Published: October 5, 2020

You’ve probably seen the commonly circulated photo of Kim Kardashian West post microneedling, it’s what sparked a media frenzy around the “vampire facial.” So – what does the procedure involve?

What Does “Vampire Facial” Mean?

Contrary to popular belief, The Vampire Facial is not a specific device, it is another way of saying you want a combination of microneedling and PRP (platelet rich plasma). This is similar to how offices will sometimes refer to dermal fillers as a “liquid facelift”.

What Does It Treat?

The Vampire Facial addresses a multitude of skin concerns. Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and other textural issues while promoting collagen stimulation. PRP can either be applied topically or by injection to promote faster recovery times and increased collagen stimulation.

What Does the Vampire Facial Involve?

First, a topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area. While this is happening, your blood is drawn by your provider. Your blood is always carefully labeled and handled by the same provider. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, a device that separates the red blood cells from platelets. These platelets are commonly referred to as “liquid gold” because of both the color and anti-aging benefits! The platelets are high in growth factors, which stimulate the healthy activity of your skin cells. After the numbing is finished and your face has been cleansed, it’s time for treatment. We have two different types of microneedling – traditional and radiofrequency. In general, the microneedling process causes small micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen. The platelets are either applied topically and microneedled into the skin or injected post-procedure. For optimal results we recommend a series of 5 treatments.

Who Can Benefit?

All ages and skin types can benefit from this treatment. There are contraindications to keep in mind, including if you are pregnant, using Accutane, have active acne, extreme skin conditions, poor wound healing, or have undergone radiation in the last year. Your provider will make the final determination as to whether or not you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. Because this treatment does involve handling blood, it is important to visit an office with proper safety protocols in place. You may remember this popular news story about a mishap with a Vampire Facial in a New Mexico spa.

Is There Downtime?

Ever heard the saying “the bark is worse than the bite?” The same holds true for the Vampire Facial. While the immediate result may look a little scary, the treatment has very little discomfort and minimal downtime. Patients usually have about three days of redness, dryness and some light flaking to the skin. In general, you want to avoid sun exposure and excessive sweating during the healing process.

Microneedling with PRP is a great option for patients looking to improve the quality and texture of their skin and stimulate new, healthy collagen. To learn more about the treatment or to get a personalized treatment plan, we recommend requesting a consultation with our team.