Looking for impressive skin rejuvenation results? PRP microneedling, also known as the “vampire facial,” may be your solution. This cutting-edge treatment combines two powerful techniques that target multiple skin issues. This piece covers everything about PRP microneedling’s effectiveness for acne scars, facial rejuvenation, and other skin concerns.
What is a Vampire Facial, and How Does PRP Microneedling Work?
The science behind PRP microneedling or a vampire facial combines your body’s natural healing abilities with advanced medical techniques. This innovative procedure has become popular because it can address various skin concerns through two different approaches.
Definition of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP is a concentrated part of your blood that contains specific healing components. Medical professionals draw your blood for PRP preparation and place it in a centrifuge that spins the sample faster. This spinning separates different blood components by their density and isolates valuable platelets and plasma from other elements.
PRP stands out because it contains five to ten times more platelets than normal blood. These platelets have specialized proteins called growth factors that help regenerate and heal tissue. Your PRP also contains bioproteins, hormones, and cytokines that work together to repair and regenerate cells.
How Microneedling Stimulates Collagen
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, works through an interesting biological process. The procedure creates controlled micro-injuries in your skin using fine needles. These tiny punctures might sound scary, but they actually benefit your skin.
Your body starts its natural wound-healing process when these micro-injuries occur. This releases growth factors and activates fibroblasts—special cells that produce collagen and elastin. Your skin responds by making new collagen fibers that improve texture, firmness, and elasticity over time.
Why PRP is Added to Microneedling
PRP and microneedling create better results together than either treatment alone. Microneedling creates tiny channels that allow PRP to sink deeply into the skin. The concentrated platelets then release growth factors that can boost your skin’s natural rejuvenation. Basically, microneedling creates the initial boost, while PRP provides extra nutrition that may enhance results.
Here’s a summary of why the combination of these treatments works so well:
- PRP can penetrate deep into your skin through the channels that the needles create.
- PRP’s growth factors can speed up healing started by microneedling.
- The combination may produce more collagen and elastin than single treatments.
As an added benefit, PRP microneedling is a minimally invasive option that uses your body’s healing abilities without synthetic substances or long recovery times, which can complicate skincare for many patients.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of a PRP Microneedling Session
You’ll want to know what happens during your PRP microneedling treatment session. The vampire facial follows specific steps that work together to give you the best results.
Blood draw and PRP extraction using a centrifuge
Your treatment starts with a small blood sample from your arm, just like a routine blood test. The practitioner uses a wide-bore needle to collect your blood sample and add an anticoagulant to keep your blood from clotting.
A specialized machine called a centrifuge processes your blood sample. This device spins the blood twice at specific speeds. The first one separates red blood cells from plasma, and the second concentrates the platelets.
This process creates your own platelet-rich plasma, a golden-colored liquid packed with platelets ready to be used later.
Numbing the Skin with Topical Anesthetic
Your Beauty Vault practitioner applies a topical anesthetic to the treatment area to keep you comfortable during the procedure. After that, they cover it with a protective barrier and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes, giving the anesthetic time to block the nerve signals that cause pain.
Microneedling with a Derma Pen or Roller
After your skin is numb, the Beauty Vault practitioner cleans the treatment area. They might use an advanced microneedling pen or a traditional roller to create thousands of tiny channels on your skin, each measuring 0.1mm to 2.5mm deep.
4. Application of PRP to the treated area
Your prepared PRP goes on right after microneedling. The tiny channels from needling help your skin absorb the PRP deeply where it works best.
Your practitioner then massages the PRP into the treated area for full coverage. Your PRP’s platelets release growth factors that stimulate cell reproduction and collagen production. This happens right after treatment when the channels are still open—the perfect time for PRP to work.
Expected Results and Timeline After Treatment
Patience plays a vital role in your treatment experience after completing your PRP microneedling session. You can track your progress better by knowing what results to expect and their timing.
When to Expect Visible Improvements
Most people start to notice subtle improvements in their skin about two to three weeks after a vampire facial. These original changes usually include a fresher complexion and smoother texture. Your body continues producing collagen in response to the procedure, and more noticeable results typically appear around four to six weeks post-treatment.
The timeline varies based on specific skin concerns. PRP microneedling for acne scars might show gradual improvement over a longer period—sometimes up to nine months. Your skin condition, age, and natural healing ability largely determine your individual response.
How Many Sessions are Typically Needed
Multiple treatments work best to achieve optimal results. Some people notice improvements after just one session, but most practitioners recommend three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart for the best outcomes, especially for major scarring or advanced signs of healing.
The second and third sessions often produce more dramatic improvements than the first, with each treatment building upon previous results.
Maintenance Treatments and Follow-ups
A complete treatment series can last 15 to 18 months, but the effects are not permanent. Yearly follow-up sessions help maintain your rejuvenated appearance.
These maintenance treatments sustain collagen production, which naturally decreases with age. Your Beauty Vault practitioner may suggest scheduling touch-up sessions every 6 to 12 months.
PRP Microneedling Aftercare and Side Effects
Your comfort and results depend on proper aftercare following your PRP microneedling procedure. A good understanding of recovery helps you know what to expect and distinguish normal healing from potential risks.
Post-Treatment Care: Cleansing, Moisturizing, Sun Protection
Your Beauty Vault provider might apply a soothing serum or balm right after treatment to reduce inflammation. Avoid scrubbing or wiping your face vigorously for the first six hours. The first 72 hours require only gentle cleansers and lukewarm water.
Recovery also requires proper hydration. You should apply recommended moisturizers whenever needed, usually hyaluronic acid-based products that are gentle on your freshly treated skin.
Your skin needs protection from the sun, too, so always use sunblock when outdoors. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is best.
Furthermore, stay away from these items that could slow down healing:
- NSAIDs, blood thinners, alcohol and smoking
- Harsh skin treatments and makeup (for at least 24 hours)
- Swimming pools and hot environments (saunas, hot tubs)
- Activities that make you sweat too much
Lastly, keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling and pressure on your face.
Common Side Effects: Redness, Swelling, Bruising
Your vampire facial will likely cause some redness and swelling right away. This reaction looks like a mild sunburn and shows your body’s healing process has started. The redness usually goes away within 24 hours, but some swelling and rough texture might last up to a week.
Bruising happens less often but can occur, especially in sensitive areas or if you bruise easily. These marks typically fade within a week.
You might also feel mild discomfort similar to a sunburn, along with skin tightness or sensitivity. These feelings usually don’t last longer than a few days.
When to Contact a Doctor
Call your Beauty Vault provider right away if you notice any signs of infection or other conditions, such as:
- Drainage from treated areas
- Increased warmth around treatment sites
- Fever over 101°F
- Severe pain that over-the-counter pain relievers don’t help
- Heavy bleeding
- Unusual swelling
- Allergic reactions
Try the Vampire Facial at the Beauty Vault in West Hollywood
Whether you prefer to call it PRP microneedling or a vampire facial, the final result is the same—fresh, improved skin. It could be the answer to many of your skincare worries. The first step is to meet with the Beauty Vault team in West Hollywood to get their expert assessment. Learn more today by calling them at (323) 800-6770 or filling out a contact form.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between a vampire facial and regular microneedling? A vampire facial combines microneedling with the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood. This addition of PRP contains growth factors that may enhance skin regeneration beyond what microneedling alone can achieve.
Q2. How long does it take to see results from a PRP microneedling treatment? Most people begin to notice subtle improvements in their skin about two to three weeks after treatment. More noticeable results typically appear around four to six weeks post-treatment as your body continues producing collagen in response to the procedure.
Q3. Are there any risks or side effects associated with PRP microneedling? Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort resembling a sunburn sensation. These typically subside within a few days. Serious complications are rare, but it’s important to follow aftercare instructions and contact your provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
