A PRP vampire facial combines a small blood draw with microneedling: your blood is spun to concentrate platelet-rich plasma, which is applied to the skin during and after needling so its growth factors can reach the dermis and support collagen production, cell turnover and repair. It is usually done as a series of sessions, with redness for a day or two afterwards.
The "vampire facial" became widely known through social media, but PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) itself has been studied in regenerative and aesthetic medicine. At Skin Art MD near Metrotown, Burnaby, we combine it with medical-grade microneedling.
What Is a PRP Vampire Facial?
A PRP vampire facial is a two-part treatment:
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Blood draw and PRP preparation: A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm (similar to a routine blood test). It's placed in a centrifuge that spins at high speed, separating the blood into layers. The platelet-rich plasma — packed with growth factors, cytokines, and regenerative proteins — is extracted.
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Microneedling with PRP application: A medical-grade microneedling device creates thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin. PRP is applied topically during and after needling, allowing the growth factors to penetrate deep into the dermis where they can stimulate collagen production, cell turnover, and tissue repair.
The combination works because microneedling creates the pathways and PRP delivers the growth factors.
What Does PRP Actually Do for Your Skin?
The growth factors in PRP trigger a cascade of biological responses:
Collagen Stimulation
PRP signals your fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells) to ramp up production. Over the weeks following treatment, new collagen and elastin fibers form, improving skin firmness and elasticity.
Cell Renewal Acceleration
Growth factors speed up the turnover of damaged, dull skin cells, replacing them with fresh, healthy ones. This is what creates the signature "PRP glow."
Inflammation Reduction
PRP contains anti-inflammatory cytokines that help calm the skin, reduce redness, and promote healing — making it surprisingly gentle despite the dramatic appearance during treatment.
Texture and Tone Improvement
Over a series of treatments, PRP + microneedling visibly improves:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scarring
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
- Overall skin texture and radiance
What Happens During a PRP Vampire Facial?
A visit runs through consultation, a short blood draw, centrifuge processing, numbing and microneedling with PRP, and post-treatment care, taking about 75–90 minutes in total.
Step 1: Consultation
The Skin Art MD team evaluates your skin concerns, discusses your goals, and assesses whether PRP is suitable. We'll take baseline photos to track your progress.
Step 2: Blood Draw (5 minutes)
A small vial of blood is drawn from your arm — typically 10-20ml. If you're squeamish about blood draws, it's quick, and our team will guide you through it.
Step 3: Centrifuge Processing (10 minutes)
While the centrifuge processes your blood, we prep your skin with medical-grade cleansing. The PRP is extracted as a golden-yellow serum prepared from your own blood.
Step 4: Microneedling + PRP (30-40 minutes)
- A topical numbing cream is applied 20-30 minutes before needling
- The microneedling device is adjusted for depth based on the treatment area (0.5mm-2.5mm)
- PRP is applied during and after needling
- Additional PRP is massaged into the skin to saturate the micro-channels
Step 5: Post-Treatment Care
- Your face will be red and look like a mild sunburn for 24-48 hours
- A soothing serum and SPF are applied before you leave
- You'll receive a detailed aftercare protocol
Total appointment time: approximately 75-90 minutes
How Many PRP Facial Sessions Are Typically Planned?
The number of PRP facial sessions typically ranges from two to six, depending on whether the goal is general maintenance, improving fine lines, or treating acne scarring.
| Goal | Typical Sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| General glow and maintenance | 2-3 sessions | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Fine lines and texture | 3-4 sessions | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Acne scarring | 4-6 sessions | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Hyperpigmentation | 3-4 sessions | Every 4-6 weeks |
Radiance and texture changes may be noticed early, while collagen remodeling and scar improvement develop cumulatively over the full series.
What Affects the Cost of a PRP Facial?
Cost depends on whether PRP is used on its own, combined with microneedling, or added to another treatment, and on how many sessions your plan includes. The cost is explained during your consultation.
Which Treatments Is PRP Combined With?
PRP is most often paired with microneedling, and it can also be combined with HydraFacial, laser treatments, under-eye injection or scalp treatment for hair:
- PRP + Microneedling — the classic vampire facial combination
- PRP + HydraFacial — deep cleansing followed by growth factor infusion
- PRP + Laser treatments — PRP is used to support healing after laser
- PRP under eyes — injected PRP is used for dark circles and under-eye hollows
- PRP for hair restoration — scalp injections to stimulate hair follicle growth
Who Is a PRP Vampire Facial Used For?
PRP vampire facials are used across a wide range of skin types and concerns, and suitability is decided at consultation:
- Age 25-60+ — people looking to improve skin quality using their own biology
- A range of skin types — PRP is autologous, so allergic reactions to the PRP itself are unlikely
- Acne scarring — a non-ablative option often used for scars
- Before an event — some people schedule 2-3 weeks ahead so redness has settled
- Long-term maintenance — people focused on ongoing skin health
Who Should Avoid PRP?
- Individuals with blood disorders or platelet abnormalities
- Those on blood thinners (consult your physician)
- Active skin infections or inflammatory acne in the treatment area
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the vampire facial hurt? A: Topical numbing cream is applied first, and the microneedling generally feels like light scratching.
Q: How long until I see results? A: An immediate glow appears within 3-5 days as redness fades. True collagen remodeling results develop over 4-8 weeks and continue improving for up to 3 months.
Q: Is there real downtime? A: Social downtime of 24-48 hours (redness and mild swelling). You can return to work the next day with mineral makeup if needed. Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours.
Q: How is this different from just doing microneedling? A: Microneedling works on its own; adding PRP delivers your own growth factors through the micro-channels, with the aim of supporting healing and collagen production beyond what regular serums provide.
Q: Is it really my own blood? A: Yes. PRP is autologous, meaning it comes entirely from your own body. There are no synthetic additives or foreign substances.
Is a PRP Facial Right for Your Skin?
Whether a PRP vampire facial suits your skin is decided at consultation. Book your PRP consultation at Skin Art MD Burnaby to discuss your goals and options.
Skin Art MD — Aesthetic Medicine, Burnaby BC near Metrotown. Serving Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Metro Vancouver.
