When conducting aesthetic PRP training courses or discussing Vampire procedures with potential patients, one of the most frequent questions asked is: “What’s the difference between the Vampire Facelift and the Vampire Facial?”
They certainly sound similar, so the confusion between the two isn’t exactly surprising.
Even though both of these trademarked procedures utilize PRP (platelet-rich plasma), there is actually a significant difference in how they are completed and the results they provide.
Both procedures use PRP, or platelet-rich plasma; however, the Vampire Facelift is a series of dermal filler injections with a primary goal of improving the signs of aging, while the Vampire Facial is performed with a microneedling device to improve the skin’s overall texture and tone, allowing for dramatic enhancement of the skin’s health and appearance.
Platelet-rich plasma is a unique component of your own blood, containing platelets, including growth factors and stem cells.
Let’s discuss both processes in more detail, and you’ll see what these services have in common and, more importantly, how they differ from one another.
What is PRP Anyway?
PRP is the “magic” behind both the Vampire Facelift and the Vampire Facial.
PRP is an acronym that stands for Platelet Rich Plasma and is a component of your own blood. It contains platelets, including both stem cells and growth factors.
PRP is obtained through a blood draw before processing it in a centrifuge.
This device spins and separates these vital growth factors from the other elements of the blood.
Because the PRP is “spun out” from the blood, the concentration of the growth factors and stem cells is much higher than what is found in regular blood.
Then, the PRP harvested can be utilized in either an injection (for the Vampire Facelift) or as part of a microneedling procedure (for the Vampire Facial).
PRP can be used in many areas of medicine, often used to help facilitate faster healing and recovery after certain types of procedures. For aesthetic reasons, we utilize the PRP to combat the signs of aging and improve skin health.
Vampire Facelift vs. Vampire Facial: Similarities and Differences
Knowing the difference between these two services will allow patients to make an educated decision as to which treatment is most appropriate to help them achieve their skin care goals and help practices decide which one to train their clinicians in.
In some cases, cosmetic medical spas and dermatological facilities may decide to train their team in both so they can offer both procedures to patients. Knowing the similarities and differences between these two allows you to determine which treatment is best for an individual who visits your office for aesthetic services.
The primary differences are that the Vampire Facelift focuses on the use of PRP along with hyaluronic acid fillers to address the more noticeable signs of aging. In contrast, the Vampire Facial is focused on the use of microneedling along with PRP to improve the skin’s overall appearance and health.
Let’s learn more about each procedure, then we’ll discuss the similarities and differences!
What is a Vampire Facelift?
A Vampire Facelift is performed by injecting a filler (such as hyaluronic acid, found in both Juvéderm and Restylane) into areas of the face that need a “boost”, then injecting the PRP.
You will get the added benefits of the dermal filler adding volume and shape, as well as the advantages of the growth factors that help the body generate new, youthful tissue. Essentially the skin is “fertilized” from the inside out.
You will see a reduction in fine lines and an increase in volume. At the same time, you will see noticeably improved tone, color, and texture. The Vampire Facelift is an excellent solution for patients who have facial volume loss that occurs after weight loss or is caused by the natural process of aging.
What is a Vampire Facial?
On the other hand, the Vampire Facial is a type of skin resurfacing or rejuvenation treatment, similar to microdermabrasion or microneedling. It combines microneedling and PRP injections into the skin.
The benefit of this treatment method is that the tiny needles used with microneedling essentially stimulate the body into thinking an injury has occurred. During the repair process, the skin will produce more collagen.
Though the tiny needles may make the skin look red or irritated for a short while after treatment, it is well known to look much worse than it feels! The results are highly beneficial for those with fine lines, acne scars, or other imperfections they would like to improve.
The Similarities between the Vampire Facelift and Vampire Facial
A Vampire Facelift and Vampire Facial are similar in that they are both non-invasive cosmetic skin treatments only offered by experienced practitioners who have undergone extensive proprietary training, certification, and follow-up education. Patients can feel confident that the process will be as comfortable as possible and give results that exceed expectations.
In addition, both procedures utilize PRP in a way that encourages the skin to heal itself and look its best for a significant time after the procedure. Results will continuously improve for a few weeks after the process and usually last for at least 12 months or longer. Both of these procedures are considered non-invasive cosmetic treatments that utilize one’s own blood to achieve the desired results while remaining a treatment that has minimal downtime and recovery.
Some of the side effects that may arise after treatments include swelling and bruising. However, these often resolve on their own over the course of a few days. They can be easily disguised with makeup for patients who may need to return to work or social activities soon after treatment. Many patients, however, choose to have these procedures done on a Friday to allow them to return to their regular schedule Monday with minor noticeable signs of having treatment performed.
The Differences between the Vampire Facelift and Vampire Facial
The Vampire Facelift and Vampire Facial have several differences. While both utilize PRP, they focus on providing different results.
The Vampire Facelift is used along with dermal fillers with a primary focus on wrinkles and folds throughout the face that contribute to an aged appearance. The Vampire Facial, on the other hand, has a primary focus on improving the skin’s overall texture and appearance by combining PRP with microneedling.
The results from the Vampire Facelift are seen faster than those of the Vampire Facial, as dermal fillers provide same-day improvements. Patients seeking faster enhancement in their facial appearance may choose to move forward with the Vampire Facelift to combat wrinkles, folds, and other skin imperfections that contribute to aging.
The Vampire Facial uses microneedling, which has been used by many professionals to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen rebuilding process, creating hundreds of tiny microwounds with a needling device along the skin. Injecting PRP at the same time can improve the skin’s overall texture, reducing the appearance of acne scarring or fine lines. The results of the Vampire Facial take longer to achieve as the collagen-building process doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, patients see gradual enhancement in their skin over several weeks as the microneedling and PRP injections begin to show noticeable changes in skin texture, tone, and even skin complexion.
Patients looking to achieve skin that is less wrinkled and firmer will benefit more from a Vampire Facelift, while those looking for overall skin rejuvenation may be better suited for the Vampire Facial.
During a consultation appointment with a clinician offering both services, patients can learn about the pros and cons of each to determine which one is best suited for their unique skincare needs. In some instances, a provider may offer a combination of the two, using fillers to address wrinkles and folds while using microneedling to improve the skin’s overall appearance and health.
Who is a good candidate for the Vampire Facelift and Vampire Facial?
During a consultation visit, patients are encouraged to ask about the similarities and differences to choose the treatment that helps them achieve their skincare goals. Candidates for treatment are those who do not have severe skin conditions that may impact the results achieved and those who are in good overall health. Patients will need to provide a blood sample during their visit, which is used to extract the PRP for reinjection.
Are the Vampire Facelift and Vampire Facial safe?
While the name of these treatments may feel intimidating, they are both an effective and safe way to address the noticeable signs of aging on the skin or provide rejuvenation. Because the procedure uses the patient’s own PRP, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal, even with the Vampire Facelift with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Patients also love that the treatment does not leave scarring or increase one’s risk of infection as there is no surgery performed to achieve the desired results.
What conditions or imperfections can be improved with the Vampire Facelift and Vampire Facial?
We recommend that clinicians and patients consider their current skin condition and the issues they’d like to improve when deciding which treatment is best for their needs. These treatments may be recommended for individuals who deal with the following concerns:
- Thin and crepey skin
- Fine lines, wrinkles, and folds
- Skin lesions
- Acne scarring
- Poor skin texture, tone, and overall complexion
- Hyperpigmentation concerns
- Past surgical scarring
- Large pores
- Facial redness
- Collagen lost
- Skin laxity
Ready to Get Trained in the Vampire Facial™ and Vampire Facelift™?
For more information about offering the Vampire Facelift or Vampire Facial in your office, reach out to Sylvia Silvestri of Beverly Hills, California. Sylvia Silvestri is the world’s leading trainer of the Vampire Facelift and Vampire Facial procedures. She also offers training for the O-Shot, P-Shot, Vampire Breast Lift, Vampire Wing Lift, and more.
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