Microneedling with PRP — also called a vampire facial — is one of the most searched skin treatments right now, and for good reason. It promises smoother skin, fewer scars, and that fresh glow without surgery or long downtime. But is it really better than plain microneedling? And is the extra cost worth it for your specific skin goals?

At Miami Lakes Med Spa, our team led by Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN and medical director Dr. John Serpa, MD has performed thousands of microneedling and PRP sessions on patients from Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Doral. We’ll break down the real costs, recovery, and results so you can decide with confidence.

Let’s look at who benefits most, who should skip it, and how it stacks up against other options like Morpheus8 and exosome add-ons.

What Is a Vampire Facial?

A vampire facial combines two steps. First, we use the SkinPen Precision device to create tiny controlled micro-injuries in your skin. This triggers collagen induction therapy — your body’s natural healing response — also called percutaneous collagen induction.

Next, we draw a small vial of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, and apply the PRP to your skin. The micro-channels created by the SkinPen let the growth factors soak in deep, reaching layers that topical creams simply can’t. These growth factors signal your cells to produce more collagen, elastin, and new blood vessels.

The result? Smoother texture, improved tone, and softer fine lines — using nothing but your own biology. No synthetic fillers, no foreign substances. Just your body doing what it does naturally, only faster and more efficiently.

It’s worth noting that the name sounds dramatic, but the process is very straightforward. The blood draw takes about five minutes and feels similar to a routine lab test. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the entire session is once the numbing cream takes effect.

What Happens During a Session?

Knowing what to expect helps a lot of patients feel at ease before their first appointment. Here’s how a typical vampire facial session flows at Miami Lakes Med Spa.

Step 1 — Consultation and prep (10–15 minutes): Dr. Gonzalez reviews your skin concerns and confirms you’re a good candidate. We cleanse your face and apply a topical numbing cream. This needs about 20–30 minutes to fully kick in, so you’ll relax comfortably while it works.

Step 2 — Blood draw and PRP prep (5–10 minutes): A small vial of blood is drawn from your arm, just like a standard lab test. We spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood. This takes just a few minutes while you’re still numbing.

Step 3 — SkinPen treatment (20–30 minutes): The SkinPen Precision device is passed over your skin in a controlled pattern. It creates thousands of tiny channels at a precise depth. Most patients describe the sensation as light pressure or mild scratching — not painful.

Step 4 — PRP application (5–10 minutes): The concentrated PRP is applied directly to your skin right after microneedling. The open micro-channels allow the growth factors to absorb much deeper than they would on untreated skin. This is what sets the vampire facial apart from standard microneedling.

Total session time is about 60–75 minutes from start to finish. You’ll leave with pink, flushed skin — similar to a mild sunburn — and a clear set of aftercare instructions.

Side-by-Side: Microneedling Alone vs. Microneedling with PRP

Effectiveness: SkinPen microneedling on its own improves fine lines, pores, and mild scars. Adding PRP speeds up healing and gives a stronger boost to collagen. Studies suggest PRP can improve acne scar outcomes more than standalone microneedling.

Pricing at Miami Lakes Med Spa: SkinPen microneedling is $395–$495 per session. Adding PRP is just $95 more. So your total vampire facial runs $490–$590. That’s a small upgrade for a meaningful improvement in results.

Recovery: Both options involve 1–2 days of pink, flushed skin. PRP may actually shorten healing time slightly because of its growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. Many patients find the redness fades faster with PRP than without.

Sessions needed: We usually recommend a series of 3, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. This gives your skin time to go through a full collagen remodeling cycle between visits. Maintenance every 6–12 months keeps results strong over the long term.

Ideal candidates: Both options work well for most skin tones and types, including darker complexions that need careful handling. The PRP version is the better choice if you have acne scars, thinning skin, or want faster, deeper results without stepping up to radiofrequency devices like Morpheus8.

What you’ll notice: After your first session, most patients see a healthy glow within 5–7 days as initial inflammation settles. The real magic happens over the following weeks as new collagen fills in texture and softens lines. By the end of your third session, the cumulative effect is significantly more visible than a single treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Vampire Facial?

This treatment works well for a wide range of skin concerns and skin types. Here’s who tends to see the best outcomes.

Good candidates include: Adults between 25 and 65 dealing with fine lines, acne scars, large pores, uneven skin tone, sun damage, or general dullness. It’s also a popular choice for patients who want a natural, gradual improvement without injectables or surgery. All Fitzpatrick skin types can be treated safely, though depth settings are adjusted for darker tones to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Not the right fit if: You have active acne breakouts, an open skin infection, or a blood-clotting disorder. Patients on blood-thinning medications, those who are pregnant, or anyone with a history of keloid scarring should discuss options with Dr. Gonzalez before proceeding. These aren’t necessarily disqualifiers in every case, but they require a careful evaluation.

Age considerations: Patients in their late 20s and 30s often use the vampire facial as a preventive treatment — keeping collagen levels high before significant aging sets in. Patients in their 40s and 50s use it for more corrective goals, often combining it with other treatments like dermal fillers or Morpheus8 for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Is PRP Microneedling Worth It Over Other Options?

This is a fair question, and the honest answer depends on your goals and budget.

If your main concern is deep lines or loose skin along the jaw, Morpheus8 may give stronger tightening. It uses radiofrequency energy with microneedling to reach deeper tissue layers and costs $295–$950 depending on the area treated.

If you want a regenerative boost but don’t want a blood draw, our exosome add-on is a strong alternative. Exosomes are tiny cellular messengers derived from stem cells. They deliver growth signals similar to PRP but without the need to draw your own blood. The exosome add-on runs $195 and pairs beautifully with SkinPen for patients who prefer that route.

For most patients asking whether PRP is worth the extra $95 over standard microneedling, the answer is yes — especially when the main goals are a natural glow, scar softening, and healthier-looking skin. The upgrade cost is low, the downtime is the same, and the results are noticeably better for most skin concerns.

If budget is a priority and your concerns are mild, standard SkinPen microneedling alone still delivers real results. We’ll always give you an honest recommendation based on your skin — not an upsell.

Aftercare Tips for the Best Results

What you do in the 48–72 hours after your treatment has a big impact on how your skin heals and how long your results last. Here’s what we tell every patient.

Keep it simple: For the first 24 hours, use only gentle cleanser and plain moisturizer. Skip active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, acids, and exfoliants. Your skin barrier is temporarily open, so anything too strong can cause irritation.

Stay out of the sun: UV exposure right after treatment can trigger hyperpigmentation, especially in patients with medium to dark skin tones. Wear SPF 30 or higher every day during your healing window, even if you’re mostly indoors.

Skip the sweat: Avoid intense exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools for 48 hours. Heat and bacteria in these environments can irritate freshly treated skin and slow healing.

Makeup is fine after 24 hours: We recommend mineral-based makeup for the first few days since it’s less likely to clog the micro-channels. Full makeup routines can resume after 48 hours.

Hydration matters: Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid starting on day two. Well-hydrated skin heals faster and plumps up beautifully as collagen remodeling begins.

Following these steps consistently — especially across a full series of three sessions — gives you the best possible outcome from your investment.

How Miami Lakes Med Spa in Miami Lakes, FL Helps You Choose

Choosing between microneedling with PRP, exosomes, or Morpheus8 shouldn’t feel like guesswork. During your free consultation, Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez reviews your skin, goals, and budget — then builds a plan that fits.

We’re proud to serve over 2,000 patients from Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Doral, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Miami Gardens. Our flat-rate pricing means no surprise fees. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you book.

Our bilingual team (English and Spanish) is here Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Call 305-418-0392 to book your free consult or visit us at 7980 NW 155th St, Suite A, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.

So, is a vampire facial worth it? For most patients wanting smoother, brighter skin with natural results and minimal downtime, yes — the $95 PRP add-on is a smart upgrade to SkinPen microneedling. For deeper laxity, Morpheus8 may be a better fit. The right answer depends on your skin and your goals.

Ready to find out which option fits you best? Book your free consultation with Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN at Miami Lakes Med Spa in Miami Lakes, FL. Call 305-418-0392 or book online today.

Last reviewed by Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified provider before starting any treatment. Individual results may vary.