The vampire facial or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with Microneedling is a popular non-invasive skin rejuvenating treatment which uses the patients own blood in the treatment. The plasma in the blood stimulates the skin’s stem cell by developing fresh tissue and allowing the skin to create new collagen, new blood vessels and new cells.
WHAT IS PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is concentrated from your own blood which contains growth factor platelets and stem cell markers. These cells are vital for tissue regeneration and repair. Platelets, once thought of being responsible for only clotting, have been scientifically proven to be a reservoir of these vital healing components. With advanced techniques we are able to concentrate these regenerative healing cells in a simple outpatient setting.
OBTAINING PRP
A small amount of peripheral blood is taken from the patient and placed into a FDA medically approved container. This sterile disposable container is placed in a specialized centrifuge, for spinning, to separate the whole blood sample into ‘layers’ of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and red blood cells. The PRP layer is concentrated under sterile conditions and prepared for injections or topical use.
MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling is a technique that creates very small diameter needle tracks through the outer dermis of the skin into the subdermis where the blood supply is. It involves the use of a mechanical “pen,” to which we attach a cartridge containing multiple very fine needles. The pen causes the cartridge to oscillate vertically, thereby causing very fine punctures to the skin. By controlling the speed of oscillation and depth of penetration of the needles, we can individualize the treatment for our patients
HOW LONG IS THE TREATMENT
The patient will first have their blood drawn and the PRP is prepared. This process takes about 15-30 minutes. Then the microneedling will take place which will take approximately 30 minutes.
WHO SHOULD GET THE VAMPIRE FACIAL?
Basically everyone is a candidate for this procedure. The Vampire Facial can be used to treat:
- Sun Damaged Skin
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Fine lines around the mouth and eyes
- Dull, rough, or grey skin tone and texture
- Acne scarring
- Crepey skin in the eye, neck and décolletage areas
This procedure is not recommended for those with blood-related conditions, anemia, or blood or bone cancers. Patients who take blood thinning medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) should discontinue their medication for a few weeks prior to their treatment and for a few days afterwards according to physician instructions.
RECOVERY
The Vampire Facial requires little downtown time. There may be redness and some tenderness on the first day that appears much like sunburn. Occasionally some bruising may occur. The initial redness will subside on the second day, and some patients then notice some swelling and a sandpaper texture to the skin the day after treatment. By the third day, the swelling should diminish. The sandpaper texture to the skin may persist for up to a week.
RESULTS
Within a few days patients begin to see noticeable results. And within 2 to 3 months, when the greatest benefit is seen, individuals report fully refreshed skin that looks and feels more youthful. These results can last between 1 to 2 years afterwards depending on the individual.
AFTER TREATMENT
After your PRP therapy, skin hydration and sun protection are extremely important. Please ask our office for specific products to use.
As you can see the patient will have no down time and should see optimal results within the next few month.
