This post was sponsored by Malone Facial Plastic Surgery. All opinions are my own!
Hi girls! I recently had some pampering done by Dr. Malone of Malone Facial Plastic Surgery in La Jolla, CA. I got a microneedling with PRP (platelet rich plasma) facial, also known as the famous “vampire facial” and documented the entire process over on Instagram. I got so many DMs about this procedure from girls wanting to know everything about it and if it is actually worth the cost. So, I thought I would put everything into one post to answer all your questions and further explain the microneedling with PRP process.
Q+A
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment which creates tiny punctures or micro-injuries in the skin using fine needles (.5 to 2 millimeters in diameter). The tiny punctures trigger the body’s wound healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
What is PRP (platelet rich plasma)?
Platelet Rich Plasma, also referred to as “Liquid Gold”, is produced from your own blood. After a vial of blood is obtained, your blood is put into a centrifuge, which separates your blood from the PRP. The PRP contains highly concentrated amounts of natural growth factors that promote the regeneration process of soft tissues. It is applied directly to the micro-injuries that were created from the microneedling to further stimulate the natural healing process.
What are the benefits?
It can make skin smoother, reduce fine line and wrinkles, reduce acne scars, prevent signs of aging, reverse sun damage and discoloration, and add radiance.
How much does it cost?
The price will 100% depend on your area, so contact your local spa and ask how much it is. If you are in the San Diego area definitely call Dr. Malone or head to her website to set up a virtual consultation.
Is there any downtime?
You’ll leave the treatment a bit red, almost like a sunburn. Your skin will completely recover in about 24-72 hours. Mine was faster!
How long is the session?
The entire process takes about an hour. Check in, numbing cream, blood draw, before pictures, actual procedure, follow up chat… However, the actual microneedling takes under 15 minutes.
Does it hurt? (the most asked question!)
Not at all!! They apply a topical numbing cream to your face beforehand, so I didn’t feel a thing! Don’t be scared by the “vampire facial” nickname!
The Process
The first thing Dr. Malone did was put numbing cream on my face. I was cracking up because I couldn’t tell if I was smiling or not and when documenting on IG stories I could feel my mouth talking a little crooked. Once that was applied, she took a vial of blood from my arm. To be honest, it just felt like a little pinch and that was the worst part of the entire treatment.
After about 20 minutes, my face was fully numb and she came back in with the PRP from my blood in a vial. It looks like a liquid gold serum. She started with a lymphatic drainage massage to drain excess toxins and help the plasma sink in better. Then she started the microneedling all over my face, which is a pen-like device of small needles that prick the skin. I didn’t feel this at all! As she completed each section, she slathered on the PRPs.
It was definitely way less dramatic then that viral photo Kim Kardashian posted of her vampire facial. Dr. Malone wiped my face as she went and I never even saw blood on my face at all! Again, the PRP being applied look like liquid gold, not red.
Once the facial was complete, my skin was a little red (similar to a sunburn) and felt very tight. Almost as if I had put a tightening face mask on and forgot to wash it off.
Aftercare… my skin felt less red and almost back to normal the next day. I was careful not to use any strong products like retinols, etc. for a few days after the procedure and stay out of the sun. I did have two small breakouts on my chin on day 3 but I’m not sure if it was directly related to the facial or my time of the month.
I’ve seen massive results in my skin in just the two weeks since getting this procedure. So much of my hyperpigmentation is gone, my skin feels so much tighter and I actually haven’t had any breakouts since the two spots immediately after the treatment. My skin seems to only be getting better every single day. My husband even commented that my nose area looked shiny and new, ha!
Thank you so much to Dr. Malone for letting me come in and get Microneedling with PRP! I couldn’t have had a better experience and highly recommend them!