Yes, it’s as spooky as it sounds. Marketed as a quick way to “rejuvenate” the breasts, the procedure involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the breast. The proprietors of the procedure say the PRP restores youthfulness to the skin, can increase sensation, and even add volume/fill in lacking areas.
Expert breast surgeons are cautious of the claims, considering how much planning and technical production goes into a successful – and beautiful – breast lift. Dr. Christine Hamori of Boston and Dr. Constantino Mendieta of Miami discuss.
by Adam McMillon
and The Plastic Surgery Channel
Can a breast lift be done by injecting blood?
The Vampire Breast Lift gets its name from the PRP, blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. There have been various interesting and positive results surrounding the use of PRP in different ways to rejuvenate the skin, but to lift a breast?
“That is preposterous to think that if you can inject anything into the breast they’re going to look better, especially blood or PRP… It’s ridiculous,” states Dr. Hamori.
An interesting technical note is the amount of material injected, typically around 5 cubic centimeters (cc’s). Patients looking for volume in a breast lift or augmentation procedure typically begin with an implant of 200cc’s, far more than which is used in the Vampire Breast Lift procedure.
“Just think about it, when you’re putting an implant in you’re putting in 200, 300, 400cc’s,” explains Mendieta. “But they’re just injecting 5cc’s of this material. You’re better off just hitting your breast accidentally on the table and getting it inflamed! It’s crazy.”
The Oscar Goody Bag, or Irresponsible Marketing
As with every ceremony, the Academy Awards has a goody bag built by various companies looking to greatly expand their product. Free gifts in the bag for this past ceremony included a full vacation to Japan, a high-end car for a year’s rental, and… a Vampire Breast Lift!
While perhaps laughed off by the celebrities and crews of Hollywood, the name recognition sticks, and is a problem for consumers who don’t have all of the information. To know that the Oscar goody bag contained a free Vampire Breast Lift means that whatever that is, it must be legitimate if Hollywood actresses are receiving it.
The kind of press is absolutely great marketing, which is why it can be a severe problem for patients looking to change their breasts. “It’s absolutely misleading,” says Dr. Hamori.
Trust an Expert
Instead of always seeking out what is easiest, cheapest, and seemingly “magic”, it’s important for interested plastic surgery patients to practice due diligence when it comes to research and education. Men and women spend years and years of life training to become surgeons and learning together the best ways to achieve the best results, safely. This is what you pay for with not only money, but your time.
“[The Vampire Breast Lift] is the biggest sham you’re ever going to run into in your life,” says Dr. Mendieta. For all of the trouble and dollars spent on the easy route, you may just be delaying great results from board certified plastic surgeon. The most important step in any surgery is thorough consultation with your surgeon, learning the ins and outs of the procedure and what is tuned exactly for your unique situation. It is a very personal, unique experience, which is the bedrock for great results for you.
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