An all-natural approach to aging gracefully
By Bri Williams, RN, BSN
Have you heard of the Vampire Facial, also known as platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP)? It is all the rage amongst celebrities, and that’s because it is a facial treatment that delivers astounding results, stops aging in its tracks and is all natural.
Think of PRP as a treatment in self-healing. A small amount of your blood is drawn from your arm and spun down in a centrifuge. This separates your plasma from your whole blood, and this plasma is rich in platelets (the cells that heal tissue and grow new cells). Hence the name, platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP).
The PRP is then injected into specific areas of the face to regenerate collagen, smooth and tighten skin, soften wrinkles, brighten your skin’s tone and enhance elasticity. It can specifically soften dark hollows around the eyes, plump drawn cheeks, soften lines and pores, and give your skin tone, tightness and improved texture. After injecting the PRP into specific areas of the face, the entire face is microneedled (a minimally invasive procedure that creates thousands of microscopic needle pricks on the surface of the face). The remaining PRP is then rubbed on the face, and it travels down the channels that are created during microneedling to reach the dermis of the skin and continue to rejuvenate.
For years, PRP has been used for reconstructive surgery, in orthopedic medicine and in dentistry, but its benefits are now being utilized in aesthetics to slow the effects of aging on skin. Below are some most frequently asked questions.
How much does platelet-rich plasma therapy cost? A platelet-rich plasma therapy treatment is generally around $600. It takes three months to see full results, and a series of three treatments are recommended to start, and then once a year for maintenance.
Does platelet-rich plasma therapy hurt? Prior to your treatment, most providers will apply a topical numbing cream. Most clients describe the treatment as uncomfortable, but not painful.
How long will my appointment take? A platelet-rich plasma therapy treatment generally takes one hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Is there any downtime or recovery after this treatment? Most clients look a little red the first 24 hours after treatment (like a sunburn). Mild swelling and occasionally bruising can occur. Most clients return to their normal activities on post treatment day one. The PRP is like liquid gold, full of stem cells and growth factors, which speeds up your healing time.
Curious if this treatment could help you with your aesthetic goals? Consult with your aesthetic provider to learn if you are a candidate and how this treatment can help you feel like the best version of yourself.