What is a vampire breast lift?

A vampire breast lift (VBL) is a procedure to improve (augment) the look of your breasts if surgery isn’t yet warranted. VBL uses injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This procedure is also known as a PRP breast lift.

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma comes from your blood. PRP contains proteins that promote blood clotting and help with cell growth.

Providers separate PRP from the rest of your blood in a centrifuge, a machine that spins your blood at high speeds. The centrifuge separates your blood into three components:

• Platelet-rich plasma.
• White blood cells.
• Red blood cells.

Why is a vampire breast lift done?

People may opt for a PRP breast lift if a surgical breast lift isn’t yet warranted. Providers who inject PRP into their patients’ breasts claim that it:

• Increases elastin (a protein that allows tissue to stretch).
• Promotes growth of collagen (a protein that provides structure to your body).
• Stimulates new cell growth.

A vampire breast lift may help to:

• Improve skin texture and tone.
• Make your breasts look lifted and fuller.
• Reduce the look of wrinkles, stretch marks and scars.

Does a vampire breast lift really work?

Scientists haven’t studied the effectiveness vampire blood lifts, also known as PRP breast lifts. The long-term side effects and risks aren’t known. If you're considering breast lift options, be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist about the risks of this particular treatment.

What happens before a PRP breast lift?

Before a PRP breast lift, you’ll have a consultation with your provider to talk about what you want to achieve. Your provider will:

• Ask about your health history.
• Examine your breasts.
• Discuss your desired outcome from the procedure.

If you decide to move forward with a PRP breast lift, your provider may suggest that you:

• Stop taking some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin, for a week before the procedure.
• Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment.
• Remove jewelry and keep it at home.

What happens during a vampire breast lift?

During a vampire breast lift, your provider will take a blood sample, usually from your arm. They’ll spin the blood in a centrifuge machine to separate the PRP.

Your provider will apply a numbing cream to your breasts to decrease your sensitivity during the procedure. Then they use a thin needle to inject PRP into areas throughout your breasts.

The injections generally take about 20 minutes. The entire procedure usually lasts less than an hour.

What happens after a vampire breast lift?

Most people don’t have any side effects after a vampire breast lift. Some people experience side effects for a few days, such as:

• Bruises.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness.

What are the advantages of a vampire breast lift?

People who have a VBL breast lift instead of surgical breast augmentation may have:

• Fewer complications.
• Less pain.
• Shorter recovery time.

What are the risks or complications of a PRP breast lift?

You may experience some pain during the blood sample and injections. But any discomfort is usually mild.

Because a PRP breast lift isn’t surgery, it can’t:

• Completely lift saggy breasts.
• Give your breasts a new shape.
• Increase your breast size.
• Reduce excess skin.
• Reposition your nipples.

This procedure isn’t recommended if you’re:

• At high risk of breast cancer or have had breast cancer.
• Breastfeeding.
• Pregnant.

Because there haven’t been scientific studies on vampire breast lifts, the long-term effects aren’t known. It’s also unclear whether a PRP breast lift can affect a mammogram. Be sure to tell your provider about the procedure if you have a mammogram.

What is the recovery time after a PRP breast lift?

After a PRP breast lift, you may notice your breasts becoming gradually firmer and smoother over a period of three to four weeks. Final results may not appear for two to three months. Any changes can last up to two years.

When can I go back to work or school, drive or eat?

You can usually return to your regular activities immediately. Your healthcare provider will offer guidance suitable for your recovery.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms after a vampire breast lift:

• Bleeding.
• Excessive bruising.
• Pain.
• Swelling that doesn’t go away.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

A vampire breast lift uses injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance your breasts. Side effects and recovery time from a PRP breast lift are usually minimal. Scientists haven’t studied the safety or effectiveness of this procedure. If you're considering a breast lift, talk to your provider and weigh the pros and cons of the available procedures.