Vampires and sucking blood have gone mainstream... even in plastic surgery. One of the newest procedures is called the Vampire Facelift. This is based off an FDA approved product called Selphyl, a kit which allows a plastic surgeon to draw a sample of a patient's blood, remove the platelets and fibrin from the blood, and reinject this Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) into the face. According to the company, the PRFM causes an increase in the thickness of collagen, filling in wrinkles and plumping up facial depressions. It's the newest type of facial filler, and the only one based entirely off a patient's own tissue. No foreign substances are injected into the face, unlike every other popular filler. Early reports give the Selphyl a longevity of 12 months or longer.
Unlike some of the other injectable fillers that have come and gone (Evolence, anyone?), Selphyl does bring something different to the table. Platelet-rich plasma is known to be filled with growth factors and even stem cells, and therefore it is theoretically possible that the Vampire Facelift can create new, younger skin, in addition to just filling in the wrinkles. While it may not make you immortal, it can make you look younger!
Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.
