Introduction:
A vampire facial is a skincare treatment that is otherwise known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. It is a mask made from the person’s very own blood. This helps rejuvenate the complexion. This technique may seem terrifying, but it is not. It is a painless procedure that shows impressive results. In recent days, the vampire facial is a highly favored technique and is considered an alternative to dermal fillers. Vampire Facial is the only United States-FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved facial kit that is available worldwide.
What Is a Vampire Facial?
A vampire facial is a kind of facial rejuvenation process. It is also called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. As the name suggests, this treatment uses plasma taken from the blood that helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, folds, and open pores by stimulating collagen production.
How Is PRP Therapy Performed?
PRP means platelet-rich plasma. It is a concentrated blood plasma that contains five times more platelets than normal circulating blood. This platelet-rich plasma also contains the following substances:
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Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).
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Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
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Transforming growth factor (TGF).
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Bioactive proteins.
The body cells that help tissues heal and also help in the production of new cells are called platelets. So when platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is injected into the blood, it helps in collagen stimulation and tissue regeneration making the skin look younger, smoother, and tighter.
PRP Therapy Procedure:
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Hence, the process is painless. The steps involved in this procedure are as follows:
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Around 30 ml of blood is extracted from the vein in the arm and placed in a device called the centrifuge machine (a machine that separates plasma from the blood) for around eight to 10 minutes so that the plasma, which is yellow, separates from the rest of the blood.
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The separated plasma is injected all over the face using a syringe that has a short, thin needle, or a microneedle. A microneedle is a device that looks like a lint roller with many tiny needles sticking out of it.
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Finally, the doctor may apply ice to the face to minimize swelling and bruising.
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The entire procedure takes around 45 minutes to one hour.
How Long Does It Take to Show Some Results?
The improvements in the skin are not dramatic, but relatively gradual, and natural. The results of a vampire facial may vary from person to person. Generally, it takes around two to three weeks after the PRP procedure to see visible results in the skin and around four to six weeks to see a marked difference. The results from the platelet-rich plasma treatment can last for at least two years.
What Are the Benefits of Vampire Facial?
The procedure may appear a bit scary, but people have found that vampire facial has the following benefits:
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It reduces wrinkles.
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PRP helps plump up the sagging skin.
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Helps get rid of deep creases.
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Improves skin complexion.
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PRP helps diminish acne scars.
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Aids in facial rejuvenation.
Why Is Vampire Facial in Trend Now?
All the benefits of vampire facials have created a great demand for this procedure. Since this PRP procedure involves needles, syringes, and centrifuge machines, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) classified it as a medical device, and the rules for medical devices are less demanding. And the risks from this procedure are very minimal.
Who Can Get a Vampire Facial?
Vampire facials are generally considered safe for most people, but everything has limits. It is highly not recommended for people with the following conditions:
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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
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Hepatitis C.
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Blood cancer.
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Heart disease, especially when people are taking blood thinners.
It is not recommended in people with these conditions because PRP treatment affects the platelets making it hard for the treatment to deliver the expected results.
Is Vampire Facial Safe?
Vampire facials are typically considered safe, except for a few conditions. It is usually considered safe irrespective of the skin type, and PRP is developed from the person’s blood; hence, it is inherently safe and free from any transmissible disease if strict sterilization techniques are followed. There are no sutures placed on the skin post-procedure, and there are no serious adverse effects. This procedure is US-FDA certified. The individuals can normally return to their routine immediately after the procedure.
What Can Be Expected Post Treatment?
After receiving the vampire facial, one can expect the following:
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Slight swelling and bruising, which resolves within a few days.
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Facial wrinkles would have smoothed out.
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New collagen formation in the skin lifts the face back to a more youthful state.
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The color of the skin improves since there will be the formation of new blood vessels.
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Enhanced blood circulation.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Vampire Facials?
As vampire facial (PRP treatment) involves needles and blood, there is a risk of the spread of infections when the procedure is not carried out under sterile conditions. Apart from the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases (when there is no strict adherence to the proper sterilization techniques), the procedure is generally safe.
The most significant risk is associated with how one’s blood is handled. It is better to make sure that the blood removed from one’s body is kept sterile, and also it is necessary to ensure that the blood injected back into the individual is their blood and not someone else’s. To stay safe, it is advisable to opt for a skilled, qualified professional to perform the procedure. The person performing the treatment should stick to proper hygiene techniques such as wearing gloves and properly sterilizing the equipment before and after the procedure.
Are There Any Alternatives for Vampire Facials?
Despite the benefits offered by vampire facial procedures, one may not prefer the treatment just because one does not wish to contract an infection or if one feels uncomfortable using microneedles. In that case, there are other alternatives with similar results. A few alternatives are mentioned below:
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Chemical Peels: Chemical peels improve the skin’s appearance by removing the outermost layer of the skin, and when the skin grows back, it appears smooth and radiant.
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Laser Treatments: Laser treatment is known for its non-invasive characteristics. This procedure involves the usage of light to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks.
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Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a skin procedure that improves the signs of aging by minimizing wrinkles and fine lines.
Conclusion:
The results from the PRP treatment may vary with each person, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the expected results. Some studies have shown that it has better outcomes, whereas few are in opposition to it. However, vampire facials have gained a lot of popularity and prominence recently, especially among celebrities. If one feels PRP is worth trying, then one can consult a dermatologist (skin doctor) before going for it, as it is still an unproven method. One must remember that it is necessary to get the procedure done by a qualified professional.
