BEFORE THE TREATMENT

1. What is a Vampire Facial®?

Microneedling with PRP, also known as the Vampire Facial® is an in-office cosmetic treatment that is able to help treat many different skin imperfections while rejuvenating your complexion. By combining microneedling, sometimes referred to as collagen induction therapy and platelet rich plasma, PRP, the benefits of each are significantly boosted to give you a refreshed and youthful appearance. Microneedling alone is often used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scarring, wrinkles, hyper pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores, and many other skin imperfections. PRP is a new technique that is used to stimulate the body’s healing process, most popularly in sports medicine to heal injuries. The two methods of rejuvenation joined into one office session makes it a powerhouse skincare treatment. That is why it has become so popular between everyday patients and celebrities alike.

2. How does the Vampire Facial® work?

To understand how microneedling with PRP works, it is important to first understand how each procedure works on its own. Microneedling is a treatment performed in office to help treat various skin conditions, including fine lines, scarring, and hyper pigmentations, by triggering your body to create more collagen. Small injuries, almost like pinholes, are made in the skin with the microneedling tool to the outer layer of the skin. This is the method that stimulates your body’s natural healing process, causing you to produce more collagen. Collagen is the “secret” to aiding in the reduction of skin impurities. It is an essential part of your skin’s structure and supports the production of other age defying essentials, such as hyaluronic acid and elastin. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin to retain moisture and elastin keeps your skin firm.

PRP, platelet rich plasma, is used for many different regenerative purposes, such as regenerating muscles, skin tissue, and nerves. Recently, it has been utilized to give patient’s renewed and radiant complexions. PRP works by submerging cells in a plasma with a concentrated blend of platelets that are taken from your own blood. The mixture of platelets is specially created by drawing blood from the patient and then having it go through a machine known as a centrifuge. This machine separates the blood by layers so the platelets can be easily removed. The plasma is then applied topically to increase healing time and rejuvenate the skin.

Microneedling with PRP uses both of these skin revitalizing techniques to help give you the complexion that you desire. After the microneedling slightly injuries the skin, the PRP helps to increase the speed of the healing process as your body naturally produces more collagen and elastin.

2. Am I a good candidate for this treatment? / Will this treatment work for me?

Healthy individuals who are looking to reduce the appearance of mild to moderate fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, hyper pigmentation, and other skin imperfections may be great candidates for microneedling with PRP. Those with more severe skin imperfections may want to consider more intensive cosmetic procedures. This treatment is not recommended for patients that have any blood related conditions such as anemia. Additionally, if you are taking blood thinners or NSAIDS, consult a RichSkin provider, as these may need to be discontinued before and after treatment.  The best way to know if you are a good candidate is to schedule a free consultation with a RichSkin provider. They will be able to assess your skin conditions and talk to you about your desired results to determine what treatment is right for you.

3. How is the Vampire Facial® treatment performed

The first step is the application of a topical anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure. It takes a few minutes for the anesthetic to sink in and begin to work, so at this time your blood will be drawn. Your blood will then be taken and spun in the centrifuge to separate the platelets and the plasma will be created. After this, your own platelet rich plasma, or as some call it your “liquid gold”, will be ready to be applied to your face. Once you are numbed the microneedling will begin. A small device with a lot of very small needles will go over your skin multiple times. This is the device that will create the small pinholes, or injuries. These tiny pinholes will allow the PRP solution to absorb into your skin deeper.

4. How many sessions will I need to see results?

Most patients receive 3-6 treatments per area spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The exact number will depend on each individual person and the area being treated.   1-2 maintenance treatments are recommended per year after.

5. How often/far apart should the treatments be?

Ideally treatments are done 4-6 weeks apart.

6. Do I need to do anything to prepare for the treatment?

Make sure your skin is clean. Do not apply any lotions, creams, perfumes, powder, or makeup before your treatment session, and avoid tanning. Remove all jewelry around the area being treated. If you have excessive hair on the treatment area, shave it beforehand. It also helps to be prepared with information about your medical history as your provider will likely ask about it.

DURING THE TREATMENT

1. How long does a treatment session last?

Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

2. What does the treatment feel like?

You will feel tiny pins on your skin followed by a little zap. Your face will then feel warm, like a sunburn.

3. Will it be painful?

SkinPen microneedling treatments may be slightly uncomfortable, but not painful. You’ll feel intense heat, similar to the feeling of sunburn, and your face will look red right after the treatment. For more aggressive treatments, you may get a topical numbing cream to reduce any discomfort.

AFTER THE TREATMENT

1. How will my skin feel after my treatment?

Your skin may feel warm, like a sunburn, and can remain red for anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the intensity of the treatment. Be sure to follow instructions for before and after your treatment.

2. How long will the results last and are they permanent?

Many patients begin to see results within the first few days after their initial treatment. Results will continue to become visible over the next six months as your body’s natural collagen production continues. Full results are usually seen at the six month mark.

3. Is there any downtime/How long is recovery time?

Yes, but only for 48 hours post-treatment (or up to 5 days for more aggressive treatments).. Your skin will be red and for the first 24-48 hours, you will not be allowed to apply or rub anything on your skin, including water or sweat (so no hot yoga or any other exercise that will make you perspire). After 24 hours, you may put on makeup and resume your regular skin care routine. You should apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30), preferably one without chemicals. But avoid rigorous exercise and hot baths or massages on the treatment area for the first 2 days after your session. Make sure to keep your skin clean and protected from the sun. Avoid any sort of tanning.

4. Do I need to do anything after my treatment?

If your skin feels hot, you can use a fan to cool it down. Avoid touching or scratching the treatment area. Do not put lotion, makeup, or anything else on your skin, including water, for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you should apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30), preferably one without chemicals. Also avoid rigorous exercise and hot baths or massages on the treatment area for the first 2 days after your session. Make sure to keep your skin clean and protected from the sun. Avoid any sort of tanning.  RickSkin will supply you with a post care skin regimen, simply follow the instructions on the box.

5. If I got a treatment on my face, can I put makeup up on right after?

No. You should wait until 24 hours after your treatment to apply any makeup or lotion.