What is a vampire facial, what does it cost in London, and what results can I expect?
A vampire facial is PRP microneedling. A doctor draws a small amount of your blood, concentrates the platelets, and works the platelet-rich plasma into the skin through fine microneedling channels. The growth factors support collagen renewal, improving texture, scarring and fine lines over three months. The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers doctor-led PRP facials from £395.
Key points
A vampire facial combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood.
A 2022 meta-analysis of 472 patients in Frontiers in Medicine found microneedling with PRP nearly tripled the odds of a strong improvement in acne scarring compared with microneedling alone.
Most patients need three sessions around four to six weeks apart, with results building over three to six months.
Expect one to three days of redness, similar to mild sunburn.
The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers doctor-led PRP facials from £395 and under-eye PRP from £495.
What is a vampire facial?
A vampire facial is the popular name for a PRP microneedling facial. The treatment uses platelet-rich plasma, a concentrate of platelets and growth factors separated from a patient's own blood in a centrifuge. A doctor applies the plasma to the skin and uses a microneedling device to create thousands of tiny channels, which carry the plasma into the dermis.
The name entered popular culture after celebrity social media posts in the 2010s, and "vampire facial" remains the most searched term for the treatment. Clinically, the more accurate description is PRP microneedling or a PRP facial. Some clinics also inject PRP directly into specific areas, such as the under-eye region, as a separate treatment.
How does a PRP facial work?
A PRP facial works by combining two regenerative signals. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger the skin's natural repair response and new collagen production. Platelet-rich plasma then adds concentrated growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, which support that repair.
The result is gradual remodelling rather than instant change. Collagen takes weeks to form and months to mature. A bibliometric analysis published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in August 2026 mapped the expanding global research into PRP for skin ageing, reflecting how central regenerative treatments have become in aesthetic medicine.
Ask our doctors about a PRP facial on WhatsApp and share a photograph of the area you would like to improve.
Does a vampire facial actually work?
A vampire facial has its strongest evidence for acne scarring and skin texture. A 2022 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Medicine pooled 14 controlled studies and 472 patients. Microneedling with PRP produced almost three times the odds of more than 50% improvement in acne scarring compared with microneedling alone, with no increase in significant side effects.
A 2024 systematic review of PRP in aesthetic dermatology found promising outcomes for skin rejuvenation and high patient satisfaction, while noting that preparation methods vary between studies. That variation is the reason a doctor-led protocol, with a consistent preparation system, matters for predictable results.
What can a PRP facial improve?
Acne scarring, particularly rolling and boxcar scars.
Skin texture, enlarged pores and dullness.
Fine lines on the cheeks, forehead and around the eyes.
Mild laxity and crepey skin in the early stages.
Overall radiance and tone.
A PRP facial does not replace volume or lift heavy laxity. Patients with significant volume loss often combine PRP with collagen-stimulating treatments, which our doctors can plan at consultation.
How many vampire facial sessions do I need?
Most patients need three vampire facial sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for the best result. Acne scarring sometimes benefits from a fourth session. After the initial course, a maintenance session every 6 to 12 months helps preserve collagen gains.
Results build over time. Skin often looks brighter within two weeks. Texture and scarring improve progressively from around six weeks, and the fullest result is seen three to six months after the final session.
Plan your PRP facial course on WhatsApp around your diary and events.
What is the downtime after a vampire facial?
Downtime after a vampire facial is short. Expect redness similar to mild sunburn for 24 to 72 hours, with some tightness and light swelling. Fine flaking can follow between days three and seven as the skin renews. Most patients return to work the next day and wear make-up after 24 to 48 hours.
Aftercare is simple and important.
Avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
Skip active skincare, such as retinoids and acids, for five to seven days.
Avoid saunas, swimming and intense exercise for 48 hours.
Keep the skin clean and moisturised with gentle products.
How much does a vampire facial cost in London?
A vampire facial is a significant investment at leading clinics worldwide. A 2026 cost guide from Thervo put PRP facials at $500 to $1,500 per session in the United States, and $1,500 to $4,500 for a three-session course. The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers doctor-led PRP facials from £395 and under-eye PRP from £495.
Price should be weighed alongside safety. PRP facials involve handling blood and breaking the skin barrier, so sterile technique and a medical setting are essential. Read our guide to whether a vampire facial is safe and how to choose a clinic before booking anywhere.
Book your free suitability review on WhatsApp to receive a personalised plan and price.
Who is a good candidate for a vampire facial?
Good candidates for a vampire facial are adults with acne scarring, uneven texture or early signs of ageing who want gradual, natural-looking change. PRP is prepared from the patient's own blood, so allergic reactions to the plasma are very rare.
A doctor will advise against treatment, or postpone it, in some situations. These include active acne or skin infection in the treatment area, certain blood and platelet disorders, pregnancy, and some medicines that affect clotting. The consultation covers these questions before any blood is drawn.
"Most patients want their skin to look like theirs, only healthier," says [Doctor name], lead PRP doctor at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness. "PRP suits that goal well, because it works with the skin's own repair rather than adding anything artificial." [Quote to be approved by the reviewing doctor before publication.]
How does the free suitability review work?
The free suitability review is a doctor's honest opinion before you commit. Send a short message and two or three clear photographs of your skin in daylight through WhatsApp. A GMC-registered doctor reviews them and either approves you for a consultation or recommends a better-suited option.
Start your free review now, call +44 20 3951 3429, or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.
Frequently asked questions
Does a vampire facial hurt?
A vampire facial is performed after a numbing cream has been applied for around 30 to 45 minutes. Most patients feel light pressure and a mild prickling sensation during microneedling.
How long do vampire facial results last?
Vampire facial results typically last 12 to 18 months after a full course, because the new collagen remains in the skin. Maintenance every 6 to 12 months preserves the effect.
Is a PRP facial the same as a vampire facelift?
A PRP facial and a vampire facelift are different treatments. A PRP facial uses microneedling to deliver plasma into the skin surface layers. A vampire facelift combines PRP injections with dermal filler to restore volume.
How much is a PRP facial at The London PRP Clinic?
The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers doctor-led PRP facials from £395 and under-eye PRP from £495, at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London W1H 6AZ.
Related reading
Is a vampire facial safe, and how to choose a PRP clinic in London
PRP hair treatment cost in London in 2026
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