Vampire facial: What it is, Benefits and Safety Measures

The vampire facial, a popular cosmetic procedure, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. A report from April 2024 linked three cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) to vampire facials. This has sparked concern among women, who may be intrigued by the non-surgical treatment that celebrities like Kim Kardashian have approved. During the vampire facial, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a substance believed to promote healing when injected, is used for skin rejuvenation. Cosmetic service that uses needles begins with removing blood from your body! Read on to learn more about the vampire facial.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in the report that three women, who received a vampire facial at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico, were diagnosed with HIV.

What is the vampire facial?

The vampire facial offers long-lasting results by improving skin texture and radiance, says dermatologist Dr. Geetika Srivastava. The procedure involves drawing approximately 10 to 20 ml of blood, followed by centrifugation to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which serves as the cornerstone of the treatment. PRP is then injected into the subcutaneous and intradermal layers of the skin, accompanied by microneedling to facilitate optimal absorption and collagen induction. It involves PRP injection and microneedling. PRP harnesses the innate healing properties of blood, promoting skin rejuvenation. Microneedling, on the other hand, induces a controlled injury to the skin, triggering the synthesis of collagen and elastin while facilitating the penetration of PRP into deeper layers of the skin.

What are the benefits of the vampire facial?

The vampire facial treatment can promise multiple benefits, but it is advisable to approach this treatment with caution:

1. It can improve skin texture and shrink pores.

Microneedling encourages collagen induction, minimizing fine lines, static wrinkles and large pores, while decreasing the visibility of acne scars. This is possible thanks to the induction of collagen that improves the overall texture of the skin.

2. It can add shine to the skin

The combination of growth factors in PRP imparts a long-lasting glow to the skin. The hydrating effect of PRP combined with the growth factors present in it results in a glow that can last up to a month even after a single session, says the expert.

3. It can cause skin tension.

Ideal for people between 30 and 40 years old, the treatment stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, effectively combating sagging skin and promoting firmness. It can reverse signs of aging such as fine lines and static wrinkles.

4. Skin rejuvenation

The vampire facial is said to hydrate the skin and refine its texture, giving a luminous and flawless complexion. If you’re obsessed with Korean glass skin, the vampire facial could be your treatment. A vampire facial can not only hydrate the skin but also improve its texture, mimicking Korean glass skin.

How soon will you be able to see results?

A single session can produce an immediate glow that lasts 1 to 3 months, says Dr. Srivastava. For optimal anti-aging results, multiple sessions are needed to take advantage of collagen induction, with visible improvements becoming apparent after 70 days.

Can people with HIV have a vampire facial?

HIV is transmitted through bodily secretions and transfusions of blood or blood-related products. People with HIV should refrain from undergoing vampire facials to avoid transmitting this deadly virus to others, says the expert.

Is the vampire facial a safe procedure?

You may feel some pain or experience bruising and swelling after the treatment, but these tend to go away within a few days. However, the greatest risk comes from the way the blood is handled during the procedure. If blood taken from your body is not kept sterile, you could develop an infection, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Before embarking on the vampire facial journey, diligent research is essential to examine the credentials of the professional and evaluate the facility’s compliance with sterilization standards.

Who should avoid the vampire facial?

Some people should be more cautious:

• People with thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction because this is a platelet-oriented treatment and if the platelets are not of good quality or quantity, the results will be compromised.
• Septicemia, being an acute blood infection that can worsen with PRP treatment.
• Active acne, psoriasis and eczema at the injection site are a relative contraindication. Acne, psoriasis, and eczema can be aggravated when you get a vampire facial.
• Keloid tendency. This is a condition where minor trauma, a cut or burn can cause an exaggerated wound healing response, resulting in large scars.

The vampire facial is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that can rejuvenate the skin. But as with any cosmetic intervention, it takes informed decision-making and the collaboration of a qualified dermatologist to understand the nuances of this treatment.