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Vampire Facial｜Dermapen x PRP
Does the Vampire Facial really work?"
I've been asking myself, "Does the Vampire Facial hurt? How long is the downtime?"
What's the difference between that and a dermapen?"
I want to improve my acne scars and craters."
Do you have any of these concerns or questions?
Hello. This is Aesthetic Dermatology and Smart Skin Clinic.
In this article, we will explain the Vampire Facial in an easy-to-understand manner from an expert's perspective, including how it works, its effects, downtime, how many times it should be done, and what to look for to avoid failure.
*If you already know what you want to know, you can jump to the appropriate section from the table of contents.
Chief Director of Smart Skin Clinic Group
stone Kouta
career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and related facilities
Worked at a major beauty clinic in Tokyo
Affiliation / Qualifications
Japan Surgical Society Specialist
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
What is a Vampire Facial?
What is a vampire facial?Cosmetic treatment that promotes skin regeneration by using a dermapen4 to make microscopic holes in the skin and infiltrate PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) extracted from the patient's own blood.It is.
Because PRP reaches the dermal layer more efficiently through the needle holes, a higher effect can be expected than with the Dermapen alone or PRP alone.
The name "vampire" comes from the fact that the face turns red with blood in the process of the procedure, looking like a vampire bathed in blood.
PRP is a plasma component of blood that contains a high concentration of platelets.
By centrifuging the collected blood, a platelet-rich layer is extracted, which is then delivered to the skin to promote regeneration.
Growth factors released by platelets act on the "skin-healing power" that is naturally present in your own blood, and approach the root of a wide range of skin problems such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and acne scars.
The Dermapen 4 is a medical device with 16 ultrafine needles attached to the tip of a pen.
Up to 1,920 microscopic holes can be made in the skin per second, and the depth of the needles can be adjusted according to your concerns.
By intentionally creating microscopic wounds on the skin, the skin's "wound healing mechanism" is activated, promoting the renewal of collagen and elastin, which are the basis of elasticity and firmness. Various effects can be expected depending on the combination of drugs.
Notification of Regenerative Medicine, etc. by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
In Japan, treatments using PRP, including the Vampire Facial, are subject to the Act on Safety Assurance of Regenerative Medicine, etc. (Act for Ensuring the Safety of Regenerative Medicine, etc.). Medical institutions that provide the treatment are required to submit a Type 3 Regenerative Medicine Provision Plan to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, and only medical institutions approved by the government are allowed to perform the treatment.
When choosing a clinic, check to see if they have filed a plan for providing regenerative medicine, etc.This is a very important point to ensure the safety of the product.
Mechanism of Vampire Facial
1) Neogenesis of collagen and elastin by Dermapen
When the dermapen punctures the skin with microscopic holes, the skin determines that it has been injured and switches on its natural healing process. In this process, fibroblasts are activated,Collagen and elastin, essential for firmness and elasticity, are newly produced..
Collagen and elastin are components that decrease with age. By rebuilding these through wound healing mechanisms, pores can be tightened, firmness and elasticity restored, and skin texture improved.
(2) The function of growth factors contained in PRP
PRP contains a wide variety of growth factors involved in skin regeneration. Typical examples include the following
- PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor): Promotes cell proliferation and collagen production
- TGF-β (transforming growth factor): increases collagen and elastin fibers
- VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Improvement of skin blood flow through angiogenesis
- EGF (epidermal growth factor): Normalizes epidermal cell turnover
- FGF (fibroblast growth factor): activation of fibroblasts
theseGrowth factors reach the dermal layer, adding the action of PRP to the effect of the Dermapen alone..
(3) Drug delivery system (mechanism for PRP to penetrate to the dermal layer)
Normally, just applying active ingredients such as PRP to the skin does not allow them to reach the dermis layer, as they are blocked by the stratum corneum of the epidermis. However, by using a dermapen to make ultra-fine holes, a "pathway" is created to deliver the active ingredients deep into the skin (drug delivery system).
The Vampire Facial delivers PRP growth factors to the dermal layer to elicit an efficient regenerative response.You can do this.
What problems does the Vampire Facial help with?
- Improvement of stubborn "acne scars" such as craters
- Tightening of "pores
- Improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity and luster (anti-aging care)
- Improvement of skin dullness, tone and texture
Improvement of stubborn "acne scars" such as craters
Acne scarring (atrophic scarring) is one of the most common skin problems that is difficult to heal naturally and difficult to improve with self-care. The Vampire Facial is aDermapen works directly on the craters and PRP growth factors boost collagen reconstruction to gradually smooth acne scar irregularities on the skin surfaceWe will continue to do so.
In addition, the following paper shows that PRP combined with micro needling (≈ dermapen) improves atrophic acne scars more clinically significantly (approximately 62.21 TP3T) than micro needling alone.
Asif, M., Kanodia, S., & Singh, K. (2016). Combined autologous platelet-rich plasma with microneedling verses microneedling with distilled water in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a concurrent split-face study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 15(4), 434-443. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12207
Tightening of "pores
Sagging pores are caused by collagen loss due to aging, which weakens the support around pores.
The Vampire Facial uses the synergy of Dermapen and PRP to increase collagen and elastin in the dermal layer, which is expected to tighten pores from within.
From clogged pores like a strawberry nose,Easily effective against age-related sagging poresTreatment.
Improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity and luster (anti-aging care)
The Vampire Facial is also considered effective in treating aging signs such as fine lines around the eyes and mouth and lack of firmness in the cheeks.
The dermapen wound healing mechanism is activated, and the growth factors contained in the PRP increase collagen and elastin fibers, which in turn thickens the dermis, creating a firmness that pushes back from the inside.The product is designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Ideal for those who are experiencing fine lines around the eyes and overall skin deterioration.
Improvement of skin dullness, tone and texture
The Vampire Facial can also be effective in treating dullness and rough texture caused by turnover disorders.Growth factor (EGF) contained in PRP normalizes epidermal turnoverThe skin is then able to shed dead skin cells more easily and grow a new, healthy stratum corneum, which leads to a clearer, brighter skin impression.
Difference between Vampire Facial, Dermapen4, and PRP Injection
The Vampire Facial is a combination of "Dermapen" and "PRP (Polyplatelet Plasma)". The following is a list of the differences between each treatment alone.
| Comparison items | Vampire Facial | Dermapen 4 alone | PRPinjection |
| Treatment Method | Dermapen + PRP application | Dermapen only | Direct injection of PRP |
| Primary Purpose | Skin regeneration and skin texture improvement | Improvement of skin quality | Wrinkle and dimple improvement |
| Main action | Wound healing + growth factors | wound healing | Regeneration by growth factors |
| Specialized Concerns | Acne scars, pores, fine lines and wrinkles, elasticity | Pores, texture, mild acne scars | Deep wrinkles and hollows |
| Approach range | whole face | whole face | Local injection to the area of concern |
| Collagen production | Very high | high | limited to a certain region |
| Down time | 3 days to 1 week | About 2 to 5 days | Swelling and internal bleeding for several days |
| Allergy Risk | Low (using autologous blood) | Depends on chemicals used | Low (using autologous blood) |
| Suitable for. | Those who want to fundamentally improve the entire skin | Those who want to improve their skin texture mildly. | Those who want to improve wrinkles and indentations partially. |
*The above is a general guideline. There are individual differences depending on the depth of the needle, the drug used, and the skin type.
Dermapen4 alone can also produce collagen production effect through wound healing mechanism.
However, in the Vampire Facial, which uses PRP in combination, the PRP-derived growth factors enhance the regenerative response,Tendency to increase the effectiveness per dose and the improvement effect on deep acne scarsThere are
Also, while dermapen is recommended for symptoms of the entire face, PRP injections are better at treating localized skin problems.
Concomitant use with other treatments
The Vampire Facial can also be combined with other injection-based treatments.
However, care should be taken with the spacing between procedures and the overlap of downtime. We recommend that you always consult with your physician to design a plan that is best suited to your skin condition for the combination of procedures.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Vampire Facial
| Advantages | Demerit |
| Low allergy risk due to autologous blood Multiple skin problems can be addressed simultaneously. Relatively long-lasting effect Natural finish | With blood sampling. ・Downtime. No immediate effect. |
The Vampire Facial uses your own blood, so the risk of allergy or rejection is extremely low, and it is also popular because it enhances the skin's own self-regeneration ability, resulting in natural-looking results.
On the other hand, it may be burdensome for those who do not like injections because it involves drawing blood. The effects of the treatment are gradual, and are manifested gradually over the course of the procedure,Not suitable for those seeking dramatic change in a short period of timeIt is.
Pain during the procedure can be alleviated with anesthesia.
You may be concerned that "needles might hurt." Indeed, the Vampire Facial is quite painful without anesthesia because the dermapen needles are inserted into the skin. Therefore, a surface anesthetic (cream anesthetic) is applied to the entire face before the procedure.
If the anesthesia is well administered, most people feel "just a tingle" of pain during the procedure. However, a tingling sensation may be felt in areas where the needle is set deeply, such as craters, or around the eyes and forehead where the skin is thin.
Downtime and course of concern, side effects, and risks
Duration and Symptoms of Downtime
- Downtime period: 3 days to 1 week
- Redness, swelling, burning: reduced in a few days
- Internal bleeding: Absorbed in about 1 week
- Peeling, dryness, itching: 3 days to 1 week
- Needle scars: become less noticeable in 2 to 3 days
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: may appear weeks to months later and is more likely to occur with inadequate UV protection.
The deeper the dermapen needle is set, the longer the downtime tends to be. The needles should be relatively deep for the purpose of improving acne scars and craters, and relatively shallow for the purpose of improving skin texture.
*Symptoms vary from person to person.
Redness and swelling immediately after the procedure to the next day
Immediately after the procedure, there will be redness, burning, and mild swelling, similar to after sunburn. This is a sign that the skin is undergoing a regenerative reaction, which will peak in about 24 to 48 hours.
Makeup can be applied the next day, and redness may be covered with foundation or concealer.
Peeling and dryness for 3 days to 1 week after treatment
From the third day after the treatment, the skin is more likely to experience thin peeling and dryness as the turnover of the skin is stimulated. Since the skin is in a very delicate state during this period, please avoid rubbing and keep a simple skin care regimen with moisturizing as the top priority. Peeling will naturally settle down after about a week.
How to spend your downtime
To ensure a comfortable downtime and maximize results, please note the following
- Avoid bathing, sauna, strenuous exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption on the day of treatment (as the redness and swelling will worsen with increased blood flow).
- Refrain from washing your face for 6 hours after the procedure to allow the drug to blend into the skin.
- Makeup can be applied the next day.
- Take a break from harsh skin care for about 2 weeks (peeling, scrubbing face wash, tretinoin, hydroquinone, etc.)
- Thoroughly protect against ultraviolet rays (sunscreen, hats, parasols, etc.)
- If itching occurs, cool, do not rub
Possible side effects/risks
Although the Vampire Facial is a relatively safe procedure, as a medical procedure, the following side effects and risks may occur in addition to the downtime symptoms described above.
- Infection: Although extremely rare, bacterial infection may occur at the treatment site. It is important to choose a medical institution with good hygiene practices.
- Allergic reactions: The risk of allergic reactions to PRP itself is very low because it is derived from autologous blood, but reactions to anesthetics and after-packages are possible.
Those who are not eligible for the treatment
The following persons are not eligible to receive the Vampire Facial. Please be sure to declare this at the pre-consultation.
- Pregnant or nursing
- Patients with blood disorders (bleeding tendency, coagulation abnormalities, etc.)
- Individuals currently taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents
- Keloidal constitution
- Active acne, herpes, or infection in the treatment area
- Patients undergoing treatment for autoimmune diseases and cancer
- Those who are allergic to metals or anesthetics
How many times do I have to take the course to see results? Approximate number of times/frequency of sessions
- Number of treatments: Once every 4 weeks x 3-5 times
- Time to Effect: Skin begins to feel firmness and luster in about 1-2 weeks, and gradually improves over 3-6 months after several treatments.
- Duration of effect: 6 months to 1 year
- Maintenance frequency: Once every 3 to 6 months
Although some people experience a change in skin elasticity and luster even after one session of the Vampire Facial, it takes time for new collagen and elastin to be produced, so the changes are not always dramatic immediately after the treatment.
Receive a minimum of 3-5 treatments to get a clear change in appearance.We recommend that you do the following. In particular,Deep craters and severe acne scars are recommended 5 or more times.
The general interval between treatments is once every four weeks (about one month), taking into consideration the skin turnover cycle and recovery period. If the interval between treatments is shorter than this, it may cause excessive stress on the skin, which in turn may lead to skin irritation.
If I stop the Vampire Facial, will my skin return to normal?
If I stop, will it have zero effect and I'll be back to normal?" Many people are concerned about this, but the conclusion is,There is no sudden return to the original state..
This is because the collagen and elastin newly created by the procedure are not immediately lost.
However, collagen and elastin are components that decrease daily due to aging and UV rays. Continuous treatment will maintain the regeneration cycle in a way that compensates for this decrease, but if treatment is stopped, it will return to its natural rate of change over time.
In other words,Quit = back over time, not "quit = worse."This image is accurate. Continued regular maintenance is the best choice for long-term skin maintenance.
Vampire Facial Treatment Flow
Please contact us to discuss any concerns or wishes you may have. We will examine you in detail to see if you are eligible for the Vampire Facial. There is no sales or up-selling, so just a consultation is no problem.
Since PRP uses your own blood, a regular blood draw will be performed.
Extraction and processing of PRP will be performed at our in-house facility. The process takes approximately 1 hour (out of office).
Since anesthesia is administered prior to the procedure, there is little or no pain during the injection. After washing your face, apply a surface anesthetic cream to the entire face and wait 20 to 30 minutes.
The Dermapen4, whose needle depth is adjusted according to the skin condition, is used to make microscopic holes evenly across the face, allowing the extracted PRP to penetrate into the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vampire Facial
- Can men receive the Vampire Facial?
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Yes, of course you can have it. This is a very popular treatment for deep acne scars (craters) and is also very popular among male patients.
- How painful is the Vampire Facial?
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Because a surface anesthetic cream is used, the pain during the procedure is mostly limited to a "tingling discomfort.
- Can the Vampire Facial be combined with other cosmetic treatments?
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Yes, it is possible. Please consult with your doctor as the interval between procedures and downtime should be taken into consideration.
- How long are the needles for the Vampire Facial?
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The length of the Dermapen 4 needle can be adjusted from 0.2mm to 3.0mm in 0.1mm increments. The doctor will set the optimal depth according to the area of your face and skin concerns.
- What are the benefits of the Vampire Facial?
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This treatment can simultaneously address multiple skin concerns such as improvement of acne scars (craters), pore tightening, improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, firmness and elasticity, and dullness.
- Is there any downtime for the Vampire Facial?
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Yes, there is downtime ranging from 3 days to 1 week. The main symptoms are redness, swelling, and peeling.
- Will the Vampire Facial leave scars?
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Basically, no needle scars are left behind. The microscopic holes drilled by the dermapen will be closed in a short period of time by the skin's natural healing power.
- How many treatments will the Vampire Facial require?
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Depending on the nature of your concerns, it may take 3-5 treatments to see a clear change in appearance.
Smart Skin Clinic for Vampire Facial
The Vampire Facial is a procedure that maximizes the skin's ability to regenerate itself by combining PRP made from your own blood and Dermapen4. It is a highly safe regenerative treatment that can simultaneously address multiple skin concerns such as acne scars, pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and lack of elasticity, and because it uses your own blood, there is a low risk of allergy.
On the other hand, there are some downsides, such as non-zero downtime, the burden of blood sampling, and the need for multiple procedures. This treatment is suitable for those who seek "fundamental improvement" rather than "immediate effect.
Our hospital is,Medical institutions that have received approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for their regenerative medicine provision plansIt is. We reduce unnecessary costs and provide treatment at smart prices. We do not perform unnecessary upselling.
Please feel free to visit us for a free consultation.
More Information
| Treatment Time | 40-60 minutes (plus 1 hour of waiting time during PRP preparation) |
| Recommended number and frequency of treatments | 3-5 times, about once every 4 weeks |
| Down time | About 3 to 7 days |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Possible |
| Make | 12 hours recommended |
| Skin care | Recommend not using face wash, lotion, emulsion, etc. for 12 hours |
| Shower | Allow 12 hours for the face, from the neck down can be done on the same day. |
*There are individual differences.
Reference
Clinic List
Jimbocho Institute
〒101-0054
EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception), 3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 7F
Business hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-20:00 / Saturday and Sunday 10:00-19:00
Yokohama Institute of Technology
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Bldg. 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Business hours: 10:00-19:00
About the physician supervision of this site
This site is operated under the supervision of a physician supervised by Smart Skin Clinic.
This page was revised and enacted in June 2018. Medical Advertising Guidelines We produce and provide information based on
- Scope of supervision: treatment description, risks and side effects, price labeling
- Last supervision date: June 26, 2025