One of the many fads that Kim Kardashian has made popular is the “Vampire Facial,” otherwise known as Platelet-rich Plasma. If you’re a fan (or a hater), I’m pretty sure you remember that selfie of hers with gruesome blood all over her face.
Yup, this photo.
This may look ridiculous and insane for most of you, but plasma, a component of our blood, contains growth hormones that promote healing in damaged tissues and stimulate the body to generate new cells, thus treating fine lines, wrinkles, scarring and uneven skin tone. I’m a Dermatology Nurse and I’ve honestly seen good results on our patients undergoing this procedure.
Okay, so how does PRP treatment work?
Our blood contains plasma, platelets, red and white blood cells. The idea behind PRP is putting whole blood into a centrifuge to get a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein for clinical benefits.
PRP injections aren’t just for aesthetic purposes but have been safely used in various fields such as sports medicine, orthopedics, fasciomaxillary and urology. But in this article, I will focus on how PRP can be used to treat various skin concerns.
How is the procedure done?
- After your consultation, a healthcare professional will draw a sample of your blood which usually ranges along 4 cc to 9 cc of blood. (A topical numbing cream should be applied to your face at least 15 minutes prior to injecting.)
- The tube that contains your blood is then placed into a centrifuge that spins at a certain time and speed to separate the blood components.
- Once the plasma is separated, it is then prepared for injecting.
PRP can be done by injecting directly to the affected area or combining with other treatments such as microneedling and dermarolling.
What results can I expect after the treatment?
Like any other treatment, PRP injections don’t work like magic. But you will definitely notice your skin texture and complexion gradually changing and see a more youthful look in your appearance.
PRP treatments can be done every four weeks for three consecutive months for maximum result, and maintenance therapy at least once every year.
