By Victor Amorim | Amorim Aesthetics Clinic, London
When people first hear the words “blood treatment” in the context of skincare, the reaction is usually the same. A raised eyebrow. A slightly uncertain look. Sometimes a nervous laugh.
It’s understandable. The name doesn’t exactly sell it.
But PRP, PRF, and the Vampire Facial have been quietly building a serious reputation in the aesthetics world for good reason. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re some of the most clinically backed treatments available — and the results, for the right candidates, are genuinely impressive.
The confusion most people have isn’t about whether they work. It’s about what the difference actually is between the three, and which one is worth considering for their specific concerns.
So let’s go through each one properly.
Where It All Starts — Your Own Blood
All three treatments are built on the same foundation. A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm — similar to a standard blood test, nothing more dramatic than that. That blood is then placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speed to separate its components.
What we’re interested in is the plasma — the liquid portion of the blood — and specifically the platelets within it. Platelets are tiny cells that your body uses to heal wounds and repair damaged tissue. They release growth factors that trigger collagen production, accelerate cell renewal, and stimulate the skin to regenerate.
By concentrating these platelets and reintroducing them into the skin or scalp, we’re essentially putting your body’s own healing mechanisms to work in a targeted, controlled way.
That’s the principle behind all three treatments. Where they differ is in how the blood is processed and how it’s delivered.
PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma
PRP has been around the longest of the three and has the most research behind it. The blood is spun in the centrifuge to separate the plasma, which is then collected and injected back into the treatment area using fine needles.
The resulting solution is liquid — it flows easily and can be injected across a wide surface area or into specific points depending on what’s being treated.
What it’s commonly used for:
- Skin rejuvenation across the face
- Improving skin texture, tone, and radiance
- Hair loss and thinning — injected into the scalp to stimulate follicle activity
- Fine lines and early signs of ageing
Results: Gradual improvement over four to six weeks as collagen production is stimulated. Most clients do a course of three sessions for optimal results, with maintenance every six to twelve months.
PRF Platelet-Rich Fibrin
PRF is the next generation of PRP. The processing is slightly different — the blood is spun at a lower speed, which preserves more of the platelets and also retains fibrin, a protein that acts as a natural scaffold in the body.
This matters for two reasons. First, PRF contains a higher concentration of growth factors than standard PRP. Second, the fibrin matrix means those growth factors are released more slowly and over a longer period — rather than a quick burst of activity, you get a sustained, gradual release that continues working in the tissue for days after the treatment.
The consistency of PRF is also slightly thicker than PRP, which makes it particularly effective for areas that need a bit more structure — under the eyes being the most common example.
What it’s commonly used for:
- Under-eye rejuvenation — reducing dark circles, hollowness, and fine lines
- Hair restoration
- Skin quality and texture improvement
- Suitable for more sensitive skin types
Results: Similar timeline to PRP but often with more pronounced and longer-lasting outcomes due to the sustained release of growth factors.
The Vampire Facial — Microneedling + PRP or PRF
The Vampire Facial is probably the most talked-about of the three — largely because of the dramatic name and the fact that it looks fairly intense mid-treatment. If you’ve seen the photos, you’ll know what I mean.
But strip away the visual drama and what you’re left with is actually a very logical combination of two effective treatments.
Microneedling uses a device with fine needles to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries across the surface of the skin. These micro-channels do two things: they trigger the skin’s own wound-healing response, which stimulates collagen and elastin production, and they create pathways that allow topical products — or in this case, PRP or PRF — to penetrate much deeper into the skin than they could on their own.
By applying the plasma immediately after microneedling, you dramatically increase its absorption and effectiveness. The microneedling amplifies the results of the PRP or PRF. The PRP or PRF accelerates the skin’s recovery from the microneedling. The two treatments essentially supercharge each other.
What it’s commonly used for:
- Acne scarring and post-inflammatory marks
- Skin texture and tone
- Sun damage
- Fine lines and general rejuvenation
- Anyone who wants more intensive results than either treatment alone
Results: More noticeable than PRP or PRF alone, particularly for texture-related concerns. Some redness and sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment — more than the injectable options — but nothing that lasts beyond a couple of days for most people.
Side by Side — How They Compare
| PRP | PRF | Vampire Facial | |
| Growth factor concentration | High | Higher | High (boosted by microneedling) |
| Release of growth factors | Immediate | Slow & sustained | Immediate |
| Best for | General rejuvenation, hair | Under-eyes, sensitive skin | Scarring, texture, intensive results |
| Downtime | Minimal | Minimal | 24–48 hrs redness |
| Sessions recommended | Course of 3 | Course of 3 | Course of 3–6 |
So Which One Should You Choose?
Honestly, it depends on your skin concerns and what outcome you’re working towards.
PRP is a strong starting point if you want to improve overall skin quality, tackle early signs of ageing, or address hair thinning. It’s well-researched, effective, and a good introduction to this category of treatment.
PRF makes more sense if your main concerns are the under-eye area — hollowness, dark circles, or fine lines around the eyes — or if you have more sensitive skin. The slower release of growth factors and the slightly richer formulation tend to give better results in those specific areas.
The Vampire Facial is worth considering if your skin has more significant texture concerns — acne scarring, enlarged pores, uneven tone — or if you want a more intensive result than injectable PRP alone would give you. The combination approach simply delivers more in one session.
And for some clients, the best answer is a combination approach across a course of treatment — starting with PRP or PRF injections and layering in the Vampire Facial as part of a wider plan.
This is exactly why a proper consultation matters. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, and the right choice for one person won’t necessarily be the right choice for another.
Are These Treatments Safe?
Because all three treatments use your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is essentially zero. There’s no foreign substance being introduced into your body — just your own plasma, concentrated and redelivered.
Mild redness, swelling, and sensitivity at the treatment site are normal and settle quickly. The Vampire Facial will involve more surface-level redness given the microneedling component, but this resolves within 48 hours for most people.
As with any injectable treatment, it’s important that the person administering it is properly trained and works in a clean, clinical environment. The blood draw, centrifuge process, and injection technique all need to be carried out correctly to get the results and maintain safety.
Ready to Find Out Which is Right for You?
If you’ve been considering any of these treatments and want a proper conversation about which direction makes sense for your skin and your goals, book a consultation at Amorim Aesthetics Clinic.
We’ll look at your skin, talk through your concerns, and put together a plan that’s actually built around you.
📞 +44 7946 570179 📧 info@amorimclinic.co.uk 📍 Fitzrovia, London W1T 4PS
Victor Amorim is the founder and lead practitioner at Amorim Aesthetics Clinic, London. Fully qualified with VTCT Levels 2, 3 and 4, certified in advanced injectables, and fully insured.