The “vampire facial” is definitely not as scary as it sounds. It might not seem like a conventional treatment, but it’s increasingly common thanks to its reputation for youthful results with natural ingredients.
What Is a Vampire Facial?
So called because of the use of blood in the treatment, the vampire facial is a kind of platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP). It uses the patient’s own blood to create a protein-rich substance. This is then reintroduced into the problem area using micro-needles.
Typically, a vampire facial combines the PRP treatment and some dermal fillers for best results. It is a non-invasive solution that requires virtually no downtime for recovery. The effects will be noticeable around three weeks after the treatment and can last as long as 18 months.
This rejuvenation technique is a non-aggressive way of boosting the skin’s regeneration rate. After only two sessions, you will start to see the results of a vampire facial.
How Does a Vampire Facial Work?
Our clinician will take a small amount of blood from your arm, as you would have removed for a blood test. Only a small amount is needed to produce enough substance to work with for the PRP therapy. The vial of blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma, which is the protein-rich substance used in the procedure.
The substance contains naturally occurring growth factors that help stimulate collagen production. This is combined with micro-needling, which also encourages collagen and elastin production. Micro-needling is done with a Dermapen that creates micro-injuries, promoting collagen synthesis and skin repair. Combining these two treatments encourages the maximum boost to your skin’s regeneration.
The process also generally includes dermal fillers to rehydrate the skin for the full vampire facial treatment effect. Injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) helps to plump the skin from within, so you get the benefits both under the skin and on its surface.
The Benefits of the Vampire Facial
Using your own blood in the process means this treatment is largely natural ingredient based. In some cases, it is safer than using other injectables because your body won’t reject the platelets, thus reducing the risk of allergic reaction compared to other treatments.
The series of treatments that make up the vampire facial can have powerful results, combatting not just fine lines but deeper wrinkles too, thanks to the combination of hydrating, plumping and smoothing throughout. It’s a versatile treatment that can be carried out on the face, neck, decolletage and hands to eliminate the signs of ageing.
The precision that is possible with this procedure makes it ideal for around the sensitive eye area. PRP is a highly effective solution to dark circles and eye bags, and the smooth result of a vampire facial can transform the under-eye area — it will even out the tear troughs, plumping the skin and reducing shadows.
As well as anti-ageing, the vampire facial effectively reduces the appearance of blemishes like stretch marks and scarring. Since it encourages collagen production and cell renewal, this treatment regenerates the skin more quickly in problem areas and also avoids any risk of hyperpigmentation by using micro-needles.
