Does the “vampire” facelift really work?

Dr. Irwin
August 3, 2011
This question from a reader in Chattanooga - so sorry - I accidentally deleted your exact wording on this one! :)

Dear Readers –  I will do an article on this procedure soon – it will be posted in resources.   I’m trying to finish one on sensitive skin first!  In the meantime, unless money is no object, I say buyer beware.  First, I don’t like how it’s being marketed to consumers – it’s not, in any way, a “facelift.”  It gives a subtle contouring and rejuvenation effect that may be similiar to Sculptra except this product (Selphyl) doesn’t have the track record or the predictability.  Also, it’s more expensive most of the time.  Because …… what they don’t say in their ads is that this often requires multiple treatments.   In calling it a “facelift,” consumers (us) are being misled into thinking this is a one time “miracle.”

For a Selphyl treatment, your blood is drawn (thus the “vampire” theme) and the blood is spun down (centrifuged) .  Then the platelet rich plasma is taken from the non red blood cell portion (serum).  This is what is injected under the skin.  It works by stimulating your own cells to make collagen.  Their proof that this works well and consistently for this purpose is very thin, as opposed to Sculptra which has a long (greater than 10 year) track record.  Remember Sculptra is lactic acid stuck together in chains and also gradually goes away while stimulating your own collagen production.

I think time will tell as to whether this product can live up to it’s current hype/marketing but this is by no means a given.    Dr. I

 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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