I have been trying my hand at many alternative treatments in the hopes of delaying any aggressive fillers or botox. This month I had a PRP treatment with Modern Dermatology of Westport, CT. Even though I had some fears after seeing so many photos of the “Vampire Facial” Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD is one of the top dermatologists in our area so I wasn’t too concerned but she really guided me throughout the process, explaining each step along the way.  From the time I stepped into the beautiful offices, I knew my experience would be top-notch.

About This Treatment

Dr. Robinson explained that a vampire facial, also known as a blood facial or PRP facial, involves extracting blood from a patient’s arm and using a centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma from the red blood cells. From there, Dermapen, micro needling, infuses skin with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that stimulates collagen and elastin fibers to promote cell turnover for your most brilliant complexion through a series of thousands of tiny pinpricks.  

PRP in Detail

Platelet-Rich-Plasma-Therapy (PRP) – also known as “the vampire facial” promotes collagen production, regenerates tissues and tightens skin. Platelets are the cells in the blood that help tissue to heal and grow new cells. PRP can treat anything from fine lines and sun damage to deeper wrinkles and acne scarring.

The Process

The in-office procedure takes about 30 minutes and begins with a small blood draw (usually from the arm). The blood is then placed in a sterile tube that is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a higher than normal number of platelets and is called platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. Next, the PRP is used on specific areas of the skin through via injection, micro needling, or applied after a laser procedure.

Healing Time

A numbing cream will be applied prior, to minimize any discomfort. After the treatment, there is some initial redness in the treatment area, but I was good to go the next day. Dr. Robinson even made recommendations on two specific products to help my skin’s loss of elasticity and wrinkles. The first was their Antioxidant Super Serum from their namesake line Pure BioDerm. The serum includes a high potency blend of super antioxidants – Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, Phloretin, and Peptides – to provide broad-spectrum protection from environmental toxins. Also corrects and prevents premature signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation from sun and age-related dark spots – for beautiful, healthy skin. The second product, Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, was to help heal and protect my skin. Helps support the skin’s natural ability to produce new, healthy elastin and collagen. I enjoyed both products and continue to use them.

Dr. Robinson explained that while the skin tightens after just one vampire facial, the more frequently you undergo the treatment (as in, once a month), the better your results will be. In other words, if you want a quick mini face-lift that leaves your skin looking refreshed and refined, you can give it a go. But, if you’re looking for more noticeable results in terms of fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and pore size, you need to dedicate a bit more time to your overall transformation.

Watch the video of my whole experience here.