A vampire facial, also known as a PRP facial or platelet-rich plasma facial, is a cosmetic treatment that combines microneedling with the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood. The procedure begins with a small blood draw, similar to a routine blood test. The blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors and healing properties. Meanwhile, microneedling is performed on the face using a device with fine needles that create thousands of tiny channels in the skin. The concentrated PRP is then applied to the skin and worked into the micro-channels created by the needles, allowing the growth factors to penetrate deeply. The treatment aims to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimise scarring and enhance overall skin rejuvenation. The name 'vampire facial' comes from the use of your own blood in the treatment. The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

In Richmond, the price of a Vampire Facial typically ranges from around £225 to £225 and will differ between clinics. Local cost variations usually reflect the PRP processing method, whether the treatment is offered as a single session or as part of a course, the treatment area and goals, and the practitioner’s experience. If combined with microneedling or add-on therapies the total will increase, so check how much Vampire Facial costs and the price of Vampire Facial in your area to compare options. You can find the exact, up-to-date price for this treatment in the catalogue

A vampire facial works by combining the skin rejuvenation benefits of microneedling with the healing and regenerative properties of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood. The microneedling component creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing response and stimulates collagen and elastin production. The PRP, which is rich in growth factors, proteins and healing properties, penetrates deep into the skin through the micro-channels created by the needles. These growth factors accelerate tissue repair, promote new cell growth, improve skin texture and enhance overall rejuvenation. The treatment can address multiple concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, acne scarring, enlarged pores, sun damage, dullness and early signs of ageing. It can also improve skin firmness, elasticity and radiance. Because the treatment uses your own blood, there is minimal risk of allergic reactions. The combination of mechanical stimulation from microneedling and biological enhancement from PRP creates a synergistic effect that can produce more significant improvements than either treatment alone.

A vampire facial is a specific type of microneedling treatment that incorporates platelet-rich plasma (PRP), but it is not simply standard microneedling. While both treatments use a device with fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, the vampire facial adds an extra dimension by applying concentrated PRP derived from your own blood during or immediately after the microneedling process. Standard microneedling can be performed alone or with other topical serums, but the defining feature of a vampire facial is the use of your own PRP. The microneedling component stimulates collagen production through mechanical injury, while the PRP provides biological growth factors that enhance healing and regeneration. Some practitioners perform microneedling first and then apply the PRP, while others may inject small amounts of PRP into the skin as well. The vampire facial is essentially an enhanced or advanced version of microneedling that combines two complementary treatments for potentially superior results. If you want microneedling without the PRP component, that is a separate treatment option that does not involve blood draw or processing.

It is strongly advised not to have a vampire facial or any microneedling treatment during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Although the treatment uses your own blood, which eliminates concerns about foreign substances, there are several reasons why it is not recommended during pregnancy. Microneedling creates controlled injury to the skin and triggers an inflammatory healing response, and there is limited research on how this might affect pregnancy or fetal development. Pregnancy also causes significant hormonal changes that can make skin more sensitive, reactive and prone to pigmentation issues, potentially leading to unpredictable results or complications. Additionally, the risk of infection, though small, is a greater concern during pregnancy when your immune system functions differently. Most medical professionals and aesthetic practitioners follow a precautionary approach and recommend postponing all elective cosmetic procedures, including vampire facials, until after you have finished breastfeeding. Your health and your baby's wellbeing should always be the priority. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have skin concerns, consult your GP or midwife, and wait until it is safe to proceed with aesthetic treatments.

Vampire facials have shown promising results for many people when performed correctly by qualified practitioners, with both clinical evidence and patient experiences supporting their effectiveness. The combination of microneedling and PRP can produce noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, firmness and overall quality. The treatment is particularly effective for reducing the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin tone and early signs of ageing. Because the treatment stimulates your body's own collagen production and healing processes rather than simply adding temporary volume, results can be long-lasting and natural-looking. However, effectiveness varies significantly between individuals depending on factors such as age, skin condition, the severity of concerns being treated, lifestyle habits, the quality of PRP preparation and the skill of the practitioner. Vampire facials work best for people with realistic expectations who understand that results are gradual, developing over several weeks to months as collagen production increases. Multiple sessions are typically needed for optimal results, usually 3 to 4 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The treatment is not suitable for addressing significant volume loss, severe sagging or very deep wrinkles, where other interventions may be more appropriate. Choosing an experienced practitioner who uses proper sterile technique and high-quality PRP preparation methods is crucial for both safety and effectiveness.

Most people find vampire facials uncomfortable rather than extremely painful, though pain tolerance varies considerably. The treatment involves two potentially uncomfortable elements: microneedling, which creates thousands of tiny punctures in the skin, and the blood draw at the beginning of the procedure. To minimise discomfort, practitioners typically apply a strong topical numbing cream 30 to 45 minutes before the microneedling begins, which significantly reduces pain. With adequate numbing, many people describe the sensation as tolerable, feeling like scratching, tingling or mild pressure across the face. Some areas are more sensitive than others, with the forehead, upper lip and areas close to bone typically being more uncomfortable. The depth of needle penetration also affects discomfort levels, with deeper treatments being more uncomfortable. The blood draw is usually quick and causes only brief discomfort similar to a standard blood test. After the numbing wears off, your skin will likely feel sensitive, warm and tight, similar to moderate sunburn, for several hours to a couple of days. Some people experience tenderness for up to a week. If you are particularly anxious about pain, discuss your concerns with your practitioner beforehand so they can ensure adequate numbing and adjust the treatment to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Before a vampire facial, people typically have concerns such as dull or tired-looking skin, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, acne scarring or pitting, enlarged pores, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, loss of firmness or early signs of ageing. After completing a course of vampire facial treatments, usually 3 to 4 sessions over several months, many people experience noticeable improvements in overall skin quality. The skin typically appears smoother, more radiant and more even in tone, with softened fine lines and improved texture. Acne scars often become less visible, pores may appear smaller, and the skin generally looks fresher, firmer and more youthful. Because the treatment stimulates natural collagen production, results continue to develop for several weeks to months after the final session. The improvements are generally natural-looking and progressive rather than dramatic or instant. Immediately after treatment, your face will be quite red, potentially swollen and may show pinpoint bleeding or small scabs, looking similar to a moderate sunburn. This usually subsides within 24 to 72 hours, with some flaking or peeling as the skin heals over the following week. Final results should be assessed 3 to 6 months after completing the full treatment course, once collagen remodelling has occurred. The degree of improvement varies based on starting skin condition, age, lifestyle and individual healing response. Your practitioner should provide realistic before and after photos from their own work to demonstrate typical outcomes and help set appropriate expectations for your specific concerns.