Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) also known as the “vampire facial” is nothing new in the beauty treatment space but I had yet to try it, which is a little odd for someone like me who has tried so many treatments and facials. I guess the whole blood thing kind of threw me off but after seeing so many people try and so many swear by it, I knew it was time to head over to Dermafina and get it done.
Before I share my experience let me tell you a little more about the benefits of doing PRP treatments and what the process is like.
What is “The Vampire Facial” or PRP?
PRP facial is more of a medical procedure than cosmetic and needs to be performed by a doctor. Your medical team will take a small amount of blood from your arm, about a TBSP.
Then, they spin it in a centrifuge to extract protein rich plasma. Next, they extract platelets. Finally, they concentrate the sample, creating what is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
While this process is happening, a numbing cream is applied to the skin, so you don’t feel much pain during the procedure. They then take the plasma and apply in small sections to the face, followed by micro needling. Microneedling is exactly what it sounds like, a procedure that creates tiny, superficial punctures using sterile needles. The plasma will then get pushed into the skin and the natural, high amount of growth factors will speed up the healing.
What are the benefits?
PRP can be used to treat acne scars, surgical scars, hyperpigmentation issues, uneven and dull skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles. Plasma is a component of blood which is full of healing and growth factors. When PRP is introduced back into the skin, the growth factors stimulate collagen-producing cells and new blood vessel formation resulting in skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
Other benefits:
- Brighter and smoother skin tone
- Helps to restore lost volume
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- Very little downtime is needed
- As your own plasma (extracted from your own blood) is used, it is a relatively safe technique with very little chance of reaction to the plasma. This means it’s the ideal procedure for anyone who feels worried about injecting foreign substances into their body.
My Experience:
You can see a step by step of the procedure and my healing on our IGTV.
I built it up so much more than I needed to. I may have a higher pain tolerance than most because I have done many different treatments, but I didn’t feel one minute of discomfort. The numbing really helps, you feel very little. Getting blood drawn took less than 30 seconds, as they use very little blood, and the actual micro needling part is also very quick. I really felt no pain, it tickled, and my skin felt a little tight after, as the plasma dried.
Once it was done, I was quite red, which is to be expected and that is the exact reaction you want. I was worried I would look red and swollen for at least 3-4 days but within 24 hours the redness and swelling went down by 50%. After 36 hours I applied some makeup and then you really couldn’t tell I had anything done. Within 5 days my skin was back to normal and so radiant and plump. Of course, the benefits of this treatment wont fully be seen immediately as it takes time for you to create new collagen. I am now 3 weeks out from my first treatment and my skin truly looks amazing. I am so happy with the results and plan to do all 3 treatments, which is the recommended protocol.
I am going back for my second treatment in a week and I’m excited to really see the full results after my third!
I do think this is a great treatment for someone who isn’t quite ready for more invasive procedures like Morpheus 8 and as always, if you are a Montreal local, I strongly suggest getting this done at Dermafina!
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Here’s some information about Dr. Ghazigian who did Katherine’s PRP facial!
Taline Ghazigian MD CCFP ABOM
Can follow her on Instagram @metahealthdoc
Feature image via Pinterest
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