"Vampire Facial" | Microneedling With Minimal Downtime and Maximum Results
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) has been used in orthopedics for decades but most recently popularized for aesthetic purposes in both the scalp and skin. Better known and publicized on the market (thanks to Kim K) as the “Vampire Facial,” PRP has shown to have rejuvenating effects on the skin including collagen stimulation that helps plump the skin and restore volume”
Alternatively, traditional microneedling helps with fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, and tone. It’s great for anti-aging or for those with acne scarring or skin discoloration. It works by sending a series of small needles into the epidermis of the skin to simulate the reproduction of our body’s own natural collagen. When combined with PRP, it improves the efficacy of the procedure and cuts downtime. We’re talking 2-3 days v. 7-10 days
So, in true Halo Rituals fashion we wanted to learn more for ourselves - and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a good glow up?
We joined Christin Smith, FNC-P, nurse practitioner and lead injector at Lorena Luca in Downtown Raleigh to learn more about this popular procedure and share some insights with readers…PLUS show it in action.
Lorena luca skin & spa | raleigh, north carolina | christin smith, Fnc-p
Who can administer this procedure?
A medical professional or provider would need to be on-site to draw blood, however, an aesthetic provider can administer the procedure using a microneedling device. If you are the PRP injected, a nurse would need to administer the injections under the guidance of a medical director which is why it is so important to do your research on your provider.
What is the process?
A vial of blood is drawn similar to what would happen at a standard physical, about 20mL total is typical - then spun into a machine called a centrifuge which separates the red blood to increase the amount of platelets available — Platelets are a clotting factor which enables your body to clot or stop bleeding. The process concentrates the platelet count to 5 times normal.
HOT TAKE: it looks and feels like the first day of a sunburn
Before the procedure your face is numbed with topical lidocaine (if you are pregnant it is not advised to use lidocaine, sorry!) This platelet rich plasma is then injected into the scalp with the intention site causing regeneration of the skin. Using PRP topically with microneedling helps drive the PRP into the skin, which can also be injected via needle. PRP is a concentration of 7 fundamental growth factors
Wait, what are growth factors?
24 HOURS AFTER PROCEDURE - skin ready!
As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains several growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue. Growth factors are not growth hormones. They are natural substances made by the skin cells that support the repair of damaged skin, as a result of aging or environmental factors. They promote the formation of collagen and elastin that help with skin tone, elasticity, and volume.
There’s debate among dermatologists as to whether topically applied growth factors can penetrate the skin enough to be effective. It has been asserted that growth factors have a large molecular size that prevents them from entering the epidermis. However, several clinical studies, over the past 15 years, have highlighted the benefits of topically applied growth factor products showing improvements in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and discoloration.[*]
Combinations of growth factors with antioxidants (eg, vitamin C) and peptides (eg, cytokines) tend to show results sooner, typically within 4–8 weeks.
It has been hypothesized that when growth factors are applied to the skin in high concentrations, a small fraction penetrates the superficial epidermis, and initiates a communication chain that leads to stimulation of dermal fibroblasts to produce collagen.
24 HOURS AFTER PROCEDURE - skin ready!
How does it work?
PRP causes a mild inflammation that triggers the healing cascade. As the platelets organize in the clot they release a number of enzymes to promote healing and tissue responses including attracting stem cells to repair the damaged area.
This treatment is natural in that your own cells are used, treated with a chemical that is not foreign to the body, and injected into the specified areas. Since a distillate of growth factors from your own blood is used, there side effects minimal but can occur. Always ask your provider about risk associated and those specific to your own healthcare.
The body reacts to the treated cells as it does to a wound and immediately starts repairing the tissue. This builds the underlying tissue with tightening, smoothing, and increased blood flow (which makes the color more attractive).If you are pregnant - do not use the numbing cream
How much does it cost and what can you expect from your results?
The procedure costs around $600-$900 depending on area and root cause. You should see improvements immediately, although there is usually a return to prior treatment status in 3-5 days as the water is absorbed and prior to the complete action of the cellular regenerative process. Within 2-4 weeks you will see improvement with continued changes for 12 weeks.
Results are generally visible at three weeks and continue to improve gradually over the next three to six months. Generally, three to four initial treatments are advised, however, more may be indicated for some individuals. Current data shows results may last 18-24 months. Once your results are achieved maintenance treatments may be required to maintain your results.
If you’re considering this procedure, we suggest talking to your medical aesthetic provider or aesthetician for a full facial assessment to determine if this procedure is right for you. Often times the procedure is paired with products, other procedures or multiple PRP treatments.
If you do not have a licensed medical aesthetic provider or aesthetician, be sure to do your research and interview providers to ensure their credentials and experience match the results you’re looking for, most importantly, the safety and precautions necessary for best results.
Lorena Luca Skin + Spa
Have questions? That’s what we’re here for!
In the Raleigh, NC area? Whether you are looking for a relaxing massage, an anti-aging facial procedure or the latest in skin and body care, Lorena Luca’s state-of the-art spa is chic, modern and utterly decadent and their highly trained team of spa professionals deliver the finest in spa and wellness.