Microneedling with PRP — the Vampire Facial — combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma derived from your own blood. The PRP is applied during and after the microneedling pass, amplifying the collagen response by 20–40% compared to standard microneedling alone. At Laser and Me in Midtown Manhattan, every PRP procedure is performed personally by Pavel Atamas, NP, using FDA-cleared centrifuge equipment and single-use sterile cartridges.
What the Vampire Facial Actually Is
The Vampire Facial isn't actually a 'facial' in the spa sense. It's a clinical aesthetic procedure that combines two evidence-based treatments — microneedling and platelet-rich plasma — into a single, synergistic session.
The name was coined by Dr. Charles Runels in 2010. The 'vampire' comes from the small blood draw at the start of the procedure. The procedure has been popularized by celebrity treatments and viral photos showing skin coated in red plasma during application — but the clinical reality is much less dramatic, and the results are well-documented.
How Microneedling with PRP Works
The procedure has two stages working in synergy:
Stage 1: Microneedling. A motorized device with sterile single-use needle cartridge creates thousands of microscopic channels in the dermis. Each channel triggers your skin's wound-healing cascade — fibroblast activation, growth factor release, collagen and elastin synthesis.
Stage 2: PRP application. Your own blood is drawn (15–30 mL), spun in a sterile centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer, and applied topically during and immediately after the microneedling pass. The open micro-channels allow the PRP's concentrated growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, and others) to penetrate directly into the dermis.
The combined effect is more than the sum of its parts. Clinical studies have shown 20–40% greater improvement in atrophic acne scars with combined microneedling + PRP versus standalone microneedling.
The Vampire Facial Step-by-Step
Before your session: Stop retinoids and AHAs 3–5 days before. Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks. Avoid blood thinners (NSAIDs, ibuprofen, aspirin) for 5 days — these blunt the PRP response. Hydrate well; well-hydrated patients have better PRP yield. Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.
At the appointment: Consultation review (10 min). Blood draw (5 min) — a standard venous draw from your arm, typically 15–30 mL. Centrifuge processing (15 min) — your blood is spun in a sterile FDA-cleared centrifuge. Topical anesthetic (30 min) — applied while PRP is being prepared. Microneedling pass (20–30 min) — depth adjusted per zone; PRP applied directly during and after. Post-treatment: cool compress, calming serum, written aftercare.
Total appointment time: 75–90 minutes.
What Microneedling with PRP Treats Best
The Vampire Facial is particularly effective for: atrophic acne scars (boxcar, rolling, and shallow ice pick), fine lines (particularly around eyes, mouth, forehead), skin texture and tone (overall rejuvenation), enlarged pores, mild hyperpigmentation and uneven tone, surgical or traumatic scars, stretch marks (at deeper depths), hair loss (when applied to scalp), and patients who want the strongest collagen response without the downtime of laser.
Microneedling with PRP vs. Other Treatments
vs. Standard microneedling: PRP-enhanced produces 20–40% greater collagen response per session, particularly for scars. Costs roughly 2x the standard microneedling per-session price. Often produces results in fewer sessions.
vs. Fractional Erbium laser: Erbium produces stronger results per session for severe scarring but with 5–7 days of downtime. Microneedling with PRP has 1–2 days of downtime and is safer on darker skin tones. For Fitzpatrick IV–VI, PRP-enhanced microneedling is often the preferred first-line treatment.
vs. Botox / fillers: Botox addresses muscle-driven wrinkles. Fillers add volume. Microneedling with PRP addresses skin quality and texture. Complementary, not competing.
Microneedling with PRP for Dark Skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI)
PRP-enhanced microneedling is one of the safest in-office collagen treatments for darker skin tones. There's no thermal injury (so no PIH risk from heat), and the natural healing amplification from PRP actually accelerates recovery.
We treat Fitzpatrick IV–VI patients regularly. Conservative depth on first sessions, longer intervals (5–6 weeks instead of 4), and a pre-treatment topical regimen for high-PIH-risk patients are standard at our studio.
Is the Vampire Facial Safe?
Yes, when performed by a licensed professional with sterile equipment. Side effects are typically limited to: redness for 1–4 days, mild swelling for 24–48 hours, possible bruising at the blood draw site, and brief skin sensitivity.
The Vampire Facial received media attention after a 2018 incident at an Albuquerque spa where patients contracted HIV from improperly sterilized equipment. At Laser and Me, we use single-use sterile cartridges and FDA-cleared centrifuge equipment — cross-contamination is not possible.
You cannot catch a disease from your own blood. All risks come from cross-contamination if equipment is reused — which is why single-use cartridges are non-negotiable.
Why Choose Laser and Me for the Vampire Facial in NYC
NP-administered: Pavel Atamas, NP, performs every PRP procedure personally. FDA-cleared centrifuge equipment in a sterile, single-use kit per patient. Single-use sterile microneedling cartridges — never reused. Combined treatment expertise: PRP works well alongside biorevitalization, Erbium laser, or Botox — and we offer all of them under one roof. Conservative protocols safe across all Fitzpatrick types. Multilingual care: English, Russian, Spanish. Convenient Midtown Manhattan location: 347 5th Avenue, Suite 803A.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is microneedling with PRP?
A combination procedure: microneedling creates micro-channels in your skin, and PRP from your own blood is applied to amplify the collagen response.
Does the Vampire Facial really work?
Yes — multiple peer-reviewed studies show 20–40% better results from PRP-enhanced microneedling vs. standalone microneedling for acne scars and skin texture.
How many Vampire Facial sessions will I need?
Most patients: 4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Maintenance every 6–9 months.
When will I see Vampire Facial results?
Subtle 'PRP glow' within a week. Visible texture improvement at 4 weeks. Significant improvement at 3 months. Peak result at 6–12 months.
How long do the results last?
Collagen remodeling is permanent. Skin quality continues developing for 12 months post-course. Maintenance every 6–9 months keeps results progressing.
Can I catch a disease from the Vampire Facial?
Not from your own blood. The 2018 Albuquerque infections came from reused equipment. Any clinic using single-use cartridges and FDA-cleared centrifuge equipment eliminates this risk entirely.
How much does the Vampire Facial cost in NYC?
$700–$1,100 per session for full face. 4-session courses typically $2,800–$3,500 with package savings.
Is the Vampire Facial good for acne scars?
Yes — particularly effective for boxcar and rolling scars. PRP-enhanced microneedling produces stronger scar response than standalone microneedling.
What's the downtime?
1–2 days of pinkness. Most patients return to work the next day with mineral makeup.
Can I combine the Vampire Facial with Botox?
Yes. Different layers, complementary results. Many patients combine both at the same visit.
Can men get the Vampire Facial?
Yes — especially for acne scars, skin texture, and hair restoration (scalp PRP-microneedling).
Does insurance cover the Vampire Facial?
No — considered cosmetic. CareCredit and Affirm financing available.