Growth Factor Injections

At My Concierge MD, we are excited about the various growth factor injection therapies that are currently being studied and their possible therapeutic role in the treatment of certain conditions in the future. Growth factor injections including platelet rich plasma injections, platelet rich fibrin injections, growth hormone therapy, peptide therapy, exosome therapy, mesenchymal stem cells, umbillical cord stem cells, and whartons jelly have the potential to treat a variety of conditions and ailments. Some of these therapies are currently not FDA approved in the treatment of specific conditions.

Our facility is currently studying the different literature and administration of these growth factor therapies. We work closely with each patient to understand the possible role these regenerative medicine therapies can have.

Simply put, a growth factor is a group of proteins that can affect the growth of cells [1]. It can promote or stop cell division and can affect the development of different types of cells. It stimulates the growth and differentiation of specific tissues in humans, plants, insects, and amphibians.

Growth factors act as diffusible signaling proteins that can be secreted by neighboring cells, distant tissues, and even tumor cells themselves. They play important roles in promoting cellular differentiation and division, tissue repair, cell rejuvenation, survival, and inflammation.

They can promote or inhibit mitosis and affect genetic expression, ultimately regulating cell cycle progression.

What is a growth factor injection?

A natural growth factor injection or biological growth factor injection is a medical procedure that consists of injecting a solution containing growth factors into specific areas of the body to stimulate tissue growth, regeneration, and repair. Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that play a crucial role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation.

During this medical procedure, a solution containing growth factors is injected directly into the targeted tissue or organ such as hair, skin, muscle, tendons, and joints. The growth factors then bind to receptors on the surface of cells, triggering a cascade of cellular events that promote tissue growth and repair.

Growth factor injections are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including bone fractures, joint pain, muscle injuries, tendonitis, chronic wounds, hair loss, and for skin rejuvenation purposes.

There are different types of growth factors used in injections, and the specific type and concentration depend on the condition being treated. Some growth factors used in injections include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).

Growth factor injection for skin rejuvenation

Biological growth factor injections involve the use of growth factors extracted from a patient’s blood, which are then converted into a gel and injected into targeted areas to stimulate skin renewal and add volume. The growth factors can also be administered via microneedling, allowing topical solutions to penetrate deeply into the skin for increased effectiveness. This treatment is a natural and effective method for achieving a more youthful appearance.

During the procedure, a patient’s blood is collected and processed in a centrifuge to separate the growth factors from the rest of the blood. The resulting gel can then be injected into the skin as a dermal filler, often referred to as a vampire facelift. As the treatment uses the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of allergic reaction, and the results are long-lasting, typically lasting up to two years.

Biological growth factor injections can be used to treat static wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and to add volume to thinning or sagging skin. The treatment is particularly beneficial for those who are beginning to see the effects of aging and gravity. Recovery time is minimal, and side effects are generally mild and temporary, including bruising, swelling, and redness around the injection site, similar to other dermal fillers.

Biological Growth Factor injections in Hair Restorations

Men and women who are experiencing hair loss can benefit from the use of biological growth factors to stimulate hair follicle growth. These growth factors are administered via injection into the scalp, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with a hair transplant procedure. The growth factors aid in hair growth, accelerate the healing process, and enhance the regenerative cell activity of recently transplanted hair follicles.

For optimal results, a series of biological growth factor treatments are usually required over several months. This approach has been shown to be effective in stimulating hair growth and restoring thinning or balding areas of the scalp.

Microneedling with Biological Growth Factors:

Microneedling is a popular procedure that effectively addresses fine lines, wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, and uneven texture. When combined with biological growth factors, the treatment produces even more significant results with a faster healing time due to the additional boost of tissue-regenerating cells. After the microneedling procedure, biological growth factors are topically applied to the skin, taking advantage of the tiny openings created by the microneedles to penetrate the skin and target deeper tissues for optimal results.

Overall, combining microneedling with biological growth factors can provide remarkable improvements to the appearance of the skin, resulting in a smoother, rejuvenated, and more youthful complexion.

Types of growth factors

Some growth factors are small peptides called cytokines. While all cytokines affect signal transduction pathways, only those cytokines affecting cell growth/differentiation signaling pathways are considered growth factors.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is an example of a cytokine growth factor since it promotes the production of white blood cells by regenerative cells [2].

Here are some common growth factors that are used for therapy:

• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): For cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival
• Fibroblast growth factor (FGF): Promotes the wound healing process
• Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF): Boosts cell growth and division and wound healing
• Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1): Used for thickening of the skin
• Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß): For collagen production and wound-healing
• Nerve growth factor (NGF): Supports growth, survival, and maintenance of nerve cells.

How are growth factor injections created?

Growth factor injections are created by drawing platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s own blood products and using a centrifuge to concentrate and separate out the platelets. The growth factors are then extracted from the concentrated plasma.

These growth factors can be given to patients in larger doses than the body would naturally produce and are typically administered through subcutaneous injections.

How long does the growth factor take to work?

It depends on the type of growth factor being used. Hematopoietic growth factors, which help the bone marrow make new blood cells, can have varied customer results, with an average increase of 1-2 inches within 2-3 months at the least.

Results can be further enhanced when intake of GFP is accompanied by a healthy diet, enough sleep, regular stretching, and exercise. On the other hand, growth factors applied topically to the skin can show results after 4-6 weeks of continuous use.

What are the benefits of growth factor injections?

• Reduced fine lines
• Removes acne scars and stretch marks
• Smooth skin tone
• Improved elasticity and firmness of the skin
• Tightened pores
• Fights alopecia and stimulates hair growth

Studies showed that injections of autologous growth factors (whole blood and cell therapy) in patients with chronic tendinopathy had a significant impact on improving pain and/or function over time [3].

VEGF is a crucial factor for initiating and promoting the abnormal growth of new retinal blood vessels (neovascularization) as occurs in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration [4].

What are the side effects of G-CSF injections?

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) injections can have various side effects. Some of the common side effects include :

G-CSF injections can also make some regenerative cells move from the bone marrow into the blood, leading to changes in the skin, hair loss, anemia, and difficulty breathing.

What is the difference between growth factor injections and platelet cell therapy injection?

The main difference between growth factor injections and Platelet cell therapy lies in their composition and concentration. Platelet cell therapy is produced by spinning the blood in a centrifuge so that it separates into platelets and plasma. Platelet cell therapy contains 2-5 times the concentrated platelets, while platelet-rich fibrin contains a 10-times concentration.

On the other hand, growth factor injections may contain a variety of growth factors and proteins unrelated to platelets, and their concentration may vary depending on the specific injection.

How much do growth factor injections cost?

It can take anywhere from $500 to $1000 monthly. The cost varies based on the prescription and the required dosage. Men typically require a lower dose compared to women, resulting in lower costs for men.

Medications such as Somatropin and Norditropin are commonly used for the treatment of low growth hormone levels, growth failure, and short stature, with prices ranging from $1,210 to $2,223.

These factors are administered to patients through subcutaneous injections under the skin.

Are growth factor injections painful?

You typically won’t feel the pain during the injections. However, the GF-induced inflammatory response can result in soreness at the injection site after being injected. Patients report having soreness and swelling during the first 48 hours after the injection.

Is the growth factor better than Platelet cell therapy?

A study was conducted to compare growth factor release over time from platelet cell therapy, platelet-rich fibrin, and a modernized protocol for platelet rich fibrin.

The result showed that A platelet rich fibrin released significantly higher total protein accumulated over a 10-day period when compared to or Platelet rich fibrin or platelet cell therapy [5].

Platelet cell therapy releases higher proteins at earlier time points, which may accelerate healing time for injuries and promote hair restoration. However, the study did not directly compare the effectiveness of platelet rich growth factor treatments, so it cannot be determined if the growth factor is better than platelet cell therapy.

Growth factor injections near me

My Concierge MD, Beverly Hills, offers the best growth factor treatment near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.

References:

1. Stone WL, Leavitt L, Varacallo M. Physiology, Growth Factor. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442024/

2. Stone WL, Leavitt L, Varacallo M. Physiology, Growth Factor. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442024/

3. de Vos RJ, van Veldhoven PL, Moen MH, Weir A, Tol JL, Maffulli N. Autologous growth factor injections in chronic tendinopathy: a systematic review. Br Med Bull. 2010;95:63-77. doi: 10.1093/bmb/ldq006. Epub 2010 Mar 2. PMID: 20197290.

4. Stone WL, Leavitt L, Varacallo M. Physiology, Growth Factor. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442024/

5. Kobayashi E, Flückiger L, Fujioka-Kobayashi M, Sawada K, Sculean A, Schaller B, Miron RJ. Comparative release of growth factors from platelet fibrin and platelet cell therapy. Clin Oral Investig. 2016 Dec;20(9):2353-2360. doi: 10.1007/s00784-016-1719-1. Epub 2016 Jan 25. PMID: 26809431.