Because of its ability to give patients a clearer, more radiant complexion, microneedling is a popular cosmetic procedure for both men and women. It improves the appearance of skin hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and more. At Radiant Divine Medical Spa, we are happy to offer an even more effective option: the vampire facial.
This skincare facial can improve skin tone and texture with a minimally invasive method by using your own blood and microneedling, helping you achieve the smoother, youthful-looking skin you want. Read on to learn more about the vampire facial.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a process that utilizes tiny needles to puncture the skin. This stimulates collagen production and forces the dermis layer of your skin to start healing. With microneedling, the skin gets tighter and firmer.
The tiny needles also create micro-channels into which we can administer medications and other solutions. During a vampire facial, we apply platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after microneedling.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Your own blood contains PRP, which has healing and regenerative properties. When PRP is isolated and applied after microneedling, it can reach deep into the skin layers, accelerating the healing process.
For microneedling with PRP, we take one or more tubes of your blood and run it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The centrifuge separates the blood into layers. During a vampire facial, we use plasma with a high concentration of platelets.
Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate healing. When we reintroduce the PRP into your skin, it ramps up collagen and elastin production. It naturally helps rebuild damaged tissue, increasing circulation and giving your skin a youthful glow.
We can inject the PRP into a treatment area, or we can apply it topically after microneedling. When we use it topically, we can apply the PRP to a larger area.
What Is a Vampire Facial?
The vampire facial, also called microneedling with PRP, is a treatment option that involves taking blood from your arm to separate the platelets and then applying it to your face after using microneedles that range from .5 to 2.5 millimeters.
Microneedling allows the PRP to go deeper into your skin, affecting the treatment area more evenly.
The vampire facial can treat the following skin concerns:
- Stretch marks
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Chicken pox scarring
- Pigmentation issues
- Sun damage
Once we have performed the microneedling procedure, we apply the PRP topically. The micro-channels on your skin will absorb the PRP more easily, boosting results. Although we offer microneedling for different areas of the body, the vampire facial is only for your face.
The best candidates for this skincare facial are those who have premature wrinkles or sun damage and want to achieve a more even skin tone and texture. We recommend people with a history of blood diseases or clotting problems speak with us about an alternative treatment.
Benefits of the Vampire Facial
Microneedling with PRP can help dehydrated skin. It can also reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and improve skin tone and texture by targeting large pores.
The vampire facial stimulates healing, which continues long after we finish the procedure. It can help prevent further signs of aging by boosting collagen and elastin production.
We can also customize each treatment, pairing the procedure with other skin rejuvenating options to maximize the results.
Since the vampire facial is minimally invasive, you do not have to worry about a long recovery period.
Preparing for a Vampire Facial
At Radiant Divine Medical Spa, we will take your full medical history to ensure microneedling with PRP is the right option. There are some prescription and over-the-counter medications that you should avoid before treatment.
We recommend increasing your hydration levels a week before your appointment and eating nutritious meals to help with healing. If possible, stop smoking or limit your smoking during the last week before treatment. Three days before, stop drinking alcohol.
On the Day of the Procedure
Come to the appointment with a clean face. First, we will draw a small amount of blood and isolate the PRP by putting the blood in a centrifuge, which spins rapidly for several minutes to separate the platelets.
We will apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area and then use the DermaPen microneedling device to create the micro-channels and apply the PRP. The micro-channels will allow the platelet-rich plasma to reach the deeper dermis layers.
Right after the procedure, which on average lasts 45 minutes, you can return to your daily life.
Vampire Facial Aftercare
You will want to avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two after this skincare facial. Stay out of the sun as you heal, and remember to use sunscreen with zinc oxide daily once you return to your routine.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for at least three days after the procedure, and don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other anti-inflammatory medications. We also recommend you use medical-grade skincare products to maximize your results.
We typically suggest you have three vampire facial sessions four weeks apart and then schedule maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months.
Get Microneedling with PRP for Younger-Looking Skin
The vampire facial can enhance your body’s collagen and elastin production, bringing you the more youthful, hydrated, and healthy skin you want.
At Radiant Divine Medical Spa in Chagrin Falls, OH, we offer this skincare facial option and many other cosmetic procedures. Our highly trained team knows each person is an individual, and we offer the customized options our clients need. Request an appointment today.