Vampire Facelift is the trademarked name for in vogue non-surgical cosmetic procedure involving the reinjection of a gel-like substance— platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) or platelet rich plasma (PRP)— derived from a patient’s own blood.

The procedure has lately become famous after reality TV star Kim Kardashian experienced the facelift. The young star has also sparked our curiosity about the procedure; how does it work? How it is performed? When can individuals undergo the facelift?

To answer all those questions we had a sit down with Dermatologist and Cosmetologist Dr. Shazia A. Ali, head of the dermatology department at Al Tababah Specialized Medical Center in Jeddah who told us how this procedure is performed, who needs it and how often can we do it.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

The platelet rich plasma (PRP) derived from blood has great healing and rejuvenation powers as it contains multiple growth factors, cytokines and stem cells. Once injected into the skin and underlying tissues these activated cells start to repair the damage done by years of intrinsic and extrinsic aging processes. After injections of PRP the skin starts looks visibly smoother, brighter and tighter. When injected in strategic sites PRP helps to tighten and lift facial contours giving a natural facelift.

How much time does it take to recover?

VFL is a low almost no downtime procedure. It takes 30-40 minutes to do the procedure and the results are visible within few days. The results keep on building over time as the body keeps working on the repair and rebuilt mission after the procedure. To give you an idea of what to expect during recovery or after the procedure — it’s almost like doing filler (hyaluronic acid) injections. The main difference is there is no synthetic material used during VFL, all the good stuff is derived from your own body — blood to be precise.

Most people feel mild swelling for the first five-10 days post procedure, but it’s very mild and natural-looking swelling, almost like as if you gained a few extra pounds.

As, the procedure involves needles there is a minor risk of getting bruising (bluish discoloration at the injection site) during the procedure. If bruising occurs it takes four-10 days to clear up. You can use Arnica gel or Reparil gel to get rid of bruising faster. Make up and concealer can cover the bruising fairly well and most people will not even notice you have had any procedure done.

How often should someone do this type of facelift?

You can do the procedure as often as you wish, as it is your own blood which is being injected so, there are no side effects or over dosing.

My logic for the repeat treatments is simple — Assess the physical damage and then come up with the number of repeat procedures.

Age schematic for the VFL:

• For someone in there late 20’s or early 30’s once a year or once every 6 months is enough.

• For someone in there 40’s two or three sessions spaced 15 days apart give great results.

• For people 50’s and older maybe more sessions coupled with other age reversing technologies like radiofrequency (RF skin boosting facial treatments) can give the desired result.

What is the duration for it?

The whole procedure lasts 30-40 minutes from drawing of blood to processing it and re-injecting.

How are Saudis reacting to this? Do you perform the facelift on many Saudi women?

In my practice, based in Jeddah VFL is the best seller hands down. Everyone loves the results and the fact that it is based on natural rejuvenation. No knives, no down time. Quick easy and trust worthy.

What are the steps for the Vampire Facelift?

VFL is a fairly straightforward procedure that involves drawing of blood from your arm and processing it in a centrifuge and then finally re-injecting it into your face.

VFL Step By Step

1. First we draw 15-20 cc. of your blood.

2. Then we process the blood in a special machine; which separates the blood cells from plasma.

3. The blood cells are discarded and the platelet and growth factor rich plasma is loaded into syringes. All this takes 15-20 minutes.

4. While you’re waiting for the blood to be processed we apply an anesthetic cream on your face to numb it up before the injections.

5. Once the golden elixir of youth is ready for reinjection we remove the anesthetic cream and after disinfecting and cleaning the face, we begin injecting strategically to give you a blood derived facelift.

What is the downside of this procedure?

The procedure gives great natural results but let me clarify reality from fiction — you can’t compare the results with a typical facelift under the knife. Keeping a reality check is vital before you embark on the aesthetic journey down the vampire youth lane.

Why is it called the Vampire Facelift?

Vampires allegedly drink human blood and live youthfully forever. As the VFL procedure is aimed at reversing signs of aging using your own blood the name makes perfect sense and has gotten popular with youth lovers all over the world.

To who do you recommend this?

I’d recommend it to anyone who is feeling that the aging process is making her/him look tired and feels the healthy glow of youth is fading away; someone who is looking for a quick natural rejuvenation. VFL can address lack luster skin, minor sagging and minor crinkling /wrinkling perfectly well with minimal downtime.

• It is a valid choice for people in there late 20’s who are not taking care of themselves and feel age is catching up on them fast.

• It’s ideal for people in early 30’s and 40’s who prefer natural results and don’t want any synthetic materials injected in their faces.

• People with busy dynamic lives who can’t afford long downtime cosmetic procedures.

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