There’s been a lot of buzz about the vampire facial ever since it was popularized by Kim Kardashian. Traditionally, the vampire facial is when a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is combined with microneedling. The microscopic holes created in the face by the microneedling help to deliver the benefits of the PRP, which is derived from the patient’s own blood. It’s widely considered to be a very effective treatment in terms of cellular rejuvenation.
Now, however, there might be an even better way to get the benefits of PRP. It’s called the Vampire Viva treatment and it sounds extremely intriguing. “Vampire Viva is a novel proprietary approach we developed here at ENHANCE Aesthetic Arts that merges the new generation of resurfacing technology with the unparalleled benefits of platelet rich plasma,” says New York oculoplastic surgeon Irene Gladstein, MD. “While microneedling in association with application of PRP has been proven to be successful in the past, we have gone a step further and added collagen stimulating radio-frequency waves to the healing power of PRP or ‘liquid gold,’ thus elevating the results to a dramatically new level.”
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If you’re wondering what those results are, Dr. Gladstein says that Vampire Viva patients can look forward to a broad range of benefits such as diminished pores, acne scars and fine lines. As for how it actually works, Dr. Gladstein explains the two-step process: “The first step involves the creation of microchannels to the surface of the skin and sending highly focused RF energy down those channels. By doing so, we are triggering the body’s healing response and allowing the prompt production of collagen and elastin. The second step involves applying PRP immediately after the treatment. This part of the procedure serves as means of delivering a serious boost in rejuvenation benefits in the much deeper layers of skin.” Overall, it’s fairly similar to the traditional vampire facial but with the added step of radio-frequency waves.
We also spoke to New York dermatologist Sapna Westley, MD, to get her take on the Vampire Viva treatment. “Using microneedles, the RF technology can penetrate deeper into the dermis, which can help remodel collagen,” Dr. Westley says. “I think this combination of both procedures can be complementary—the RF working on the deeper collagen and the PRP addressing the more superficial wrinkles and textural changes.”
Asked if there are any downsides to this treatment, Dr. Westley acknowledged that it is a relatively new approach. “The only con is that this is not a standard procedure so studies have to be done to assess the efficacy of this combination. Also, whether this procedure can be customized for someone who wants more deeper tightening or vice versa has to be tested.”
Overall, however, the Vampire Viva treatment seems like a promising new way to have the benefits of PRP delivered to your skin. Dr. Gladstein says that they see the best results with patients who have a lot of acne scarring and large pores. “The skin feels like baby’s,” she adds. “The growth factors in and overall stimulating qualities of PRP when combined with nanofractional resurfacing modality seem to do the trick.” So if you’re looking for a way to diminish pores, scars or fine lines, this is one treatment you may want to keep in mind.
