Three women contracted HIV after undergoing 'vampire facial' procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico, according to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments. The first known cases of people getting the virus through cosmetic injection services, these incidents highlight the importance of proper infection control practices in all medical and cosmetic procedures.
The investigations into VIP Spa in Albuquerque found that disposable electric desiccator tips were reused, leading to HIV transmission. Equipment containing blood was found on a kitchen counter and unwrapped syringes were not properly disposed of at the spa. The CDC also noted that unlabeled tubes of blood and medical injectables were stored alongside food in the refrigerator.
Vampire facials, also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling facials, involve collecting a patient's blood, separating the plasma and platelets, and re-injecting the mixture into the skin to make it look smoother, tighter, and fuller. The procedure involves many small punctures across the forehead and cheeks or injecting the blood into the skin like filler.
The popularity of these procedures among celebrities like Kim Kardashian has led to increased demand for affordable alternatives. However, unlicensed spas may not adhere to proper safety protocols, putting clients at risk for infections such as HIV and other bloodborne pathogens.
It is crucial that all medical and cosmetic procedures follow strict infection control guidelines to prevent the transmission of diseases like HIV. The American Academy of Dermatology advises patients to only undergo treatments at licensed facilities with properly trained staff, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
