Despite its creepy name, a new cosmetic procedure does not actually involve a bite to the neck. It does require a bit of your blood, though. Here’s the deal…
Many women like the idea of smoothing their complexions with surgery-free treatments such as Botox or Radiesse but are leery of injecting a foreign substance into their skin. That’s the appeal of the new option called Selphyl, which rejuvenates the skin using injections made from a person’s own blood. Because no neurotoxins (like Botox) or synthetic fillers (like Radiesse) are used, Selphyl carries minimal risk for allergic reactions, unwanted bumps or other side effects. Since it uses blood, some people call Selphyl a “vampire face-lift”—but, precisely speaking, this term refers to a trademarked procedure that combines an injectible filler of hyaluronic acid (a component of connective tissue) with blood components.
Ali Vafa, MD, MPH, medical director of New York Medical Aesthetics in New York City, explained the Selphyl process. First, a small amount of your blood is placed in a special type of vial. This is spun in a centrifuge to separate the liquid plasma and platelets (tiny blood components that help the clotting process) from the other parts of the blood. The plasma and platelets are then mixed with a bit of calcium chloride, activating a reaction involving fibrin (an elastic protein in the blood) and creating a gel-like substance called platelet-rich fibrin matrix or PRFM.
How it is used: Once injected just under the skin, PRFM stimulates new skin cell production and, over time, leads to a stronger collagen support structure throughout the treatment area. PRFM injections can be used on targeted areas to plump up nasolabial folds, the deep lines running from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth… smooth superficial wrinkles… add volume to sunken cheeks and under-eye hollows… and fill in deep acne scars or pockmarks. Injections also can be done all over the face to give a fuller, more refreshed look, Dr. Vafa said.
The number of PRFM injections depends on the area being treated but typically ranges from four to as many as 20. Generally there is only slight discomfort… some doctors use a local anesthetic to minimize pain. The process, which is done in the doctor’s office, takes about 30 minutes. Some patients report temporary itching and/or facial puffiness for a day or two after treatment. As with any type of injection, there is a small risk for infection, bruising and bleeding.
Dr. Vafa noted that results with the Selphyl process are not as dramatic or as fast as with synthetic fillers—you will wait several weeks to see the difference. Effects generally last for up to a year, at which point the injections can be repeated. Though there are limited studies on the procedure, one recent study published in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery reported that most of the 50 patients involved, who were followed for an average of 10 months, were satisfied with the results of their PRFM injections.
Caution: Selphyl may not be appropriate for a person who takes a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin), daily aspirin or vitamin E… or one who has a low blood platelet count, blood-clotting disorder, diabetes or autoimmune disorder.
Dr. Vafa recommended going to an internist, dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is experienced with Selphyl and other injectable procedures—ask your primary care doctor for a referral. For Selphyl, Dr. Vafa charges $1,000 to treat a small area or $1,200 to treat the entire face… your cost may vary depending on the practitioner and location. Because this is a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not cover it.
