{Plasma PRP Facial at Novopelle}

{Plasma PRP Facial at Novopelle}

I am SO excited to finally share my Plasma Facial experience with everyone! Just in time for Halloween! I recently partnered with Novopelle in Austin to pick a procedure to share with my readers and thought this would be perfect! Not only because it is Halloween but because it is a minimally invasive procedure that uses absolutely no fillers or injections. It is literally all natural!!

As most of my friends and family know, I am a HUGE tomboy… I went years and years without wearing any makeup and would wear my hair in a ponytail… I would literally sleep in the clothes I would wear the next day! How ironic I dress people for a living! HA! Anyway, things have obviously changed, hence the reason for this post. I always told myself that if I were to ever get any type of medical procedure or start getting injectables, I would at least wait until I turned 30. Well, that came and went and I still never got anything done. I rarely even get facials… To be honest, I have only had 2 facials in my life! Mainly because I am extremely skeptical of the results. I mean, are they really doing anything for me long-term?? I’m interested in seeing results, as we should all be if we are shelling out the big bucks.

That’s why I fell in love with the Plasma Facial. I’m sure most of you are wondering WHY I am getting this done. I have a horrible case of Melasma, or hyper pigmentation on my forehead. It started out as a small brown spot that I thought was a patch of freckles that quickly grew over the years into massive brown spots all over my forehead. They are nearly impossible to cover up and even harder to get rid of. So when I learned the details of this procedure I was hooked. A little freaked out, but totally intrigued and you’ll see why.

What exactly is a Plasma Facial?? Here are the steps of the procedure:

I guess I really didn’t get into what a PRP Facial actually is so here are the details and steps to prepare anyone who is interesting in trying one of these out.

First, I washed my face with a gentle microdermabrasion scrub and then a numbing cream is placed onto my face.  Then, a small amount of blood, about 2 teaspoons, is drawn and placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates it into its different components. Red and white blood cells are separated from the plasma (PRP). The plasma, rich in platelets, is then extracted. Once the numbing cream is settled and absorbed, it is removed from the skin. Hence the “This is so creepy” in the video below! The numbing cream was on for about 20 minutes and I couldn’t even feel my face when I was washing it off. Weirdest feeling EVER.

vampire-facial-numbing-creamnumbing-cream-for-vampire-facial lidocane-vampire-facial vampire-facial-prepwhat-plasma-looks-likeThe PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), which is clear, is then placed on the skin.

I know a lot of people are wondering how this procedure got it’s creep nickname. I even wondered the same thing… Obviously there is blood but most people don’t know where it comes from. SO, using a micro-needling device, the PRP is driven into the skin. The micro-needle creates microchannels that allow the PRP to flow into the deep layers of the dermis. The PRP promotes new collagen to form, regenerating tissue, blood vessels, and fatty tissue. It will create tiny punctures into the top layer of the skin which essentially creates new collagen and skin cells to reproduce. Through this process we are helping to boost our skin cells to rejuvenate at a rapid rate.

As the micro-needling device is going over the skin there will be some bleeding. There are 36 needles in the pen and they go over each spot on your face about 4-6 times whether it be rubbing over the area or using a pushing motion on specific areas. The forehead was by far the worst part of the facial, but they warned me that it would probably hurt the most there. Mainly because there isn’t much fatty tissue on the forehead, but more skin on bone. It sounds a lot worse than it actually was, but you will definitely notice some bleeding in that area. The rest of the facial on the lower part of my face felt like a massage; no pain and hardly any bleeding at all.

vampire-facial-procedure prp-facial-procedure vampire-facial-micro-needling vampire-facial-blood micro-needling-procedure prp-micro-needling-facialAfter the micro needling was complete, the remaining plasma was then put all over my face. I was told to keep this on as long as I possibly could and to not wash my face until the next morning. The extra plasma needed enough time to soak in and do it’s job.

The Aftermath – I was told that I would be pretty red, that my face would feel extremely tight for a couple of days and that I might see some peeling or light bruising. I’m sure this varies from person to person but my skin was red and pretty scabbed on my forehead the day after but I never experienced any bruising. Because I had such bad hyper pigmentation they went over the area more times and harder than normal so I expected to have a longer recovery time than most.. The goal was to go over this spot to produce more cell production to push the melasma out.

The photo below is immediately after the procedure. Don’t mind those white flakes in my hair; that is the dried plasma! Now, don’t judge on the second photo… hahahaha that was the morning of day 2. OUCH.

vampire-facial-day-of vampire-facial-day-afterDay 2 was interesting for me. I would absolutely suggest you plan ahead if you are planning to get this done. You aren’t supposed to wear makeup for 24 hours afterwards and I waited about 18 or so and then caked on more makeup than I have ever worn to cover up the redness and bumpy scabs so I could go out in public. HA! I had a client that day so everywhere we went I would apologize for my crazy looking face!

Around day 3 the redness was slowly going down but my face started peeling. My entire face was shedding and it felt so good!! I was told to apply a serum to my face every couple of hours to keep it hydrated. Ya, I looked extremely ridiculous but my skin started feeling amazing.

After about a week my skin is absolutely back to normal and is softer than it has ever been. I have noticed that some of the melasma has lightened; not a ton but it’s getting there. Novopelle said I would probably need to come in for a couple of PRP Facials to keep the rejuvenation process going to rid my face of the hyper pigmentation. My face is a little plumper and my fine lines are fading, which is absolutely amazing, considering I only went in for one treatment. I can’t imagine what two or three would do for my skin and the concerns I have.

The results of a Plasma Facial can improve your complexion, fine lines and firmness of your skin. If you have any types of scars such as acne or chicken pox (like me) this procedure will dramatically reduce them or rid them completely.

Was it worth it? – For me, YES. Micro needling is currently one of the most popular procedures of 2016 because it isn’t invasive and it’s a great alternative to injectables. Personally, my skin feels great and my complexion seems to be more even now. Yes, my melasma is still there but my situation is definitely different than most and I will definitely need more than one treatment. On a good note, I have had quite a few people complement on my skin and how smooth it looks now!

Plasma Facials aren’t geared towards a specific age but I would say if you have concerns about spots on your face, scars, freckles, wrinkles, etc. give this a try!

If you’re not a fan of needles, fear not, this procedure was not bad at all. I was done in about 1.5 hours. I can’t tell you how much I hate needles (check out the video and you can see me freaking out) but this was nothing. They used a tiny butterfly needle to take my blood and in about 20 seconds, they were done. I was a little nervous about the micro needling pen, as I had never had anything like this done before so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

HUGE thank you to Amy Rankin for taking some BTS shots plus shooting and editing this amazing video!

35 Comments

  1. October 31, 2016 / 2:27 pm

    So cool to see difference! I’ve had micro neddling… Feel like I need to try this!

  2. Anna
    October 31, 2016 / 2:50 pm

    This sounds amazing! I’d love to try this sometime. I am nkt getting younger so I need all the help I can get! Thanks for sharing your experience!
    XO,
    Anna
    http://www.blushingrosestyle.com

  3. October 31, 2016 / 3:34 pm

    When I first heard about this technique I thought, “omg so creepy!” Lol so I’m right there with you! They have centers by me that do it too so if I get the courage I may check it out!

    Xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

  4. rachel moore
    October 31, 2016 / 6:54 pm

    yikes!!! what a good halloween post. you gave so many details of things i always wondered about when i had seen these advertised. you’re so brave! and you have gorgeous skin. thanks for sharing. i might take the plunge.
    rachel
    http://www.pinterestingplans.com

  5. October 31, 2016 / 9:22 pm

    That’s so cool! I had never even heard of this but am so into facials so I will have to check it out!

  6. Diane Flynn
    October 31, 2016 / 11:53 pm

    Wow. Ashley, you’re the bomb.

  7. November 1, 2016 / 1:23 am

    Oh my gosh this gives me goosebumps! But i have hyper pigmentation too and should probably look into this… I’ve done something called E-matrix before (something like that) that hurt like CRAZY and the aftermath for me was like that, too… but this looks so good!
    xx
    Lauren

  8. Shelby Back
    November 1, 2016 / 1:24 am

    I’m always open to trying new things when it comes to my skin! I am super intrigued by this! Your skin looks amazing!

    xo!
    Shelby
    http://www.glitterandgingham.com

  9. Anna Cobbs
    November 1, 2016 / 6:24 pm

    I’ve had this done, too and LOVE it!!!! It made a big difference for me!!

    xx – anna
    fleurdille.com

  10. November 1, 2016 / 7:10 pm

    Wow brave girl! I think it is the sight of blood that gets me, but you look great!

  11. November 2, 2016 / 11:26 am

    omg this is so cool! I am always looking for new ways to invigorate some life and youth into my skin!

  12. November 2, 2016 / 5:05 pm

    This is so creepy and awesome at the same time. I’ve never really been a big fan of facial but have always taken care of my skin at home. I’m with you on the cost of facials but if they work, I’ll for them. I need to find a place near me to see if they do this. I’m so intrigued.

  13. Nataly
    November 3, 2016 / 12:26 am

    This sounds really weird, but I would being willing to give it a try!

  14. November 3, 2016 / 12:43 am

    I am TERRIFIED of all things blood, needles, and veins (I pass out every time I go to the doctor) but I am beyond intrigued by this!!! I have a few uneven skin spots on my fair skinned face and I would love to try this!

    • November 3, 2016 / 12:44 am

      It’s honestly not THAT bad. I hate needles too but I have tolerated tattoos and this wasn’t even near as bad as that. The worst part was getting my blood taken because that grosses me out! ha!

  15. November 4, 2016 / 2:40 pm

    I’ve heard about this procedure but never really looked into it. It was so neat to learn more about the process and your experience!

    By Lauren M

  16. November 4, 2016 / 2:54 pm

    I know you said it’s not but it’s sounds really painful!! I’m glad you liked it though 🙂 I don’t know if I would have the guts to try it lol

  17. November 5, 2016 / 4:12 pm

    You are brave LOL I am scared of needles and used to pass out in the doctors office haha! I wish I could do it because it sounds like it was awesome for you! You are such a natural beauty babe! Thanks for sharing! XX, Donna

  18. November 5, 2016 / 5:04 pm

    this was such a great post to read because i have wanted to try this for so long!

  19. November 5, 2016 / 7:06 pm

    I’ve never even had a facial before, but this seems so cool! Maybe I’ll start out withsomething less scary-sounding though!

  20. Maggie
    November 6, 2016 / 4:26 pm

    I’ve heard good things about this but have been too scared to try!! I love this post and how you shared your experience 🙂

    http://www.maggiealamode.com

  21. November 7, 2016 / 12:33 am

    Oh dang girl!! YOu’re so brave!!! Love this post <3

  22. November 7, 2016 / 2:20 pm

    When I first heard about this I thought people were crazy – but I’m actually kind of into it now!! Would love to try it some time

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

  23. November 10, 2016 / 2:52 pm

    I don’t know if I am more intrigued and wanting to try it or more grossed out. I stink with needles, but this sounds so cool!
    http://beyondblessedblog.com/

  24. November 10, 2016 / 4:58 pm

    Whoa, this sounds amazing! Might have to look into doing this.

  25. November 10, 2016 / 10:11 pm

    Girl this is so amazing! I’ve been meaning to try one of these and now I feel so much more prepared 🙂

  26. November 10, 2016 / 10:51 pm

    I’ve really wanted to try this as I have severe scarring that could use new collagen! I can’t do laser surgery because I’m allergic to a lot of pain killers so this would be so awesome!

    Thank you for sharing

    xo Mariam
    http://www.thepetitebijou.com

  27. November 22, 2016 / 6:22 pm

    I am a huge skincare girl and I get all sorts of facials done but I just haven’t had the guts to go for this one. Do you have a photo of how your face looked like a week later? You looked beautiful before the facial too btw! Thx for sharing!

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