The Vampire Facelift and the Vampire Facial are often used interchangeably. They are not the same procedure. The confusion is understandable given the dramatic branding, but the two are actually meaningfully different treatments with different mechanisms, different results, and different ideal candidates. Understanding the distinction helps women considering aesthetic care in Miami make a better decision about which one, if either, fits their goals.
This guide covers what the Vampire Facelift actually is, how it differs from the Vampire Facial (PRP facial), when each is the right choice, cost, and what to expect. For our companion resource specifically on the PRP facial, see our PRP facial and vampire facial guide.
What Is the Vampire Facelift?
The Vampire Facelift is a trademarked aesthetic procedure developed by Dr. Charles Runels that combines two components: hyaluronic acid dermal filler for immediate facial volume restoration and platelet rich plasma (PRP) for gradual tissue regeneration. Together these two components create both instant visible improvement and continued long term skin quality benefits.
The name is dramatic but the procedure is legitimate aesthetic medicine. It is performed by trained physicians and nurse practitioners in licensed medical settings. The “vampire” nickname comes from the use of the patient’s own blood for the PRP component.
The Vampire Facelift specifically refers to the combined filler plus PRP approach. This is different from a standalone PRP facial (Vampire Facial) which uses PRP with microneedling but does not include hyaluronic acid filler for volume restoration.
The Vampire Facelift is filler plus PRP for combined volume and regeneration. The Vampire Facial is PRP plus microneedling for skin quality without added volume. Two different procedures with the same brand family.
How Does the Vampire Facelift Differ from the Vampire Facial?
Vampire Facelift (Filler + PRP)
Combines hyaluronic acid dermal filler with PRP. Filler restores immediate volume to specific facial zones (cheeks, temples, midface, under eyes). PRP is delivered to surrounding tissue for skin quality and regeneration. Provides both instant visible lift and gradual improvement in tissue quality. Higher cost than either component alone.
Vampire Facial / PRP Facial (Microneedling + PRP)
Uses microneedling to create tiny channels in the skin, then applies PRP topically or by micro injection. No hyaluronic acid filler included. Focuses on skin texture, tone, fine lines, and quality rather than volume restoration. Lower cost per session but typically requires multiple sessions. Our detailed page on this specific procedure is at the PRP facial guide.
Key Practical Differences
Volume restoration: Vampire Facelift restores volume immediately. Vampire Facial does not restore volume, only improves skin quality. Downtime: Similar for both (24 to 48 hours mild redness). Number of sessions: Vampire Facelift often single session; Vampire Facial typically series of 3. Longevity of results: Filler component lasts 12 to 18 months; PRP regeneration continues beyond that. Cost per session: Vampire Facelift meaningfully higher due to filler included.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Vampire Facelift?
The ideal Vampire Facelift candidate has both volume loss and skin quality concerns. Common candidates include:
- Women in their 30s to 50s noticing early to moderate facial aging
- Volume loss in cheeks, temples, or midface that has aged their appearance
- Wanting both immediate visible improvement and long term skin regeneration
- Post weight loss patients dealing with facial volume loss (see our Ozempic face and body aesthetic guide for related content)
- Preference for regenerative approaches using own body materials alongside filler
- Realistic expectations about combined results
- Interest in avoiding surgical facelift for the time being
- Wanting a coordinated single session approach rather than multiple different treatments
Not every woman with facial aging needs the Vampire Facelift specifically. Some are better served by filler alone, some by PRP alone, some by laser resurfacing, some by combined approaches involving different technologies.
How Is the Procedure Actually Performed?
Consultation and Planning
The provider assesses facial anatomy, identifies areas of volume loss, and plans specific injection sites for both filler and PRP. Photos are typically taken. Discussion of realistic expected results.
Blood Draw and PRP Processing
Small volume of blood (typically 10 to 30 ml) drawn from the arm. Blood processed in centrifuge to separate the platelet rich plasma from other components. Processing takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Topical Numbing
Topical numbing cream applied 30 to 45 minutes before injections. Provides significant comfort during the procedure though some sensation remains.
Filler Injection
Hyaluronic acid filler (typically Restylane, Juvederm, or similar) injected into specific facial zones based on the assessment. This provides immediate volume restoration and lift.
PRP Injection
PRP then injected into the skin around the treatment areas to stimulate collagen production and improve tissue quality. Some providers also use microneedling in conjunction to enhance PRP absorption.
Immediate Aftermath
Mild redness, some swelling, occasional pinpoint bruising. Volume improvement visible immediately. Some redness and swelling for 24 to 48 hours. Full evaluation of result at 2 weeks after any residual swelling resolves.
What Results Should You Expect and When?
The Vampire Facelift produces results in two phases.
Immediate Filler Results
Volume restoration is visible immediately after treatment. This includes lifting of the midface, restoration of cheek fullness, temple filling, and reduction of nasolabial folds. Some initial appearance may show slight swelling that resolves over 1 to 2 weeks to reveal the final volume result.
Gradual PRP Results
PRP effects build over 3 to 6 months as new collagen forms in the treated tissue. This produces improvements in skin texture, tone, fine lines, and overall quality. These changes are subtle at first and become more visible over months.
Combined Effect
The combination produces both the immediate satisfaction of visible improvement and the long term benefits of tissue regeneration. Most patients see meaningful visible change by the 2 week evaluation and continued refinement over the following 3 to 6 months.
Duration of Results
Filler component typically lasts 12 to 18 months depending on the specific filler used and area treated. PRP regenerative effects persist longer as the new collagen and improved tissue quality endure. Maintenance treatments extend the benefit indefinitely.
The dual timeline of results is one of the strengths of the Vampire Facelift. Patients get immediate visible improvement from the filler component while the PRP works in the background to improve underlying tissue quality.
What Should You Expect from Recovery?
Recovery is minimal compared to more aggressive aesthetic treatments.
- Immediate: mild redness, some swelling, occasional pinpoint bruising at injection sites
- Day 1: continued mild swelling, sometimes tenderness at injection sites
- Days 2 to 3: swelling and any bruising continue to improve
- Days 5 to 7: most patients look fully recovered
- Week 2: initial filler swelling fully resolved, true volume result visible
- Months 2 to 6: PRP effects continue building for progressive tissue improvement
- Return to normal activities: typically immediate or within 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise: 24 to 48 hours
- Avoid heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga): 3 to 5 days
How Much Does the Vampire Facelift Cost in Miami?
Typical Miami metro pricing in 2026:
- Single session Vampire Facelift: 1,500 to 3,500 dollars
- Filler component alone (equivalent): 600 to 1,500 dollars per syringe
- PRP component alone (equivalent): 600 to 1,200 dollars per session
- Package pricing for combined maintenance: often includes ongoing PRP sessions
- Comparison: standalone Vampire Facial (PRP with microneedling) 600 to 1,200 per session
- Long term cost: filler needs replacement every 12 to 18 months; PRP maintenance every 6 to 12 months
Miami tends to run in the middle of major US metro pricing. Practices offering integrated aesthetic services alongside cosmetic gynecology, like our full range of in office procedures, typically bring more coordinated care options
When Is the Vampire Facelift Not the Right Choice?
The Vampire Facelift is a specific tool for specific concerns. Situations where it is not ideal include:
- Very significant facial sagging where surgical facelift would produce better results
- Concerns limited to skin texture or fine lines without volume loss (standalone PRP or laser is more cost effective)
- Patients wanting long lasting results without ongoing maintenance (surgical or fat transfer options may fit better)
- Deep static wrinkles that would benefit more from laser resurfacing (our CO2 laser guide covers this option)
- Very young patients without meaningful volume loss (early prevention is different from restoration)
- Patients with specific medical contraindications to filler or PRP
- Patients wanting more permanent volume solutions (fat transfer may fit better)
What Should You Look for in a Miami Vampire Facelift Provider?
Provider quality varies significantly. Key criteria:
- Board certified physician oversight
- Specific training and experience with the Vampire Facelift procedure
- High quality centrifuge for PRP preparation
- Sterile technique throughout
- Range of hyaluronic acid fillers available (different products for different facial zones)
- Clear discussion of realistic expected results
- Portfolio of before and after photos
- Coordinated care with other aesthetic services when appropriate
- Practices offering combined services like PRP intimate wellness or comprehensive aesthetic care typically bring the coordination that produces best long term results
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Vampire Facelift and a Vampire Facial?
The Vampire Facelift combines hyaluronic acid dermal filler with PRP for both immediate volume restoration and long term tissue regeneration. The Vampire Facial (PRP facial) uses PRP with microneedling for skin quality improvement without filler. Different procedures with different mechanisms and different ideal candidates.
How long do Vampire Facelift results last?
The filler component typically lasts 12 to 18 months depending on the specific filler and area treated. The PRP regenerative effects (improved collagen, better tissue quality) persist longer. Most patients maintain results with periodic maintenance treatments every 12 to 18 months.
Does the Vampire Facelift hurt?
Topical numbing cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before injections. Most patients describe the procedure as tolerable rather than painful. Some sensation remains during injections, particularly in sensitive facial areas. Blood draw is standard and brief.
How much does the Vampire Facelift cost in Miami?
Typical Miami pricing runs 1,500 to 3,500 dollars per session in 2026. Cost depends on how much filler is used, the specific fillers chosen, and the provider’s pricing structure. Multiple filler syringes for extensive treatment add to the cost.
Is the Vampire Facelift better than filler alone?
For patients with both volume loss and skin quality concerns, the combined approach often produces better results than filler alone because the PRP addresses tissue quality that filler cannot. For patients with only volume concerns, filler alone may be more cost effective.
How is the Vampire Facelift different from surgical facelift?
Surgical facelift is a real surgery that addresses significant sagging by removing excess tissue and repositioning underlying structures. The Vampire Facelift is non surgical, uses filler for volume and PRP for regeneration, and does not address significant sagging. Different tools for different degrees of aging concern.
Curious whether a Vampire Facelift fits your aesthetic goals? Book an aesthetic consultation with our team at G-Nouva in Doral, Miami. Call (786) 453-2785 or visit gnouva.com/contact.
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About the Author
The team at G-Nouva in Doral, Miami includes board certified providers offering integrative women’s wellness, cosmetic gynecology, and aesthetic care. Learn more at gnouva.com.
