The Truth About Our Bespoke 3D MD PRP (AKA Dr Vampire) – Written by Skincare Specialist Kim Van Zyl
We all have that one celebrity superstar that we have stalked more than our ex-boyfriends and somehow these celebs keep us on or toes by constantly trying something fun and new. Lately, the celeb Instagram feeds have been covered in photos of bloody faces while undergoing bizarre and painful-looking Vampire facial treatments. These celebs surely get to experience skincare treatments unlike any other!
We have gone a step further and took the “Halloween” out of it, redesigning the Dr Vampire facial into a Bespoke 3D MD PRP experience…
Even though the name might sound just as scary as a Vampire treatment, rest assured, it takes place in broad daylight, unlike other vamp activities. This facial treatment is a combination of medical mesotherapy (PRP injections), micro needling and a specialised mask tailored to each client’s needs.
What is PRP you ask? Platelet Rich Plasma – AKA Liquid Gold. Platelets contain a large amount of growth factors; they key to skin rejuvenation. When platelets are removed from plasma (the cellular component of blood) and re-injected back into the skin, the growth factors in the platelets causes increased collagen production in the skin, leading to gradual tissue regeneration over time.
THE PROCESS
The PRP procedure itself involves drawing up +/-18ml of your own blood. If you have ever gone in for a blood test, you’d know that this first step isn’t so painful after all.
Secondly, the blood runs through a centrifuge to separate each cellular component, removing the platelets from the plasma after which the real game begins; re-injecting and needling the platelets (only the golden good stuff, and not the gory looking red blood cells) back into the skin.
SO HOW DOES ALL THIS LIQUID GOLD REJUVENATE MY SKIN?
PRP facials might not be a magic wand you wave once and all your skin concerns disappear, but it is a proven and effective treatment for a variety of skin concerns including acne, acne scarring, melasma, wrinkles, and fine lines. It is also one of our favourite treatments for overall skin maintenance.
Once the PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is injected into the skin, the platelets release powerful growth factors (chemical messengers) that activate fibroblasts located within the skin. Once these fibroblasts are activated, they start to produce collagen, as well as glycosaminoglycans such as Hyaluronic Acid. This regenerative process takes place over the course of 1 – 2 weeks, with maximum results visible after 1 month.
ARE THE BENEFITS REALLY THAT GREAT?
As mentioned above Platelet Rich Plasma contains growth factors which are excellent for new cell generation and functions, such as creating new collagen and strengthening elastin (the fibres that keep our skin plump and taught). Micro-needling allows for deep penetration of the growth factors and improves the results of the treatment significantly. This procedure is a great choice for those looking to effectively:
- improve fine lines/wrinkles
- improve skin texture/under eye bags
- reduce pore size
- soften acne scars
- improve skin tone and pigmentation
- repair barrier impaired skin
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR RISKS I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT?
Bruising and inflammation are the most common side effects but is quite normal and improves within days following the treatment. Seeing that your own platelets are being used as a form of cosmetic filler, this treatment is extremely safe, and the only real side affect you have to be concerned with is the new waiting around the corner. But, CAUTION guys! If you ever had a history of blood diseases, including clotting or bleeding disorder then PRP is (unfortunately) not meant for you. In this case, let’s stick to the superficial stuff…
