In recent years, vampires have become popular in literature, television and movies in series like Twilight and True Blood. Now, vampires are also popular in beauty treatments. The Vampire Facelift has received media coverage worldwide with celebrities like Kim Kardashian literally seen undergoing the treatment.
Many of our patients hear about the benefits of Vampire Facelifts and instantly become intrigued. They are interested in its touted ability to smooth lines and wrinkles, rejuvenate the face and minimize scarring. However, many patients arrive in our office with misinformation or muddled facts. Let’s look at the truths about the Vampire Facelift:
PRP Therapy - The Base of the Vampire Facelift
The Vampire Facelift was developed from Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, a procedure that has been used for some time in orthopedic surgery. However, the application of PRP is relatively new to aesthetic procedures. During the Vampire Facelift procedure the patient’s own platelet-rich blood plasma is injected back into the patient’s face in key areas or trouble spots encouraging collagen production and adding growth factors. The result is a more youthful, fuller, and tighter skin that is naturally rejuvenated with minimal downtime.
How the treatment works:
To be clear, the Vampire Facelift is not an actual facelift, which involves the surgical removal of sagging skin from the face. Instead the Vampire Facelift is actually a non-invasive injection treatment similar to Botox and fillers.
Step 1: Your physician uses Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler (i.e. Restylane or Juvederm) injections to create a natural and aesthetically beautiful shape to the face.
Step 2: The physician draws approximately 2 teaspoons of the patient’s blood.
Step 3: Using a centrifuge, platelets from the blood (platelet-rich plasma or PRP) are isolated to be re-injected. These platelets are “activated” so that they release growth factors which increase collagen production and increase blood flow.
Step 4: After applying a numbing cream, the physician injects the growth factors back into the patient’s face. These growth factors cause the release of stem cells already in the skin, essentially making them think there has been an injury and that there needs to be healing and new tissue produced. Stem cells transform into new collagen, new blood vessels, and new tissue.
Are you an ideal candidate for the Vampire Facelift?
Theoretically everyone should be an ideal candidate for this treatment. It is natural and “autologous” (meaning coming from oneself). It can bring youthful plumpness and volume back to the skin while smoothing unwanted lines and wrinkles, and improving the shape of the face.
Recovery time
The Vampire Facelift requires minimal recovery time. There may be redness and some tenderness on the first day. The redness will subside somewhat on the second day though there may be some swelling and a sandpaper texture to the skin. The swelling should subside on the third day leaving just a sandpaper texture to the skin for the next 5 to 7 days.
What results can you expect?
Most patients report fully rejuvenated and youthful looking skin which will continue to improve over the course of the first 2 to 3 months. These results can last as long as 1 to 2 years from the date of the treatment.
While the Vampire Facelift has received a lot of media coverage, there is substance behind the hype. The collection of data on the results of this treatment is still in the early stages since PRP is relatively new for cosmetic purposes, but the outlook is promising. I’ve seen great results with PRP usage and our practice is currently experimenting with PRP and micro needling for the treatment of scarring and stretch mark’s. Like with any cosmetic medical treatment, be sure to do your research to find a qualified and knowledgeable provider before undergoing any PRP based treatments.
About The Author
Amber Follis, RN is a board certified registered nurse and expert aesthetic nurse injector in Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, and Radiesse. Previously, Amber served as a National Trainer for Merz Aesthetics, the makers of Radiesse.
