Should You Get a Vampire Facial for the Vagina?

Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are becoming more and more popular. The main goal of these procedures is to stay young “down there.” For some women, it is to alleviate symptoms of urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction. A minimally invasive procedure called the vampire facial for the vagina is growing in popularity. What is this procedure, and how is it done? Is it safe?

What is the vampire facial?

The vampire facial is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that includes injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the skin. This procedure is commonly done on the face, but it is growing in popularity because of the advantages seen while injected into the vulva.

How is the vaginal vampire facial performed?

Before the treatment, the blood is drawn from the patient and put through a centrifuge to obtain their own (autologous) platelet-rich plasma. It contains high concentrations of growth factors and proteins. Before the injection, the area is numbed with a topical anesthetic. The PRP can be injected into the vaginal tissues, labia, or clitoris, depending on the problem area and the expectations. The procedure usually takes around 20 minutes.

The growth factors in PRP require around two weeks to start working. Maximum benefits are typically seen in 3–4 months, once the PRP has had time to heal the vaginal tissues. The PRP injection is long-lasting, but not permanent. Usually, women need to repeat this treatment every 18–36 months to upkeep the results.

Why is the vaginal vampire facial popular?

Studies show that approximately 40% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction and up to 50% of women have some degree of urinary incontinence. These issues are more likely to develop because of structural changes to the vulva and the vagina as a result of menopause. Vaginal rejuvenation treatments, such as vampire facials for the vagina, might reverse some of these changes and provide relief from distressing symptoms.

Vaginal PRP treatment benefits

Although scientific proof is limited and more research is required, patients report these benefits after PRP treatments:

What conditions can PRP injections treat?

PRP contains a high concentration of proteins and growth factors that repair damaged cells and increase blood flow, metabolism, and tissue nutrition to the vaginal area, thereby accelerating tissue regeneration. Although the findings are limited, it is believed to improve these conditions:

• Genitourinary syndrome (atrophic vaginitis). During menopause, due to reduced levels of estrogen, the vaginal tissues lose moisture and elasticity, which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, itchiness, painful intercourse, and loss of elasticity in tissues. According to a study, PRP injections significantly improved the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis in postmenopausal women by promoting tissue growth and regeneration.
• Stress urinary incontinence. This condition includes symptoms such as leaking urine during laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercise. After injecting PRP, the ligaments and muscles supporting the urethra are strengthened, which eases urinary incontinence.
• Pelvic organ prolapse. This happens because of the weakened pelvic floor after pregnancy or menopause, being overweight, or old age. PRP injections stimulate collagen production and increase its concentration in the vaginal tissue, which can facilitate the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Lichen sclerosus. This condition affects the vulva, which results in significant scarring and can also lead to genital bleeding, itching, and painful intercourse. Although further research is required, current results show that PRP promotes healing and regeneration of the tissue, and therefore might lead to the cessation of symptoms.
• Female sexual dysfunction. After injecting PRP, the vaginal blood vessels dilate, resulting in improved libido, increased natural lubrication, and an increase in sensitivity of the clitoris, thus allowing a woman to have more intense and frequent orgasms. It is more effective for post-menopausal women.

Additional research is required to support the reported results because the current evidence is lacking. Large, blinded, randomized control studies are necessary to determine the proper effects, indications, and dangers of the procedure.

Contraindications and risks of vaginal vampire facial

PRP injections shouldn’t be used in cases of:

• Local or systemic infection
• Medical history of cancer
• Blood conditions (anemia, leukemia, platelet dysfunction)
• Disorders of the coagulation system
• Chronic liver diseases
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

No severe side effects or complications of PRP vaginal injections have been reported. Some temporary complaints are possible:

• Mild swelling
• Discomfort in the external genital area
• Spotting
• Itching
• Burning

Currently, the use of platelet-rich plasma in cosmetic gynecology is expected to be a revolutionary non-surgical outpatient PRP treatment that can help improve urinary incontinence, lichen sclerosus, and sexual dysfunction using blood growth factors. Nevertheless, scientists state that further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and determine the indications and possible risks.