 "A “vampire facial,” or platelet-rich plasma microneedling procedure, involves drawing a client's own blood, separating its components, then using tiny needles to inject plasma into the face to rejuvenate the skin. Freepik/Representative Image")
From no-makeup looks to DIY face masks and facials, nowadays, there are a lot of beauty trends.
However, experimenting with these procedures may be dangerous.
Three women in New Mexico recently contracted HIV following a popular vampire facial at an unlicensed medical spa.
These are the first documented instances of HIV infection following a cosmetic injection.
Here’s all we know about it.
What happened?
Three women were infected with HIV after receiving so-called vampire facials at an unlicensed New Mexico medical spa, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its Morbidity and Mortality Report published on Thursday.
The CDC report said that an investigation into the clinic from 2018 through 2023 showed it apparently reused disposable equipment intended for one-time use.
The New Mexico Department of Health began investigating the spa in the summer of 2018 after it was notified that a woman in her 40s had tested positive for HIV even though she had no known risk factors. The woman reported exposure to needles through the procedure at the clinic that spring.
The second two cases were also middle-aged women who had gotten vampire facials in 2018. One was diagnosed with the earliest stage of HIV in 2019, and the other in 2023, when she was hospitalised with severe symptoms.
The patients ranged in age from 40 to 60 years, the CDC said.
An investigation found a rack of unlabeled tubes of blood on a kitchen counter at the spa, and in the kitchen refrigerator, next to food and injectables, like lidocaine. The investigators also discovered unwrapped syringes in drawers, on counters, and discarded in trash cans.
According to The Associated Press, the spa closed in the fall of 2018 after the investigation was launched, and its owner Maria Ramos de Ruiz, 62, was prosecuted for five felony counts of practising medicine without a license. As per the NBC affiliate KOB 2022 report, the owner was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
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More ShortsThe CDC and health department investigators ultimately determined that 59 spa attendees may have been exposed to HIV, and of those, 20 had received vampire facials.
The report also noted that the investigation was slowed by poor record keeping and said businesses providing such services should keep better records in case clients need to be contacted later.
What is vampire facial?
Vampire facial, also known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials, is a cosmetic procedure that involves extracting blood from elsewhere on the body, usually from the arm, and injecting it into the face or applied after a micro-needling procedure in the hope of stimulating new, rejuvenated skin cells, as per Dailymail.
It is claimed that the procedure can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the overall skin tone.
Vampire facials, which were made popular by celebrities, like Kim Kardashian, are considered less invasive and a more affordable alternative to a facelift, as per NDTV.
How does it work?
In vampire facials, the platelets containing growth factors stimulates collagen production, promotes tissue repair and rejuvenates the skin, as per NDTV report.
Then, the blood is spun in a centrifuge to extract protein-rich plasma, extracting platelets and then concentrating the same to create PRP, USA Today says.
The middle part, called the “serum portion” is where PRP comes from, according to Dr Ava Shamba, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills, as quoted by Allure magazine.
The PRP repairs cells and makes collagen and elastin, which keeps skin firm and smooth.
How safe is it?
Since, the person’s own plasma from the blood is used, the procedure is considered safe and effective.
However, the method used to handle the blood may pose a risk, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Thus, it is advised people considering these procedures should seek out an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
After the procedure, a person can experience some pain, bruising, and swelling, which disappears within several days, says Hindustan Times.
Dr Kim Nichols, a certified dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD, suggests that the best approach for optimal results is “a series of at least six PRP injection treatments, spaced about four weeks apart.”
Patients may sometimes notice improvements even after just one session.
Who can get the procedure?
According to USA Today, people with deeper wrinkles, acne scarring, volume loss or other skin concerns may opt for vampire facials.
The Hindustan Times cited Garza Plastic Surgery’s website as saying the facial is ideal for someone with “visible sun damage at the surface layers of the skin, such as age spots, sun spots, or other issues, PRP treatment can even out their complexion.”
With inputs from agencies