Vampire Facelifts Can Help Plump and Firm Your Skin—Here’s How

In the vast sea of aesthetic procedures, platelet-rich plasma treatments are trending (and have been for some time). In short, this scientific-sounding treatment uses the PRP layers from your blood to produce various skin transformations. A PRP microneedling facial (aka “vampire facial”) can help boost cellular renewal, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin tone. Meanwhile, a “vampire breast lift” uses PRP to help augment the breasts in a minimally invasive way. And as of late, people have been turning to “vampire facelifts” to address more pronounced signs of aging.

Curious about what this twist on a facelift entails? Ahead, we asked dermatologists to explain everything you need to know about the skin treatment.

What Is a Vampire Facelift?

A vampire facelift is a dermatology procedure that combines platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) and dermal filler injections. It’s used to improve the appearance of your skin—often for anti-aging purposes, like firming the skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

There’s one important point we should clarify here: A vampire facelift isn’t the same procedure as a vampire facial, which is a microneedling treatment. “Compared to the vampire facial, which uses microneedling, a vampire facelift injects dermal filler,” Dr. Engelman explains.

The Benefits

“PRP is known to be a powerful rejuvenator of the skin as it contains high concentrations of growth factors which stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, reverse the signs of aging, and promote youthful and radiant skin,” Dr. Park says. According to Dr. Engelman, combining PRP injections and dermal filler injections, a vampire facelift may enhance the long-term effects of dermal filler, helping to firm sagging skin. Results usually last about a year, but this can vary from one person to the next. If the positive effects fade, you can schedule a maintenance treatment.

The Best Candidate for a Vampire Facial

A vampire facelift is a good option for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin, especially if they have aging-related concerns like sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. However, a vampire facelift is probably not the best idea for some individuals.

“I do not recommend this procedure for someone pregnant, prescribed medical-grade retinoids, or has an active skin infection,” Engelman says. “It is also not the best option for those with extreme sagging as that will most likely require cosmetic surgery for desired results.”

What to Expect

A vampire facelift involves the following steps:

1. Before the injections, your provider will apply a numbing cream to your face. This will make the treatment more comfortable.
2. They will draw a small amount of blood from your arm.
3. Using a centrifuge, they’ll extract platelet-rich plasma from your blood. “Plasma holds a higher concentration of growth factors, increasing efficacy,” Engelman explains.
4. Hyaluronic acid filler is injected into various areas of your skin to increase volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
5. Platelet-rich plasma is injected into the same areas as the dermal filler. “This will stimulate collagen production and improve elasticity,” Engelman says.

Potential Side Effects

Most individuals can expect little to no downtime. Engelman notes that some people experience mild side effects like swelling and bruising. (This should go down after a few days.) To avoid complications, she recommends researching the procedure ahead of time and vetting your practitioner to ensure you’re treated by a licensed medical professional.

Park also urges you to be careful about who you see for this procedure. “If the practice is busy and has multiple PRP patients at once, there is a chance that your PRP could get mistakenly switched out for another patient’s PRP,” she cautions.

The Cost

The cost of a vampire facelift varies. “Depending on the area you live in and how many areas you and your provider agree to treat, [a vampire facelift] can range from $1000 to $5000,” says Dr. Tracy Evans, MD. Your provider’s experience level and the equipment they use might also influence the price of your vampire facelift.

Aftercare

According to our experts, aftercare is really important to maintain your desired results following a vampire facelift. Engelman offers the following post-treatment tips:

• Avoid touching and rubbing the treated area to reduce the risk of infection. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the recommended skincare products.
• Keep your face hydrated with a gentle moisturizer to protect and heal the skin barrier.
• Make sure to wear SPF, especially right after your treatment. UV exposure can damage fragile skin as it’s trying to heal.

The Final Takeaway

If you’re looking for a procedure that can address concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, a vampire facelift may help. The noninvasive cosmetic treatment leverages the power of platelet-rich plasma from your blood and hyaluronic acid filler to target areas of concern. You can expect little to no downtime, with swelling and bruising being the most common short-term side effects. If you decide to move forward with a vampire facelift, consult a licensed professional, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.