PRP Vampire facials

What is a Vampire Facial?

A Vampire Facelift is also known as a PRP Facelift because the main ingredient is your blood. It uses the growth factors in your blood to rejuvenate and heal your skin while combating the signs of aging and resolving problematic skin conditions.

PRP therapy is predominantly used on the face, particularly around the eyes, mouth and nose although it may be used on the backs of the hands and all over the body, more commonly the décolletage to give a more youthful and radiant appearance.

What does the Treatment Involve?

After a consultation with our Aesthetic Consultant, on the day of your treatment your practitioner will draw your blood. This is done in a similar way to when you have blood taken for testing at the doctor’s office.The blood will then be spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet plasma from the red blood cells. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)  involves microneedle and injection of some of the client’s own blood components back into the skin. It is commonly known as a Vampire facial and involves the following steps. A small blood sample is drawn with a needle system from the patient's arm, the same as having a blood test (phlebotomy), the blood sample is then placed into a syringe. The blood is spun in a special centrifuge to separate its components (Red Blood Cells, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Platelet Poor Plasma and White Blood Cells). The PRP component is then separated and injected into the clients skin (e.g. a facial) using a micro needling technique as well as an injection technique.

The entire procedure is normally completed within 30-60 minutes, your practitioner will offer you a topical anaesthetic cream to help minimise any discomfort during the treatment.

The healing properties of the blood components in PRP can be used as a cosmetic treatment for the following:

• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles

• Tightening and toning skin

• Mild collagen and volume loss

• Crow’s feet and dark under eye circles

Results 

• Stimulates new cell growth

• Improves skin tone and texture

• Improves skin complexion

• Helps with first signs of ageing

• Improves skin complexion

Areas of treatments

• Face

•  Neck

• Chest or Décolletage

When will I see results ?

It may take a few weeks for the results of the PRP therapy to become visible. Results can be seen at 2-3 weeks after treatment, but peak results are usually seen at 4-6 weeks.  

How many sessions are needed?

A course of 6 treatments – one facial every 6 weeks followed by one session for maintenance every 6 month. More than one treatment is required to achieve or maintain results, but this depends on the treatment aim and client response to treatment. 

How long will it take to recover from a PRP treatment?

The actual procedure of injecting the PRP involves the use of topical anaesthetic, although not always depending on the patient and area being treated, rather than local or general anaesthetic, meaning that most patients feel comfortable returning to their normal activities not long afterwards. It is important to be aware that due to there being many injections at the treatment sites, the areas can look swollen, bumpy and red post treatment and these effects can last for a couple of days so it is best to have some time to recover.

 What are the risks and potential complications from PRP treatments?

There are few side effects associated with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some bruising, swelling and redness at the injection sites. You may also experience some tenderness, bruise and pain at the injection sites. However, any side effects should dissipate within a few days following the procedure.

 What should you do after a Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy treatment?

It is very important that you follow the advice of your practitioner following treatment. Post-treatment advice could include:

The use of cold compresses to treat swelling in the treated area, as recommended
Avoid touching and applying any cream or make up for 24 hrs after the treatment to prevent risk of infection.

Most patients will be able to go straight back to their normal regime following treatment, but if you experience any tenderness or pain at the treatment site, you should take extra care when washing and caring for your skin in the days following the PRP therapy.

Avoid Sun Exposure for 10 days. Apply a minimum of SPF 15 Environ every 2 hours. 

May use mineral based makeup after 24 hours.

Restart regular skin care regimen in 48 hours and Retin- A in 72 hours.

Who should NOT have a Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy treatment?

To undergo PRP therapy, you should be in general good health and you should have realistic expectations of the outcome. Most people are suitable candidates for PRP therapy, and it is recommended as a safe treatment for individuals who are unable to undergo more invasive procedures such as a full face lift, due to the risks associated with general anaesthetic (although it will not achieve the same results as a surgical face lift).

Individuals with platelet dysfunction syndrome, critical thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenaemia, haemodynamic instability, sepsis, acute & chronic infections and chronic liver pathology are not suitable candidates for PRP therapy. Those undergoing anti-coagulant therapy are also not suitable candidates.

What are the risks and potential complications from PRP treatments?

There are few side effects associated with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some bruising, swelling and redness at the injection sites. You may also experience some tenderness, bruise and pain at the injection sites. However, any side effects should dissipate within a few days following the procedure.