What is PRP and the PRP (Vampire) Facial?

What does PRP stand for?

• Platelet Rich Plasma: blood plasma that contains a concentrated source of autologous platelets (about 6-8x normal baseline)

What is a PRP (overview)? (Is it painful?)

• To begin blood will be drawn and then spun in a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the plasma from the RBC’s & WBC’s. Only the plasma will then be drawn up out of the tube into a syringe. The client's face will be cleansed and prepared for the treatment. A prescription numbing cream is applied on the face. PRP will then be dropped by a syringe onto the client's face. Microneedling will then be done over the PRP to inject it into the skin. 
• Everyone's pain tolerance is different. A prescription numbing cream is placed on the client's face. It sits on for about 30 min in order to maximize its effect. This cream does really well to minimize any pain that might be felt. Boney areas tend to be more tender (forehead, chin, jawline.)

What’s the difference between the facial and injections?

• When used in microneedling PRP will be dropped on the skin with a syringe and then microneedling will be done over the plasma.

• When using injections tiny amounts of PRP will be injected right under the skin all over the face. 

What are the benefits(what can be treated) to PRP facial?

• PRP promotes local tissue growth and repair of damaged tissue
• Great for use in fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, pores, pigmentation, superficial scars, hair regeneration. 
• PRP stimulates collagen production, tightens skin, thickens the dermis

Why is it called the vampire facial?

• The name “vampire facial” was adopted because it is a component of blood that is being used in this facial method. 

What areas can be injected?

• All facial areas excluding the eyes
• Neck
• Decollete

Are there any side effects with PRP?

• Redness of skin
• Some pinpoint areas of blood
• Dry & tight skin

Contraindications for treatment?

• Platelet dysfunction syndrome
• Critical thrombocytopenia
• Hemodynamic instability
• Local infection at the injection site
• NSAIDS within 48 hours 
• Corticosteroid injection at the treatment site (1 month)
• Systemic use of corticosteroid (2 weeks)
• Cancers 

What’s the recovery for PRP and what can I expect afterward?

• Day 1 you can expect a red appearance to your face
• Day 2 a reddish or pink hue and mild swelling may persist
• Days 3-7 skin could feel rough like sandpaper. Do not use any sort of scrub on your face. 
• At home: avoid the sun for up to 10 days, wash face thoroughly several hours after treatment (you may use a gentle cleanser that is free of acids and scrubs), you may resume normal skincare regimen on day 2-3, avoid alcohol-based toners for 10-14 days, skin can be dry and tight: apply a moisturizer that is paraben-free to help speed up the recovery process

Cost and time?

• 1.5 hours
• $395

Kari, what was your experience?

I loved it; at no point during the treatment was I compelled to whimper and cry in pain. Sure, there were moments—most notably, over any of the bony parts of my face (my forehead & chin). The hours immediately following the hour-long appointment, I was a bit red, little puffy. (I have sensitive skin), by day two, it looked like I had a very low-key (if anything) sunburn, and day three, my skin looked radiant and refreshed.

Kayla, what was your experience?

I loved it! It was an experience, having my blood drawn and knowing Darci was going to microneedle my plasma back into my skin was a little weird to think about, but the outcome was incredible! My skin felt very tight and soft! Microneedling helps to stimulate hair as well, I asked Darci to go over my eyebrows, and I’ve honestly seen a difference! I can’t wait to have Darci do it again!