Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling, aka The Buzzworthy “Vampire Facial”

You may have seen photos of the “Vampire Facial” on Instagram and wondered, “What on earth am I looking at?” I’m sure questions like “is that actually blood?” come to mind first. The answer is yes, it is blood, BUT I promise it isn’t as scary as it seems! Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is actually an amazing treatment that will only help your skin feel brighter, tighter, and healthier! 

I understand that the process is a bit confusing and intimidating (especially given the scary nickname!!) so I wanted to address the questions and provide some education here on my blog!

What is Microneedling AKA “The Vampire Facial”?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment with a quick recovery time. It’s designed to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. This treatment involves two steps: microneedling and a blood sample from your own body. It sounds crazy, I know! The blood sample is to get the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). 

To be clear, Platelet Rich Plasma is a concentration of platelets in the blood that are crucial to wound healing. When used for skin rejuvenation, PRP releases growth factors into the skin to expedite the body’s own repair process and stimulate new collagen and elastin.

What is the actual process like?

The first step is to take a sample of your blood. Once we take the sample, the PRP is separated from the other components (basically spinning the blood really fast allows it to separate into two layers, the plasma and the red blood cells. 

In step two I use tiny micro-needles to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin. The micro-channels created by micro-needling provide direct pathways to the deeper layers of skin for optimal wound healing. Before this procedure the skin is numbed with a cream and most patients feel very little irritation during the microneedling. 

The PRP is then topically applied to the skin immediately following the micro-needling procedure. This initiates the skin’s repair process to naturally produce collagen and elastin, ideal for smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, & acne/traumatic scars! 

a nurse, me, performing microneedling on a client who is relaxed in a chair with eyes closed

What can I expect right after the treatment? 

Do not be alarmed when your skin is red and flushed after the procedure. It may look and feel similar to a mild to moderate sunburn, but it will go away! This could last anywhere from 12 hours to 2-3 days. You may also experience mild swelling, tightness, and/or mild peeling – this is normal! Side effects are temporary and typically resolve within the 2-3 days. Total healing time depends on the depth of the treatment, skin type, and skin condition. We notice that patients typically notice an immediate glow, but visible improvement will take about 2-4 weeks and can continue for up to 6 months.

How many times should I go?

A series of around four treatments spaced out between 4-6 apart is ideal for best results.

What are the results? 

The results are amazing for those who are looking to prevent and treat aging skin.Whether you’re looking to treat large pores, scarring, or just wanting to have that J-LO luminous glow — microneedling is the way to go. Many of our patients feel self conscious or nervous to show their bare skin, but after the treatment they leave quite literally glowing with a new sense of confidence. 

Microneedling Testimonial 

In case you want to hear it from someone else here’s a testimonial from one of my clients! 

“I just did my 3rd and final treatment of Micro-needling and I cannot tell you how amazing it has been for the appearance of my skin. I have always been insecure about my skin due to poor texture, large and clogged pores, pits in my face from years of cystic acne, and then of course, scars from my fall two years ago.

But Micro-needling has essentially erased all of that! My pores are tighter. My skin is brighter. My scars are gone. My make up goes on more smoothly. I am SO happy with my results! It does not hurt (you get your face numbed) and the down time is less than 24 hours This “AFTER” pic was taken IMMEDIATELY after the procedure. By that night, my skin was just slightly red, and the next day I looked totally normal with just a little tinted moisturizer on. My skin does always peel a bit for a day or two, but nothing intense at all. I absolutely love and recommend this if you have (or had) problematic skin!”

Check out my Instagram page for videos and more information! If you’re considering it, make sure to check out my “Microneedling” highlight and my IGTV for client testimonials!

xo

Racquel

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9 thoughts on “Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling, aka The Buzzworthy “Vampire Facial””

  1. Hi
    I am looking to rid some yucky wrinkles. My question is what would you think best —fillers or micro treatments

    1. Hi Kathy! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
      It sounds like fillers or Botox could be most beneficial. Microneedling is amazing for improving overall texture. I would be happy to give you some recommendations via email. Please send an email with info to hello@racquelfrisella.com

      Thank you!

      1. How much is a session? Thank you!

        Can this work on all types of acne scars? Specifically boxcar scars? Thank you!

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Racquel Frisella

Board Certified Nurse Practitioner & Aesthetic Specialist based in Saint Louis, Missouri

I work as a cosmetic injector and skincare specialist with 12 years of experience in the Aesthetic Industry. I see patients both in-office at Racquel Aesthetics for treatments as well as online for customized, complimentary skincare plans. I focus heavily on preventative and corrective injections, treatments, and skincare.  My career is my passion and I love to help people feel like the very best version of themselves. I am a wife and a mother of 3 beautiful children under the age of 3. I love all things beauty, fashion, and fitness. I am creating this site as a place to share my expertise on beauty, anti-aging, and skin while also giving a glimpse into my lifestyle as a mom, wife and lover of fitness!  

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