You’ve probably seen it on social media, Kim Kardashian’s bloody-faced selfie. No, it’s not Halloween makeup—it’s actually one of the latest trends when it comes to skin care, also known as “The Vampire Facial”. However, don’t let the name scare you, there are a lot of misconceptions about this treatment and I’m here to clear all that up. Kim Kardashian’s photo being one of them. It is no wonder that the procedure has garnered a reputation for looking painful. Looks can be deceiving however, and this treatment might be the answer to many people’s skin care concerns. 

The more technical name for this procedure is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. PRP therapy was first developed back in the 1970’s during open heart surgery, but it wasn’t until the early 2000’s when it was starting to gain popularity in orthopedic surgery. With this treatment, the patient’s own blood is separated from the healing platelets found in blood plasma, and then re-injected back into the body to promote healing. Platelets are tiny blood cells that play a pivotal part in the clotting process, while also repairing damaged blood vessels and cells. Think of platelets as little powerhouses that release proteins for growth when they come in contact with the body’s tissue. 

This same process is used in the Vampire Facial. We start out by applying a topical anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable during the treatment. The patient’s own blood is then drawn, and placed in a centrifuge for approximately ten minutes. The centrifuge spins the blood at a fast pace to separate the lighter plasma from the rest of the blood. The isolated platelet-rich plasma is stimulated to begin releasing growth factors that will increase collagen production and encourage skin renewal. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected and micro-needled into the patient’s face. As a PA-C as well as the owner of Spa Blue, I am able to inject the platelets into any problem areas the patient may have, whether for example it’s the under eye region or nasal labial folds. The Licensed Medical Estheticians, Brittany Cerrato and Saudia Richardson, will then microneedle the remaining PRP into the skin using the MicroPen Elite by Eclipse. This increase in collagen and growth factors creates a more youthful, plumper, and firmer appearance in the skin.

The Vampire Facial requires little to no downtime. There may be some redness and tenderness on the first day, and occasionally bruising can occur.  By day two, the initial redness will be gone and the swelling is minimal. All patients are able to resume their normal daily activities following the treatment and are able to apply makeup as normal the following day. 

Within two weeks’ patients begin to see noticeable results, but the best result will be at month two. Individuals report of having a “glow” and younger-looking skin. These results can last between one and two years, although a majority of our patients at Spa Blue like to come in once a year for upkeep. 

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy has also been shown in numerous studies to be an effective treatment for hair loss in men and women known as Androgenetic Alopecia. We have seen excellent results in our hair loss patients in just one session. 

At Spa Blue, we cater to each patient’s skin concerns and their ultimate goal. I’m a Certified Vampire Facial Provider, and I have an advanced background in dermatology and cosmetic procedures. I have over 17 years of experience and strive to stay informed of the latest anti-aging procedures and cosmeceuticals for patients to achieve the most superior and natural results. We believe that PRP therapy is the future and that you really can stay youthful forever with this all-natural, ground-breaking treatment.

 

Spa Blue | Skincare, Laser & Aesthetics
6735 Conroy Windermere Rd., Ste. 423
Orlando, FL 32835
407-901-0428  |  SpaBlue.com