Vampire Facial ​May Provide for Healthier Skin

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  Vampire facials have become very popular ever since the reality tv star Kim Kardashian posted a picture of herself on instagram getting this facial done on her. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) also known as a Vampire Facial got its name from the use of the patient's own blood during treatment. 
     Not everyone is a candidate for the facial if they have blood issues such as ammonia or are on blood thinners. The facial itself can take up to 30 minutes to an hour and can cost up to $1,000 per treatment. The facial is said to reduce wrinkles in the face along with crows feet, dark circles around the eyes, dull/rough skin, acne scarring, and sun damage. What many people don’t know is the process of getting the facial done and how it works.
     The first step is getting blood drawn and then put into a machine that spins the test tube for 5-10 minutes. It’s spun at a high speed separating a light yellow gel like plasma from both the red and white blood cells. The face is then cleaned and prepared with numbing cream. Once the numbing cream has kicked in, the dermatologist uses a tool that has small needles that poke into the skin. As the patient’s face starts to bleed, the yellow plasma is then placed in small amounts and rubbed into the skin. The plasma is used to heal the area which has been poked by giving it a fresh layer of skin.
       For best results it is recommended to get three or  more vampire facial treatments, but some people are happy with the results after just the first. After getting the facial done the skin is red and irritated similar to a sunburn, but by the second day the redness often fades but swelling may remain. The healing process can take from 2 to 3 weeks to even a month for the skin to be completely healed. 

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Reporter: Gisselle Suarez
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