In an alarming development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that three women likely contracted HIV after receiving so-called “vampire facials” at an unlicensed spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This marks the first known cases of HIV transmission through a cosmetic injection procedure in the United States.
The affected women, all middle-aged, tested positive for HIV between 2018 and 2023 after undergoing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling treatments, popularly known as vampire facials, at the now-shuttered VIP Spa. The spa came under scrutiny in 2018 when a former client who had received a vampire facial tested positive for HIV.
Spa’s Unsanitary Practices Exposed
Investigations by the New Mexico Department of Health revealed numerous lapses in infection control at VIP Spa. Inspectors discovered unlabeled tubes of blood stored alongside food in the refrigerator, unwrapped syringes in drawers and trash cans, and the reuse of single-use equipment.
The spa also lacked proper sterilization systems and operated without necessary licenses. “Incomplete spa client records posed a substantial challenge during this investigation, necessitating a large-scale outreach approach to identify potential cases,” the CDC report stated. Nearly 200 additional clients and their partners were tested for HIV, with no further infections identified.
Rare but Serious Risk
While the exact mode of HIV transmission at VIP Spa remains undetermined, investigators suspect that contaminated needles or reused blood vials were likely responsible. HIV is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.
“These women had no known risks for HIV acquisition,“ said CDC epidemiologist Anna Stadelman-Behar, who investigated the cases.
“It was a shock to them, definitely. “The spa’s former owner, Maria Ramos de Ruiz, pleaded guilty in 2022 to practicing medicine without a license and is currently serving a 3.5-year prison sentence.
Popularity of Vampire Facials
Vampire facials gained widespread popularity after celebrity Kim Kardashian shared her experience with the procedure on social media in 2013. The treatment involves drawing a patient’s blood, separating the platelets, and injecting them back into the face using microneedling.
Proponents claim that vampire facials can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and acne scars, and stimulate collagen growth. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these benefits, and the long-term effects remain unknown.
Ensuring Safe Cosmetic Procedures
The CDC emphasizes that vampire facials are generally low-risk when performed by licensed and experienced providers following proper safety protocols. However, this incident highlights the potential dangers of seeking cosmetic treatments at unlicensed or unregulated facilities.
“The procedure itself is good, we just have to be cautious of who’s doing it,“ said dermatologist Anthony Rossi. Experts advise individuals to verify a provider’s credentials, ensure the use of sterile equipment and techniques, and seek treatments only at reputable medical facilities. As the demand for cosmetic enhancements continues to grow, this case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and entrusting one’s care to qualified medical professionals.
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