Vampire Facelift
The Vampire Facelift® is essentially a nonsurgical technique to create volume in the face to create a lifting effect while softening the nasolabial folds and other prominent creases. This result can be partially achieved by HA fillers like Juvéderm®. However, HA fillers can cause problems near the eye. Also, the HA filler injector can chase a wrinkle and create a shape that looks foreign or unnatural to the person's face. In addition, HA fillers do little to improve skin tone and texture. PRP, on the other hand, enhances and prolongs the results of the HA filler. Another advantage of using PRP is that there are certain areas in the face where it may be dangerous to inject HA fillers. PRP is safe in those same areas as the PRP will not cause vascular occlusion or skin necrosis. Unlike most procedures, the Vampire Facelift® offers a way of restoring shape, improving tone and texture, as well as literally rejuvenating new and younger tissue.
Dr. Leonardo explains the Vampire Facial, Microneedling, and PRP Therapy
Dr. Leonardo explains the Vampire Facial, Microneedling, and PRP Therapy
After an assessment, a topical local anesthetic is applied to the face to provide a numbing effect during the procedure. Complete surgical numbness is difficult to achieve but the patient will be relatively more comfortable. Any discomfort will be mild to moderate and shortly lived. Blood is aspirated from the patient and processed for about 15 minutes. Juvéderm® is injected. The PRP is harvested then applied to enhance the filler. The effect should be a more youthful, rested, and natural appearance.
Vampire Facial
The Vampire Facial® is a trademarked procedure and is protected by US Patent & Trademark Law. It is a form of micro needling that specifically utilizes Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). For more information about PRP, read Regenerative Injection Therapy. Micro needling is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive technique that provides excellent results with a fast recovery time. Micro needling mechanically causes micro trauma to the skin to break down fibrils that are producing anchor points causing downward depression of skin or conditions of cellulite. Micro needling allows PRP to seep into the skin to promote angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) and new cell proliferation. With PRP, there is added benefit of migration of stem cells to the area to enhance matrix synthesis and production of extracellular matrix proteins. The Vampire Facial® utilizes the body's ability to heal itself. The result is formation of youthful looking skin.
The Vampire Facial® performs its function while preserving and keeping the epidermis intact. After the healing process is complete, the epidermis is actually thickened. Duration of healing and formation of a new collagen layer takes a maximum of 6-8 weeks. In comparison to laser treatment, the epidermis is evaporated with a 2nd degree burn, there is prolonged light sensitivity, pigment problems can arise, and scarring is possible. The duration for healing and collagen formation takes close to 6 months. The Vampire Facial® is less traumatic and works quicker at achieving its goal.
A topical local anesthetic is applied for comfort. Complete total numbness, however, is not achieved, but the topical local anesthetic makes the procedure more bearable. The topical local anesthetic remains on the skin for 20-30 minutes, then is removed. The skin is cleansed using an antibacterial wash.
The Vampire Facial® performs its function while preserving and keeping the epidermis intact. After the healing process is complete, the epidermis is actually thickened. Duration of healing and formation of a new collagen layer takes a maximum of 6-8 weeks. In comparison to laser treatment, the epidermis is evaporated with a 2nd degree burn, there is prolonged light sensitivity, pigment problems can arise, and scarring is possible. The duration for healing and collagen formation takes close to 6 months. The Vampire Facial® is less traumatic and works quicker at achieving its goal.
A topical local anesthetic is applied for comfort. Complete total numbness, however, is not achieved, but the topical local anesthetic makes the procedure more bearable. The topical local anesthetic remains on the skin for 20-30 minutes, then is removed. The skin is cleansed using an antibacterial wash.
PRP is applied to the skin, then the treatment area is passed over using the micro needling pen or dermal roller twice in different directions.
With regards to skin rejuvenation, most patients will see optimal results with one treatment. The Vampire Facial® results may last up to 18 months. However, annual treatments may be desired to help keep the skin vibrant and refreshed sooner. Others, especially older patients, may want to receive treatment sooner. For scar or cellulite treatment, a series of 3-5 treatments separated by 3-4 week
The Vampire Facial® technique can be applied to other areas. Common treatment areas include the face, neck, hands, thighs, and buttocks. The micro needling pen is used for smaller areas (face, neck, and hands) while the dermal roller is used for larger areas (thighs and buttocks).