I tried the infamous Vampire Facial

So what’s the big deal about The Vampire Facial, and why is everyone having one? Melanie Morris investigates.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP, otherwise known as the Vampire Facial) may have sprung to notoriety through devotees including Kim Kardashian, but its heritage sits with serious science as a key player in orthopaedic treatment, having the abilities to “speed heal” tendons, ligaments and soft body tissue.

Now, PRP has moved into the dermatologists’ domain, due to its proven results in rejuvenating skin, improving collagen profile and stimulating hair growth (and hence, great for eyebrow or eyelash growth). PRP is excellent for skin “creping” from age, or long-term use of Botox and it’s a super-hydrator for brides who want to get some gorgeous, natural glow. It will also tackle hollow eyes and deep facial folds.

 What’s involved

Not for the faint-hearted, PRP is on the more invasive end of beauty treatments, but what truly good things ever came easy in life?

The treatment is approximately 90 minutes to two hours in duration, and centres around the extraction of blood from the client, which is then processed to separate out the nutrient-rich, ‘liquid gold’ serum (about two-thirds of the blood) from red platelets. The platelets suspended in the plasma are little workhorses, packed with growth factors is then injected back into the client’s face using a tiny needle.

The beauty of PRP is that in using the client’s own products, it’s totally natural and reaction-free. It’s also one of the few treatments that can be done (and is especially effective) around the eye area, including the eyelids. And yes, the face is numbed in advance so it’s pretty painless.

Post-treatment 

As over 150 tiny injections are involved in the procedure, there is bound to be bruising, but it’s pretty much the luck of the draw what and how much that will be, however, it’s an inevitable factor to be considered, so be sure to have the Vichy Dermablend on standby (if you haven’t discovered this magic, cover-all foundation, where have you been?). Immediately after treatment, the skin will be very puffy and sensitive, so book for the end of the day when you can head home and lie low. It’s advised not to have any facials or treatments to the area for two weeks, and not to exercise or do anything that involves extreme heat for 24 hours. 

 This is a perfect lockdown treatment. The full effect of PRP is seen approximately six weeks post-treatment, for optimal results, a follow-up session should be then be undertaken. Benefits last for at least a year.

 Who and where

My PRP (priced at €550 per treatment) was at the hands of Sharon Edwards, a registered nurse with huge experience in plastic surgery who now works at the Institute of Dermatologists in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Sharon was a friendly, speedy accurate worker who deftly took blood with considerable skill, getting a successful extraction first time, and then had me finished and out within an hour. She was informative about the procedure and took before/after shots so we could chart my progress. I will definitely return for a follow-up with Sharon.

Featured image: @kimkardashian on Instagram

Read more: Do you really need an eye cream?

Read more: How to turn your bath into a self-care sanctuary

Read more: 5 face masks to help ease dry skin after time spent indoors