Overview
What is Vampire Facial and who is it for?
The vampire facial gets its name from the use of your own blood. A small sample is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. Your face is then numbed and treated with a microneedling device, which makes thousands of tiny, controlled punctures in the skin. The PRP is spread over the skin during and after needling, so it enters through these channels.
Microneedling on its own triggers a healing response that builds collagen and elastin. Adding PRP brings growth factors that may support and speed up that repair. The combination is used to improve skin texture, soften shallow acne scars and fine lines, and make pores look smaller. Because the plasma is your own, allergic reactions are very unlikely. The depth of needling is adjusted for each area of the face.
Skin looks red, like a mild sunburn, for a day or two, then settles. Improvement builds over the following weeks as new collagen forms, and a course of three to four sessions gives the most noticeable change. Deeper acne scars usually need other methods too, such as subcision or laser, which Dr. Shilpa can plan alongside. Results vary between people.
The procedure
What happens during the treatment?
- 1
Consultation
Dr. Shilpa examines your skin, checks for any blood disorders, infection or active acne, and explains what the facial can and cannot do for your concern.
- 2
Blood draw and numbing
A small amount of blood is taken from your arm and processed. Meanwhile, numbing cream is applied to your face.
- 3
Microneedling with PRP
The microneedling device is moved across the skin at a depth set for each area, while the PRP is applied so it absorbs through the channels.
- 4
Soothe and protect
Remaining PRP is left on the skin to absorb. You are given aftercare instructions and a gentle product to use.
Benefits
What are the benefits?
- Improves rough texture and makes pores look smaller.
- Can soften shallow acne scars and fine lines.
- Uses your own plasma, so allergic reactions are very unlikely.
- Stimulates your skin's own collagen for natural-looking change.
- Suitable for many skin tones with careful technique.
Is it right for you?
A vampire facial suits adults with textural concerns, shallow acne marks, fine lines or dull skin who can allow a day or two of redness. It is not done over active acne, infection or cold sores, during pregnancy, or for people with blood disorders, a tendency to keloids, or recent isotretinoin use. Dr. Shilpa will check this at consultation.
Aftercare
How should you care for your skin afterwards?
- 01Do not wash your face for about 6 hours.
- 02Avoid makeup for 24 hours.
- 03Use only a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen for 3-5 days.
- 04Avoid sun, gym, sauna and swimming for 48 hours.
- 05Pause retinol and acids for about a week.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Numbing cream is applied for a good amount of time before starting, so most people feel a light scratching or vibration rather than pain. Bony areas like the forehead can feel a bit more. The blood draw feels like a routine blood test.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person.
