Women Diagnosed With Hiv After “Vampire Facial” Procedures in New Mexico

Three women who were diagnosed with HIV after receiving “vampire facial” operations at an unregulated New Mexico medical spa are likely to be the first known cases of obtaining the virus through a cosmetic procedure involving needles, according to federal health officials.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in its Morbidity and Mortality Report last week that a study into the clinic from 2018 to 2023 revealed that it reportedly reprocessed disposable equipment designated for single use.

Although HIV transmission from tainted blood via unsterile injection is a well-known concern, the paper claims this is the first documented case of possible infections employing cosmetic procedures.

Many popular cosmetic treatments, such as Botox for wrinkle removal and fillers for lip plumping, are administered with needles. A “vampire facial,” also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling, involves extracting a client’s own blood, separating its components, and injecting plasma into the face to renew the skin. Tattoos also require needles.

The New Mexico Department of Health began investigating the spa in the summer of 2018 after learning that a lady in her forties tested positive for HIV despite having no known risk factors. The woman reported being exposed to needles during the operation at the facility that spring.

The spa closed in the fall of 2018 once the inquiry began, and its owner was charged with practicing medicine without a license.

According to the paper, the inquiry demonstrated the importance of requiring infection control practices for enterprises that perform needle-based cosmetic procedures.

It also stated that the probe was hindered by inadequate record keeping and that businesses providing such services should keep better records in case clients need to be contacted again.