The facelift doesn’t exactly have the best reputation, but we’ve continued perfecting the idea because it’s so popular. When skin begins to wrinkle and sag, tightening it back to its former firmness seems like the obvious solution. While surgical facelifts are looking more natural than ever, there are less invasive ways to achieve a similar effect.
At her practice in Columbia, Missouri, Dr. Bonnie Friehling provides what’s commonly known as “the vampire facelift,” using your blood’s own healing properties to de-age your face and leave you looking younger. The secret is PRP rejuvenation!
What a surgical facelift does
There are multiple different “types” of facelift, including procedures like mini-lifts and jaw-lifts. However, the general practice is the same: the surgeon makes incisions, pulls the tissue, and sutures your facial skin in place.
Decades ago, surgical facelifts came at the risk of an over-stretched appearance, but surgeons today carefully tailor their work to make it look natural. However, that doesn’t mean that a facelift is the best option for you — especially if you only want to correct mild-to-moderate signs of aging.
Mimicking the effects
Luckily, a facelift isn’t your only option when it comes to skin tightening. Many minimally and noninvasive treatments have been introduced over the years, ranging from lasers to injectables.
These alternatives all work in different ways: ultrasound and radiofrequency devices aim to stimulate collagen production, collagen fillers replace lost volume, and Botox® keeps your skin from creasing into familiar wrinkles.
It can be difficult to determine which treatment is right for you, but there’s one option that combines two organic ingredients, hyaluronic acid (HA) and your own blood, making it ideal for most people.
Introducing the vampire facelift
If you’ve ever looked into dermal fillers before, you might have seen hyaluronic acid mentioned. HA is a naturally occuring substance that keeps your skin firm and hydrated. In fact, it’s often used in dermal fillers, just like collagen.
When injected in strategic areas, HA can be used to fill in wrinkles and sculpt a more youthful face. While Dr. Friehling rejuvenates your skin, she takes a sample of your blood and uses it to create platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. This is where the vampiric aspect of the treatment comes in.
Our blood is packed with healing properties, making it the perfect ingredient for anti-aging treatments. PRP therapy is also used to boost healing with sports injuries, surgical wounds, and even hair loss. We isolate the platelets in the plasma of your blood using a centrifuge, and apply the resulting serum to your face, where it goes to work plumping up the skin.
Curious about the vampire facelift? Dr. Friehling can explain the process in detail and help you decide if it’s right for you. To schedule a consultation, call 573-446-1200 or visit the contact page for more information.