- Please note that this treatment is not currently offered at our clinic. This article is provided for informational purposes only.
“Can Vampire Facial improve crater scars and acne scars?”
“What is the difference between Vampire Facial and Dermapen?”
If you have questions like these, read on.
Vampire Facial is a treatment that uses Dermapen needles to create micro-channels in the skin and applies platelets obtained through PRP Skin Regeneration Therapy. By supporting the skin’s tissue repair and natural healing capacity, it may offer anti-aging benefits.
This article explains the potential effects of Vampire Facial, its downtime, and how it differs from Dermapen 4.
At IC Clinic, we listen carefully to each patient’s concerns and symptoms, then propose a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Please book a consultation using the button below.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Vampire Facial? A Treatment Combining PRP Therapy and Dermapen
- 1.1 What Is PRP Skin Regeneration Therapy? A Treatment That Supports Tissue Repair and Natural Healing
- 1.2 Who May Benefit from Vampire Facial
- 2 Two Potential Effects of Vampire Facial
- 2.1 Effect ① Improvement of Wrinkles and Enlarged Pores
- 2.2 Effect ② Improvement of Acne Scars, Crater Skin, and Other Scarring
- 2.3 Not Seeing Results Yet? Results Are Typically Noticed Within 1–2 Weeks
- 3 Three Advantages of Vampire Facial
- 3.1 Advantage ① Fewer Side Effects Such as Allergic Reactions
- 3.2 Advantage ② Results That Tend to Last Long-Term
- 3.3 Advantage ③ Minimal Discomfort with Potential Benefits Across a Wide Area
- 4 Two Disadvantages of Vampire Facial
- 4.1 Disadvantage ① Downtime Such as Redness May Last Approximately One Week
- 4.2 Disadvantage ② Some Individuals May Not Be Eligible for Treatment
- 5 Treatment Process and Recovery Timeline for Vampire Facial
- 6 Differences Between Dermapen 4 and Vampire Facial
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Vampire Facial
- 7.1 Q. Is Vampire Facial Available for Men?
- 7.2 Q. How Many Sessions Are Recommended and How Often?
- 8 Summary: Vampire Facial May Help Address Various Skin Concerns
What Is Vampire Facial? A Treatment Combining PRP Therapy and Dermapen
Vampire Facial is a treatment that may offer anti-aging benefits. It is performed using platelets obtained through PRP therapy together with Dermapen.
Dermapen is a treatment that uses fine needles to create micro-channels in the skin’s surface, supporting the skin’s natural healing capacity.
In Vampire Facial, Dermapen needles are used to create micro-channels in the skin, and platelets obtained through PRP Skin Regeneration Therapy are then applied to work toward healthier-looking skin.
Below, we explain PRP Skin Regeneration Therapy in more detail and describe who may benefit from Vampire Facial.
What Is PRP Skin Regeneration Therapy? A Treatment That Supports Tissue Repair and Natural Healing
PRP Skin Regeneration Therapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s own platelets to support tissue repair and the body’s natural healing capacity.
Platelets help stop bleeding when an injury occurs and produce growth factors that work to restore the skin toward its pre-injury state.
PRP stands for “Platelet-Rich Plasma” — plasma containing a high concentration of platelets. By using platelet-rich plasma, this therapy aims to further support the repair and natural healing capacity of the skin and body tissues.
Who May Benefit from Vampire Facial
Vampire Facial may be a suitable option for people with the following concerns:
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Wrinkles, sagging, or nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Acne scars or enlarged pores
- A desire for more youthful-looking skin
- A preference for treatments with longer-lasting results
Vampire Facial is a treatment that may help address a range of skin concerns.
Two Potential Effects of Vampire Facial
The following two effects may be expected from Vampire Facial:
- Improvement of wrinkles and enlarged pores
- Improvement of acne scars, crater skin, and other scarring
Below, we explain each potential effect in more detail.
Effect ① Improvement of Wrinkles and Enlarged Pores
One potential effect of Vampire Facial is improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and enlarged pores.
Vampire Facial uses Dermapen to create numerous micro-channels in the skin, engaging the body’s natural healing capacity to work toward restoring the skin’s condition.
As the skin works to restore itself, collagen and elastin — proteins essential for skin firmness — are thought to be produced within the dermis.
By encouraging the shedding of old skin cells and supporting the regeneration of new skin, Vampire Facial may contribute to improvement in fine lines, sagging, and nasolabial folds.
Effect ② Improvement of Acne Scars, Crater Skin, and Other Scarring
Vampire Facial may also help improve acne scars, crater-like skin texture, and other scarring.
In addition to supporting natural healing through Dermapen, Vampire Facial involves applying PRP — which contains a high concentration of platelets — to the dermis, allowing growth factors to penetrate directly into the skin.
By simultaneously supporting the skin’s natural healing and regenerative capacity, this treatment may help address stubborn concerns such as acne scars, other scarring, crater-like skin, and enlarged pores.
It can also be applied to delicate areas such as under the eyes, making it a potential option for concerns like dark circles and melasma.
Not Seeing Results Yet? Results Are Typically Noticed Within 1–2 Weeks
There can be a delay before noticeable results appear after Vampire Facial, which may lead some patients to wonder whether the treatment is working.
The time needed to notice results varies among individuals, but a general guideline is approximately 1–2 weeks.
In addition, for concerns such as enlarged pores or deep, persistent craters, some patients may feel they need 3–6 or more sessions before noticing significant improvement.
Vampire Facial is a treatment designed to be repeated at intervals, and depending on the concern, a longer-term treatment plan may be appropriate.
Three Advantages of Vampire Facial
There are three main advantages to receiving Vampire Facial:
- Fewer side effects such as allergic reactions
- Results that tend to last long-term
- Minimal discomfort with potential benefits across a wide treatment area
Below, we explain each advantage in more detail.
Advantage ① Fewer Side Effects Such as Allergic Reactions
Because Vampire Facial uses platelets derived from the patient’s own blood, the risk of side effects such as allergic reactions is considered lower compared to treatments using external agents.
Since the treatment draws on functions already present in the patient’s own body, no pharmaceutical agents are required.
Using Dermapen’s fine needles to create micro-channels and allowing the platelets to penetrate through them — rather than applying external chemicals — helps reduce the burden on the skin.
Advantage ② Results That Tend to Last Long-Term
Another advantage of Vampire Facial is that results tend to be longer-lasting.
For example, with hyaluronic acid injections, the hyaluronic acid is gradually absorbed by the body over time, requiring regular repeat injections to maintain the effect.
Vampire Facial, however, aims to support the skin’s own regenerative function, so once the skin condition improves, the results tend to be more sustained over a longer period.
Advantage ③ Minimal Discomfort with Potential Benefits Across a Wide Area
A further advantage of Vampire Facial is that it involves minimal discomfort and may offer benefits across a wide area of the face.
Because anesthesia is applied before the Dermapen procedure, most patients do not find the micro-channeling process particularly uncomfortable. If discomfort is felt, the depth of the needles can be adjusted accordingly.
Additionally, Vampire Facial delivers platelets into the skin through the micro-channels created by Dermapen, rather than injecting them directly.
This approach may support improvements in the skin’s natural healing and regenerative capacity across a broad area, rather than being limited to a single spot.
Two Disadvantages of Vampire Facial
While Vampire Facial offers several advantages, there are also two disadvantages to be aware of:
- Downtime such as redness may last approximately one week
- Some individuals may not be eligible for the treatment
Below, we describe these disadvantages in more detail.
Disadvantage ① Downtime Such as Redness May Last Approximately One Week
One disadvantage of Vampire Facial is that downtime — including redness, bruising, peeling, and itching — may last approximately one week.
The duration of downtime associated with Vampire Facial varies depending on the needle depth used during the Dermapen procedure.
Generally, deeper needle penetration tends to result in longer downtime. The following table provides a general guideline:
| Needle Depth | Estimated Downtime |
|---|---|
| 0.2 mm or more | Approx. 2 days |
| 0.8 mm or more | Approx. 2–3 days |
| 1.4 mm or more | Approx. 4–5 days |
Redness and a sensation of warmth are common immediately after treatment; however, makeup can generally be applied from the following day.
Avoid prolonged baths, saunas, strenuous exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption. Be sure to keep the skin well moisturized and protect it from UV exposure.
If itching is bothersome, avoid scratching — gently cooling the area can help relieve discomfort.
Disadvantage ② Some Individuals May Not Be Eligible for Treatment
The following individuals are not suitable candidates for Vampire Facial:
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those with a history of heart disease or stroke (cerebral infarction)
- Those currently taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications
- Those with liver disease
- Those with a metal allergy
Individuals with a metal allergy may experience an allergic reaction to the Dermapen needles, so it is important to discuss this with a medical professional in advance.
As some individuals are not eligible for Vampire Facial, please check your eligibility before proceeding with treatment.
Treatment Process and Recovery Timeline for Vampire Facial
Vampire Facial is performed in the following steps:
-
- Blood Draw
Blood is drawn first to generate PRP, which is rich in platelets. - Anesthesia
A topical anesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area. While waiting approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for the anesthesia to take effect, the PRP preparation is completed. - Treatment
Dermapen is used to create micro-channels in the treatment area, and PRP is allowed to penetrate the skin. - Completion
The blood is gently wiped away and the treatment is complete. When treating the full face, the procedure itself typically takes approximately 15 minutes.
- Blood Draw
The following table provides a general guideline for the recovery process after Vampire Facial:
| Timeline | Expected Condition |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Redness and peeling may be present; makeup may not apply smoothly |
| Days 3–4 | Redness begins to settle, but peeling may still be noticeable |
| Day 5 onwards | Skin may appear firmer; foundation tends to apply more evenly |
For the first few days after treatment, we recommend avoiding important engagements, applying a moisturizing cream thoroughly, and using a light-coverage foundation or concealer as needed.
Differences Between Dermapen 4 and Vampire Facial
Dermapen 4 (also known as Velvet Skin) is a treatment that, like Vampire Facial, works by supporting the skin’s natural healing capacity to help address skin concerns.
“Vampire Facial” refers to the treatment in which PRP is applied following the Dermapen 4 procedure.
Dermapen 4 and Vampire Facial differ in the needle depth used, as shown below:
| Dermapen 4 | Vampire Facial | |
|---|---|---|
| Needle Depth | 0.2 mm | 2–2.5 mm |
A distinctive feature of Vampire Facial is that it uses needles more than ten times longer than those used in Dermapen 4. Rather than targeting only the outermost stratum corneum, these needles reach down to the dermis — the deepest layer of the skin — allowing PRP to penetrate more deeply.
By reaching the dermis, Vampire Facial may offer benefits for stubborn acne scars and deep scarring that can be difficult to address with other treatments.
Please note that Dermapen Microneedling is available at our clinic. For more information about Dermapen, please visit the page below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vampire Facial
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about Vampire Facial.
If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment, please read on.
Q. Is Vampire Facial Available for Men?
Yes, Vampire Facial is available for men. It may also be helpful for male patients concerned about acne scars or enlarged pores.
Please note that some clinics may only offer this treatment to female patients. We recommend contacting your chosen clinic to confirm eligibility.
Q. How Many Sessions Are Recommended and How Often?
General guidelines for the number and frequency of Vampire Facial sessions are as follows:
- Number of sessions: 3–5
- Frequency: Once every 3–4 weeks
Results vary among individuals; however, many patients notice improvements in skin firmness and texture even after a single session.
Summary: Vampire Facial May Help Address Various Skin Concerns
Vampire Facial is available to both men and women and may help address a range of skin concerns.
It may be particularly worth considering for those who:
- Wish to address dark circles, wrinkles, sagging, or nasolabial folds
- Want to improve acne scars or enlarged pores
- Are looking for more youthful, firm, and radiant-looking skin
While downtime of around one week should be expected, many patients notice improvements even after a single session.
If you are looking for a treatment with longer-lasting results, Vampire Facial may be worth exploring.
At IC Clinic, we listen carefully to each patient’s concerns and symptoms, then propose a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Please book a consultation using the button below.
