Vampire facelift: Non-invasive procedure uses blood and plasma to remove wrinkles

CLEVELAND - Thanks to vampire-themed entertainment products like "The Vampire Diaries," "True Blood" and "Twilight," vampires have become a popular marketing tool for everything from clothes to candy to cosmetics.

One of the latest trends is a trademarked cosmetic procedure called the "vampire facelift." It's not surprising your blood is involved. It's taken from your arm separated and injected back into your face.

"It was number two on my bucket list.  When I turned seventy, I wanted to do something for myself," said Corrine Barile, who got the procedure.

Dr. Kevin Aister said vampire facelifts are easy.

"You're in and out in 30 minutes. It's relatively pain free, just a pinch of pain when the needle pricks the skin and there is only slight bruising," explained Dr. Aister.

Technically, it's not a facelift at all. It's a designer cosmetic procedure that combines injectable hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, with what many call a "natural' fountain of youth" -- components of your own blood.

Vials of blood are placed in a machine called a centrifuge and spun at high speed. The centrifuge separates red blood cells from plasma -- a golden yellow liquid known as PRP. PRP, platelet rich plasma, is the part of your blood that helps stop bleeding and heal wounds.

PRP is FDA approved for use in orthopedic surgery, but more and more it's being used for non-surgical procedures. Many people, including professional and weekend athletes, get PRP injections to help heal and repair tennis elbow, tendonitis, and arthritis.

And now, PRP is being used cosmetically to help fight the visible signs of aging. The rationale? Injectable fillers give initial volume. PRP stimulates cell growth for more youthful, longer lasting results.

Barile admitted it's fitting she got the "vampire facelift."

"I was born on Halloween and it made perfect sense for me to get the procedure," noted Barile.

But not all plastic surgeons are sold on the procedure. The most common argument: there are no long-term clinical studies to scientifically prove the claims. The injections cost somewhere in the range of $1,100 to $1,500 per injection, which is much cheaper than a facelift.

If you would like more information about vampire facelifts, you can go to http://vampirefacelift.com