Americans are passionate about having healthy, youthful-looking skin. In fact, a recent survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery found that nearly 70% are considering a cosmetic procedure to improve their skin’s appearance. 

Although many people assume that the only way to make lasting change is through surgery, that isn’t necessarily the case, thanks to new minimally invasive treatments, such as the vampire facial and vampire facelift.

At Metro Health and Wellness in Marietta, Georgia, and Menopause Health Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, menopause and women’s health specialist Kirstie Cunningham, MD, FACOG, NCMP, offers both treatments. Let’s share what each procedure involves, who is a good candidate, and what to expect from the results.

Vampire Facial® vs. Vampire Facelift®: Understanding the Difference Between These PRP Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a cornerstone of modern aesthetic medicine, offering a natural, biologic approach to skin rejuvenation. Two of the most recognized PRP-based treatments are the Vampire Facial® and the Vampire Facelift®. While they share a common foundation—your body’s own regenerative growth factors—these procedures are designed to address different aesthetic concerns.

This educational guide explains what each procedure is, how they work, their effects on the skin, key differences, candidacy, preparation, and what to expect after treatment.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma is derived from a small sample of your own blood. After centrifugation, platelets are concentrated into plasma rich in growth factors and signaling proteins. These growth factors stimulate collagen production, improve blood flow, and support tissue regeneration—key processes in skin repair and rejuvenation.

Because PRP is autologous (from your own body), it carries a very low risk of allergic reaction when prepared and administered in a medical setting.

What Is a Vampire Facial®?

The Vampire Facial® is a skin-focused rejuvenation treatment that combines medical microneedling with topical PRP application.
(Source: vampirefacial.com)

How the Vampire Facial® Works

1. A small amount of blood is drawn and processed to isolate PRP.
   
   
2. A topical numbing cream is applied for comfort.
   
   
3. Medical microneedling is performed using the SkinPen®, creating controlled microchannels in the skin.
   
   
4. PRP is applied over the treated skin, where it penetrates through the microchannels to stimulate regeneration.
   
   

How Microchannels Are Created with SkinPen®

SkinPen® is an FDA-cleared, medical-grade microneedling device designed to create precise, uniform microchannels in the skin. These microscopic channels:

• Trigger the body’s natural wound-healing cascade
  
  
• Stimulate collagen and elastin production
  
  
• Allow PRP to penetrate more effectively into the dermis
  
  

Unlike superficial cosmetic rollers, SkinPen® delivers consistent depth control, ensuring safe and predictable collagen induction while preserving the integrity of surrounding tissue.

SkinPen® Safety: Why It Matters

SkinPen® is widely regarded as the gold standard in microneedling safety:

• FDA-cleared for medical use
  
  
• Single-use, sterile needle cartridges eliminate the risk of cross-contamination
  
  
• Fully enclosed needle system, reducing exposure to bloodborne pathogens
  
  
• Designed specifically to reduce the risk of infection and viral transmission
  
  

This is especially important when microneedling is combined with PRP, where skin integrity and sterility are critical. Using a medical-grade device like SkinPen® significantly improves safety compared to unregulated microneedling tools.

Effects of the Vampire Facial® on the Skin

The combination of SkinPen® microneedling and PRP leads to gradual, natural improvement in:

• Skin texture and smoothness
  
  
• Fine lines and early wrinkles
  
  
• Acne scarring and enlarged pores
  
  
• Overall tone, brightness, and skin vitality
  
  

Results develop over several weeks as collagen remodeling continues.

What Is a Vampire Facelift®?

The Vampire Facelift® is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure that combines PRP injections with hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers.
(Source: vampirehair.com)

How the Vampire Facelift® Works

1. PRP is prepared from your blood.
   
   
2. Hyaluronic acid fillers are strategically placed to restore lost facial volume and contour.
   
   
3. PRP is injected into targeted areas of the face to stimulate collagen production, improve skin quality, and enhance healing around the filler.
   
   

This approach addresses both structural aging (volume loss) and biologic aging (skin quality decline).

Effects of the Vampire Facelift® on the Skin

• Immediate improvement in facial contour from fillers
  
  
• Progressive enhancement in skin texture, tone, and elasticity
  
  
• Improved blood flow and healthier-appearing skin over time
  
  

Unlike microneedling alone, this treatment provides both instant and long-term results.

Vampire Facial® vs. Vampire Facelift®: Key Differences

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Vampire Facial® Candidates

• Dull or uneven skin tone
  
  
• Fine lines and early signs of aging
  
  
• Mild acne scarring or sun damage
  
  
• Patients seeking natural skin rejuvenation without fillers
  
  

Vampire Facelift® Candidates

• Facial volume loss or hollowing
  
  
• Moderate wrinkles and folds
  
  
• Desire for non-surgical facial contouring
  
  
• Patients seeking immediate improvement plus regenerative benefits
  
  

Not recommended for patients with active skin infections, certain blood disorders, or during pregnancy.

How to Prepare for Your Treatment

• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements when medically appropriate
  
  
• Discontinue retinoids and exfoliants several days before treatment
  
  
• Avoid sunburn or active skin irritation
  
  
• Stay well hydrated
  
  
• Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
  
  

What to Expect After Treatment

After a vampire facial or facelift, many patients notice subtle improvements in their skin’s tone and appearance over the following weeks. However, the changes aren’t drastic and don’t happen overnight, so it’s important to have realistic expectations. 

After a Vampire Facial®

• Redness and warmth for 24–48 hours
  
  
• Minimal downtime
  
  
• Gradual skin improvement over 3+ weeks
  
  

After a Vampire Facelift®

• Possible swelling or bruising at injection sites
  
  
• Immediate volume improvement
  
  
• Continued skin regeneration over weeks to months
  
  

Final Thoughts

Both the Vampire Facial® and Vampire Facelift® leverage the regenerative power of PRP—but serve different purposes.

• Choose Vampire Facial® for skin texture, tone, and collagen stimulation using SkinPen® microneedling.
  
  
• Choose Vampire Facelift® for volume restoration combined with long-term skin rejuvenation.
  
  

A medical consultation ensures the safest approach and the best aesthetic outcome tailored to your skin and goals.

Schedule a PRP consultation today

If you want radiant, youthful skin, PRP treatments like vampire facials and facelifts can help you achieve this goal without surgery or downtime. Contact us today to schedule your appointment in Marietta or Nashville, or book online.