One of the most popular trends amongst the facial rejuvenation procedures is ‘Vampire Facelift’. This involves taking the blood out from the client's body which is then placed in a machine called centrifuge, where it is run at high speed to separate the red blood cells. A golden-yellowish colour liquid is extracted which consists of growth factors & essential proteins. It is also responsible for stopping bleeding and healing wounds.

FDA has approved the use of growth factors for many medical procedures and many people, including athletes, are getting these injections to help them in repairing conditions like Tennis Elbow, Arthritis and Tendonitis.

The use of growth factors is not confined to the above-given conditions; rather, it is now being used to reduce the signs of ageing. The reason behind the popularity of this treatment is that artificial fillers only give temporary effects plus they are artificially induced. This, however, stimulates the cell growth resulting in effective and long-lasting results.

Growth Factor therapy or vampire facelift includes harvesting growth factors & essential proteins from the patient’s own blood and injecting them to the problem areas of the skin. When it is injected in the skin, it stimulates the cells around the injection site, causing them to plump up, therefore increasing their volume. It sends the signals to the other cells to reach to the injection site. Among all the cells, one cell is a fibroblast cell which is responsible for creating collagen. Collagen gives a youthful appearance. With ageing there is reduction in the production of collagen, causing the skin to wrinkle and produce fine lines. As this therapy stimulates the collagen production, it counteracts the process of ageing. Another cell which is important is pre-adipocyte cell which is a cell that converts in fat cells. Fat cells are essential to fill out the fine lines and to contour the face. Vampire facelifts can be used on face specifically around the eyes, nose and mouth for the more radiant appearance.

Many experts say that Vampire Facelift actually helps in blood circulation, and this is why it gives an immediate effect. These injections are combined with dermal filler injections for better outcomes.

Only a professional and a fully-trained medical practitioner should perform the procedure as it involves some risks (though rare) which cannot be overlooked. Dr. Parag Telang is a Mumbai-based cosmetic and plastic surgeon, having years of experience in Vampire facelifts. He is an ideal cosmetic practitioner in the current times.