Yep, you read that right. Vampire face-lifts are the latest in a long line of anti-aging treatments that involve women getting injected with their own blood. Specifically, doctors withdraw blood from a patient, isolate platelets, and then add thrombin or calcium chloride to essentially make plasma-rich platelets (PRP), says Timothy Morley, DO, medical director of Women’s Healthy Hormones, a brand and resource that focuses on hormonal balance. When the PRPs are injected into wrinkled areas, they release growth factors that firm and rejuvenate skin. As crazy as it sounds, this treatment is legit. “If done properly, it’s pretty safe,” says Dr. Morley, who personally isn’t involved with the trend and doesn’t offer the treatment. “It’s new so there isn’t a lot of good information on long-term side effects. But if there were, I see them being very minimal.” On the other hand, short-term side effects, says Dr. Morley, include swelling, irritation, bruising, and major itching. Oh, and the injections, which only last a year, will cost you a minimum of $2,000. While a face-lift, or any kind of plastic surgery, is ultimately a personal decision, there are less scary anti-aging solutions to consider first. “Your skin is essentially an organ in your body and just like with any organ, you have to be healthy in order for it to function properly,” says Dr. Morley. “The best way to take care of your skin isn’t from the outside, but from the inside.” This means eating anti-inflammatory foods, staying hydrated, using clean skin care products (which our 2013 beauty award winners cover), and avoiding the sun, smoking, and stress. In addition, keeping hormones balanced can help turn back the clock, says Dr. Morley. Talk to your doc if you suspect a hormonal imbalance (symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, depression, mood swings, and fatigue). More from Prevention: How To Prevent Wrinkles
