Separating Fact from Fiction
The vampire facial otherwise known as Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy gained enormous popularity when Kim Kardashian posted a photo to social media of her face all bloodied during a facial procedure. This, of course, caused a lot of curiosity and buzz around the treatment, and a treatment that we now offer at Bartchall Medical – Skin Rejuv & Regen.
Most of our patients have heard about this procedure in the media, and are intrigued by its ability to reduce wrinkles and brighten up the skin. They also have a lot of questions about the science behind it, and how it works –read on to find out more about this popular procedure and what you can expect during your vampire facial at Bartchall Medical – Skin Rejuv and Regen.
What is PRP Therapy?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), also commonly known as the “Vampire Facial” is the use of a patient’s own blood to harvest platelets. These platelets that are then injected under the patient’s skin with a very fine needle in an effort to stimulate regeneration of soft tissue and rejuvenation of the skin.
What are Platelets
Platelets are tiny blood cells formed in your bone marrow that help your body clot and stop bleeding. The enzymes released by platelets promote healing and rejuvenation in the body and play a role in the regeneration of tissue.
During PRP therapy, platelets are extracted from the patient’s own blood and injected back into the patients face. This procedure is very safe as it then relies on the body’s natural response to the healing process.
How may Platelet Rich Plasma Help You?
PRP therapy may help with the following;
- Overall skin rejuvenation
- Improve texture of skin
- Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Collagen production to thicken and improve the quality of skin
- Acne scarring
What to expect during your PRP treatment
Before your treatment, you will have a consultation with our experienced doctor to answer any questions you may have, as well as discuss the intended goal for the treatment.
- Blood sample – A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient in the same way a blood test is performed. The blood sample is then spun in our onsite centrifuge for up to 10 minutes to harvest the platelets we will then use for the treatment.
- Cleansing – The area to be treated will be thoroughly cleansed while the blood sample is being spun.
- Topical Anaesthetic – if requested, our doctor will then apply a topical anaesthetic to numb the treatment area and make the experience more comfortable.
- Target location – The doctor will then mark out the areas of your face or neck that will be treated
- Injection of PRP – The extracted plasma is then injected under the surface of your skin using a very fine needle, similar to those used in dermal filler treatments.
Is Platelet Rich Plasma therapy painful?
Bartchall Medical Skin Rejuv & Regen is committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible. The application of a topical anaesthetic prior to the treatment makes the tiny injections relatively painless. Taking a paracetamol tablet prior to your treatment can also help.
How long does the treatment take?
Treatment times will vary depending on the size of the area we are treating, however, in most cases a treatment will take about 1 hour to complete.
Recovery and After Care
The PRP treatment is minimally invasive, and does not require much recovery time. Cold packs may be applied to the face post treatment to reduce any temporary swelling. Redness of the skin is normal following treatment but this should subside within 2 or 3 days. Routine daily activities may be resumed post treatment. A light application of makeup may be applied to hide any redness during day 2 and 3.
Caring for your skin post treatment is very important and will require a high-quality moisturiser and sun protection. The Beaute Pacifique enriched moisturising crème is a perfect complement to your PRP aftercare treatment.
Book a consultation
To book a consultation with our experienced doctor to answer any other questions you may have about the treatment and how it may help achieve your individual goals, call our friendly team on (07) 3886 5400