GFIT (Growth Factor Induction Therapy) in South Africa
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At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates we use innovative GFIT treatments to help you achieve skin rejuvenation.
Growth factors can be used to reverse signs of ageing, promote collagen production, enhance the skin’s natural restorative process, healthy cirulation and stimulate cell turnover and renewal.
What is GFIT?
GFIT stands for Growth Factor Induction Therapy.
GFIT is used to supplement the skin with selected biotechnologically derived Growth Factors through the introduction of AQ Recovery Serum using the AQ Dermastamp to enhance penetration and intensify benefits.
Learn more about our approach and how GFIT works and contact us to book a consultation.
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Frequently asked questions about GFIT (Growth Factor Induction Therapy)
Our approach to GFIT:
At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, we prioritize healthy skin and utilize world-renowned technology and products to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our GFIT treatments are customized to address individual skin concerns and enhance long-term skin health.
Before any treatment, we conduct a comprehensive VISIA Skin Analysis and consultation to create a tailored skincare plan. Our team of experts possesses extensive knowledge and uses cutting-edge medical devices and products to achieve exceptional results in a safe and luxurious environment.
Each GFIT treatment is designed specifically for your skin type and concerns, targeting sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, uneven texture, and fine lines. By stimulating cell turnover, we help you achieve even-toned, healthy, and glowing skin.
How does GFIT work?
GFIT is used to supplement the skin with selected biotechnologically derived Growth Factors to reverse the signs of ageing and aid in skin cell turnover. During each GFIT treatment, an AQ Prescription Serum is infused into the skin to enhance the skin’s natural restorative process, promote collagen production, healthy circulation and cellular renewal.
AQ Dermastamp is also used to introduce channels into the skin and aid the delivery of these important growth factors directly into the dermis and provide faster, more dramatic results when compared to using the serum or microneedling as standalone treatments.
What are growth factors?
Growth factors refer to the diffusible signalling proteins that stimulate cell growth, differentiation, survival, inflammation, and tissue repair.
Who is the ideal candidate for GFIT?
Ideal candidates for GFIT treatments are individuals seeking to improve their skin’s overall appearance and address various concerns such as:
- Pigmentation
- Sun damage
- Hypo-pigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin crepiness
- Sagging skin around the mouth (jowls and smoker’s lines Age spots
- Dull sallow skin
- Dark circles
- Scars
- Stretch marks
- Rough/uneven skin texture
- Acne (even active, cystic acne
- Diabetic ulcers
- Chronic wounds
- Burns
The treatment is suitable for a wide range of skin types and conditions, making it a versatile solution for many skincare needs.
Before undergoing a GFIT treatment, it is essential to consult with a skincare professional to ensure that the treatment is appropriate for your specific needs. A thorough evaluation, including a VISIA Skin Analysis and detailed consultation, helps identify any potential contraindications and create a customized treatment plan.
Which areas can be treated with GFIT treatments?
GFIT treatments can be used to treat a range of skin concerns on the face, neck, and chest, and can also be used to help achieve and maintain healthy hair growth.
How is a GFIT treatment performed?
GFIT treatments are performed by licensed skincare specialists in a clean, medical environment.
Before the treatment, a comprehensive examination including a VISIA Skin Analysis and consultation with the skincare specialist is conducted to determine the patient’s skin type and concerns.
The GFIT (Growth Factor Induction Therapy) treatment from AQ Skin Solutions includes the introduction of the AQ Recovery Serum which harnesses the most cutting-edge growth factor ingredients to target even the most challenging skin concerns.
By introducing channels into the skin with the AQ DermaStamp, we aid the delivery of these growth factors directly into the skin. The AQ DermaStamp, in conjunction with the AQ Recovery Serum, intensifies the benefits and enhances the penetration of growth factors directly into the dermis so that you will see faster, more dramatic results than when using the serum or micro-needling alone.
The GFIT skincare treatment includes cleansing, topical anaesthetic application, AQ recovery prescription serum application, Dermastamp to infuse growth factors, and a 30-minute Dermalux LED Light Therapy treatment.
What are the benefits of GFIT treatments?
GFIT treatments offer various benefits for the skin. Results have shown dramatic improvements in skin texture, acne, pigmentation, and reduced scar tissues and fine lines. These results are achieved by stimulating the skin to produce new collagen, hence revealing fresher, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin.
How long does it take to see results from a GFIT treatment?
The formation and maturation of the new collagen will take up to 90 days post-treatment. Therefore the best results can be expected about 3 months after the treatment(s). Some patients have reported seeing visible results sooner while others still see improvements for up to a year post-treatment.
How many GFIT treatments do you need to see results?
After consulting with your Skincare Specialist, you will be advised on the number of treatments and intervals required to treat your specific concerns.
How often should I have a GFIT treatment?
We generally recommend a course of 4 x GFIT treatments spaced at 4-week intervals for intensive skin regeneration. GFIT can also be performed in between existing skincare treatments to enhance the benefits of other treatments for optimal results.
How long does it take to perform a GFIT treatment?
The duration of a GFIT treatment may vary depending on the area being treated. Generally speaking, a GFIT treatment takes around 2 hours.
How long is the recovery period after a GFIT treatment?
The recovery period for GFIT treatments is only a few days. Patients can expect redness and a sunburnt sensation on the treated areas for up to 24 hours, and skin tightness due to swelling. Peeling, dryness and skin sensitivity may also be present for a few days post-treatment. It’s important to consult with one of our specialists to ensure optimal results and minimize any potential risks or complications, and follow aftercare instructions properly.
What does a GFIT treatment cost?
After your consultation with a Skincare Specialist, you will be quoted according to the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions required. As a general guideline, you can expect the following costs:
- GFIT Face (Session 1) R 4 400
- GFIT Face (Session 2 – 4) R 3 900 / session
- GFIT Scalp (Session 1) R 3 000
- GFIT Scalp (Session 2 – 4) R 2 500 / session
The skincare treatment cost includes a bespoke aftercare pack consisting of relevant product minis to aid your skin’s recovery post-treatment.
Please note that with your first treatment, the cost will be slightly higher as this includes the receipt of your own AQ DermaStamp for the infusion of the Growth Factor serum. Stamps are sterilised between treatments and can be used for up to 4 treatments; therefore sessions 2 – 4 are more cost-effective.
Are there alternative treatments instead of a GFIT treatment?
There are alternative treatments that we utilise to target hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne and acne scarring.
3D Bespoke Treatments have been clinically proven to target the signs of pigmentation, rosacea, acne, and ageing. The treatment consists of 3 modalities completed in one intensive and completely bespoke treatment: , medical skin needling OR mesotherapy with a medical sterile active, and a specialised mask (LED Light Therapy/Alginate Iontophoresis Mask).
3D MD PRP Treatments utilise the powerful regenerative effects of our own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to provide patients with healthy, radiant, and more youthful-looking skin and treat concerns such as pigmentation and acne.
3D Medical Skin Needling is a signature combination treatment, exclusively designed by our physician-led team. This exclusive treatment has been specifically designed for clients who wish to treat the signs of ageing and naturally increase the collagen content of their skin.
Book a consultation with one of our Skincare Specialists to discuss your specific concerns and we’ll provide you with a personalised assessment and treatment plan with honest feedback on how to achieve your desired results.
Are GFIT treatments safe?
GFIT treatments are safe when performed by a qualified skincare specialist in a clean medical environment.
What are the possible risks and complications associated with GFIT?
When a qualified Skincare Specialist performs GFIT in a sterile medical environment the risks diminish significantly.
GFIT can be safely performed on all Fitzpatrick skin types.
If prone to fever blisters it is possible to experience a fever blister break out post-treatment due to inflammation in the skin. It is important to inform your Skincare Specialist should you have a history of fever blisters as fever blister medication needs to be started 3 days before the treatment to prevent HZ activation.
Rare adverse effects such as severe post-treatment erythema, sterile pustules, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and severe skin peeling and crusting can be evident. While the majority of people do not experience these complications, it is important to be aware of these risks and discuss them with your Skincare Specialist.
GFIT (Growth Factor Induction Therapy): Before and After
We are passionate about educating our clients on safe, results-driven treatments and we, therefore, is designed to each client’s Skincare Treatment Plan individually to deliver optimal results. To achieve this, we start with a VISIA Skin Care Analysis that objectively measures and maps your skin followed by a detailed consultation with your Skincare Specialist during which specific concerns are highlighted and discussed.
What to do before a GFIT treatment
- Avoid any strong at-home facial treatments and/or exfoliation treatments the week prior to your appointment.
- Avoid sun exposure (including tanning) for five days prior to your treatment.
- Know the skincare products you are using at home, and bring a list, as having these details will assist your Skincare Specialist to make suitable product recommendations.
- Advise your Skincare Specialist regarding any medications, medical conditions, and/or past skin conditions; even over-the-counter medications can affect your skin, so it is good for us to know what may be contributing to your concerns as well as how your skin reacts to certain products.
- Should you be preparing your skin for a big event and you have never had a skin care treatment before and therefore don’t know how your skin will respond, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment six weeks before your big event with a follow-up appointment closer to the event date. This way you have time to address any negative skin reactions and get the maximum results from your treatment(s).
- Be prepared to discuss your skin concerns and goals. Your Skincare Specialist is a licensed expert who will provide you with a detailed plan to best achieve your specific goals.
- We advise against any aesthetic procedures (including Botulinum Toxin, Facial Fillers, and Threads) 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after any minimally invasive skin care treatment.
- Avoid Retinols and AHA’s should be avoided 5 days before the treatment.
- You should not use alternative hair removal methods, such as electrolysis, hair removal creams, laser hair removal, or waxing 7 days before your treatment.
- For two weeks leading up to your treatment session, avoid receiving skin treatments that will irritate your skin.
Be prepared to discuss your skin concerns and goals. Your Skincare Specialist is a licensed expert who will provide you with a detailed plan to best achieve your specific goals and help you with regard to any concerns you may have.
Day of a GFIT treatment
Should this be your first treatment at the Skin Clinic, you will be required to complete a short medical questionnaire to help guide your Skincare Specialist in selecting the most suitable protocol for you. Your Skincare Specialist will require access to your face, neck, and shoulders, therefore requiring you to get changed into a robe before the treatment.
The skincare treatment will include:
- Cleansing
- Topical anaesthetic application for 30 minutes
- AQ Recovery Prescription Serum application
- Stamping, making use of tiny needles to infuse the growth factors into the skin
- A 30-Minute Dermalux LED Light Therapy treatment
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO PRODUCTS SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE SKIN FOR 8 HOURS AFTER THE TREATMENT.
After a GFIT treatment
Redness and a sunburned sensation can be expected for 24 hours post treatment. Tightness of the skin can also be experienced due to possible swelling. Peeling, dryness, and skin sensitivity have been reported in the few days following the treatment.
AFTERCARE PRODUCTS AND ADVICE
- The skin should only be cleaned after 24 hours post-treatment with an anti-bacterial wash using lukewarm to cool water
- To enhance your results, we recommend continuing with the AQ Active Serum for home use which is also rich in Growth Factors.
- An SPF 50 should be applied daily
- Avoid facial waxing for 7 days post-treatment
- Limit sun exposure for 2 – 7 days post-treatment
- Avoid exercise for 24 hours post-treatment
The treatment includes a bespoke aftercare pack consisting of relevant product mini’s to aid the recovery of your skin post-treatment.
Where are GFIT treatments performed in Cape Town?
Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates is a private, high-end, luxurious clinic located in the prestigious V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Dr. Wilkinson founded the House of Aesthetic Couture and Skin Science. Your treatment will be performed at Dr. Wilkinson’s clinic.
Treatments
Similar to GFIT (Growth Factor Induction Therapy)
3D Bespoke Treatment
3D Medical Skin Needling
3D MD PRP Treatments
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The Skin Science Team
About Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates
We pride ourselves on affording our patients the best possible service throughout their Aesthetic Couture journey. Whether you are having a skin treatment with one of our skincare experts, aesthetic medical treatments or cosmetic surgery, the team at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates will be there for you, every step of the way.
Skin Science & Aesthetic Couture
Whether you would like a one-on-one consultation to learn more about medical skincare treatments and medical aesthetics or if you are interested in discussing a surgical procedure with Dr Nerina Wilkinson herself, the journey to a new you starts today. Welcome to the House of Aesthetic Couture.
