With the arrival of Fall comes my favorite holiday—Halloween! Halloween brings haunted houses, scary movies, and the iconic characters we know and fear—witches, goblins, ghouls, and best of all VAMPIRES! So it’s only fitting that I blog about the “Vampire Facial” (Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Facial). You might have heard of Vampire Facials after Kim Kardashian posted blood-spattered selfies all over Instagram. What looks like an absolute nightmare is actually one of the beauty industry’s most popular treatments—improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, plumping sagging skin, diminishing scars, and eliminating deep creases. Best of all it is offered locally at Dayton Skin. So let’s talk about PRP facials at Dayton Skin Care and all of the glorious benefits.
In a nutshell, PRP facials use a combination of Microneedling and Platelets from your own blood to stimulate new collagen production and improve healing time. This is a non-surgical procedure that can provide amazing results. Let’s go into more detail.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that’s primarily used to minimize the signs of aging. During a standard session, a dermatologist or aesthetician uses a special device with needles to prick the skin and stimulate new collagen production.
What is PRP?
We all have platelets in our blood. PRP is a 3-step procedure that involves having your blood:
- Drawn from your arm
- Placed into a machine that separates the platelets from the rest of your blood
- Re-injected into you (only the part of your blood that contains a high concentration of platelets)
Not only is PRP used to treat signs of aging Orthopedic surgeons use PRP to help athletes recover more quickly after an injury. In dermatology, PRP is being used as a treatment for hair loss. PRP may also speed up wound healing. (America Academy of Dermatology)
PRP to treat signs of aging combines Microneedling and Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into one heck of a skin rejuvenating procedure! At Dayton Skin Care the process involves extracting blood from the patient’s arm and using a centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma from the red blood cells. From there, the Collagen Pin microneedling device 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.
What to expect during your appointment?
Before Arrive at the office at least 15 minutes before the appointment. This will allow time to finish up any last-minute paperwork or payments.
Our aesthetician will begin by cleaning the skin and applying a topical anesthetic. This will need to set for at least 30 minutes before microneedling begins.
The actual procedure involves two steps. First, a syringe of blood will be drawn, usually from the arm, by one of our medical professionals while your face is numbing. The blood is then put into a centrifuge, which separates the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) from other components of the blood.
Second is the microneedling portion which lasts 30 minutes, depending on the areas treated. During this, our aesthetician will use the Collagen Pin microneedling device on the desired areas of your face.
The PRP (plasma) is placed on the face while the microneedling device glides over the top of the PRP creating small controlled micropunctures on the desired areas, allowing for penetration of the PRP into the skin.
Watch this short clip of our aesthetician, Ashley, performing the PRP procedure on Dr. McGowan.
Once the procedure is finished, the aesthetician will massage any leftover PRP onto the skin to optimize absorption. For aftercare, Dayton Skin Care recommends Alastin’s Gentle Cleanser for daily washing. To help soothe the sensitive skin, Alastin’s Skin Nectar helps post-procedure skin with a combination of botanical extracts that helps produce new, healthy elastin and collagen, and helps calm redness. Alastin’s Mineral Only Sunscreen is also a great option to help protect sensitive skin while
Does it hurt?
Let’s not forget about the numbing! All patients receive a topical anesthetic 30 minutes prior to the session commencing. So the pain is minimal. Some have reported a sensation like light sandpaper moving across the skin.
What to expect during recovery?
Recovery for this procedure is relatively minimal. Most patients can go back to school or work the next day if you wish.
There may still be some redness and other signs of minor irritation, but avoid applying too many products to your skin.
Simply cleanse once a day and moisturize as needed. If desired, follow with a lightweight foundation or powder to minimize redness and follow up with our recommended products for the best and fastest healing.
Avoid alcohol-based products and exfoliants during the recovery stage. Proper sun protection is also very important.
Until the skin has completely healed, avoid rigorous activities that might cause excessive sweating and heat production. Examples include running, playing tennis, and heavy workouts.
Sweating may cause additional irritation, and rigorous activities may increase the risk of swelling or bruising. This usually should be avoided for at least 72 hours after your treatment.
How long does it take to see results?
After treatment, many notice immediate results, which will continue to improve over the next few days and weeks. As the body’s natural collagen production is now stimulated, you should see the texture and quality of your skin continue to improve for up to six months. Recovery time is about one to three days depending on how aggressive the treatment.
While one treatment may be all that is needed, some people may desire additional treatments for further amplification. The effects of this treatment can last for 1-2 years. It is recommended to have maintenance treatments every year. You will be provided with all the information you need about caring for your skin and additional treatments after your PRP microneedling session at Dayton Skin Care.
*Not DSC patients. Results after multiple treatments.
What should you do if you’re interested in PRP microneedling?
Your first step is to request a FREE consultation with our aesthetician at Dayton Skin. You’ll want to ask questions you have about the procedure, as well as discuss any associated costs.
Next, schedule your first treatment and start enjoying the results!!
If PRP appeals to you then take advantage of our promotion going on through November 15, 2019. Request appointment online— or call 937.293.5567 to speak with a Dayton Skin staff member.
