Vampire Facial: What Is It And Why Is It So Popular?

Novel beauty treatments are gaining popularity as the struggle for beauty becomes real. It seems that people are willing to go to any lengths to look like the pretty. One such procedure is ‘Vampire Facial’. The procedure gained popularity after the reality TV star Kim Kardashian posted a picture of herself post-facial. It seems that people are willing to go to any lengths to look like the pretty. One such procedure is ‘Vampire Facial’..

What is ‘Vampire Facial’?

The procedure basically involves the dermatologist drawing blood from the person. The blood is then centrifuged to extract the platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP. The patient must undergo microdermabrasion or micro-needling techniques.

In the former, the abrasion is done using special roller, while the puncturing is done with tiny needles in the latter. This is done after the topical anaesthetic is applied to the skin to reduce pain. The PRP is then slathered all over the face. The blood seeps deep into the skin due to the holes made earlier on the skin.

The high-level idea is that platelets and similar healing factors act to rejuvenate skin by initiating the healing process and they help in the stimulation of collagen.

What are the benefits of ‘Vampire Facial’?

PRP has shown to improve the healing properties of the skin. Therefore, any damage done to the skin can be countered using the facial. Furthermore, it also boosts the production of collagen i.e. a protein responsible for the firmness of the skin. Hence, more the collagen, more youthful the skin is without any sags and wrinkles etc. Collagen also helps get rid of scars, including the very persistent acne scars. The elastin in the plasma along with the collagen helps with fresher and younger-looking skin. This facial also gives a glow to the skin through the increased supply of growth factors (present in the platelets) and also helps the skin becomes smooth and supple. The pores shrink in size and overall the skin becomes even-toned.

This facial also hydrates the skin and provides the skin with very useful anti-oxidants.

What are the protocols of the facial?

The first very important step is finding an expert doctor. Do not rely on some non-medical personal to carry out this process. There are complications that could arise and only an expert can provide the timely help. Healthy eating and reduced alcohol consumption are recommended during the whole process. Anaesthesia is applied to the skin whilst in the waiting room, or during the process. Blood for centrifuging is drawn from the arm prior to the process.

The doctor then goes on to perform micro-needling. This is done either by roller or tiny syringes. Then, the PRP attained is applied to the face. Serum or some sort of balm is applied afterwards to soothe the irritated skin.

It has a recovery period of about three days. During this time, makeup should be used sparsely and that too after consulting the doctor. Use of sunblock is extremely important. There might still be some swelling and redness after the procedure so, don’t be alarmed.

Do not pick at or rub the face, as it could lead to scarring. Alcohol-based products should be avoided completely. Sweat too can lead to irritation, therefore, strenuous exercises and tasks should be continued only after the recovery period. Pregnant women, those with ongoing acne, and people with a history of facial eczema and rosacea should avoid getting this treatment.

Also, those with a history of poor wound healing, or who scar easily are recommended to explore options, other than vampire facial. People having a medical history of blood clotting or bleeding disorders should not undergo PRP. Diabetics are also advised against this procedure.

Potential Pitfalls of the facials:

In New Mexico, two people who got this procedure done were diagnosed with HIV. The state’s department of health then called for screening of all the people who had gotten any such procedure done at the spa. They were checked for HIV, Hepatitis C and B.

However, only two cases have emerged thus far. The disease was contracted due to improper sterilization of the equipment like the needles and the rollers. Therefore, it is very important to check that all such instruments are properly sterilized prior to use.

Moreover, a proper clinic would be a much safer choice compared to a spa for this procedure. While this procedure can technically be performed by anyone who is not a medical doctor, however, they might not be qualified enough to deal with any complications.

By doing the procedure, they are not breaking any law, but, their lack of technical knowledge can potentially be lethal; an example could be seen in a student who died from brain damage caused by the numbing gel in North Carolina. Hence, people should get such procedures done exclusively by doctors.

Another pitfall is that this procedure is very expensive, and not a one-time deal. It should also be noted that whilst some doctors propagate the idea of these facial, other experts are not so sure about it. The research thus far has not shown groundbreaking results.

It is very important that all such procedures that require technical skills, with such high stakes, be performed by professionals.

Book an appointment with a top dermatologist in Multan, Karachi and Rawalpindi through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.