Morpheus8 Vampire facial

Procedure: The “vampire” facial is a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that is extracted from your own blood, and that is then reinjected into your face using Morpheus8 technology, which is a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency.

PRP, or platelet rich plasma, is obtained by separating the red and yellow components of your blood. The yellow component contains a concentrated source of platelets, growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue. PRP has been used in orthopedic surgery and head and neck surgery for decades and more recently it has been used for aesthetic purposes in the scalp and face.

The Morpheus8 is a machine that uses small needles to create micro-injuries to the skin, and then applies radiofrequency energy to the skin, which triggers new collagen synthesis and strengthening of the fibro septal network. This results in smoother, firmer and younger looking skin. It penetrates deep into the skin and fat, and morphs the aging face into a more desired smooth appearance, for all skin tones.

Combining PRP with Morpheus8 results in a more dramatic effect than Morpheus8 alone. The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia (numbing cream). This treatment is not performed on the lips, over tattoos, or over permanent makeup.

The number of treatment sessions depends on the individual patient and treatment aggressiveness and may vary from 1-5 sessions. Treatments are typically repeated every 3-6 weeks.

Contraindications: pregnancy or breastfeeding, use of isotretinoin (Accutane®) within 6 months prior to treatment, active skin disease in the treated area, bleeding disorder or any anticoagulant use in the last 7 days, skin resurfacing or surgery to the area in the last 3 months, pacemaker or any electrical implant in the body, permanent implant in the treated area (such as titanium plates/screws, silicone implants, dental implants), Botox or Dysport in the last 7 days, hyaluronic acid or other filler in the last 6 months in the treated area (except injected performed in a deep periosteal plane), skin cancer in the treated area, severe concurrent conditions (such as heart disorders, epilepsy, uncontrolled hypertension, liver/kidney disease), immune suppression, poorly controlled diabetes or thyroid problems, allergy to anesthesia

Preparing for treatment: Discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment and if medically permitted, anticoagulants should be stopped 7 days prior treatment. If you are prone to cold sores, your doctor will prescribe you prophylactic medication to prevent reactivation. Asian patients and those with skin types IV-VI should be treated gradually by bleaching products 6 weeks prior treatment and stop at least 48 hours prior Morpheus8 treatment to minimize risk of post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.

A small test spot will be performed in a non-conspicuous area of the treatment site, prior to the first complete session. For skin types I – IV, we wait 10-15 minutes before assessing the skin response, but for skin types V-VI we will wait 2-3 days.

Recovery: The skin will be red and flushed for 24-72 hours. Generally, after 3 days the skin will return to a near-normal appearance, but mild swelling can persist for 1-3 weeks. After treatment, the area is cooled for 15 min, and petroleum jelly is applied. Wait 24 hours before using a gentle soap. During the first three days, avoid makeup, use moisturizer, and do not pick at the tiny scabs that appear. Crusting from the ablated dots will exfoliate naturally after 1-3 weeks. Excessive sun exposure should be avoided for a month.

For Asian patients and skin types IV and V, a prescription or compounded bleaching regimen may be prescribed by the physician for 6-12 weeks, 2-3 times a week following the healing of treatment area (typically 7 days) to minimize risk of post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. It should be stopped 48-72 hours before another Morpheus8 session.

Risks: include but are not limited by: discomfort or pain, excessive skin redness (erythema) and/or swelling (edema), damage to natural skin texture (crust, blister, and burn), change of pigmentation (hyper- and hypo- pigmentation), and scarring.

Alternatives: CO2 laser resurfacing, Botox, Dysport

Associated procedures: face and neck lift, blepharoplasty, facial fat transfer, lip lift