Vampire Facelifts Have Many Curious And Others Scared

by Andrea L. Algar
Contributing Author

Just the term "vampire" used with facelift is a scary thought. News of this new technique is getting quite a lot of attention due to the unique marketing name associated with it. But just what is "vampire facelift"?

"Vampire" to most people
Photo Credit: tumblr.com

To best answer that we need to take a look at the reasons that men and women seek out facelifts in the first place. Most commonly, the reasons are aging, sagging skin that we begin to notice as early as our 40's. The problematic wrinkles, bags and sags seem to multiply at alarming rates from there, causing many to start seeking remedies for what they see as false representations of how many men and women feel when they're in their 40's, 50's and even 60's. Recent polls have, in fact, shown that 70 is now seen as the new "middle age"!

But, wrinkles and sagging skin is often accompanied with a loss of fat under the skin, as well as bone and muscle, causing the face to look more aged. With advent of research into stem cells, it has been discovered that plasma from your own body can be enhanced and reintroduced, providing platelets that are rich and rejuvenating, with human growth factors that can repair and rebuild tissue. They've labeled this PRP (platelet rich plasma), which essentially is blood plasma that has been enriched by platelets.

A "vampire facelift" is a fat transfer procedure that combines your own fat, usually obtained by liposuction, and PRP obtained from your own blood.

We already know from years of successful fat transfers, that fat is rich in stem cells. When fat is transferred, these cells take on the characteristics of the cells around them. Fat transfer has been successful when used in the face for many years, however, with the new ability to introduce the PRP along with the fat, it is said that this process stimulates the stem cells to do what they do best, which is to multiply. Multiplying cells means volume to our face. Some research has shown improvement in blood supply and circulation as well.

Fat transfer alone is helpful for many areas of the face including cheeks, temples, forehead, around the eyes, lips, jowls and almost anywhere that there is significant loss of fat. Replacing the volume with fat injection is often a part of a planned facelift, where the facelift can tighten the skin, the fat replacement provides a more youthful, fresh look. The one-two-three punch of the "vampire facelift" could provide much needed volume from the fat, as well as growth factors from PRP and new cells from the stem cells.

Dr. Robert N. Young of San Antonio cautions, "While more hands-on experience with PRP and fat transfer is needed in order to assess longevity and patient satisfaction, it is a procedure worth watching. As we learn more about stem cells and how they can best be utilized, we will undoubtedly improve on these techniques and the outcomes that can be achieved. As with any new procedure, it is often wise to wait until some of the quirks are worked out." While the volume is instant, not all volume is kept with fat transfers, and it can take several months to a year to see the final effects. This could result in patient disappointment if their expectations are not met. Many callers to Dr. Young's practice have expressed disappointment in thread lifts and other "quick fixes" that don't necessarily give the long-term results desired, which is one reason that traditional facelifts and fat injections have remained very popular.

China's Fire Facial Treatments Claim To Fight Wrinkles (VIDEO)

A treatment has emerged from within China that would seem to be a bit too scary for most here in the United States. "Fire Facials" are gaining in popularity there, and are said to stimulate the skin and improve dullness, sagging and wrinkles. But would you be willing to try it?

Setting one's face on fire is not how most people would envision trying to remedy wrinkles. Torture springs to mind quicker than a smooth face. But, in China, the procedure is gaining momentum as a spa treatment called Huǒ liáo is being used on the face, legs and/or other parts of the body.  The procedure involves placing an alcohol-soaked towel and a special "elixir" on the area, then lighting it on fire for a few seconds.

VIDEO WARNING:
This video may be disturbing to watch.




Theoretically, this procedure can work. By "damaging" the surface of the skin, your body fights to heal the wound. When healed the process leaves you with refreshed new skin. Here in the United States, we accomplish the same thing when we perform laser resurfacing, but it is done with much more precision because we can control the depth the laser affects and the amount of exposure, or laser energy, the skin receives. Chemical peels, such as the ViPeel, work in the same manner, yet are gentler and do not have as much down-time as with a full laser resurfacing.

Dr. Robert Young spent seven years as plastic surgeon at the Burn Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center, and later as Chief of Plastic Surgery there. His experience with burn victims is extensive. He explains, "The risk of igniting your face or your body with flammable liquid seems immense. " Leaving the fire too long could permanently damage the skin, leaving horrible scars that may not ever heal. It would seem a huge risk. What do you think?

REFERENCE / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
HuffPost Style - 'Fire Facial' Treatment, AKA Huǒ liáo, Claims to Fight Wrinkles By Setting Face on Fire 

ABOUT DR. YOUNG
Robert N. Young, founder of Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years experience. He has been trained and has extensive experience both as a reconstructive plastic surgeon and a cosmetic plastic surgeon. He has been performing successful Brazilian Butt Lift procedures for several years. His San Antonio practice includes a fully accredited outpatient Surgery Center staffed with qualified Registered Nurses, Anesthesiologists and surgical technicians. As a leading plastic surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Young is a member of the following professional organizations:

• ABPS Diplomate - Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

• Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
• Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons
• Member, Texas Medical Society (TMS)
• Member, San Antonio International Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (SAISPRS)
• Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS)
• Accreditation by the American Association for Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF)