Three women in New Mexico have been diagnosed with HIV after undergoing vampire facials at an unlicensed spa. This marks the first known cases of HIV transmission during a cosmetic injection procedure, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During a vampire facial, the patient's blood is drawn from their arm, and platelets are extracted and applied to the face using microneedles. This procedure, also known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), is believed to help with pore size reduction, fine lines, and skin rejuvenation, according to experts.
"This investigation is the first to associate HIV transmission with nonsterile cosmetic injection services," it stated.
Unlabeled tubes of blood
The incidents described by the CDC indicate the risks of patronizing unlicensed spa facilities.
While the CDC report didn't name the unlicensed spa, the New Mexico Department of Health in 2018 had shut down the VIP Spa in Albuquerque after state inspectors found practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections, including HIV, to clients. That included unlabeled tubes of blood on a kitchen counter as well as other injectables stored along with food in the kitchen's refrigerator.
