What is a "vampire facial" —and what is it actually called?

Hailey Bieber has put PRP back in the spotlight. Here's what the treatment actually involves, why "vampire facial" is a misnomer, and what you should know before considering it.

If you've been anywhere near the internet recently, you've likely come across the term "vampire facial." Celebrity skin care discussions — including Hailey Bieber's candid comments about her own regenerative treatments — have pushed the phrase into mainstream conversation once again. But here's the thing: a "vampire facial" is not a facial. It is not a spa treatment. And the name, while memorable, tells you almost nothing useful about what the procedure actually involves.

At Epios Cosmetic Clinic in Paddington, we think accurate information matters — particularly when it comes to medical treatments. So let's clear a few things up.

First — what is a "vampire facial"?

The term "vampire facial" is a colloquial, pop-culture nickname that has been applied loosely to treatments involving platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The name comes from the fact that these treatments involve drawing a small amount of the patient's own blood, processing it, and using it as part of a skin treatment — which, admittedly, sounds more dramatic than it is.

It became widely associated with a famous photograph of Kim Kardashian in 2013, and it has resurfaced regularly in celebrity skin care conversations ever since. Most recently, Hailey Bieber discussed her use of PRP and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on a podcast, describing the treatments as part of her approach to skin health.

"Vampire facial" is a marketing term, not a medical one. It describes no specific procedure, has no clinical definition, and means different things in different clinics. What lies beneath the name is a legitimate area of regenerative medicine — but the two should not be confused.

So what is PRP, actually?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It is a preparation derived from the patient's own blood. A small blood sample is drawn, then processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets — components of blood that contain growth factors involved in tissue repair and healing.

The resulting platelet-rich plasma can then be used in a number of ways depending on clinical assessment, including as part of a skin treatment protocol or for hair concerns. PRP has been used in medicine for decades — it originated in fields such as orthopaedics and wound healing before being adopted in cosmetic medicine.

PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is a related but distinct preparation that uses a slower centrifugation process, producing a denser, gel-like substance. Both PRP and PRF use the patient's own biological material, which means there is no risk of allergic reaction to a foreign substance.

Why "vampire facial" is a problematic term.

Beyond being medically inaccurate, the term "vampire facial" is problematic for a few reasons worth understanding:

1. It is not a facial. A facial is a topical skin treatment. PRP and PRF are medical treatments that involve drawing blood and, depending on the protocol, may involve skin penetration via microneedling or direct application. They require clinical assessment, medical oversight and appropriate aftercare.

2. The name implies a single, standardised treatment — but PRP and PRF can be applied in many different ways, to different areas, for different clinical concerns. There is no one "vampire facial." What a patient receives at one clinic may be entirely different from what is offered at another.

3. It encourages people to seek out a treatment by name rather than by clinical indication. The appropriate question is not "can I get a vampire facial?" but rather "is PRP or PRF clinically suitable for my specific concern, and what would a treatment plan look like for me?"

What does a PRP assessment involve at Epios?

At Epios Cosmetic Clinic, PRP and PRF are offered as part of our regenerative medicine treatments. All candidates undergo a thorough medical consultation with one of our doctors before any treatment is discussed or planned.

During a consultation, your doctor will review your full medical history — including current medications, any blood or immune conditions, and previous treatments — to assess whether PRP or PRF is clinically appropriate for you. They will explain the procedure, what it involves, realistic expectations, potential side effects, and any aftercare requirements.

What to know before booking

PRP and PRF use your own blood, so no foreign substances are introduced. However, like all medical procedures, they are not without risk or contraindication. Certain conditions — including blood disorders, autoimmune conditions, active infections and some medications — may affect suitability. These are assessed individually at consultation.

Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. A single session may not be sufficient depending on your clinical presentation. Your doctor will discuss a realistic treatment plan at your appointment.

Should I be interested in PRP because a celebrity uses it?

Celebrity skin care discussions can be useful for raising awareness of treatments that people might not otherwise know exist. Hailey Bieber's openness about her use of regenerative treatments has introduced many people to PRP and PRF for the first time — and if that curiosity leads someone to have an informed conversation with a medical professional, that is a positive outcome.

However, a celebrity's experience is not a clinical recommendation. What works for one person — in terms of their biology, their skin concerns, their medical history and their treatment goals — will not necessarily be appropriate for another. The only way to know whether PRP or PRF might be relevant for your concerns is to speak with a qualified medical professional who can assess you individually.

At Epios, all of our doctors hold full medical degrees (MBBS or equivalent) and are registered with AHPRA. If you are curious about regenerative treatments, we would encourage you to start with a consultation rather than a treatment.

Important: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a treatment recommendation. PRP and PRF treatments require a prior medical consultation with an AHPRA-registered practitioner to assess individual suitability. All procedures carry risks which will be discussed in full at your consultation. Individual outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed. Epios Cosmetic Clinic is an AHPRA-registered medical practice located at 18 William Street, Paddington NSW 2021.

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