Vampires have invaded plastic surgery. Apparently the latest trend in plastic surgery is to take your blood and inject some of its components into the face to fill areas devoid of volume and to improve the quality of the skin. This technology is named Selphyl and some ’cosmetic’ doctor in Alaska has actually trademarked the name Vampire Lift. The ‘stem cells’ found in the blood products are now purported to reverse wrinkles and restore elasticity to skin. Interestingly, this is not a new concept. In the early 1990’s a local surgeon harvested blood platelets and used chemicals emitted by these cells to speed wound healing. Many attributes have been assigned to platelet derived chemicals in the past. The latest assertion apparently is the fountain of youth.
No Data
Today the Vampire Lift profiteers are making their way around the talk show circuit including Rachel Ray and The Doctors. It is attractive to think of using a self-derived product to improve the appearance of your face. Currently we do use fat transfers to augment volume to the face and other areas of the body. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no verifiable data to support objective improvement in skin quality or facial appearance improvement by injecting blood or blood products into the face. To muddy the waters further, unscrupulous claims that this technology is FDA approved are patently false.
Prudent and Cautious
Remember, if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Be a cautious consumer and a prudent patient. Remember that the beauty industry is full of people wanting to promise what they cannot deliver. People who are not Plastic Surgeon seek to name themselves experts in a field in which they have no training. They are willing to promise what we want to be possible, when in fact the ostensible results are just not likely. Does Threadlift, Lipodissolve or Endermology ring any bells?
Fountain of Youth
The beauty industry will continue to look for the fountain of youth, but before you buy it make sure it is substantiated. In the meantime, take a pass on the Vampire Lift.
