Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials, also known as "vampire facials," have gained considerable attention in the cosmetic world. This article delves into the benefits and risks associated with PRP facials, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering this treatment.
What is a PRP Facial?
A vampire facial, or microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), is a cosmetic treatment that combines two procedures:
Microneedling: A dermatologist uses tiny needles to puncture the skin, stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein essential for healthy skin and connective tissue. The skin responds to these micro-injuries by producing more collagen to heal the small holes, thereby improving the skin's appearance and health. Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy or percutaneous collagen induction.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP is derived from your own blood. A small amount of blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood to separate the platelets from other blood components. The concentrated platelets, rich in growth factors and proteins that aid in tissue repair and healing, are then applied to the skin.
The vampire facial attacks the original skin problem twofold - beneath the skin and on top of it.
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How Does PRP Work?
Platelets are crucial for blood clotting and contain growth factors and proteins that help the body heal from injuries. Plasma also contains beneficial nutrients and proteins. PRP is thought to work by delivering a concentrated dose of platelets, proteins, and growth factors to a specific area of the body. These growth factors include platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1, which promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. They stimulate collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
The PRP Facial Procedure
When you go to a dermatologist for a vampire facial, here’s what to expect:
Blood Draw: A small amount of blood (typically 2-4 tablespoons) will be drawn from your arm.
Centrifugation: The blood is placed into a centrifuge, which spins rapidly to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood.
PRP Application: The highly concentrated platelets are then applied to the skin. This can be done in one of two ways:
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- The plasma is spread on your face, after which micro-needling across the forehead and cheeks helps the face absorb proteins.
- The plasma is injected into the skin like a filler.
The whole process typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Benefits of PRP Facials
Vampire facials are used to do the following:
- Improve skin tone
- Reduce fine lines & wrinkles
- Enhance and plump sagging skin
- Reduce acne scars
- Decrease signs of aging
- Youthful and plump-looking skin
- Improved self-esteem
- Reduce sun damage
Analysis revealed that PRP treatment led to significant enhancements in multiple facial parameters after one to three sessions. Improvements were noted in skin pore size, texture, wrinkle reduction, pigmented spots, collagen density, hyaluronic acid levels, and protection against ultraviolet damage.
One study revealed that participants who received PRP injections in one cheek and saline in the other saw improvements in the PRP-injected cheeks. By placing PRP back into the skin, cell proliferation is encouraged, leading to an increase in elastin and collagen production. As a result, the skin will look tighter, fuller, and smoother.
Studies have shown significant improvements in skin firmness parameters and a substantial decrease in wrinkle volume and count. After PRP administration, there was a statistically significant difference in general appearance, skin firmness‐sagging, and wrinkle status.
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PRP Combined with Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Combining PRP with hyaluronic acid demonstrated a synergistic effect, particularly enhancing skin elasticity in patients with lower body mass index and firmness in individuals aged 50s and 60s. It was shown that there was a statistically significant association between the number of injections and overall pleasure. According to the patients’ before and after PRP administrations, there was a statistically significant difference in general appearance, skin firmness‐sagging, and skin texture.
Risks and Concerns
One of the main concerns with vampire facials is safety. It is crucial that the treatment is performed by a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in performing the procedure, and at a facility with safe blood-handling practices.
- Infection: If the blood drawn from you is not kept sterile, you risk developing an infection once injected back into you. It is of the utmost importance that your own blood is used when injected back into your skin. If someone else’s blood is inadvertently given back to you, you can develop an infection or have a reaction and become sick.
- Lack of Long-Term Studies: Few short or long-term studies have been done on PRP and microneedling with PRP. While the procedure appears safe, some dermatologists still have a few unanswered questions.
- Unilateral Vision Loss or Impairment: In other PRP case series, seven cases of unilateral vision loss or impairment after PRP injection had been reported. Visible loss or impairment is rare but has a grave prognosis. Only one of the seven patients completely recovered vision after three months.
- Common Side Effects: Common side effects such as bleeding, bruising, infection, and pain can occur, and infection and contamination are rare but possible if proper aseptic technique is not followed. There may be some pain, swelling, or bruising after the procedure that goes away in a few days.
- Herpes Simplex Outbreak: If you have a history of herpes simplex, or cold sores, it’s also possible that you may have an outbreak from having this procedure done.
It’s also important that realistic expectations are set for non-invasive procedures like PRP facials. It is not the same as a facelift, so the result will not be the same.
Contraindications
PRP is deemed safe for most people, but it is not recommended for people with these medical conditions:
- HIV or AIDS
- Any type of blood cancer
- Skin cancer in the area to be treated
- Hepatitis C
- Cardiovascular diseases that require blood thinners
These conditions impact your platelets, so they cannot produce the expected results of PRP treatment. Also, PRP facelifts aren’t recommended if you:
- Have a blood condition that causes excessive bleeding or difficulty clotting.
- Take a blood thinner.
- Are pregnant
- Use or recently used Accutane for acne
- Still have active acne resulting in new scarring
- Have certain skin conditions, such as facial eczema or rosacea
- Scar easily
- Have a history of poor wound healing
- Have undergone skin radiation in the last 12 months
Cost of PRP Facials
PRP facials are considered a cosmetic treatment and are not covered by insurance. The cost of a microneedling treatment with PRP is around $750 per session, but prices may vary depending on location and provider. A typical microneedling session for the face costs about $300. Most people need anywhere from three to six sessions, with one session done about every four weeks. Given this, your total cost could end up being between $2,250 to $4,500.
Some offices are willing to work with you and may be able to arrange payment plans, membership discounts, third-party financing, or package pricing.
Preparation for a PRP Facial
Before a vampire facelift (PRP facelift), you’ll have a consultation with a healthcare provider. They’ll ask about your health history to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
If you decide to go ahead with a PRP facelift, your provider may ask you to:
- Minimize your sun exposure and avoid tanning for several weeks before the procedure.
- Avoid blood thinners, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin and herbal supplements, for a week before the procedure.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the week before the procedure.
- Arrive at your appointment with clean skin and no makeup.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your treatment. This may include:
- Avoiding unprotected and excessive sun exposure or tanning several weeks before your appointment
- Drinking lots of water in the days before your appointment
- Arranging a ride home from your appointment (which may not be entirely necessary depending on the office’s protocol)
- Arriving with a bare face (you may cleanse that morning, but you should avoid wearing makeup or moisturizer)
Recovery After a PRP Facial
After a PRP facelift, you may experience mild discomfort and bruising for a couple of days, up to a week. You should be able to go about your day with caution after the procedure.
You can apply ice packs wrapped in a towel to your face as needed to reduce swelling. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. When you go to bed, elevate your head and try to sleep on your back.
Recovery for this procedure is relatively minimal. You can go back to school or work the next day if you wish. There may still be some redness and other signs of minor irritation, but you’ll want to avoid applying too many products to your skin. Simply cleanse once a day and moisturize as needed. If desired, follow with a lightweight foundation or powder to minimize redness.
Your doctor may also recommend or provide products to help your skin recover. You’ll want to avoid alcohol-based products and exfoliants during the recovery stage. Proper sun protection is also very important. Until your skin has completely healed, avoid rigorous activities that might cause excessive sweating and heat production. This usually should be avoided for at least 72 hours after your treatment.
What to Expect After PRP Injections
PRP treatment will typically cause some swelling and pain at first. This is because it stimulates a healing process similar to what happens after an injury. Swelling and pain are signs of inflammation, which is the beginning of the healing process. These symptoms may last for a day or two after your treatment.
It can take a few weeks to see or feel the initial results of the treatment, like pain relief or cosmetic improvement. It might take several months for injured or diseased tissues to fully heal, or for new hair to grow. Some people may need more than one PRP treatment to achieve the results they’re looking for.
The effects of a PRP injection may last for six months to a year or longer, depending on your condition. During this time, your symptoms should continue to improve for several months. Besides providing temporary pain relief, platelet-rich plasma should improve your overall condition as time goes on.
The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Provider
The real threat from PCP facials occurs when the person doing the procedure does not handle the equipment properly, properly store needles, or dispose of products correctly. The PRP facial equipment needs to be sterile to reduce the risk of contracting blood-borne illnesses.
If you choose to have a platelet-rich plasma facial, precautions can be taken to protect yourself by going to a licensed medical provider, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon. Properly trained medical professionals are the only ones who qualify to legally and safely perform the procedure. Board-certified dermatologists have the most knowledge, experience, and training when performing cosmetic skin procedures. Dermatologists’ offices are medical facilities with high safety standards and strict blood-handling protocols.
Before booking your session, ask prospective doctors about their experience and certifications. A qualified doctor will also have a portfolio of before and after images of clients they’ve worked on to give you an idea of the anticipated results.