The Vampire Facial/AKA Dermapen with PRP

I have been doing Dermapen treatments for about 2 years now, having had my first treatment with Dr. Wade back in August 2016 and I can honestly say it is one of my most favorite treatments. I absolutely love the results.

But as it’s gradually become more and more popular there seems to be quite a lot of confusion about Dermapen and the vampire facial, so I decided to try out the “vampire facial” and do a post outlining the differences based on my own experience and understanding. Interested?… Read on and watch my experience.

So what is Dermapen?

Dermapen is a pen-like device containing 12 needles which move back and forth causing thousands of tiny puncture wounds to the skin.  This safely activates the body’s natural healing response, stimulating growth factors leading to the production of collagen and elastin (the good stuff).

This is her, the Dermapen!

And boom you’ve tricked your skin into producing collagen!

This process is known as Microneedling or Collagen Induction Therapy and is not a vampire facial.

So, if referring to a Dermapen treatment you are referring to Microneedling done with the Dermapen device. Microneedling can also be done with a roller and other pen-like devices however Dermapen is the most popular.

Dermapen is often chosen over the Dermaroller because it’s so much easier to work with as the practitioner can adjust needle depth easily and treat smaller areas or get into small grooves that aren’t accessible with a roller.

Also when skin treated by both devices was compared under a microscope, scientists found that the puncture holes of the Dermapen were much less traumatic than those of the Dermaroller. This is because the Dermaroller needles roll in and out, pulling the skin up as it rolls. The Dermapen uses a direct puncture technique, with no rolling, therefore no pulling and less trauma and discomfort. Win!

Microneedling is considered a minimally invasive procedure and was founded by South African Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Des Fernandes (Environ founder) more than 20 years ago. How awesome? One of our very own!

Benefits of Dermapen:

• Refine pores
• Reduce the appearance of scars including acne scars
• Improves the appearance of stretch marks
• Firms the skin
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin tone and texture

Results can be seen from 1 to 8 weeks after treatment with the full effects of skin tightening being seen at 6 months.

And the vampire facial?

This is Microneedling with the inclusion of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), made famous by Kim Kardashian, Giselle Bundchen and Bar Refaeli.

The shocking images that had everyone talking

The reason PRP is added is to give the treatment a “boost” in that you will heal much quicker (which is a luxury) and it’s a “natural” treatment using the body’s own growth factors, as opposed to needling in a product (normally Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid). PRP is best for patients treating acne scarring and want less downtime than with the normal Dermapen and for those wanting a completely “natural treatment”.

The name “Vampire Facial” however has been trademarked/patented by The American Cellular Medicine Association (ACCMA) and Dr’s offering this treatment by name need to be registered members of The ACCMA.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and how do we get it?

PRP, is as its name states, platelet-rich plasma and contains hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are responsible for healing.

Now, to get PRP the Dr will draw your blood and then pop it into a centrifuge. The centrifuge then spins the blood for about 20 minutes to separate/extract the PRP from the blood.

And voila, you have PRP!

Test tube of layers. At the bottom are the Red Blood Cells, next is the gel which separates the blood. Next up is the PRP, which is the lighter yellow bit and then PPP, the darker yellow bit.

The PRP is the lighter yellow part above the gel in the tube, the darker yellow bit above this is the Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP).

My PPP (Platelet Poor Plasma) which I took home to use as a topical dressing that evening.

My thoughts on the vampire facial/Dermapen with PRP:

Dermapen remains my favorite treatment and I will continue with these as part of my ongoing skin care routine. In fact, I have booked another 2 consecutive treatments at Natural Aesthetics with Lume (who is not only an absolute gem but is also super qualified having done a 3-year Somatology Diploma, specializing in Medical Aesthetics in her 4th year) over the next 2 months.

It is advised for best results that you do a course of 3 consecutive treatments about a month apart.

It was great to finally try the much spoken about, “vampire facial” (microneedling with PRP) and I found that my skin most definitely healed up a lot quicker than normal therefore shortening my downtime. Everything else in terms of skin texture etc has been similar to when I’ve been for a normal Dermapen treatment.

So as far as PRP/vampire facial goes, I’m not sure if I will do this again unless I’m in need of a shortened downtime. I think I’d much rather spend the money on some good active products like AHA’s, Retinol and Vitamin C or other skin treatments.

Numbing cream on and almost ready to go!

Looking slightly flushed after my treatment.

The day after my treatment (Day 2). After Lycogel concealer application.

Day 4. No make up selfie! Slight bruising under my eyes.

Day 6. Voila. Bruising is almost gone and skin is almost 100%!

My final verdict:

I was super impressed with Dr Wade’s new practice,  Natural Aesthetics in Green Point, and as always he offered a professional and informative service.

He also has a practice based in Somerset West for those out that side.

A little FYI, Dr Wade no longer does the Dermapen treatments himself. His more than capable staff do them using the Dermapen MD (Dermapen available only to Doctors) but if you book the “vampire facial”(Dermapen with PRP) he will do the treatment.

Natural Aesthetic Details

• Phone: 021 433 0967
• Email: bookings@naturalcape.com
• Website: www.naturalaesthetics.co.za
• Instagram page: @natural_aesthetics_skin
• *** Natural Aesthetics are currently running a “DON’T NEGLECT THE FACE AND NECK” special for the month of August, which includes a Dermapen treatment for both face and neck plan an at home Lamelle Cosmeceutical Mask Pack for R1300.00. This is a steal! Get in there!!!

And here’s a little video of the treatment in progress.

This is not a sponsored post and is a honest review. Sharing the love x