Growing interest in 'vampire facelift'

Miami anti-aging specialist uses patients' own stem cells

American spending on cosmetic procedures jumped 12 percent last year to its highest level since 2008. Drawing interest among many is a non-surgical treatment using your body's own stem cells that's called the "vampire facelift."

"It made perfect sense to me, understanding what platelet-rich plasma does," said Dr. Lisbeth Roy, an anti-aging specialist in Miami.

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Roy starts by drawing the patient's own blood, and then spins it down to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma or PRP.  Roy combines it with a variety of fillers to create both volume and skin rejuvenation.

"It's almost like planting a garden and adding fertilizer. PRP is like the fertilizer," said Roy.

Patient Susan Compton was intrigued.

"I have had some injections in the past that were nice, and I was pleased with the results, but it was just never everything I wanted it to be," explained Compton.

The results of this filler are immediate, but the benefits of PRP come gradually over time.

Roy explained, "In about two weeks, the patient looks in the mirror and says, 'Wow,' and people are asking them, 'What did you do? You look so great, what did you do?'"

Compton is more than happy with the results.

"I was expecting to have less wrinkles and plumper cheeks, but the quality of my skin is incredible," she said.

Even with numbing, Compton said the process was uncomfortable, however, she said she wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

"I'm thrilled; it's exceeded my expectations," she said.

As for the cost, Roy charges $2,000 for the "vampire facelift," which includes both PRP and any injectable fillers the patient might need. Roy said the results can last up to a year.

Side effects from the procedure are similar to any treatment involving injections, including bruising, redness, itching and swelling, which Roy said typically resolve in a few days.