The Vampire Facial Phenomenon: Analyzing PRP Facial Costs vs. Benefits in 2024
The beauty industry has witnessed a surge in innovative treatments promising youthful, radiant skin, but few have captured public attention quite like the PRP facial, commonly known as the “vampire facial.” Perhaps better known as the “vampire facial,” PRP had its first viral moment in 2018 when Kim Kardashian posted an infamous selfie featuring her face covered in—you guessed it—blood. Naturally, the gory selfie sent shockwaves around the world (see: social media), prompting myriad people to try the non-invasive procedure. As we approach 2025, the question remains: is this blood-based beauty treatment worth the significant investment?
Understanding PRP Facials: The Science Behind the Hype
A vampire facelift, or PRP facelift, is a procedure to rejuvenate your facial skin without surgery. This procedure uses injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and a temporary dermal filler (hyaluronic acid filler). PRP—which is rich in growth factors—has been shown to stimulate healing, tissue regeneration, and collagen production.
To put it simply, a vampire facial stimulates collagen production in your skin through a combination of microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Basically, some blood is drawn from your arm, then spun with a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelets that contain your own growth factors—i.e., platelet-rich plasma (PRP). That PRP is then “microneedled” into the skin and applied on top of the micro-wounds to help stimulate your collagen even more.
The Financial Investment: Breaking Down PRP Facial Costs
One of the most significant considerations for potential patients is the cost. The average cost for a vampire facial is between $1,100 and $1,400 with most people spending about $1,300. The average cost for a vampire facial is $1,100 to $1,400, with most people spending about $1,300. However, pricing can vary significantly based on location and provider qualifications.
In the United States, it’s estimated that the cost of each treatment session can range from $250 to $1,500 per treatment. The cost of a vampire facial is usually broken down into a microneedling fee of around $800 and a PRP therapy fee at around $500 which involves the extraction and application of your blood.
For those seeking PRP Facial Bergen County, NJ, it’s important to note that researchers have found that most patients who get results have 3 or more treatments, which can significantly increase the total investment.
The Promised Benefits: What PRP Facials Can Achieve
Proponents of PRP facials cite numerous benefits that justify the cost. It all sounds incredibly ~extra~, but vampire facials (or PRP microneedling, if we’re being specific) can help boost collagen production, brighten your overall skin tone, get rid of minor acne scars, fade hyperpigmentation, and tighten your skin.
Vampire facials target issues on the surface of your skin, including: Acne scars. Fine lines. Large pores. Pigmentation. Rough texture. It minimizes fine lines, reduces premature wrinkles, heals skin damaged by sun exposure, improves acne scars, and evens out skin tone.
With a vampire facelift, patients may notice immediate smoothing effects due to the filler component of the procedure. However, the full benefits of the PRP, such as improved skin texture and glow, may take 2 to 3 weeks to become apparent. Collagen stimulation, that tightening and remodeling of your collagen, happens over the course of six months to a year after a procedure like this.
Safety Considerations and Potential Risks
While PRP facials are generally considered safe, there are important risks to consider. In terms of safety, PRP monotherapy is considered safe, with no severe adverse events reported. However, common side effects such as bleeding, bruising, infection, and pain can occur, and infection and contamination are rare but possible if proper aseptic technique is not followed.
PRP facials are safe when done by board-certified dermatologists. In April 2024, the CDC reported three cases of women who contracted HIV following PRP ‘vampire facials’ at an unlicensed spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which was found to be engaging in unsafe infection control practices.
The biggest risks comes from the way your blood is handled. It’s essential that the blood removed from your body be kept sterile. Otherwise, you could develop an infection.
The Evidence Gap: What Research Really Shows
Despite the popularity of PRP facials, the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited. Despite the hoopla, there’s little evidence to show that it works — or doesn’t work. Researchers have not yet done extensive studies on PRP treatments for facial rejuvenation.
All these benefits have created high demand for a procedure that has little evidence to back it up. Few studies have been conducted because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require the large, complex studies necessary for new drugs.
If you and your dermatologist decide that PRP is worth trying, it’s important to keep in mind that this is still an unproven treatment.
Making the Investment Decision: Is It Worth It?
The question of whether PRP facials are worth the investment depends on several factors. Worth it? Absolutely, IMO. Unlike other pricey skin treatments, like chemical peels, you actually get long-term benefits out of a vampire facial by stimulating that collagen in your dermis.
However, realistic expectations are crucial. Some patients see less sagging and fewer wrinkles after a vampire facial, but this treatment cannot make your face look the way it did years ago. No treatment is ever going to make a 60-year-old look 25. But will you see improvement in your skin and hair with PRP? Absolutely.
Results generally last for six to twelve months, depending on your age and how well your body responds to the treatments. If you would like to maintain your results, you can schedule follow-up treatments as needed.
Choosing the Right Provider
If you decide to proceed with a PRP facial, selecting a qualified provider is essential. You can expect to spend more on your Vampire Facial treatment if you receive it from a doctor with advanced training, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Companies like House of Ness, which operates in Bergen County and other locations, emphasize guiding clients on their aesthetic journey, specializing in treatments from botox, filler, laser, skin rejuvenation, FUE treatments, and more. Their approach focuses on professional, skilled, and kind care with a focus on cosmetic treatments and an atmosphere that emphasizes expertise and personalized service.
The Bottom Line
PRP facials represent a significant financial investment with promising but not guaranteed results. While PRP monotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for facial skin rejuvenation, with high patient satisfaction rates, and promising results, the limited scientific evidence and high costs mean this treatment isn’t suitable for everyone.
Before committing to the expense, consider your skin concerns, budget for multiple treatments, research qualified providers thoroughly, and maintain realistic expectations about results. For those who can afford the investment and choose reputable providers, PRP facials may offer a worthwhile path to improved skin texture and appearance, but they’re not a miracle solution for aging.