Vampire Facial
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a popular skin rejuvenating treatment sometimes known as the Vampire Facial. The colloquial name "Vampire Facial" comes from the use of the patient's own blood in the treatment, and the prevalence of vampires in popular culture.
This procedure has garnered a lot of media attention because of its popularity with movie stars and celebrities and its sensational nickname. Patients come to the Advanced Dermatology clinic having heard about this treatment in the media. They are intrigued by its touted ability to refresh skin and erase wrinkles. They also arrive with many questions, muddled facts and misinformation they heard 'somewhere' or from 'someone'.
An introduction to Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy:
PRP therapy was first developed, used and validated for orthopedic surgery with a body of clinical literature accumulated over more than thirty years. In this treatment, the healing platelets from blood plasma separated from a patient's own blood are re-injected into the body to enhance healing.
Platelets are tiny blood cells that are important in the clotting process. As the clot is formed, the platelets release enzymes that promote healing and play a role in tissue regeneration by attracting stem cells to aid in the repair of a damaged area.
The same process is used in the Vampire Facial. The patient's own blood is drawn, treated, and then the platelet-rich plasma is injected into the patient's face. Injections are made into strategic areas to encourage skin healing and renewal through new collagen production and fresh skin cells full of human growth factors. This increase in collagen and growth factors creates a more youthful, plumper, and firmer appearing skin.
As a result of the Vampire Facial treatment, the patient's skin is naturally refreshed with little downtime.
How the Vampire Facial works:
The Vampire Facial is a non-invasive treatment made up of small injections into targeted areas of the face. The injections are very small and similar to those used in Botox and dermal filler treatment.
Before any treatment, you will have a thorough consultation with your physician. This is your opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment and he or she will ask about your medical history. Whether it is on the same day or at a future date, the treatment will follow the same steps:
- Preparation: The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and prepared.
- Targeting injections: Your physician marks the areas on your face that need to be freshened or lifted with a special pencil that wipes away easily.
- Blood draw: Your physician takes about 2 teaspoons of blood from your arm, in the same way you would have a regular blood test.
- Isolating PRP: The drawn blood is placed in a centrifuge for 5 to 10 minutes. This equipment spins the blood at high speed to separate the lighter plasma from the rest of contents of the blood. This isolated platelet rich plasma is "activated" with calcium chloride to begin releasing growth factors that, once injected into the body, will increase collagen production and have other healing effects.
- Topical anesthesia: If required or requested, your physician will apply a topical numbing cream to your face to keep you comfortable during your treatment.
- Injection of PRP: The physician injects the separated and activated platelet rich plasma back into your face.
- Repeat: Best results are obtained after about three treatments spaced about a month apart, though a single treatment can be effective for some individuals.
- Watch and wait: Growth factors contained in the plasma stimulate the release of the skin's stem cells. The skin is being tricked into believing that it has been injured and must heal itself with new, fresh tissue. This somewhat sneaky process allows the skin to create new collagen, new blood vessels, and new cells. The results will not be immediate, so while you patiently wait a few weeks and even a few months, your skin will begin to transform itself.
How long does a PRP treatment take?
An appointment for a PRP treatment will take about 30 minutes to one hour, though treatment time varies depending on the number of areas you are targeting.
Who is the ideal candidate for the Vampire Facial?
PRP therapy is autologous, which means it comes from one's own body. Therefore, in theory, we should all be good candidates for this treatment if we want to improve the quality and appearance of our skin. Specifically, the Vampire Facial can be used to treat:
- Crow's feet
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Fine lines around the mouth
- Dull, rough, or grey skin tone and texture
- Sun damaged skin
- 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 after PRP therapy
The Vampire Facial requires little recovery 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.
Though you may notice these changes, you will not likely have any significant downtime as a result of these symptoms. You can go back to your regular daily activities after your appointment and, with a light make-up application, no one will be the wiser about your procedure.
Results of PRP Therapy: What can I expect?
Within a few days patients begin to see noticeable results. 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.
Caring for your rejuvenated skin
After your PRP therapy, skin hydration and sun protection are paramount. A daily skin care regime that includes a good quality moisturizer and multiple applications of sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher throughout the day is critical – especially in sunny Australia.
How is the Vampire Facial different from dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid like Restylane and Juvederm are a gel that fills in lines and folds on the face. The body absorbs the product within 6 to 12 months, and a repeat treatment is then required.
PRP stimulates the body to create its own new collagen and tissue to create youthful volume and improve tone and texture. It can often be used in areas where dermal fillers are not safe. PRP treatment does not target individual lines and wrinkles but rather improves the overall quality of an area.
Cost of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
The average cost of a platelet rich plasma therapy treatment for cosmetic purposes in Zionsville, Carmel, Westfield and Zionsville is roughly $600 – $900, but be warned not all PRP treatments are the same. Different clinics offer different grade of treatment some of which have little to no effect at all. Ensure the treatment is being performed by a Doctor otherwise you might be getting a treatment that uses the same name but is totally different to what we are talking about here. True PRP/Vampire Facial and Vampire Facelift procedures must be performed by a Doctor who is allowed to inject the plasma into the appropriate depths of the skin.
Is the Vampire Facial right for you?
While the Vampire Facial has been a media darling, its popularity is not just hype. Early clinical data and positive patient reports indicate a strong future for PRP therapy. As with any cosmetic dermatologic treatment, a thorough consultation with an experienced physician who can answer all of your questions and give you information about this treatment and your other medical options is a must. Contact Booth Dermatology & Cosmetic Care Center on (317) 848-2427 or request a call back from one our friendly staff to learn more about platelet rich plasma therapy in Carmel, Indiana.
What Is The Cost Of Vampire Facelift In Zionsville and Carmel?
The price of vampire facelift varies for each person depending on the extent of treatment necessary. Booth Dermatology & Cosmetic Care Center of Zionsville and Carmel accepts CareCredit® financing options that work with every budget! Please speak to our concierge team for more information.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Sally A. Booth and her staff will be happy to discuss the details with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation at one of our offices in Carmel or Zionsville. Dr. Booth and her staff at Booth Dermatology & Cosmetic Care Center provide personalized care to residents of Zionsville and Carmel with state-of-the-art technology for optimal health, aesthetics, and patient satisfaction. To receive more information or schedule a consultation, call (317) 848-2427 to speak with our friendly staff.