Regenerative facial treatment with microneedling
This treatment combines a concentrate of your own platelets with microneedling. In the market, it is often referred to as a vampire facial, but it is not a lift and not an alternative to surgery.
What is a regenerative facial treatment?
During this treatment, your own platelet concentrate is applied to the skin while it is being treated with microneedles. The micro-channels created in the process have a dual function: they trigger a repair response on their own, and they allow the concentrate to penetrate deeper than with superficial application.
The combination of both stimuli makes the treatment more powerful than microneedling or a platelet concentrate individually.
How does it work?
Microneedling initiates controlled wound healing: fibroblasts are activated and new collagen and elastin are produced. The platelet concentrate adds the body’s own growth factors, which direct these exact same processes.
The result is therefore not a filling effect, but an improvement in the structure and quality of the skin, which develops over weeks to months.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
- a dull, tired complexion and loss of radiance
- fine lines and an irregular texture
- enlarged pores
- acne scars and other superficial scars
- skin that has recovered poorly after a period of sun damage, smoking, or fatigue
What happens during a session?
The skin is cleansed and, where necessary, prepared with an enzyme peel. An anesthetic cream is left to take effect for thirty to forty-five minutes and is then completely removed. Meanwhile, blood is drawn and centrifuged.
The concentrate is then applied to the skin layer by layer while needling in sections until an even redness occurs. This is followed by a hydrating mask and restorative care.
Allow approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half for the entire procedure.
Number of sessions and results
Typically, three to six sessions are scheduled, with three to four weeks in between, followed by maintenance every three to six months.
An initial difference in radiance is often noticed within a few weeks. The improvement in texture and scars builds up more slowly. The result varies from person to person; there is an obligation of means and not an obligation of result.
What this treatment does not do
- Despite the name circulating in the market, this is not a facelift. No tissue is displaced and no skin is removed.
- It does not tighten sagging skin and does not correct a sagging cheek or jawline.
- It does not add volume.
- Deep folds do not disappear with it.
Safety and contraindications
The treatment will not proceed in the event of an active infection, active acne, or an active cold sore, a tendency toward keloids, immunosuppression, recent strong sun exposure, pregnancy and breastfeeding, use of isotretinoin in recent months, and coagulation disorders.
Aftercare
- Gently dab blood spots during the first few hours; do not rub.
- No makeup for twenty-four hours.
- No sauna, steam bath, or intensive exercise for forty-eight hours.
- Do not use fruit acids, retinol, strong vitamin C, or scrubs until day five.
- Apply factor 50 daily and avoid direct sun for one week.
Combination with surgery and other treatments
The treatment is often used in the months following a facelift or eyelid surgery, once the wounds are completely closed, to help improve skin quality. See also RF microneedling for those who also desire tightening, and regenerative aftercare following a procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this called a vampire facial in the market?
That name refers to the use of your own blood as a raw material. It is a commercial name, not a medical term, and it wrongly creates the impression that it involves a lift.
Is this an alternative to a facelift?
No. No tissue is displaced and no skin is removed. The treatment improves the quality of the skin, not its position.
How much recovery time should I allow?
Expect one to three days of redness, comparable to a severe sunburn. Small blood spots during the first few hours are normal.
How many sessions are needed?
Typically three to six sessions with three to four weeks in between, followed by maintenance every three to six months.
Can this be used for acne scars?
Yes, superficial acne scars generally respond favorably. Active, inflamed acne must first be under control. Deep, indented scars usually require a combined approach.
Read also
This text is general in nature and does not replace personal medical advice. An obligation of means applies, not an obligation of results. What is possible in your situation is determined during a consultation and recorded in writing. Read the full medical disclaimer.
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