised activation kit to extract a concentrated cocktail of specific growth factors — including PDGF, VEGF, EGF, and IGF — directly from platelets before injection.
The result is a purer, higher-concentration preparation with fewer inflammatory components. Clinically, this often translates to less post-injection scalp discomfort, reduced redness, and a more targeted follicular stimulus per session.
How GFC and PRP compare
- Concentration: GFC delivers a more targeted growth factor dose. PRP includes a broader mix of plasma proteins, some of which are not directly relevant to follicle stimulation.
- Comfort: GFC typically causes less post-injection redness and swelling because fewer inflammatory mediators are present in the preparation.
- Number of sessions: Both require 4–6 sessions spaced around a month apart, with maintenance sessions based on individual response.
- Availability: GFC is newer and requires specific activation kits and a clinical protocol. Not all clinics offering PRP have transitioned to GFC.
- Cost: GFC is generally priced higher per session due to the specialised preparation involved.
Which should you choose?
The honest answer: it depends on the underlying cause of your hair loss — and no injection should be recommended before that cause is identified. Neither GFC nor PRP works well for scarring alopecias or advanced baldness. They are most effective at the early-to-mid stages of thinning, and only when the root driver is being addressed alongside the procedure.
A GFC or PRP session alone will not reverse poorly controlled thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or PCOS-related shedding. The injection is one component of a sequenced plan, not the plan itself.
At Eternis, every hair fall consultation begins with a thorough workup — bloodwork, trichoscopy, and a review of your medical history — before GFC therapy or PRP is recommended. A diagnosis-first approach prevents patients from cycling through treatments that do not address the actual problem.
What to expect from treatment
Results with both GFC and PRP are gradual. You are unlikely to see a visible difference after one session. Most patients notice reduced shedding after sessions 2–3, and improved density by months 4–6. Baseline photography at the start of treatment allows objective progress tracking — something we do routinely at the clinic.
If you've tried PRP elsewhere without satisfactory results, GFC may offer a more refined option. The more important question to ask first, however, is whether the diagnostic workup was thorough enough — and whether the treatment plan addressed the underlying cause, not just the symptom.
If you'd like an honest, diagnosis-led assessment of your hair loss, get in touch or book a consultation with Dr. Vijay Adhe directly.