Celebs Are Lining Up For This Viral Blood Facial, But Dermatologists Warn It's Not For Everyone
If you’re someone who stays up to date on the latest skin care procedures and beauty trends, there’s a solid chance you’ve heard of PRP facials by now. Perhaps better known as the “vampire facial,” PRP had its first viral moment in 2018 when Kim Kardashian posted an infamous selfie featuring her face covered in—you guessed it—blood.
Naturally, the gory selfie sent shockwaves around the world (see: social media), prompting myriad people to try the non-invasive procedure, which is a hybrid between a microneedling treatment and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections (something Kim's sis Kourtney Kardashian has tried). How exactly do PRP facials work though? And are the benefits actually worth it? Ahead, experts weigh in on the famous age-defying procedure, including what to expect, potential side effects, cost, and more.
Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University. Pooja Rambhia, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) fellow at UnionDerm in NYC.
What is a PRP facial?
Let’s start with the basics. “'PRP' refers to 'platelet-rich plasma' which is a component of blood that can be used to help with wound healing, hair loss, facial rejuvenation, and scarring,” explains New York City-based board certified dermatologist, Marisa Garshick, MD. “When used in the form of a PRP facial, it’s applied in conjunction with microneedling to facilitate its absorption into the skin.”
PRP—which is rich in growth factors—has been shown to stimulate healing, tissue regeneration, and collagen production, says New York City-based board certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD. “Over time and multiple treatment sessions, PRP facials can help with facial rejuvenation such as improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone,” says Dr. Rambhia. “PRP can also be introduced into the skin via direct injections or in conjunction with laser resurfacing.”
How does a PRP facial work?
If you’re queasy when it comes to needles and blood, PRP is likely not the procedure for you. It entails quite a bit of both. “PRP involves drawing an individual’s blood and then spinning it down using a centrifuge to obtain the platelet-rich portion,” explains Dr. Garshick. “From there it can then be used in conjunction with microneedling as the microneedling creates little channels that the PRP can penetrate to have an effect.” She adds that in some cases, the platelet-rich plasma may be injected directly into “problem” areas like fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the benefits of PRP facials?
As noted, PRP facials can help address a variety of aesthetic concerns, from wounds and hair loss to signs of aging. Dr. Garshick says PRP facials are particularly beneficial for anyone looking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as other textural changes such as crepiness of the skin. “By boosting collagen, PRP facials can also help to improve areas of volume loss such as in the undereye area or nasolabial folds,” she adds.
To quickly recap, the benefits of a PRP facial include:
Minimizing fine lines and wrinkles
Reducing the appearance of acne scars
Improving overall skin texture
Fading acne scars
Speeding up wound healing
Plumping areas of volume loss
Are PRP facials safe?
The short answer is yes—so long as they’re administered by trained experts. “PRP facials are safe when done by board-certified dermatologists,” says Dr. Rambhia matter-of-factly. That last part is key because who performs the procedure is one of the most important things to consider: In April 2024, the CDC reported three cases of women who contracted HIV following PRP ‘vampire facials’ at an unlicensed spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which was found to be engaging in unsafe infection control practices.
While this was a rare instance, these cases highlight the importance of getting this procedure—and let’s face it, any medical procedure—from a trained professional in medical grade facilities with the appropriate infection control practices.
What are the side effects of PRP facials?
Generally speaking, the side effects of PRP facials are minimal and short-lived. “The most common side effects following PRP facials include expected redness, swelling that generally subsides within a couple of days, and mild bruising, which can take, on average, a week to resolve,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Risks, on the other hand, are typically due to improper infection control procedures—or unlicensed practitioners performing the procedure. “These include risks of blood borne infections such as HIV or hepatitis,” says Dr. Rambhia. Additionally, Dr. Garshick says scarring and hyperpigmentation are both risks, so be sure to see a trained professional that you trust to reduce the chances of these adverse effects.
Who shouldn’t get a PRP facial?
As previously mentioned, that would be anyone who can’t handle blood and/or needles. On top of that, Dr. Rambhia says folks who should avoid PRP facials include those with platelet dysfunction conditions, hematologic cancers, low hemoglobin or platelet counts, active infections, and blood cancers. “In general, the associated use of blood thinners should be avoided as well, if possible, as this can increase risk of bruising,” she adds.
Moreover, Dr. Garshick says while PRP is considered safe for all skin tones and types, it’s still important for those with darker complexions to be cautious. “This especially goes for if you’re getting the treatment done after being in the sun, as it can increase your risk of hyperpigmentation.”
How much does a PRP facial cost?
As with any skin-care procedure, this can vary vastly depending on a variety of different factors. “The cost of PRP treatments can change significantly depending on a myriad of factors including the specific application of the treatment, the clinic you go to, and even geographic location,” says Dr. Rambhia. “As such, it’s best to see your local board-certified dermatologist for a thorough evaluation to see if you’re a good candidate for PRP and to get a quote, though in general cost can range anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per session.”
You Might Also Like
