What Is a Vampire Facial? What You Need to Know About Microneedling With PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

The idea of a vampire facial may sound a little freaky on the surface, but vampire facials actually have many benefits that make the service well worth the while. 

What Is a Vampire Facial?

The term vampire facial refers to a form of microneedling. Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment where your skin professional uses a handheld device containing very fine needles that rapidly create micro-punctures to the skin. These controlled injuries trigger the skin’s natural repair processes, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is plasma containing a greater concentration of platelets than other components of the blood. The usage of PRP from the client’s blood enhances microneedling’s beneficial effects on your skin. It uses the blood’s plasma, which is liquid. The platelets are solid and utilized by the body to clot, making them a vital part of the healing process. 

The result? A vampire facial helps heal scars and minimize signs of aging. And for the record, this process is done in full daylight.

How Does a Vampire Facial Work?

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) utilizes blood from the client to rejuvenate their skin.

Your skin professional will take a small blood sample and then use a spinning tool called a centrifuge to separate the PRP from the rest of the blood. 

The practitioner then starts using the microneedling pen with fine needles to prick the skin, creating tiny holes on the skin’s surface. PRP is then gently applied to the skin to enhance cell reproduction and collagen production. 

PRP has proteins in it, including cytokines and growth factors. The proteins aid the skin tissue in repairing itself. 

What are the Benefits of a Vampire Facial?

People often consider microneedling when they have certain blemishes or marks on the face or body they would like to treat. PRP microneedling helps treat the following conditions:

  • Surgical scars
  • Acne scars
  • Sun damage
  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Large pores

Adding PRP with microneedling to your skincare routine can enhance healing and promote accelerated skin cell generation. The process will likely produce better results compared to microneedling alone. 

In a 2016 study of 50 participants, PRP with microneedling resulted in a 62.2% improvement of acne scars. The study found that PRP has efficacy in the management of atrophic acne scarring, and that when paired with microneedling, the results were far enhanced. 

In 2019, several studies revealed that PRP’s addition to microneedling resulted in high patient satisfaction, improved acne scarring, and reduced downtime needed after the procedure. 

Some people will require repeated treatments, while others may only need one. For aging skin, you may prefer repeated treatments to get the full benefits. If you have large scars or burns, you may need more time to respond to treatment as your skin breaks down scar tissue and regenerates new, healthy skin cells. 

Recovery Time for a Vampire Facial

PRP microneedling can take a few weeks to produce full results. This is because the body needs time to produce collagen. So, the weeks following the treatment will show continuing improvement. Those with acne scars may show full improvement in less than nine months. 

The recovery time for PRP microneedling is usually very short, as most people respond well to the treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology stated that PRP microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones. 

Possible Side Effects of a Vampire Facial

Some people may experience tenderness and soreness in the area right after the treatment. Microneedling with PRP has a quick recovery time – any side effects generally clear up in 4-5 days.

Other side effects that can occur while the skin heals include:

  • Redness
  • Mild bruising 
  • Swelling
  • Oozing
  • A mild flare-up of acne
  • Milia, or white papules in the skin

Professionals recommend acetaminophen for treating side effects. 

Potential Risks of a Vampire Facial

As with any treatment that breaks the skin, infection is always a possibility. 

PRP microneedling is usually safe. It uses the client’s own blood during the procedure. Following the aftercare instructions will help ensure there are minimal complications and avoid infection.

PRP microneedling is not recommended for those who are pregnant or for those with certain health conditions, including:

  • Active acne
  • Skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea
  • A platelet or blood disorder
  • A history of scarring or bruising easily
  • HIV
  • You have had major surgery in the last six months
  • An infection on the face, such as herpes
  • A chronic illness
  • Or if you have used or are using isotretinoin to treat acne

If you are positive for one or more of these conditions, consult your doctor before obtaining PRP microneedling treatment. Consulting a dermatologist before treatment can decrease side effect risk. 

Before obtaining treatment, make sure you are familiar with the practitioner’s credentials, including reviewing past and current customers’ progress. Request before and after photos, learn your skin care professional’s qualifications, get all of your questions answered, and make sure they are board-certified. 

Learn from the Professionals! 

By stimulating collagen production, microneedling with PRP reveals a fresh face with tightened skin, smaller pores, and reduction of scarring, discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

That youthful-looking skin you’ve been wanting for so long is just a simple appointment away with microneedling available from Dulce Lash and Skin

From basic skin care and elegant, beautiful lashes to MedSpa and gentle body waxing, Dulce Lash and Skin keeps your skin glowing from head to toe. With three convenient locations in Seattle, Bellevue, and Mercer Island and a full bevvy of skincare services, our highly skilled master aestheticians will guide you through a personalized plan to address all your skincare needs. Drop us a line for more information or to call and book your appointment today!