What is a PRP Facial? Understanding the Vampire Facial Treatment

Let’s be real—when you hear the words Vampire Facial, your mind probably jumps to something out of a horror movie. But don’t worry, there are no fangs involved. Instead, this treatment is one of the most advanced (and natural) ways to rejuvenate your skin.

At MediSpa Charlotte, we’re all about cutting-edge skincare that actually works, and PRP facials are at the top of that list. If you’re curious about what all the hype is about—or just wondering if someone’s going to be rubbing Dracula’s leftovers on your face—stick around. 

We’re breaking down everything you need to know about PRP facials, aka the Vampire Facial.

PRP Facial: The Basics

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, and here’s the deal: your own blood is used to help rejuvenate your skin. Sounds intense? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

This treatment harnesses your body’s natural healing properties to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and give you that fresh, glowing look—without fillers or synthetic chemicals.

Here’s how it works:

1. A Small Blood Draw – Yes, we take a little bit of your blood (don’t worry, just a small sample).
2. The PRP Extraction – Your blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma, which is packed with growth factors that help repair and regenerate tissue.
3. Microneedling or Injection – The PRP is either applied topically during a microneedling treatment or injected directly into the skin, depending on your needs.
4. Collagen Activation Begins – Over the next few weeks, your skin starts to produce more collagen, leaving you with firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.

Who Invented the Vampire Facial?

Let’s set the record straight—Dr. Charles Runels is the man behind the Vampire Facial®. While PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy had been around for decades in sports medicine and wound healing, Dr. Runels was the first to apply it to aesthetic skincare and brand it as the Vampire Facial.

Back in the early 2010s, Dr. Runels realized that PRP’s growth factors—which help regenerate tissue—could be a game-changer for collagen production, skin rejuvenation, and anti-aging. By combining PRP with microneedling, he created a treatment that was natural, science-backed, and seriously effective. He then trademarked the Vampire Facial®, making it one of the most well-known PRP treatments in the beauty industry.

Of course, it wasn’t until Kim Kardashian posted a selfie mid-treatment in 2013 that the Vampire Facial truly went viral. But make no mistake—Dr. Runels saw the potential first.

Why Get a PRP Facial?

So, why let us play scientist with your blood? Simple—PRP facials come with some serious benefits:

✅ Boosts Collagen Production – Collagen is what keeps skin firm and youthful. PRP stimulates natural production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

✅ Evens Out Skin Tone & Texture – Whether you have acne scars, sun damage, or rough patches, PRP helps smooth and even out your complexion.

✅ Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles – Natural rejuvenation without Botox? Yes, please.

✅ Minimizes Pores – Say goodbye to enlarged pores and hello to a smoother surface.

✅ Helps with Dark Circles & Under-Eye Bags – Tired of looking… tired? PRP can brighten and tighten under-eye skin.

✅ Speeds Up Healing – If you have acne scars, PRP accelerates cell turnover to fade them faster.

And the best part? It’s 100% natural. No chemicals, no synthetic ingredients—just your body’s own healing powers doing their thing.

Interested in a facial in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC).

What to Expect During a PRP Facial

Let’s break it down step by step, so you know exactly what to expect:

1. The Blood Draw

First up, we’ll take a small sample of your blood. If you can handle a routine blood test, you can handle this.

2. Spinning the Magic Potion (Centrifuge Time)

Your blood goes into a centrifuge, where it’s spun at high speeds to separate the PRP from the rest. The golden plasma that’s extracted is what’s about to take your skin to the next level.

3. Microneedling or Injection

Here’s where things get interesting:

• If you’re going the microneedling route, we’ll use a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny channels allow the PRP to penetrate deep into your skin, boosting collagen production and speeding up healing.
• If you’re opting for direct injections, we’ll target specific areas like under the eyes, forehead, or cheeks to add volume and improve skin texture.

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4. Post-Treatment Glow (and a Little Redness)

Immediately after, you might look a little pink or flushed—kind of like a mild sunburn. This fades within a day or two, and you’ll start seeing glowing results within a week.

PRP Facial FAQs (Because We Know You’re Curious)