While synthetic cosmetic injectables have become the norm these days, sometimes the best option for rejuvenated skin is a non-synthetic method. Vampire facials take advantage of your body’s natural healing process, using plasma taken from your own blood—no synthetic fillers necessary.
Though the process has been around for about 20 years, the vampire facial has recently become popularized by celebrities like Kim Kardashian who have been strong proponents for this natural beautification treatment and examples of its many advantages. Vampire facials are a regenerative therapy that uses only the patient’s own blood, thereby avoiding the risk of allergic reactions present with some synthetic treatments.
Dr. Jeff Birchall offers vampire facials at his Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics to clients looking to rejuvenate their skin through natural means.
How does it work?
While the name might be scary, the actual process is surprisingly simple. A small amount of blood is taken from your arm, which is the equivalent of about two teaspoons. The blood is then centrifuged to separate the rich plasma from the red and white blood cells. The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used to generate new collagen production by spreading it over your face before the treatment.
Once the PRP is ready, Dr. Birchall will apply it to your face and then begin the microneedling process. Using a small pen-like device, Dr. Birchall delivers a series of tiny needles into the skin to mimic an injury and trick the body into growing new tissue. The microneedling process pushes the PRP deeper into the underlying dermal layers of the skin, soothing the newly-afflicted areas and encouraging the body to produce new collagen.
The collagen produced by the micro-injuries will heal the skin and restore a more youthful appearance with help from the PRP. PRP combined with microneedling can also induce the production of fatty tissues that fill in wrinkles and shallow scarring to create fuller, smoother skin.
Vampire facials use your body’s natural response to injury to restore your skin, with the growth factors in the plasma to speed the healing process along. There’s nothing synthetic or artificial about it and the results will be both natural and long-lasting.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream is applied before the microneedling process to keep discomfort to a minimum. The microneedling will be performed throughout the treatment area, with some areas naturally more sensitive than others. Side effects can include puffy skin, mild itchiness for a day or two, and slight bruising around the eyes. Makeup can be worn the next day.
What are its benefits?
Vampire facials are great for giving your skin a fresh, glowing look. If you want to keep your skin looking vibrant and supple, but wish to avoid synthetic fillers, then the vampire facial may be an excellent alternative. PRP has traditionally been used in the medical realm to treat burn wounds and accelerate healing in athletes, such as professional tennis athlete Rafael Nadal.
Now, the same process has shown considerable benefits as an aesthetic treatment as well, as Dr. Birchall can use PRP to restore elasticity to your skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. PRP treatments have even been shown to reduce acne scarring and stretch marks.
How many treatments are required?
To receive optimal results, Dr. Birchall recommends three sessions, spaced at least four weeks apart. After the initial sessions, a follow-up appointment once a year will ensure the effects are lasting and that your skin will stay young and smooth for years to come.
Treatments take around an hour and a half, and the full results will be visible around four to six weeks afterward. There is no downtime.
Can it be used in other areas of the body?
The benefits of PRP treatments combined with microneedling extend far beyond just Vampire Facials. When injected directly into the source of an injury, PRP can speed up the recovery process and get you back on your feet. PRP and microneedling can also be used in other areas of the body, such as the upper chest, to have a similar effect in smoothing wrinkles and rejuvenating skin. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Birchall if you would like to discuss your options for this natural and safe treatment.
Dr. Birchall and his staff at Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics are ready to help you give your skin a happy and healthy glow. You shouldn’t have to resort to painful surgeries or synthetic fillers to receive the look you want. Vampire facials are a safe and natural way to fight the signs of aging and keep your skin fresh and revitalized.
If you would like to discuss if a vampire facial is right for you, call Dermacare Medical Aesthetics at 858-943-2443 or Dermacare Carlsbad at 760-472-5088 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Birchall today.