The so-called vampire lift has been a beauty treatment in the USA since the late 1990s. Interest in the treatment, which promises a fresh complexion and smooth skin, is also growing in Germany. Even if the vampire lift has a supposedly dangerous name and at first glance appears to take some getting used to or even look frightening, it is a particularly gentle and painless procedure. This is because no surgical intervention is necessary for the treatment. The vampire lift is also very well tolerated as it uses the body’s own substances. What results can be achieved with this wrinkle treatment possible? Are there any risks or side effects?
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What is a vampire lift?
The term vampire lift is derived from the material used in the method. During the treatment, blood is taken from the patient and specially prepared so that it can then be distributed or injected into the areas to be treated. Other names for the procedure are autologous blood treatment, plasma lifting and PRP therapy (PRP: “platelet-rich” plasma). The treatment is suitable for all skin types and does not use any foreign materials. In addition, the duration of treatment is quite short and there is usually no downtime. This is why the vampire lift is a popular alternative to other wrinkle treatment options. In addition to facial wrinkles and an unpleasant complexion, the autologous blood treatment can also reduce small wrinkles in the décolleté and stretch marks. PRP treatment is also used to treat thinning hair or acne scars.
What does the abbreviation PRP stand for?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. This refers to a concentrate of blood plasma that has a high proportion of thrombocytes (blood platelets). The so-called platelet-rich plasma is obtained by taking a small amount of blood from the patient and then separating it from the other components (including the red blood cells). The respective blood components can be separated from each other using centrifugation. In addition to platelets, the preparation also contains growth factors, proteins and white blood cells. Among other things, PRP stimulates cell growth and the formation of new cells as well as collagen synthesis.
What happens during a vampire lift
For PRP therapy to treat wrinkles, only a small amount of blood of around 20 to 30 milliliters is taken from the patient and processed. The doctor then injects the concentrate directly under the skin of the areas to be treated using a fine needle. To ensure that the treatment is painless for the patient, the respective areas can be locally anesthetized beforehand. The actual PRP therapy only takes 20 to 30 minutes. Patients should be prepared for a total treatment time of around 60 minutes, as the required blood plasma must first be collected and processed. This is done immediately before the injection so that the active ingredients are vital and can achieve the desired effect in the tissue. The vampire lift is performed on an outpatient basis so that patients can return to their usual duties and activities shortly after the procedure. Experience has shown that any redness subsides quickly.
Is the treatment painful?
As the principle of the vampire lift is based on the injection of the patient’s own blood, patients often worry that the treatment will be painful or unpleasant. The sensation during blood sampling does not usually go beyond a brief pricking and possibly a short pulling sensation. They resemble familiar visits to the doctor, for example for a blood count or blood donation. This treatment step is not usually associated with pain. The injection of platelet-rich plasma is also not painful in principle, as it is carried out with a very fine, special needle. To make the treatment as comfortable as possible for the patient, the treatment areas are also anesthetized locally.
After the vampire lift
After the PRP is injected, the active ingredients are distributed in the tissue and stimulate the regeneration and renewal processes. Patients do not have to adhere to strict rest after the minimally invasive treatment. However, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight for about four weeks and to apply sunscreen with sun protection factor 50 or more every day. This ensures that the skin is not unnecessarily irritated and that the concentration can have the desired effect. Temporary redness is not unusual immediately after a vampire lift. They usually subside after a few days. Swelling or bruising rarely occurs after autologous blood treatments. Theoretically, there is also a risk of infection. With experienced doctors, however, this risk of complications is reduced to a minimum.
Results and duration of the treatment
The injected substances develop their full effect gradually. The first results can be seen after about a week. Experience has shown that the final result of the treatment can be assessed after about one to three months. The rejuvenating effect of a vampire lift can last up to 18 months. It is possible to permanently reduce unwelcome wrinkles with regular refreshments. In principle, PRP therapy can be repeated as often as required. Since only the body’s own substances are used, there is practically no risk of intolerance reactions. At the beginning of PRP therapy, several sessions at intervals of a few weeks are often recommended for optimal results. Afterwards, it is usually sufficient to refresh the treatment once or twice a year. The individual treatment concept is adapted to the respective requirements and wishes in consultation with the patient. The expert will clarify how many treatments are necessary or advisable during the personal consultation.
