Halloween

The Vampire Facelift® – Injection Cost, Risks & Results

"True Blood," "Twilight" and "The Vampire Diaries" have turned vampires into modern-day sex symbols. No doubt about it, vampires are hot, hot, hot, and so it seems is the Vampire FaceLift®.

But is this so-called Vampire FaceLift®, also known as vampire fillers, vampire injections or Dracula therapy, an effective treatment? One thing is sure: the procedure gives the vampire-friendly phrase "I've come to suck your blood" a whole new meaning. Read on to see what we mean.

What Is a Vampire FaceLift®?

Some people refer to this treatment as "vampire injections" because it involves creating an injectable using your own blood — and the platelets it contains — to fill in fine lines and wrinkles on your face.

Your surgeon draws blood from your arm (not your neck, as many a movie vampire has been known to do) and spins it to separate out the plasma, which contains platelets. These are the proteins and growth factors that may stimulate collagen production and thereby promote skin regeneration and rejuvenation. There are several kits available to isolate these growth factors, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Once collected, the PRP is injected back into your face.

Vampires are known for their red eyes, alabaster complexion and sharp fangs. Vampire injections don't promise any of these outcomes. Instead, they reduce fine lines and wrinkles, restore volume and get rid of that gaunt, anemic look. Facial plastic surgeons who perform this procedure often overfill the area by 20 percent, because much of the PRP will be reabsorbed by your body. In general, the procedure takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

The term "Vampire FaceLift®" has been trademarked by Charles Runels, MD, who uses a soft tissue filler such as Juvederm to add volume to the face followed by PRP injections to fill out under-eye hollows and other thin-skinned spots.

Cost, Risks and Results of Vampire Injections

The Vampire FaceLift® Procedure™ costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per injection.

Since you can't be allergic to your own blood, there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction to PRP injections. This may make vampire injections seem attractive to some eternal-youth seekers. You may experience some temporary mild irritation, swelling, bruising, itching or discoloration at the injection site.

Vampires live forever, but alas, the effects of this vampire serum last just 15 to 18 months. You may start to see results immediately, and the full cosmetic results are visible within three weeks.

Finding a Surgeon

Whether you want to give these vampire fillers a try or are interested in other facial rejuvenation procedures, your first step should be to schedule a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon who has experience with all the available procedures. Choosing a surgeon can be a challenge, as there are many doctors advertising their services. To make your search easier, All About Facial Rejuvenation has created a directory of highly trained and skilled surgeons. Just click on the Find a Surgeon button below to locate a surgeon in your area. During your initial consultation, he or she will listen to your concerns, perform a physical exam and help you decide whether this treatment is right for you.