Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi views on Vampire Facelift
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi, ENT Facial Plastic surgeon and Laser surgeon from The London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic has been asked in the wake of the recent hype surrounding PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments, more commonly known as ‘The Vampire Facelift’ to give his opinion on the treatment.
He starts by explaining that “Vampire facials have been around for 8-10 years but are now more popular as the specialist kit becomes more widely available.” It may also help that beautiful looking celebrities have been publically honest about undergoing the treatment.
Wrinkles and fine lines are two of the most unpleasant and unattractive things that come along with getting older. Previously, those who desired to reduce their wrinkles and fine lines needed to undergo risky procedures.
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi : The good news is that there is a new procedure called platelet-rich plasma therapy that can help bring back one’s youthful appearance. The PRP therapy involves using one’s own blood to rejuvenate the skin.
A lot of celebrities such as reality star Kim Kardashian and actress Anna Friel have had the Vampire Facelift treatment. It truly is a viable alternative to a surgical Facelift.
The PRP Facelift is very similar to a procedure that everyone is talking about called the Vampire Facelift.
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi : Platelets are cells found in the blood that help with clotting, and studies show that platelets can stimulate healing. When you add in the part of the blood that is “platelet rich”, it also contains many growth factors that help with healing as well. That is why many cosmetic doctors are choosing to use platelets to help rejuvenate skin.
There are several steps to the platelet-rich plasma treatment, or PRP Facelift.
- Draw blood from a vein in the arm.
- Place the blood into a centrifuge, which spins it and separates the serum, platelets and white blood cells from the red blood cells.
- Numb the areas to be treated with a local anesthetic.
- The PRP is then injected into the treatment areas.
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi : The PRP Facelift could help stimulate collagen production. Collagen helps keep the skin firm. A PRP facelift can reduce wrinkles, hide acne scars, make patients look fresher and younger!
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi :The platelet-rich plasma treatment is very safe. The chances of suffering a complication are minimal. There is no risk of disease transmission or rejection because the patient’s own blood is used.
Infection is possible, but unusually rare. In fact, studies have shown that PRP therapy actually has an antibacterial property!
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi :Patients can expect to experience some soreness for a few days. Ibuprofen, Aspirin and Naproxen should be avoided after treatment because they can interfere with the healing process.
Paracetamol can be used to manage the pain, and the doctor may also prescribe a painkiller. People can return to their normal activities after their treatment. However, they will need to avoid engaging in strenuous exercise for several days.
Patients typically notice the results of this treatment within the first few days. The results can last anywhere from four to six months.
The Benefits of the PRP Facelift
• Minimally-invasive- NO incisions.
• A younger-looking appearance- This treatment reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
• Smoother skin.
PRP- Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi goes on to explain, “When you cut yourself and bleed, it is the platelets and growth factors that help to heal the wound.
Platelet-rich plasma treatments have been a hit with stars like Kim Kardashian and supermodel Bar Raffel.
The concept of the Vampire facial is to use the healing ability of the platelets and growth factors where there is no wound, but to rejuvenate the cells to make the skin look plumper, more radiant and less greasy.
However, there is no clinical proof that the platelets will stimulate collagen growth, the only proven collagen stimulator is poly-L-lactic acid.
Collagen Stimulation is a long lasting, clinically-proven, non-invasive, stimulating injectable treatment that is designed to smooth out and soften lines and wrinkles, restore facial volume and contour the face in a natural way.
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi – Collagen Stimulation works differently from traditional dermal fillers, it’s a unique collagen replenishing treatment that helps to gradually and subtly reduce lines, wrinkles and folds. By helping to replenish own facial collagen and restore lost volume, it can give a fuller, more natural look that can last for up to 3-5 years.
During a Vampire facial what is injected into the face is platelet-rich plasma – platelets are clear cell fragments containing growth spurs like enzymes and proteins. We think they have a beneficial effect, although there is no major scientific work to prove it.”
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi adds that “It is not a replacement for cosmetic surgery for people with real signs of ageing but is popular among those who are a bit younger – in their late 30s and early 40s.
I have seen a lot of younger women in their 20s who have enquired about the treatments, which I certainly do not recommend them having at such a young age.”
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi believes there is a place in the market for the Vampire facial but was keen to stress his beliefs regarding the safe practice of medicine, including all cosmetic procedures from small treatments such as Anti-Wrinkle Injections to invasive plastic surgery.
“With any treatments and procedures there are possible side effects that can occur, whilst we are unable eliminate them all, it is our duty as Doctors to minimise any risk of infection and put our patients health and safety above their cosmetic desires.
All Cosmetic procedures must be done in a proper clinical setting, using the right equipment and administered by a fully trained Doctor or Plastic surgeon who really knows what they are doing.
With the Vampire Facial you are dealing with blood products and if it is done badly it can lead to contamination, infection and skin breakdown.”
