To set the record straight, a vampire face lift—at least the kind of face lift that uses Selphyl injectable filler—does not make you look like a vampire. While plenty of teens would clamor for that type of treatment, the real reason that Selphyl has been dubbed the vampire face lift is far less haunting.
What Are Selphyl Injectable Fillers and How Are They Used in a Vampire Facelift?
Selphyl injectable filler is a dermal filler system that uses the patient’s own blood as the filler.
The patient has a few ounces of blood drawn and the dermatologist or surgeon mixes the patient’s blood with a proprietary substance. The substance separates the platelets and fibrin from the other substances in the blood like red blood cells.
As you may know, platelets and fibrin are what help the blood to clot; however, when they are purified and injected back into the skin, they appear to stimulate the growth of new collagen. Collagen, the prototypical dermal filler, is what gives skin its fullness and suppleness.
Benefits of a Vampire Facelift Over Traditional Fillers
One of the major advantages of the Selphyl vampire facelift is its natural composition—since it’s derived from your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is extremely low. Additionally, patients often report more natural-looking results compared to synthetic dermal fillers like Juvederm or Restylane.
Another benefit is the potential long-term improvement in skin quality, as the growth factors in PRFM may promote collagen production and skin regeneration over time. This makes it a compelling option for those seeking a more holistic and biocompatible approach to facial rejuvenation.
What makes the Selphyl injectable filler approach so attractive to patients is that it takes something that is natural to the body and re-purposes it for use as a cosmetic treatment. There is no rejection by the body’s immune system because it is the patient’s own blood. Also the separation of platelets and fibrin takes about six minutes to complete and can be done right in the doctor’s office.
How Does It Compare to Other Filler Treatments?
The vampire face lift is really no different than any other dermal filler treatment in terms of what it can be used to treat. Selphyl injectable filler can be used to treat nasolabial lines (from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth), glabellar lines (forehead crease between the eyebrows), as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
Before it was being used as part of the “vampire face lift” for purely cosmetic reasons, the technology had been applied to the correction of post-operative scars and other wound repair treatments.
Who Should Consider a Vampire Facelift?
Ideal candidates for the vampire facelift are individuals looking to improve mild to moderate signs of aging, such as fine lines, loss of volume, and dull skin tone, without undergoing invasive surgery. It’s especially appealing to those who prefer a more natural option or have had allergic reactions to traditional fillers.
However, individuals with low platelet counts, bleeding disorders, or who are on blood-thinning medications should consult their physician before considering this treatment. As with any cosmetic procedure, a thorough consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon is essential to determine if the treatment is right for you.
What to Expect During a Vampire Facelift Procedure
The vampire facelift procedure is typically completed in under an hour and involves minimal discomfort. After drawing a small amount of blood from your arm, the clinician uses a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM).
This substance is then carefully injected into target areas of the face using a fine needle. The injections are strategically placed to add volume, improve skin texture, and reduce fine lines.
While you may experience slight redness or swelling at the injection sites, these effects usually subside within 24 to 48 hours.