In the vast sea of cosmetic procedures, platelet-rich plasma treatments are trending (and have been for a while). In short, this science-sounding treatment uses layers of PRP in your blood to induce all sorts of skin changes. PRP microneedling facials (also known as “vampire facials”) can boost cell turnover, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone. “Vampire breast augmentations” use PRP to enlarge breasts in a minimally invasive way. More recently, people have been turning to “vampire facelifts” to combat more visible signs of aging.
Are you curious what this variation of a facelift entails? Below, we asked dermatologists to tell you everything you need to know about the skin treatment.
What is a vampire facelift?
A vampire facelift is a dermatological procedure that combines injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with injections of dermal fillers. It’s used to improve the appearance of the skin – often for anti-aging purposes, such as tightening the skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Here, we should clarify an important point: The vampire facelift is different from the vampire facial, which is a microneedling treatment. “In contrast to the vampire facial, which uses microneedling, the vampire facelift requires injections of dermal fillers,” explains Dr. Engelman.
Benefits
“PRP is known to be a powerful skin rejuvenator because it contains high concentrations of growth factors that stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, reversing signs of aging and promoting youthful, radiant skin,” says Dr. Park. According to Dr. Engelman, a vampire facelift can be performed by combining PRP injections with dermal filler injections to enhance the long-term effects of dermal fillers in tightening sagging skin. The effects usually last about a year, but this can vary from person to person. If the positive effects wear off, you can schedule maintenance treatments.
Best Candidates for a Vampire Facelift
A vampire facelift is a good option for those who want to improve the appearance of their skin, especially if they have age-related issues such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. For some people, however, a vampire facelift might not be the best idea.
“I would not recommend this procedure for anyone who is pregnant, taking medical retinoids, or has an active skin infection,” Engelman says. “It’s also not the best option for anyone with extremely loose skin, as the desired results will most likely require cosmetic surgery.”
What to Expect
A vampire facelift involves the following steps:
Before the injection, your doctor will apply numbing cream to your face. This makes the treatment more comfortable.
He’ll draw a small amount of blood from your arm.
He uses a centrifuge to extract platelet-rich plasma from your blood. “Plasma has a higher concentration of growth factors, which increases effectiveness,” Engelman explains.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into different areas of the skin to add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Platelet-rich plasma is injected into the same areas as dermal fillers. “This stimulates collagen production and improves elasticity,” Engelman says.
Possible Side Effects
Most people can expect little to no downtime. Some people experience minor side effects, such as swelling and bruising, Engelman notes. (This should subside after a few days.) To avoid complications, she recommends learning about the procedure ahead of time and consulting with your doctor to make sure you’re being treated by a licensed medical professional.
Park also recommends being cautious about who you treat with this procedure. “If the clinic is busy and has multiple PRP patients at the same time, your PRP could accidentally get mixed up with another patient’s PRP,” she warns.
Cost
The cost of a vampire facelift varies. “Depending on where you live and how many areas you and your doctor are treating, [a vampire facelift] can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000,” says Dr. Tracy Evans, MD. Your doctor’s experience and the equipment they use can also affect the price of a vampire facelift.
Aftercare
According to our experts, aftercare is important to maintain the desired results after a vampire facelift. Engelman offers the following aftercare tips:
To reduce the risk of infection, do not touch or rub the treated area. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying recommended skin care products.
Apply a gentle moisturizer to your face to protect and heal the skin barrier.
Always use sunscreen, especially immediately after treatment. UV radiation can damage sensitive skin as it heals.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a procedure to address issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, a vampire facelift may be able to help. This non-invasive cosmetic treatment uses the power of platelet-rich plasma from your blood and hyaluronic acid fillers to target problem areas. You can expect little to no recovery time, with swelling and bruising being the most common short-term side effects. If you decide to have a vampire facelift, consult a licensed professional, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
