Valerie Bertinelli has recently shared her skin that got red and irritated after undergoing her second vampire facial.
The 61-year-old actress took to her Instagram Story and wrote, “It’s a little redder than last time. It feels like a really, really bad sunburn.”
Taking a lighthearted outlook on her situation, Bertinelli said, “What’s the old joke: ‘Does your face hurt, ’cause it’s killing me.’ Ohhh vanity.”
Bertinelli’s red and irritated skin is one of the potential side effects of vampire facial, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). However, these side effects subside within a few days.
What is a vampire facial?
Also known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a vampire facial is a procedure in which small amounts of your own blood are injected into the skin of your face.
Dr. Bruce Katz, a New York City-based dermatologist, previously told Health, “[The PRP] stimulates collagen, new blood supply and vessels, and even hair follicles.”
The AAD says, “While PRP may sound like something straight out of a science fiction novel, some patients find that PRP can reduce wrinkles, plump up sagging skin, get rid of deep creases, improve one’s complexion, [and] diminish acne scars.”
The academy also says that not everyone will see the results of a vampire facial, but skin changes could be seen within a few weeks to months. Typically, it takes three sessions of the PRP therapy to see those results, which can last as long as 18 months.
Mild pain, bruising, swelling, and redness are common side effects, but there are more serious risks, such as an infection. The AAD says, “It’s essential that the blood removed from your body be kept sterile. Otherwise, you could develop an infection.”
The PRP therapy, which may cost between $700 and $1500 per injection, is also considered safe and effective for people with alopecia. Patients have reported a 30% increase in their hair growth after undergoing the therapy, but results may vary.
