The word “facial” covers a wide spectrum of treatments, from a relaxing spa experience to a physician-administered medical procedure with measurable, lasting results. If you have come across the term “vampire facial” and wondered what it actually is, how it compares to a traditional facial, and whether it might be right for your skin, this guide will walk you through both.
What Is a Vampire Facial?
A vampire facial is the popular term for a treatment that combines microneedling with platelet rich plasma (PRP), which is a concentrated serum derived from your own blood. The name comes from the use of blood in the process, not from anything dramatic about the experience itself.
During the treatment, a small blood sample is drawn and placed in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma. The skin is then treated with microneedling, which creates controlled micro-channels in the skin’s surface. The PRP is applied during or immediately after, allowing the growth factors it contains to penetrate deeply and stimulate the skin’s natural repair and renewal processes.
At Healthy Skin Centre, PRP for face, or vampire facials, are physician-led and tailored to each patient’s skin concerns and goals. The result is a treatment that works with your own biology to produce genuine, lasting improvements in skin quality.
What Is a Traditional Facial?
A traditional facial typically involves cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and the application of masks or serums suited to your skin type. Depending on the setting, it may include steam, massage, and a range of topical products. Traditional facials are performed by estheticians and are designed primarily to cleanse, hydrate, and improve the short-term appearance and texture of skin.
They are a valid part of a skincare routine and can leave skin looking refreshed. However, they do not stimulate collagen production, address deeper skin concerns such as scarring or significant texture changes, or produce the kind of structural improvements that medical-grade treatments can achieve.
How the Two Treatments Compare
Depth of Treatment
Traditional facials work at the surface level, improving how the skin looks and feels in the near term. A vampire facial works differently: the microneedling component creates a controlled injury response in the skin, while PRP delivers growth factors that actively promote collagen synthesis, cellular turnover, and tissue repair. The results reflect real structural change that develops over weeks and months.
What Each Treatment Addresses
Traditional facials are well-suited for:
- Routine skin maintenance and hydration
- Mild congestion and dullness
- Relaxation and general skin upkeep
Vampire facials are better suited for patients looking to address:
- Fine lines and early signs of skin aging
- Uneven skin texture and enlarged pores
- Acne scarring and post-inflammatory marks
- Skin laxity and loss of radiance
- Overall skin rejuvenation and quality improvement
Longevity of Results
The results of a traditional facial are typically visible for a few days to a couple of weeks. A vampire facial produces cumulative improvements that develop over weeks and months as collagen remodelling progresses. Most patients complete an initial series of treatments and then return for periodic maintenance sessions to sustain their results long-term.
Downtime
A traditional facial involves no downtime. A vampire facial involves mild redness and skin sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours following treatment, similar in appearance to a mild sunburn. Most patients return to normal activities the following day.
Vampire Facial Before and After: What Results Look Like
Because PRP stimulates collagen production and tissue repair, results from a vampire facial build gradually rather than appearing overnight. In the days immediately following treatment, skin may appear slightly flushed. Over the following weeks, patients typically notice improved texture, a more even tone, and a visible increase in radiance and firmness.
Patients completing a full series of treatments generally see the most significant improvement in overall skin quality, including meaningful reduction in fine lines, acne scarring, and pore size. Before and after photos from real patients are best reviewed in a consultation setting, where your physician can also contextualize what realistic outcomes look like for your specific skin.
Exploring Other Advanced Facial Treatments
For patients interested in something beyond a traditional spa facial but who may not be ready for a medical procedure, Healthy Skin Centre also offers the Bela MD: an advanced medical facial that combines multiple skin rejuvenation technologies into a single, customized treatment session.
The Bela MD uses a combination of diamond microdermabrasion, hydrogen water infusion, ultrasonic cleansing, neuromuscular stimulation, electroporation, and medical-grade bio-infusion serums to address specific skin concerns with precision. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, each treatment is tailored to your skin type and goals. HSC offers four protocols:
- The GLOW Facial for hydration and elasticity
- The REFRESH Facial for brightening and fatigue
- The CLEAR Facial for acne-prone and congested skin
- The PIGMENT Facial for uneven tone and photodamage
Downtime is minimal, as most patients return to normal activities immediately, and results are visible after a single session.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The right choice depends entirely on what you want to achieve.
If you are looking for a consistent, low-commitment way to maintain healthy skin, a traditional facial is a genuinely good option, and one that many patients continue alongside other treatments. If you have specific concerns you want to meaningfully address, such as texture, scarring, tone, or laxity, a vampire facial offers a more targeted solution with results that reflect real change over time. And if you’re looking for something in between, the Bela MD may be worth exploring.
The treatments are not mutually exclusive. Many patients incorporate traditional facials into their regular maintenance routine while completing a series of PRP microneedling treatments for a more defined concern. Your physician can help you determine what combination makes sense for your skin and your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a vampire facial safe?
Yes. Because PRP is derived from your own blood, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. When performed by a trained physician, the treatment is safe for most skin types. A pre-treatment assessment confirms candidacy and ensures the approach is appropriate for your skin.
How many sessions are recommended?
Most patients complete an initial series of 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months. The exact recommendation will depend on your skin concerns and how your skin responds.
Book a Skin Rejuvenation Consultation at Healthy Skin Centre
Whether you are exploring a vampire facial for the first time or looking to build a more targeted skincare plan, our physicians will assess your skin individually and recommend the approach best suited to your concerns and goals.
Book a consultation at our New Westminster clinic to get started.