Facials serve as an ideal self-pampering solution which can rejuvenate and refresh your skin. This applies whether you select a simple facial massage or a chemical peel.
For those in search of something more comprehensive, consider a vampire facial.
A dermatologist elucidates the process of this treatment along with its pros and cons within this context.
So, What Exactly is a Vampire Facial?
The name "vampire facial" might seem odd. How could a facial be related to the fictional character recurrently seen around Halloween? Well, similar to how a vampire draws blood with their fangs, a vampire facial involves extracting one's blood using needles.
Rather than being your regular spa indulgence, this type of facial leans more towards the medical end.
"When you hear 'vampire facial,' we're actually referring to an established clinical process called microneedling," informs Dr. Aanand Geria, distinguished dermatologist and founder of Geria Dermatology.
Microneedling deploys slender needles to puncture minuscule holes in the upper layer of your skin as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. This prompts your body to generate additional collagen and elastin which can help in addressing scarring issues, wrinkles and fine lines.
However, there's indeed a difference between standard microneedling and what goes on during a vampire facial.
During the procedure for a vampire facial, the doctor first withdraws some amount of blood (typically from your arm) according to sources at Cleveland Clinic The extracted sample is then spun vigorously inside centrifuge equipment so that plasma contents separate from platelets. Once done successfully; these are blended into Platelet-rich Plasma(PRP), which eventually gets re-infused into client's face via micro needling following procedures laid by American Academy of Dermatology.
Referring to this type of facial as platelet-rich plasma or PRP facial would hence not be inaccurate.
Both PRP and the minor tissue damage intentionally caused by microneedling kickstart your body's natural healing processes that can yield improved skin texture and tone as supported by research at Cleveland Clinic.
Procedure
Phase 1: Initial Discussion
The process of a vampire facial can stretch from about three quarters of an hour to the full hour, beginning with an initial discussion to validate its suitability for you, notes Dr. Geria. Ensuring that your healthcare provider is aware and informed about both types of medicines- topical and oral, that are in use currently by you is crucial as there might be a need to temporarily stop some before undergoing the treatment.
Step 2: Anaesthetizing
The medical professional administers a surface-level numbing cream to ensure that you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Typically, it requires approximately 30 minutes for the numbness to set in and its effects can persist for several hours.
Phase 3: Procurement of Blood
A physician will extract a minor quantity of blood from your arm, typically about 2 to 4 tablespoons. Next, the collected blood is transferred into a centrifuge. This medical instrument whirls around the blood samples for segregating platelets and plasma. The mixture of these two components leads to the creation of Platelet-rich Plasma or PRP in short.
Phase 4: Sanitization and Preparation
Your dermatologist will use alcohol to clean up your facial skin before applying the Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment.
Phase 5: Commencing Microneedling
The medical expert maneuvers the microneedling tool over your epidermis, facilitating PRP absorption and causing minor pinprick bleeding, as per Dr. Geria's explanation.
Perks
As per the AAD's report, vampire facials are increasingly favored for their aesthetic advancements such as:
- Reduced wrinkles
- Enhanced volume in the skin
- Diminished fine lines and creases
- Skin texture improvement
- Minimized acne scars
Although evidence surrounding vampire facial is limited according to AAD, the extensive range of potential perks keeps people highly interested in this treatment.
In words of Dr. Geria, "It brings about visible changes without significant pain or recovery time - an excellent first step for those seeking anti-ageing benefits."
Note
According to the AAD, the outcomes of a vampire facial can be anticipated to persist for as long as 18 months.
Possible Hazards and Adverse Reactions
Usually, microneedling is viewed as a treatment carrying minimal risk with a quick healing period, thus contributing to its widespread acceptance. However, according to Dr. Geria, one may still experience discomfort and inflammation post-procedure. Moreover, there are potential adverse outcomes which you should be aware of.
A. Hyperpigmentation following Inflammation
This refers to the situation where dark spots appear on your skin as a result of damage or irritation. According to Dr. Geria, this event is more prone to occur in skin types with higher melanin content if rigorous mitigation against sun exposure isn't adhered to post-procedure.
Post undergoing a vampirical facial, it's advised by Dr. Geria that you abstain from contact with sunlight for an interval of three days and shield your skin using sunscreen followed by donning a hat with wide brims in the scenario that outdoor activities become necessary.
2. Tendency to Develop Bruises
You're more likely to observe bruising on your face if you take blood-thinning medications, such as ibuprofen, says Dr. Geria. Typically, this undesired effect spontaneously disappears within a fortnight following the vampire facial treatment.
3. Possibility of Infection
There's a slight but unlikely chance of bacterial infection, informs Dr. Geria. The primary source could be the application of non-sterilized gear during the course or inadequate facial sanitation before starting.
Conversely, unhygienic tools might expose you to severe illnesses such as HIV, warns Dr. Geria.
Hence, it is crucial to ensure these treatments are only held in sanitized medical environments (for example, a dermatological clinic or medical spa).
Final Thoughts
Microneedling procedures like vampire facials might significantly enhance your skin's appearance. Key immediate advantages could encompass a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines, a more supple complexion, and less noticeable acne scars.
This process must be conducted within a healthcare environment, for instance, at a dermatologist clinic to decrease the chances of developing an infection.
