What is a PRP Treatment and Why is it Called a Vampire Facial?
There are dozens of ‘fad’ beauty treatments that captivate the world during their five minutes of fame. PRP Facials aren’t one of those fad beauty treatments. While it did emerge as a pop culture trend thanks to Kim Kardashian, at London Real Skin, we’re confident in the science behind it.
What is PRP Treatment?
You may have heard PRP treatments – specifically PRP facials – referred to as a ‘Vampire Facial’ or ‘Vampire Facelift’. While, yes, there is blood involved, it’s not nearly as gory as the media portrays.
The treatment involves withdrawing a small amount of a patient’s blood, spinning the blood in a machine called a centrifuge which isolates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the red and white blood cells, and then re-injecting the platelets into the patient’s face to produce brighter, smoother skin.
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How Do Platelets Produce Brighter, Smoother Skin?
Platelets contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which help promote the reparation of damaged skin. During a PRP Facial Treatment, we will inject platelets into targeted locations (the cheeks, neck, jawline, around the eyes and chest) which will stimulate repair through the body’s own natural healing powers.
As the skin repairs itself over time, the patient will notice a difference. After the treatment, PRP can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, reduce the appearance of acne scarring, fill out fine lines, reduce pigmentation, and plump the skin for a fresh, rejuvenated look.
Other Uses of PRP
PRP Treatments aren’t just a beauty hack. Platelet-rich plasma has been used in sports medicine and orthopedics for over a decade and high-profile athletes like Tiger Woods have used injections to help naturally promote the healing process after an injury.
PRP Therapy can also be used to trigger natural hair growth in those patients struggling with hair loss. By combining this approach with other hair loss procedures, PRP injections can increase the blood supply to the hair follicle which could increase the thickness of the hair shaft.
What to Expect During a PRP Facial
- As with any treatment as London Real Skin, you’ll start with a consultation to discuss the treatment and your medical history.
- After your consultation and before the treatment begins, a 4% Lidocaine numbing cream will be applied to the skin.
- A nurse will draw blood which will then be placed in a centrifuge for five minutes.
- The numbing cream will be removed.
- The patient’s plasma will be withdrawn via a syringe.
- The patient’s plasma will be injected into targeted areas on the patient’s skin, a process that takes 15-20 minutes for the full face.
Feel free to read more about PRP on our website or contact London Real Skin to book an appointment.
