The vampire facial combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) drawn from your own blood. Because the PRP is autologous, taken from your own body, there is no rejection risk. At Bar Beauty Medical we draw a small vial of blood, spin it in a clinical centrifuge to separate the platelets, then apply that platelet concentrate during and after a microneedling pass. A session takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The most common side effect is redness for 24 to 48 hours, with possible mild bruising at the blood-draw site. For current pricing, see our price list.
What a vampire facial actually is
A vampire facial is microneedling followed by the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) drawn from your own blood. The microneedles create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, and PRP, a concentrate of your own growth factors, is worked into those channels. The result is faster healing, stronger collagen rebuild, and skin that looks smoother and more even in tone over the weeks that follow. The name was popularised by a celebrity photo in 2013, but the treatment itself is a regulated medical procedure with a real evidence base. It is worth being honest that the published evidence for PRP in skin is still developing, which is exactly why we set realistic expectations before you book.
How the treatment works
Two things happen together. Microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the epidermis and superficial dermis, typically 0.5 to 2.5 mm deep. PRP, harvested from a small blood draw, concentrates your platelets several times above baseline, and those platelets release growth factors (PDGF, TGF-beta, VEGF, EGF) that kick off the skin’s natural repair process. The combination supports collagen production and improves texture and tone over roughly 8 to 16 weeks. Understanding the mechanism matters, because it tells you what the treatment can and cannot do, and we walk every client through it in plain language before discussing anything else.
The process at Bar Beauty Medical
We draw a small vial of your blood and spin it in the centrifuge to isolate the PRP layer, then numb your face for about 30 minutes with topical lidocaine. Microneedling depth is set to your concern: shallower (around 0.5 mm) for tone, deeper (1.5 to 2.5 mm) for acne scars or heavier texture work. PRP is applied during and after the pass. The full appointment usually runs 60 to 90 minutes. The blood draw and PRP preparation are done with sterile, single-use, closed collection kits, which is the standard that keeps the procedure safe.
Who it is for
A vampire facial suits anyone with dull tone, mild fine lines, mild texture, early laxity, or under-eye crepe who wants a skin-quality improvement rather than added volume. It is a strong option for acne scarring (boxcar, rolling, and ice-pick), early sun damage, and anyone who prefers to use their own biology rather than synthetic ingredients. Because the PRP is autologous, allergic reactions are essentially impossible, and all skin tones are welcome with the depth adjusted appropriately.
Who is not a candidate
We treat with caution
Anyone on blood thinners (with physician clearance first), anyone with very thin or easily bruised skin (cannula technique and pre-treatment arnica help), and anyone with very deep skin tones, where we use shallower depths to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation.
We will decline or refer
Active bleeding disorders, low platelet counts, active cancer, pregnancy, an active infection in the treatment area, or isotretinoin use within the past six months. If we decline to treat you, we will explain why and point you toward a more appropriate option. A clinic that treats everyone is not screening properly.
Is the vampire facial safe?
The main safety question with any PRP treatment is the blood itself. Because the procedure involves drawing and reapplying your own blood, it must be done with sterile, single-use, closed kits and a clinical-grade centrifuge, in a properly cleaned medical setting. Done that way, the risk is very low, and the worst publicised incidents have come from unlicensed settings that reused equipment. At Bar Beauty Medical the draw and preparation follow medical protocol with single-use closed kits, and our staff are trained to manage any reaction. The PRP is your own, so there is no rejection or allergy risk to the plasma itself. Expected effects are redness for a day or two and the chance of minor bruising.
Vampire facial versus microneedling, exosomes, and PDRN
Microneedling on its own is genuinely effective. Adding PRP accelerates healing and amplifies the collagen response, which is especially useful for scar work. Exosomes are a newer alternative using donor-derived signalling molecules that can work faster than PRP but cost more. PDRN, made from purified salmon DNA fragments, is a different molecule with strong anti-inflammatory effects. None of these is the single right answer for everyone, and we help you choose at consultation based on your concern, skin type, and goals.
Recovery, day by day
Your result is shaped almost as much by the first 72 hours as by the treatment itself.
- Hours 0 to 24: leave the PRP residue on the skin overnight, then cleanse gently in the morning. Expect pinkness.
- Day 1 to 2: mineral SPF outdoors, with mineral makeup from about hour 48.
- Day 3 to 5: mild flaking is normal as the surface turns over, resume a gentle moisturiser.
- Day 5 to 7: regular makeup is fine, and hold off on retinoids for one more day.
- Week 2: a visible glow and some early textural improvement.
- Week 8 to 12: peak collagen response, and usually the timing of your next session in a series.
Most people book three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for full scar work, or single sessions for maintenance. If anything in this timeline does not match what you experience, call us, as small aftercare issues are easily corrected if we hear about them early.
How a vampire facial compares to other skin treatments
The PRP-microneedling category overlaps with several other skin-quality treatments. Here is how they line up.
| Treatment | Best for | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Vampire facial (microneedling + PRP) | Tone, texture, mild scarring, skin quality | 1 to 3 days pinkness |
| Standard microneedling (no PRP) | Tone, texture, mild scarring | 1 to 2 days pinkness |
| Microneedling + exosomes | Texture, healing acceleration | 1 to 3 days |
| Hydrabrasion | Hydration, pore appearance | Same-day makeup OK |
| Aerolase Neo facial | Inflammation, pigment, oil | 0 days |
No single line here is right for everyone. A consultation lets us match your concern, skin type, downtime tolerance, and goals to the right option or combination.
Combining a vampire facial with other treatments
Most people see better results from a thoughtful combination than from one treatment pushed to its maximum. The most common pairings are:
- Vampire facial with filler (on separate visits): skin quality from PRP, volume from filler, sequenced so each does its job.
- Vampire facial with Aerolase: PRP for repair, Aerolase for pigment and inflammation, layered carefully.
- Vampire facial with subcision for acne scars: release tethered scars first, then layer PRP microneedling for surface remodelling.
Sequencing matters. The wrong order can stack up bruising and downtime; the right order respects healing biology. We map this on your first visit so each session fits a larger plan rather than being a one-off.
Red flags, when to walk out of the consult
Knowing when not to book is the fastest way to avoid a bad outcome. If any of the following happens, leave and find another clinic.
- PRP prepared without a centrifuge you can see: if there is no visible spin step, you are not getting platelet-rich plasma.
- No sealed, single-use, closed collection kit: closed systems exist for safety, and open processing carries an infection risk.
- A promise of filler-like volume: PRP improves skin quality, it does not replace dermal filler for true volume loss.
- Same-day makeup recommended: applying makeup over fresh microchannels is poor practice.
A clinic worth your trust will write down what they recommended, what they did not, and the depth and products used. If you cannot get that in writing, you cannot meaningfully compare clinics or escalate care if something goes wrong.
Pre-treatment, the 14-day runway
What you do in the two weeks before your appointment has an outsized effect on comfort, downtime, and final result.
Days 14 to 8
Continue your normal routine unless told otherwise, step up to a daily mineral SPF, hydrate well, and do not introduce any brand-new product.
Days 7 to 3
Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids unless instructed otherwise, avoid waxing or threading in the area, and limit alcohol. If you bruise easily, start oral arnica and bromelain, and stop fish oil, vitamin E, ibuprofen, and aspirin only if your physician clears it.
Days 2 to 0
Eat a full meal within two hours of your appointment to reduce the chance of feeling faint, arrive with clean makeup-free skin, and hydrate again before you come in.
Tracking your own progress with photos
One of the most useful and most overlooked tools is consistent at-home photography. People who photograph themselves weekly tend to be far happier with their results, because they can see the change rather than rely on memory.
Lighting matters more than the camera
Use the same north-facing window or overhead light, at the same time of day, every time. Avoid mixed light, which casts shadows that mimic or hide pigment and texture. A phone camera is fine.
Standardise three angles
Front, left 45 degrees, and right 45 degrees, with hair back, no makeup, and a neutral expression. A piece of tape on the floor to mark your feet keeps the framing consistent.
Photograph weekly, not daily
Daily photos magnify normal fluctuations from sleep and hydration. A weekly photo on the same day reveals the real trend. Bring the series to your follow-up and we will review it together.
Paying for treatment in Ontario
A vampire facial is, in almost all cases, a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by OHIP. There are still a few legitimate ways to manage the cost.
Health spending accounts (HSA)
If your employer or your own corporation offers an HSA, medically indicated components may be reimbursable, while cosmetic-only treatments generally are not. We provide itemized receipts coded for HSA submission on request.
Medical expense tax credit
The federal Medical Expense Tax Credit generally excludes purely cosmetic procedures, but consultation fees, prescription topicals, and any procedure with a documented medical reason may qualify. Keep itemized receipts and check with your accountant.
Affirm financing
For larger treatment plans, Affirm financing is available so you can split the cost into monthly payments. Checking your rate is a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score.
Service area across the GTA
Our clinic is at 46 Fort York Blvd in CityPlace, Toronto, and we treat clients commuting in from across the Greater Toronto Area, including North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Oakville. If you are travelling more than 30 minutes, ask us about a combination booking that consolidates consultation, treatment, and a follow-up into a single visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a vampire facial?
It is microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma drawn from your own blood. The microneedling creates microchannels in the skin and the PRP, full of your own growth factors, is worked into them to support collagen and improve tone and texture.
Does it hurt?
We numb the skin for about 30 minutes first, which makes it very tolerable. Most people rate it 3 to 5 out of 10.
How much blood is drawn?
Usually a small vial, on the order of 10 to 30 mL depending on the area treated and the protocol.
How many sessions do I need?
Three to four sessions at four to six week intervals suit most concerns, with single sessions for maintenance.
How long do results last?
The initial result typically holds around 9 to 18 months with periodic maintenance, since the treatment supports your own collagen over time.
Is there downtime?
Pinkness for 24 to 48 hours and mild flaking for a few days. Mineral makeup at about 48 hours, regular makeup at 72 hours.
Is a vampire facial safe?
Yes, when it is done in a medical setting with sterile single-use closed kits and a clinical centrifuge. Because the PRP is your own blood there is no rejection risk, and the publicised problems have come from unlicensed settings reusing equipment.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
No. We defer the treatment until after delivery.
Can I combine it with Botox or filler?
Yes, with the right sequencing, usually Botox first, then PRP, then filler later if needed.
How is it different from microneedling alone?
Microneedling alone gives a mechanical, wound-healing stimulus. Adding PRP layers growth factors on top for a somewhat stronger response, especially for tone and texture.
Will it replace filler?
No. For volume loss, filler is the right tool. For skin quality, PRP often does more.
How much does a vampire facial cost?
It depends on the number of sessions and whether it is combined with other treatments. We publish current pricing on our price list, and your consultation is complimentary.
Why clients across Toronto choose Bar Beauty Medical
We are a nurse-led, physician-supervised clinic at 46 Fort York Blvd in CityPlace. Every vampire facial is performed by qualified medical staff, with the blood draw and PRP prepared to medical standard. Bar Beauty Medical has cared for clients since 2018, and our work is reflected in 222 reviews. Care is provided by Master Injector Shahram Mafazi, Registered Nurse Jasmine Saggu, and Glow Specialist Julia Barabas, under the medical direction of Dr John David Henneberry-Fudge, MD. We are honest about what works for your specific case and we will not sell you a package you do not need.
Book your consultation
Every vampire facial begins with a complimentary 30 to 45 minute consultation, including photography, a skin assessment, and a written plan. There is no obligation to book on the day. Call or text 416-923-1200, message us on WhatsApp, or use the contact page. For current pricing, see our price list. Our clinic is at 46 Fort York Blvd, Toronto.
Related at Bar Beauty: PRP Facial Toronto 2026, Cost, Vampire Facial Recovery & Patient Results.