What’s the difference between a Vampire Facelift and a Vampire Facial? This is a question we get all the time. While the names are quite similar the procedures themselves are quite different. In this post we hope to clarify the differences so you can make an educated decision on which treatment might be best for you.
To start with, the main common component of each treatment is the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma or (PRP). PRP is made from your own blood. Specifically, the skin-loving components of it such as growth factors, stem cells, plasma protein, clotting factors and platelets. Platelets are what causes your blood to clot when you get a cut – and it also helps the healing process. These platelets are also part of what helps people’s skin look gorgeous after having a Vampire Facelift/Facial.
So what’s the main difference? Simply put, the biggest differences between the two procedures is how the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is used on the face.
What is the Vampire Facial?
The Vampire Facial is considered to be the “less-invasive” way to enjoy the benefits of the “Vampire” treatment options. With a Vampire Facial – the procedure starts with a micro-needling treatment which will create thousands of microscopic channels of varying depths into your skin.
The PRP isn’t actually injected under the skin in this treatment (a huge benefit if you don’t like need traditional needles). Instead, it’s used as a serum that is spread over the freshly micro-needled area of your face topically. In some cases this process can actually make it look like the patient’s face is covered in blood directly after the procedure. But, it really looks worse than it is as the procedure causes relatively little pain. The redness and scratched-looking appearance from the micro-needling may last for 1-2 days before the skin tightening and rejuvenation begins.
The thousands of microscopic channels created by the micro-needling treatment allow the PRP serum to be absorbed and penetrate the surface of your skin and seep into the deeper layers where collagen is formed. This new production of collagen is what helps give your skin a more youthful appearance.
In essence, you’re tricking your body into regenerating the skin and giving it all the extra materials (such as growth factors and platelets) it needs to help enhance the regeneration.
The Vampire Facial is best for patients who have baseline good skin that isn’t severely damaged. The treatment is optimal for those looking for overall skin rejuvenation and improvement in skin texture.
What is the Vampire Facelift?
The Vampire Facelift takes the Vampire Facial to the next level by using the PRP as a filler to plump up areas with volume loss or areas that could benefit from increased volume and a “building up” of collagen. The PRP is actually injected into the face (unlike the Vampire Facial). The Vampire Facelift procedure can also combine use of a hyaluronic acid filler such as Juvederm or Restylane. The first part of the treatment is the filler being injected into the areas with the deepest lines and greatest need. Generally areas of the face such as the forehead, under the eyes, and the cheeks are targeted.
This procedure it best for patients with general facial volume loss – that is to say areas with looser skin which can occur with aging and/or weight loss.
The main action desired for their treatment is similar to that of the Vampire Facial in that the PRP will help release growth factors which stimulate collagen production. The result being tissue regeneration similar to the Vampire Facial, but at a much deeper level. Obviously this is because there is much more of a concentration of the PRP getting deep under the skin with the direct injection rather than allow the PRP to essentially be absorbed through mico-needle punctures.
Again, this treatment can use just the PRP or can be combined with your preferred hyaluronic acid filler to acheive the desired result. Even if both are used it’s important to note that the facial appearance after the treatment is very mild. We take special care to balance the amount we are using and the locations so as not to make the results seem “unnatural”. Any swelling or redness is usually minimal and temporary. The Vampire Facelift, you will notice a definite difference in skin quality, volume, and pore size.
In about 2-3 weeks after your procedure you will start to see and feel the results. The results may continue to improve for up to 3-4 months or more after the treatment and could last about 12 – 18 months.
Conclusion
Each treatment has it’s place depending on the results you want to achieve and your own requirements. If you’re new to the Vampire Facelift/Facial treatments consider trying the Vampire Facial to start with. It’s generally seen as being the “intro level” option both in terms of price and the technique. While the results may not be as dramatic as the Vampire Facelift you will generally see the results faster after a Vampire Facial.
*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
