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Aesthetics & Rejuvenation
The Vampire Facial® combines SkinPen® microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood. It may help your skin glow from within, and improve texture, fine lines, acne scars and sun damage.
Appointment
About 90 minutes
Sessions
Usually 3, about a month apart
Downtime
Redness for about 1–3 days
The basics
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is made from a small sample of your own blood. Platelets carry growth factors, natural proteins that play a role in the body’s repair and in making new collagen and elastin.
Your blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer. Nothing artificial is added.
The treatment
The Vampire Facial® combines two treatments. First, SkinPen®, an FDA-cleared microneedling device, creates thousands of tiny, controlled channels in the skin, which prompt your skin to repair itself. Then your own PRP is applied, so its growth factors can reach deeper through those channels.
Together, they may help improve texture, fine lines, acne scars, sun damage and dark circles, and give your skin a natural glow.
Is it right for me?
Not suitable during an active acne breakout that is inflamed or infected, with open wounds or skin infections, during pregnancy, if you are prone to keloid scars, if you have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) recently, or if you have a blood or platelet disorder or take certain blood thinners. Dr. Verma reviews your history first.
Step by step
The whole visit takes about 90 minutes, and your PRP is prepared fresh, right in front of you.
1
We review your health history and medications, look at your skin and agree on your goals.
2
A topical numbing cream is applied to your face so the treatment is comfortable.
3
While the numbing works, a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, like a routine lab test.
4
Your blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), with no preservatives added.
5
SkinPen® creates tiny, controlled channels across the skin.
6
Your PRP is applied during and after microneedling so it can reach deeper through the channels.
7
You go home with a post-facial care kit and written instructions. Your skin will be red for a short time.
8
Most people need about 3 treatments, a month apart. We check your progress at each visit.
Tiny, controlled channels prompt your skin to make new collagen and elastin.
PRP is applied into those channels, where its growth factors may boost the skin’s natural renewal.
The same treatment, focused on acne-prone skin and pitted, rolling or boxcar scars. Inflamed acne is calmed first, sometimes with our Plasmatique cold plasma facial.
Many people see a glow after the first session. Around 3 treatments are usually needed for the best effect, and results may last up to two years with good skincare.
Weighing it up
Preparing and recovering
Results
Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
The research
Combining microneedling with PRP has been studied mainly for acne scars.
Links open external websites.
Because it uses a small amount of your own blood. Vampire Facial® is a registered trademark of Dr. Charles Runels, and Dr. Verma is a licensed provider.
Numbing cream is applied first, and many patients say it is painless. You may feel light pressure or a vibrating, scratchy feeling.
Usually 3, about a month apart. Some people see results after one session.
Results may last up to two years with proper skincare and sun protection. Some people choose a yearly maintenance treatment.
We do not microneedle over inflamed, infected acne. We calm active breakouts first, then treat the scars.
Microneedling alone uses only the needling. The Vampire Facial® adds your own PRP, which may enhance collagen building and help skin recover faster.
PRP is your own blood product. The centrifuge systems used to prepare it are FDA-cleared, but PRP for cosmetic use is not FDA-approved. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
About aesthetic treatments. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. Most treatments need a series of sessions, and some involve downtime. Before-and-after photos, where shown, are real patients who gave written permission and are not a promise of your result. Medical disclaimer.
Peptide therapy
GHK-Cu may be added to your skincare plan to support collagen and skin repair between treatments.
