The Vampire Facial "PRP" is available in Gauteng at the Morningside, Parkhurst, Rosebank, Bedfordview, Fourways, West Rand, Irene, Lynnwood and Brooklyn clinics, as well as in the Western Cape at Cape Quarter, Claremont, Constantia, Century City, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Willowbridge clinics, and Kwa-Zulu Natal at the Ballito, Durban and Umhlanga clinics.
Normal blood contains only 6% platelets however, in PRP, there is a concentration of 94% platelets, which translates to a powerful growth factor “cocktail” with a variety of growth factors and cytokines. This stimulates cellular tissue regeneration to dramatically accelerate healing.
For this reason this treatment is very successful in treating the signs of ageing, as well as assisting in hair regeneration and even muscle and joint regeneration.
Since the platelets come from the patient’s own blood, there is absolutely no possibility of allergic reaction or other side effects. The only precaution you need to take is to stop any anti-inflammatory or blood thinning medications while administering PRP.
This process of using a patient’s own blood to extract the PRP has earned the procedure the well-known nickname, “The Vampire Facial”.
To develop a PRP preparation, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation.
The PRP is then further separated into 3 parts, namely,
- The PPP (Platelet Poor Plasma)-which is very effectively used for skin needling as an anti-ageing treatment,
- The PRP- which is richer in platelets and growth factors, and
- Super Concentrated PRP (known as the Buffy Coat), also known as “the Liquid Gold”, is usually injected into the areas of greatest concern and yield the best results.
For Skin Rejuvenation: Once injected into your skin, the platelets will accelerate the normal healing process and produce new collagen at the injected area. For this reason, we use all 3 parts of the extracted plasma PPP for mild and general rejuvenation (we can use this on your hands, neck and chest), while the PRP and Liquid Gold will be used specifically on the face and areas of most concern.
For Hair Restoration: The PRP is injected through the region that is thinning/balding which supplies the nutrients it requires to continue growing a thicker, fuller and healthier hair strand. Although there are no large scale clinical studies on this, preliminary evidence exposes PRP therapy as a good fit for hair restoration.
There are three ways in which this procedure can be done:
The first is that the full amount of PRP extracted can be injected by the Doctor using the Mesotherapy technique.
The second is that the full amount of PRP can be introduced into the skin via needling (Dermapen), and this can be done by a Doctor or a Therapist.
A third option is a combination option. The DR can take the most concentrated part of the PRP and inject this into the area of most concern and the remainder of the PRP can then be needled into the skin.
The doctor would need to assess the patient’s concern during the consultation to discuss the best option for the patient.
Now patients can reduce wrinkles and fine lines without going through risky surgical procedures. Since PRP uses the patient’s own blood to produce the platelets, they are far safer than other surgical and non-surgical procedures out there.
The PRP procedure helps restore and enhance skin regions that require volume and improves its texture and tone considerably. The treatment will leave the patient looking more youthful and rejuvenated.
Due to the PRP coming from the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of allergy or reaction. The procedure can be mildly uncomfortable however the patient is well numbed before starting the treatment, so most find it quite comfortable. The greatest risk is mild bruising, redness, sensitivity, swelling and mild peeling while the patient heals.