What Is A Vampire Facial? How Does It Work?
Vampire facial is the nickname that has been coined by the beauty industry. This facial is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facial or therapy. It is a treatment that involves micro-needling followed by the application of platelet-rich plasma or PRP on your skin (1). The PRP is extracted from your blood. The blood is rich in platelets that have extremely high levels of growth factors (2). When applied to your skin, these growth factors help in boosting the cell turnover rate. The growth factors boost collagen and elastin production and increase the skin’s hydration levels (3). They also infuse your skin with antioxidants. This procedure also improves the absorbing power of your skin – which means your skin can absorb other skin care products better. To sum it up, a vampire facial uses your blood to promote healthy cell functioning. Initially, the blood facial treatment might seem extremely painful, but in reality, it’s not. So, what exactly happens during the treatment? Check out the procedure below.
Vampire Facial: The Procedure
Here’s what happens when you go for a vampire facial or PRP facial: The procedure is not painless, and you will feel mild to moderate levels of discomfort. It all depends on your pain tolerance levels. So, why take all this pain? Are there any benefits?
What Are The Benefits Of A Vampire Facial?
As we discussed earlier, the platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that boost collagen development and enhance the skin’s elasticity. This procedure helps to (4):
Improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines Improve your skin texture Reduce the size of the skin pores Improve the appearance of acne scars Improve the plumpness of your skin Give you a youthful glow and smooth skin Improve the effectiveness of skincare products
This facial procedure is non-invasive and can be combined with other facial procedures. Although it has become a trend du jour and is dubbed as the key to the Fountain of Youth, it has several side effects.
Are There Any Risk Factors Involved?
The vampire facial is definitely the next big thing in skin care and may help improve several skin conditions, but it also comes with a series of potential side effects. If you google the cons, you will find numerous instances of a vampire facial gone wrong. Here are a few side effects of the procedure:
1. It Might Cause Infection
There have been a few cases (according to news reports) in which people were exposed to blood-borne infections, such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV (5). This happens when the procedure is not followed correctly, without proper equipment, adequate infection control practices, and the supervision of a medical professional. Often, in spas, untrained people carry out the procedure without any proper guidance. So, in case you are planning to undergo a vampire facial, make sure that the medispa is experienced in performing such procedures.
2. It Is Painful
Yes. Even Kim Kardashian regretted getting a vampire facial done due to the pain it caused (she didn’t use any numbing gel as she was pregnant). If you have low pain tolerance, it’s better to avoid this.
3. It May Cause Inflammation
Inflammation and bruises are very common during this procedure (if you remember singer Kerry Katona whose face was swollen after her vampire facial). You need to follow a proper aftercare regimen to make sure the inflammation is gone.
What’s the cost of a vampire facial? A vampire facial may cost anywhere between $1500 and $2500. How long does a vampire facial last? After the facial, your skin continues to regenerate for at least 3 months. The overall effect of the facial may last for about a year (or more). How long does it take to recover from a vampire facial? Recovery may take anywhere from 5 days to a week. What is better – microneedling or vampire facial? Both are good facial treatments that stimulate collagen with different techniques. However, while microneedling is a topical and non-invasive treatment, platelet-rich plasma is directly injected into the skin in a vampire facial. Therefore, the result of a vampire facial may be better than that of microneedling. What is better – Botox or vampire facial? Though both help to improve the appearance of your skin, the results of a vampire facial last longer than those of Botox. The results of vampire facials may last for 18 months, while Botox may last for only 3 to 4 months. Who is a good candidate for a vampire facial? Anyone with uneven skin tone, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, or other signs of aging is a good candidate for a vampire facial. What is the difference between a vampire facial and a vampire facelift? A vampire facial combines microneedling and uses tiny needles to make almost undetectable pricks in the skin. A vampire facelift combines a filler with PRP and delivers results immediately. Can I use retinol after a vampire facial? No, you cannot use retinol after a vampire facial as it may cause dryness and inflammation.
