Reviving with vampire power

Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar discusses the transformative power of the vampire facial, combining PRP with microneedling for rejuvenated skin, reduced pigmentation, and enhanced facial glow

‘Vampire’ is associated with blood. When we talk about a Vampire Facial, it refers to a regenerative treatment that uses the patient’s own blood. Essentially, a Vampire Facial involves harnessing the healing properties of blood to rejuvenate the skin.

Although the term ‘Vampire Facial’ is often used loosely by many centers, its core purpose is quite specific: Using the regenerative properties of blood for aesthetic or therapeutic benefits. “This treatment can be applied for hair regrowth, acne scar treatment, facial rejuvenation, or addressing fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Trasi Clinic and La Piel Skin Clinic. “In one sentence, it is about utilising the patient’s own blood to regenerate skin or promote hair growth for aesthetic purposes.”

Dr Shefali discusses more on the vampire facial, ideal patients for the same, contraindications and much more in conversation with Shriyal Sethumadhavan.

Micro-needling vs. vampire facial

Traditional microneedling involves using small derma roller instruments to create tiny channels on the skin. This process stimulates collagen remodeling, which helps improve scars, skin texture, and overall skin quality.

When we incorporate PRP into the procedure, as in a Vampire Facial, it takes the results to the next level. After microneedling, the PRP solution can be applied topically or injected into the skin. PRP introduces growth factors that enhance skin repair, stimulate collagen remodeling, and even promote hair regrowth. Essentially, it optimises the skin’s natural ability to rejuvenate and repair itself.

Skin rejuvenation

When we talk about PRP for facial rejuvenation, it is not simply injecting the patient’s own blood. There is a common misconception fueled by images showing blood applied on the face, labeled as a vampire facial. That is not what PRP involves.

In PRP, we process the blood to remove red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs), leaving only the platelets, which are rich in growth factors. These platelets are then activated to release their growth factors. Once these growth factors are introduced into the skin, they work at a cellular level to rejuvenate it.

PRP contains various growth factors, such as Transforming Growth Factor (TGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Here’s how they benefit the skin:

• Reduction in melanin synthesis: This leads to decreased pigmentation, resulting in a brighter and more glowing complexion.

• Collagen remodeling: PRP stimulates the production of collagen, which tightens the skin and restores its elasticity and bounce.

• Enhanced blood circulation: Through neovascularisation (formation of new blood vessels), PRP improves vascularity, delivering better nutrition and oxygen to the skin.

Patient suitability

Anybody above 18 years can do a vampire facial. As I tell my patients, it cannot get more organic than this. I am not introducing anything artificial into the skin. I am processing the patient’s blood to release the required cells and growth factors that I want, and I am injecting it back into the skin.

So, anybody can do it because, in this hectic lifestyle that we are leading, even at the age of 20, I see dark circles around the eyes and dullness on the skin because of regular commutes, pollution, and the constant bad lifestyle we are all living. The skin gets dull, and a lot of free radicals are released, which need to be taken care of. Vampire facial is one of the best ways to control the damage being caused to the skin.

However, to put it a little more scientifically, I would say any patient looking for good facial rejuvenation – someone with dull skin who comes in and says, “Doctor, I am looking tired” – is definitely a good candidate for a vampire facial. Second, anyone who has a lot of acne scars and open pores can benefit from it.

Anyone with fine lines and wrinkles who does not want to go straight into botulinum treatments can also opt for a vampire facial. Additionally, anyone looking for a simple treatment for dullness, tanned, or dehydrated skin can opt for this facial.

However, since vampire facial involves using your own blood, where there is any infection in the blood, I would not want to use it. For example, any patient with active infections, bacterial infections cannot undergo a vampire facial. At that point, I would recommend taking antibiotics to treat the infection first and then coming back.

For patients with active acne, I would advise them to wait until the acne subsides before proceeding with the facial.

Also, any patient with an active viral infection or conditions like herpes cannot undergo a vampire facial. In cases of active or subacute eczema, particularly severe flare-ups of atopic eczema, I would not recommend the procedure. At that time, my priority would be treating the condition rather than performing a facial.

“PRP introduces growth factors that enhance skin repair, stimulate collagen remodeling, and even promote hair regrowth.”

Safe administration

While PRP is an effective and safe procedure, it must be performed under strict sterile conditions. We are dealing with blood, and there can be situations where multiple patients might want to undergo a vampire facial at the same time. It is absolutely essential to ensure that one patient’s blood is not mixed up with another’s.

When collecting blood in a vacutainer or PRP tube, the patient’s name must be labeled immediately. Blood collection must always be performed in completely sterile conditions, never in a dusty or unhygienic environment. The patient’s skin should be cleaned thoroughly with alcohol swabs before blood collection, and the blood must be drawn into sterile vacutainers specifically designed for PRP or GFCS.

Before injecting the PRP, it is critical to double-check that the correct Vacutainer is being used for the same patient.

“Patients were often amazed, as they had been suffering from pigmentation for a long time, and their faces had developed a grayish tone. And, I managed to reduce that grayish pigmentation significantly.”

Additionally, prior to performing microneedling or applying the vampire facial, the patient’s face should be cleaned meticulously using alcohol and betadine to maintain a sterile field at all times.

In earlier days, and even now in some centers, PRP was and is often done in OT-like settings to ensure sterile conditions. This greatly reduces the chances of any complications. Secondly, it is essential to understand the correct planes for injection and to know where not to inject. PRP is a concentrated plasma, and you cannot inject it indiscriminately. You must be aware of the “no-go zones” and the “safety zones”. Proper anatomical knowledge is critical when dealing with PRP solutions to avoid complications.

Post-procedure care

When performing a vampire facial, I often tell my patients that the term ‘facial’ feels like a misnomer. Instead of simply microneedling the golden serum derived from their blood, I prefer injecting it directly into the skin at desired locations. This approach delivers more effective and desired results.

After blood collection, the patient needs to wait for a while as the blood is centrifuged and prepared for injection or microneedling. During this time, we apply a topical anesthetic cream, letting it sit for about 30-40 minutes. This ensures that the patient experiences sufficient numbness, making the procedure comfortable and painless.

PRP can sometimes contain a few cells like WBCs or RBCs, which might cause mild inflammation or discomfort. In such cases, I prefer using growth factor concentrate (GFC), which is completely acellular. GFC tends to cause less pain, offers a higher concentration of growth factors, and delivers better results.

If I am injecting PRP or GFC all over the skin, there is always a small chance of bruising. However, this is generally minimal as the injections are subdermal or deep dermal. By carefully stretching the skin, ensuring good lighting, and avoiding visible blood vessels, we can minimise the chances of bruising. Even with 50-60 pricks across the face, bruising is typically limited to one or two spots, which is acceptable to most patients.

The downtime after PRP is usually three to four days. Even if bruising occurs, it is minor, and the fine needles we use leave almost no visible marks after a few hours. On the other hand, vampire facials involving microneedling may have a slightly longer downtime due to the nature of the procedure.

For post-care, we recommend the following:

• Bruising management: Use Arnica creams or tablets to reduce any bruising.

• Healing creams: Apply post-laser or healing creams for a few days to aid skin recovery.

• Sun protection: Avoid excessive sun exposure and always use a good sunscreen.

• Avoid makeup: Refrain from applying makeup for a few days, as foundations or concealers can clog the micropricks and potentially cause issues.

• Avoid strenuous activities: Stay away from hot saunas, heavy workouts, or any activity that might strain the skin.

Patient expectations and frequency

Vampire facial for therapeutic conditions like acne scars and pigmentation need about four to six sessions, along with other treatments, such as creams and tablets, and all the additional things that come with it. However, for simple face rejuvenation, a session once every three to four months is more than enough. By the time we do the procedure and the patient sees the results, it is already about two to three weeks down the line, and the effect lasts for a good three to four months. There are also times when patients tell me that the glow has lasted for six months.

Results with combinations

I have combined vampire facials with many treatments, especially during the pandemic times. That period was unique, as patients were more willing to accept downtime and were excited to try new treatments. I made sure to maintain complete sterility throughout the procedures. I have combined it with lasers, microneedling devices, and even facials. I have also combined it with procedures like subcision, which is used for acne scars. Subcision involves using a needle or cannula to break open the bands inside the skin.

I have also used vampire facial for pigmentation, such as for facial melanosis caused by conditions like lichen planus pigmentosis. In some cases, we, as doctors, have to admit that we can treat lichen planus, but the pigmentation is a difficult issue. I started using the vampire facial injections for these patients, and the results were beautiful. Patients were often amazed, as they had been suffering from pigmentation for a long time, and their faces had developed a grayish tone. And, I managed to reduce that grayish pigmentation significantly.

I have experimented a lot with PRP in various ways, including using it on the lips to hydrate and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even injecting it intradermally below the eyes to rejuvenate the area.

I have had a lot of success combining PRP with different treatments. I have learned where to apply it and where not to, while always ensuring complete sterility. It is a beautiful treatment, and I encourage other practitioners to incorporate it into their practices. There is so much more to explore with PRP, and with the advent of autologous exosomes – which are prepared from the patient’s own blood – I am excited about the potential.