If you had a television or smartphone, you’ll undoubtedly recall the infamous photo of Kim Kardashian with blotchy red fluid all over her face. This was no coincidence of course, as she was promoting her experience as the influencer-ultima receiving the PRP facial, or “vampire” facial.
What celebrities have had the PRP facial?
But Mrs. Kardashian-West is not the only participator of this effective beauty movement. Such celebrities as Keira Maguire, Ferne McCann, and Kourtney Kardashian have also taken the plasma plunge. But is it worth it?
How do PRP facials work?
The PRP (or plasma-rich protein) facial is a rejuvenating and collagen-inducing treatment that works by stimulating the body’s naturally healing response. The procedure begins with the clinician taking a sample of your blood. This is then placed in a centrifuge that spins the blood quickly, which separating the blood from the plasma, and then using that platelet-rich plasma for the next step of the treatment, which includes micro needling.
But what is plasma and why is it so useful in this concentrated anti-aging facial treatment? Plasma makes up about half of your blood, and contains a boatload of proteins, enzymes, and antibodies, which are all essential in blood-clotting, healing, and decreasing pain. Infusing plasma into the dermal layer of the skin will instantly trigger an inflammatory response, which helps the body create fresh cells needed for healing.
Clinical micro needling in a PRP facial involves hundreds of tiny needles that mechanically press into the dermis, also triggering an immune response, which in turn results in the production of elastin, collagen, and other important framework that make up the extracellular matrix and helps makes the skin “supple” and “bouncy.” The typical micro needling facial treatment is often paired with a transformative serum – but in the case of the vampire facial, those superb serums are replaced with your own nutrient-rich plasma, which is fortified with all those juicy proteins and antibodies. The infusion back into the skin results in optimal rejuvenation.
Sometimes in a PRP facial treatment, injections will replace the microneedle, and it really depends on the practitioner involved in carrying out the treatment, and the desired results from the client. The PRP facial can be performed in one of these two ways, with the micro needling, or with injections into special sites in the skin.
Recovery time is important when receiving a PRP facial, as a fine needle is penetrating the layer of the skin where there are blood vessels, nerve endings, glands, and follicles present. Recovery time is generally advised for about 5-7 days and will require you to apply gentle and healing products to protect and soothe the skin.
It is also advised to avoid the sun or use good sun protection after the PRP facial. Micro needling and injections do stimulate the healing response of the skin, which includes melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. Sun exposure will further activate the melanocytes, triggering them to create an excess (or sometimes depletion) of melanin, as a means of protecting the skin from further damage. The overproduction of melanin is what will create hyperpigmentation, which is not a desired result. Using an SPF or 30 or higher daily is advised for at least 10 days post-treatment.
Are there side effects?
The side effects to a PRP facial are minimal. The most common side effects are the following.
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
The extremity of the side effects will depend a lot on your pre- and post-care actions. To reduce the swelling, you can apply an ice pack, which also can help with any pain if present. Using a gentle cleanser and serum for the following days will also help to reduce any side effects, which again, are usually nonexistent. The possibility of cross-contamination or infection is zero to nil, considering you are using your own plasma and blood for this rejuvenating treatment. If all instruments are sterile (which they likely will be as long as you are receiving the treatment at an accredited salon, spa, or clinic), you should have nothing to worry about.
However, it’s important to note that if you do not take good care of your skin ahead of the procedure you risk the possibility of side effects. Avoiding too much sun, staying hydrated, avoiding any products beforehand will greatly decrease any swelling you might have after the treatment.
How long does it take to recover?
Following a PRP facial, redness and swelling typically alleviate by themselves within the first 4-6 days after treatment.
Are there any similar alternatives to the PRP facial?
The PRP facial is unique in that it is using your cells own nutrients to activate increased collagen and elastin in the skin. However, some may not be ideal candidates for such an imposing treatment – so are there any alternatives to the PRP facial?
For a treatment that uses your own nutritive powers to invoke anti-aging results, no. However, there are other treatments that will result in illuminating, youthful, and a more supple toned skin.
A facial treatment that involves chemical exfoliation, or any sort of stimulation to the dermis, like micro needling, will aid in cellular regeneration, producing increased levels of collagen, elastin, and other aspects of the extracellular matrix. While you may not have the exact effects like the PRP facial, you still have many options that will bring you anti-aging outcomes, leaving you with a more resilient and glowing complexion.
Overall, the PRP facial treatment is an excellent choice when you’re not only seeking a more youthful complexion, but also if you’re aiming to reduce acne scars, issues with pigmentation, or even stretch marks. The outcome of the PRP may appear scary, but it is the opposite – using your own cells for regeneration is one of the most revolutionary advancements in the field of skincare.
And don’t forget the sunscreen!