PRP

Skin quality

PRP / Vampire Facial

PRP Vampire Facial in Hale, Altrincham

Help smooth rough skin, soften fine lines and improve the appearance of certain acne scars with a Vampire Facial combining your own platelet-rich plasma and microneedling.

Your skin looks a bit dull, feels rough, or your foundation is making every little line more obvious. You'd like it to look good before the makeup goes on.

A PRP Vampire Facial combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The aim is smoother skin and a gradual improvement in fine lines and texture. Despite the name, the part we use is the yellowish plasma separated from your blood - rather less dramatic than the photos you may have seen online.

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With Dr Alex at SONÜ in Hale, Altrincham.

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Appointment
90 minutes
Social downtime
A few days of redness
Treatment plan
A course may be advised
Results
Develops over weeks and months

What you might have noticed

When your skin could look a little fresher

Perhaps your usual skincare isn't quite doing the job, or old acne has left your skin uneven.

Makeup is catching on little lines

Foundation seems to settle around the fine creases on your cheeks, or highlight uneven skin instead of disguising it. You'd like the skin underneath to look smoother, too.

Your skin feels rougher

Your cheeks feel rough when you wash your face, and your skin looks dull even after moisturising. You'd like it to feel softer and look healthier.

Old spots have left small dents

The acne has settled, but some of the unevenness remains. Microneedling with PRP can be considered for certain types of acne scars, after assessing which scars you have.

At a glance

Your PRP facial at a glance

Allow time for the blood sample, preparation and microneedling, followed by a few days for your skin to settle.

Appointment
90 minutes
The booking allows for assessment, taking and preparing your blood sample, and treatment.
Social downtime
A few days of redness
Microneedling can leave skin red and sensitive. Bruising may take longer to settle.
Treatment plan
A course may be advised
The number and spacing depend on your skin and the treatment agreed with Dr Alex.
Results
Develops over weeks and months
Smoother texture and softer-looking fine lines develop gradually after treatment.
Price
£450 per facial
Your treatment plan and full cost will be explained before you go ahead.

The result

Smoother skin is the aim

The changes to look for are a smoother feel, softer-looking fine lines and more even-looking texture.

As your skin recovers, it may feel smoother and look less finely creased. Microneedling with PRP can also help improve the appearance of certain indented acne scars. Changes develop over weeks and months.

The aim is to improve the skin itself. It won't give the lift of surgery or replace volume lost from your cheeks. Dr Alex will explain how much improvement is realistic for the texture, lines or scars you want to treat.

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A smoother feel to rough or uneven skin.

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Fine lines that may look softer as the skin recovers.

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A possible improvement in certain shallow acne scars.

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Gradual change without adding a contouring filler.

Is it for you?

Would a PRP facial suit your skin?

A Vampire Facial may suit you if rough texture, fine lines or small acne scars are bothering you more than the shape of your face.

You want to work on skin texture
Fine lines and uneven texture are more relevant to this treatment than changing cheek shape or defining a jawline. We'll look at the skin itself and what is causing the change.
Your acne has settled, but the scars remain
Small dents can still show through makeup long after the spots have gone. Dr Alex will check the type and depth of your scars before recommending microneedling with PRP or another treatment.
You want to improve your skin over time
You can allow a few days for redness to settle and several weeks to see how your skin responds. A course may be suggested, with time to review your progress along the way.

Choosing the right treatment

Some concerns need a different approach

PRP won't replace lost cheek volume or remove loose skin. Deeper wrinkles, pronounced acne scars and pigmentation may respond better to another treatment or a combination. Dr Alex can discuss options such as CO2 laser, standalone microneedling or a skin booster, depending on what you want to change.

How it works

Your own platelets and growth factors

Platelets release growth factors - proteins that send signals to cells involved in repairing tissue.

A small blood sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich plasma. This concentrates your platelets and the growth factors they release, ready to use alongside microneedling.

Microneedling creates tiny controlled channels in the skin and stimulates a repair response. PRP can be applied as part of that treatment; it can also be given by small injections in an appropriate plan. Dr Alex will explain which approach is proposed for you.

This is different from injecting dermal filler. The aim is to improve the skin rather than add volume to your cheeks or change your facial contours.

Your appointment

What happens during a Vampire Facial?

You can ask about any part of the process before we start - including the blood test.

Before treatment

Talk through your skin concerns

Dr Alex examines your skin and discusses the change you'd like to see. Bring details of medicines, previous treatments, cold sores and any problems with bleeding or healing.
Preparation

Take and prepare the blood sample

We take a small sample from your arm and separate the PRP. Tell us if you tend to feel faint during blood tests; you don't need to watch. Comfort measures are discussed before needling starts.
During treatment

Treat the agreed area

Microneedling is carried out over the selected skin, with PRP used according to your plan. You'll feel the treatment, and some areas can be more sensitive than others. We can pause when you need.
Afterwards

Let your skin settle

Expect some redness, sensitivity and possibly swelling or bruising. Keep skincare simple and follow your instructions on sun protection, makeup, exercise and when to restart active products. We'll explain when to review the result.

Why Dr Alex

Why choose Dr Alex for a PRP facial?

Dr Alex is a contributing author to the Skin chapter in the medical textbook Decision Making in Aesthetic Practice. He also teaches doctors, dentists and nurses in aesthetic medicine in the UK and internationally.

For a PRP facial, the starting point is the skin change you want to improve. He will assess whether it is mainly surface texture, scarring, pigmentation or a loss of volume, then explain where PRP and microneedling fit. You can compare the options before deciding on a treatment or course.

GMC-registered doctor · 7072776

Full Member of BCAM

International toxin trainer

Aesthetics Awards winner 2021

Safety and recovery

What to expect while your skin settles

Redness, tenderness and mild swelling are common after needling. Bruising can occur where blood is taken or injections are used.

Possible side effects

Using your own plasma doesn't remove the risks of a procedure. Infection, a cold-sore flare, pigment changes and, less commonly, scarring can occur. Reactions to other products used during the appointment are also possible.

Tell Dr Alex about blood or platelet conditions, medicines that affect bleeding, allergies and any difficulty healing. Don't stop prescribed medicines to prepare for treatment unless the prescriber advises it.

When to get urgent help

Contact the clinic promptly if redness, heat, swelling or pain is worsening rather than settling, or if you develop pus, fever or feel unwell. If your plan includes facial injections, severe pain or pale or mottled skin needs immediate assessment. Call 999 for any change in vision, difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat.

When treatment may need to wait

Treatment is postponed during pregnancy or breastfeeding and if there is an active skin infection, a cold sore or inflamed acne in the area. Blood or platelet disorders, significant anaemia, immune suppression or medicines affecting healing may make PRP unsuitable and need individual assessment.

You can ask questions, take time to think and decide against treatment.

Treatment costs

PRP Vampire Facial pricing

A Vampire Facial is £450, with a 90-minute appointment allocated.

PRP Vampire Facial
£450per facial
PRP injections or other treatments alongside the facial are discussed and priced separately.
A consultation with Dr Alex costs £75. If you choose to have treatment within 3 months of your consultation, you can put this fee towards it, including at a later appointment. It cannot be used towards skincare products. If you decide not to have treatment, the fee covers your consultation.
Book a consultation
We'll explain the proposed treatment, what is included and the total cost before you book a course. If you are considering PRP injections or another treatment alongside it, we'll confirm the price of that plan separately.

Your questions

PRP and Vampire Facial questions

The practical questions, including what adding PRP might offer.

What is the difference between PRP and a Vampire Facial?
PRP is the platelet-rich plasma prepared from your blood. A Vampire Facial combines it with microneedling to treat the skin; you may also see the name Dracula therapy. PRP can also be given by small injections. Dr Alex will explain which methods your treatment plan includes.
Will adding PRP work better than microneedling alone?
It may help in some treatment plans, particularly for certain acne scars, but it isn't a guaranteed upgrade. The extra benefit for general skin ageing is less predictable. Dr Alex will discuss whether adding PRP makes sense for your skin or whether standalone microneedling is the better place to start.
Does it really use my blood?
Yes, but we use the yellowish plasma separated from your blood sample, rather than whole blood. It contains a concentration of your own platelets, which release growth factors involved in tissue repair. There is no donor blood involved.
Does a Vampire Facial hurt?
There is a brief needle prick for the blood sample, followed by the sensation of microneedling. It can feel prickly or uncomfortable, particularly in more sensitive areas. If injections are included, you will feel those too. We'll explain the comfort options and check in with you during treatment.
How long before I see a difference?
Changes develop over the weeks and months after treatment. First, allow the redness and any swelling to settle. Then look for changes in texture and fine lines as the skin recovers; the initial puffiness isn't the lasting result.
How many treatments will I need?
Dr Alex may recommend a course, depending on your skin and what you want to improve. He'll explain the number of sessions, spacing and cost, with a review of your progress before deciding whether further treatment would help.
Can I go back to work afterwards?
Usually, but your skin may look noticeably red, so allow a few days if you'd prefer colleagues not to see the recovery. Bruising can last longer. Follow the specific advice on makeup and exercise rather than assuming you can cover the redness immediately.
Can PRP help acne scars or dark circles?
Microneedling with PRP can be considered for certain indented acne scars. Dark circles need a separate assessment because pigment, visible vessels, thin skin and hollowness can all contribute. PRP doesn't fill an under-eye hollow in the way a contouring filler does, and it isn't a reliable answer to every type of dark circle.
Is a Vampire Facial a stem-cell treatment?
PRP is a platelet treatment. It concentrates your own platelets and their growth factors to support the skin's repair response; it isn't a treatment designed to isolate and deliver stem cells. The aim is a gradual improvement in skin texture and fine lines, rather than changing the shape of your face.
How long do the results last?
There isn't a reliable fixed duration for everyone. The result depends on the concern, treatment plan and how your skin responds. We'll review the improvement before discussing maintenance, rather than asking you to commit to indefinite top-ups. Daily sun protection remains useful for looking after your skin.

Other options

Compare the ways to improve your skin

SkinPen microneedling, skin boosters and CO2 laser offer different approaches to texture, hydration and wrinkles. Acne scars may need their own treatment plan. Dr Alex can help you compare the likely improvement and recovery.

Smoother skin with SkinPen in Hale, Altrincham

Stimulate your own collagen to smooth uneven texture, soften suitable acne scars and improve fine lines.

Your next step

Ready to give your skin some attention?

Tell Dr Alex what is bothering you - rough patches, fine lines or the marks old spots have left behind. At SONÜ in Hale, Altrincham, he can assess your skin and explain whether a PRP Vampire Facial is a good place to start.

Book a consultation Contact the clinic
SONÜ Medical Aesthetics

34 Hale Road, Hale, Altrincham, WA14 2EX

Doctor-led treatment in a relaxed, private clinic

Close to Hale station and easy to reach from Altrincham, Manchester and Cheshire