Some of you may remember when Kim Kardashian West famously posted her selfie after a Vampire Facial TM on Instagram in 2013. Back then her shocking picture of her own blood smeared all over her face raised brows and started a frenzy of aging women looking for doctor’s offices to go for their Vampire Facial TM. Since 2013 this technique has evolved and changed to be an even more effective anti-aging procedure.
The actual blood product applied to the skin is plasma. When blood is drawn from a vein in the arm, it is then spun in a centrifuge and the top yellowish layer (plasma) is siphoned off. There are two types of plasma that can be utilized for medical purposes, PRP and PRF. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is what has classically been used in a Vampire Facial TM and contains our own platelets. Now there is also Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). PRF is rich in platelets, fibrin and interleukins. These cells are the healers of the skin and produce new skin more rapidly and effectively than platelets alone. In order to get the plasma into the skin a procedure called microneedling is done first to make tiny openings in the skin of the face. Microneedling causes a mild injury to the skin and the plasma (PRP or PRF) heals the skin, stimulating new skin to be made. Microneedling with Platelet-rich fibrin is the newest plasma procedure to naturally rejuvenate the skin.
We decided to ask Dr. Nicole Norris of Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa in Peru, Illinois more questions about this intriguing procedure.
What results can I expect after Microneedling with PRF?
Our patients are in love with the results of Microneedling with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). After this procedure, our patients report improved appearance of wrinkles, improved skin texture and tightness, reduced pore size, improved plumpness of skin, reduced visible acne scars, lighter brown spots, and a markedly youthful glow. Immediately after the procedure, patients are a little red and dry. By the next day, you can return to your normal skin care routine and wear make-up. Patients continue seeing results for a month or more.
Is it a painful procedure?
Not at all. We use topical numbing medicine on the face prior to microneedling. My nurse is an expert phlebotomist and uses a small butterfly needle for your blood draw.
Who is a good candidate?
I would say anyone in search of better skin and a younger look is a good candidate for Microneedling with platelet-rich fibrin. It is important that you are not a smoker to get good results. If you do not tolerate having your blood drawn or everyone has trouble drawing your blood, you may need to consider other options. We ask patients to be very well hydrated prior to their procedure so that we can obtain enough plasma.
Are there any special instructions after Microneedling with PRF?
After your procedure, we will ask you to wait one hour before washing your face gently with cool water. Then you will apply hydrating products such as hyaluronic acid and moisturizer. The more hydrated your skin is when it is healing, the better results you will get. We ask patients to wear a hat and sunscreen, if they will be in the sun. We find that patients who have three to four Microneedling with PRF treatments per year get the maximum skin rejuvenation benefits.
After your procedure, we will ask you to wait one hour before washing your face gently with cool water. Then you will apply hydrating products such as hyaluronic acid and moisturizer. The more hydrated your skin is when it is healing, the better results you will get. We ask patients to wear a hat and sunscreen, if they will be in the sun. We find that patients who have three to four Microneedling with PRF treatments per year get the maximum skin rejuvenation benefits.
If you are intrigued and would like to learn more about natural skin rejuvenation using your own plasma, call for your consultation with Dr. Norris in January 2020 and mention this article to apply your $99 consultation fee toward your procedure and receive 20% off a package of 3 in 2020! ($360 savings) 815-780-8264
