There frenzy for cosmetic procedures is ever on the rise and the latest one to join the bandwagon is the vampire facial. The name may sound a bit scary, but there is no reason for patients undergoing the treatment to be worried about. In fact, the name derives itself from the fact that the facial uses plasma-rich blood as a facial filler to give impressive results. Here are five interesting things to know about the treatment.

# 1 – The ,facial uses one’s own blood

Vampire facial uses your own blood to treat skin problems by promoting the healthy activity of skin cells. It comprises of microdermabrasion followed by the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The latter is derived from the serum of your blood, which contains platelets. During the procedure, the blood is drawn and placed inside a centrifuge, which separates PRP from the blood. The beneficial components of the blood are then injected back into the skin through microneedles, which create microscopic needles holes in the dermis. This tricks the body into perceiving an injury at the site, thereby stimulating the release of stem cells. These cells in turn work on creating new, fresh tissue full of new blood vessels, collagen, and new cells, all of which give a youthful, glowing look to the skin.

# 2 – The procedure has been in use for many years

While vampire facial is maybe relatively new, the use of PRP in sports medicine has existed for many years. Platelets play a crucial role in role in healing and tissue regeneration. PRP, when injected into the injured area, kicks the healing process into and overdrive by stimulating collagen and elastin growth. Many sportspersons have in fact, used PRP to recovery quickly from their injuries.

# 3 – It is a natural dermal filler

Many dermal fillers used in the market are synthetic substances, which sit under the skin to fill fine lines and wrinkles for a smoothened effect. Such fillers slowly break down over a couple of months, and the effect diminishes. A vampire facial in NYC, however, uses about two spoonsful of one’s own blood to restore and rejuvenate damaged skin and tissues, for an improved appearance. Recycling blood this way makes it potentially safer than receiving a foreign substance. Also, the procedure stimulates the body to create fresh collagen and tissues for results that longer than with synthetic fillers.

# 4 – The facial treats a variety of skin problems

Unlike many other forms of cosmetic procedures, vampire facial treats a variety of skin problems. Micro needling aids penetration of beneficial plasma deep into the skin. As a result, vampire facial is especially effective in improving the appearance of aged or damaged skin. The treatment smoothens wrinkles and diminishes hyperpigmentation and melasma. The facial is effective in treating excessive acne and minimizing pores. It helps to exfoliate the skin, rejuvenate the tired-looking face, smoothen out fine lines on the face, neck, and lips. The treatment is suitable for all skin colors.

# 5 – It is suitable for sensitive skin

The risks associated with using PRP as a natural filler are minimal since it uses one’s own blood. This makes vampire facial an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin or those who may be allergic to synthetic fillers. Also, the treatment does not need invasive procedures, skin ablation, or resurfacing. The downtime is considerably lesser as the face tends to improve considerably within a few days of the treatment. Redness persists for a couple of days while dryness continues for a week, during which period it is important to avoid sun exposure, heat trauma from saunas or steam rooms, as well as rigorous exercise.

Vampire facials are performed in NYC by dermatologists, aestheticians, cosmeticians etc. and the prices for such treatments vary from one office to another. The charges also depend on how many sessions are required for satisfactory results – deep scars and acne often require multiple sittings for adequate improvement in the appearance of the skin. However, for optimal results and safety, the vampire facial should be performed not more than once in a month.