Is microneedling with stem cells or PRP better than Vampire Facial?

Question

I got one vampire facial with microneedling. I saw no results whatsoever. Is microneedling with stem cells a better option?

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

The Vampire Facial is a procedure that combines micro needling with application of topical PRP. The actual protocol and the results vary greatly depending on who is doing it. There are many different brands of  micro needing pens and different kits to prepare the PRP. Practices using the high quality professional pens and using PRP kits that yield high quality platelets will get significantly better results. In our practice, we like to inject the PRP as well as put it on topically and we get phenomenal results. When you talk about "stem cell," be very careful. Most likely, the "stem cell" treatment is not really stem cells. There are various sources of regenerative cells from bone marrow, fat, amniotic fluid, amniotic membrane, umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue and exosomes. These have all been referred to as "stem cells." Some of these products will have live cells in them with stem cell like properties, but the FDA does not allow us to call them "stem cells."  In fact, marketing these products as "stem cells" is considered fraud. This is not to say that they don't work. These biologicals can have some very powerful regenerative properties even stronger than PRP but they are very costly. Unless you have money to burn, I would not recommend smearing these very expensive products on your face after a micro needling. Before spending your money on a "stem cell facial", I would recommend finding a reputable practice that is properly trained in the Vampire Facial procedure. Go to the official vampirefacial.com web site to look up the provider to make sure they are certified to do the treatment and get some great results, then you might want to step it up with some quality biologics.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

The  evidence is stronger for adding PRP to exposed skin rather than stem cells. Micro-needling  is extremely operator dependent. I would suggest repeating the vampire facial at another location or add radio frequency.Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself Verified All-star

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

Microneedling is enhanced greatly with stem cells or PRP.  Stem cells treatments are superior to PRP due to a higher magnitude of growth factors.  The number of treatments to achieve outstanding results depends on what concern is being treated.  For instance acne scars, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, simple cell renewal, etc.  will determine the number of recommended treatments.  The depth of treatment, speed and number of passes are also factors.   Age, general skin and overall health, smoking and regular skin care assist in determining results also.  It takes about 30 days to achieve full results from one treatment.

Lichun (Li) Huo, MD · Answer

Hi,Vampire facial IS microneedling with PRP.  Depending on the depths set on the microneedling pen and how may passes an area is treated, results can vary.  Usually deeper settings can be done by an MD and shallower if done by estheticians.  Deeper the needles penetrate, the more likely you will have noticeable results although down time is a bit longer.  You need to find the right provider and ask questions like 'how deep are your setting the mirconeedling pen?' and 'how many passes do you do on any area'?  Best, Dr. Huo

Arbella Sarkis, MD · Answer

Microneedling:
This is a highly operator dependant procedure. The skills and knowledge of the provider are very important. Generally, the more aggressive the treatment, the better the results. The greater the aggressiveness, the greater the downtime. 
PRP:
Success with PRP relies on a few primary factors. 
1) Age of the patient. It is likely that the PRP will will be enhanced by being augmenting the PRP with things such as growth factors, extracellular matrix, peptides, exosomes or other regenerative medicine products which will penetrate the dermis with or without microneedling. 
I encourage all patients >50 years old to augment their PRP. Doing so will enhance the regenerative ability of the PRP to that of a mid 20 year old or better (this is not to say you will look 20 years old).
2) How the PRP is prepared. There are many PRP kits on the market. There are wide differences in the density of platelets, growth and other beneficial factors they are able to obtain.
3) Quantity of the the PRP.      
Stem Cells:
This is a multifactorial subject dependant upon the type of cell, source, composition and characteristics of material employed. Cells are typically much larger than what will readily pass into the dermis. Some may get forced into wounds caused by microneedling, but the percentage is rather small. Cells that remain on the surface of the skin provide very little to zero benefit.
The actual mixing of stem with PRP and then injection of stem cell/PRP material into the problem area generally provides the greatest efficacy.
Hope I have helped.
Warmly,
Arbella Sarkis, MD

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

Microneedling with Stem Cells theoretically should be better than Microneedling  with PRP. Both have regenerative properties when used appropriately. Vampire facial is Microneedling and injecting the face with PRP.

Is microneedling with stem cells or PRP better than Vampire Facial?

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