Three women have been diagnosed with HIV after having “vampire facials”, in what is believed to be the first time the virus has been contracted through a cosmetic needle procedure.
The diagnosis of a 40-year-old woman, who received treatment at an unlicensed clinic in New Mexico, triggered an investigation into the spa.
It was found that from 2018 to 2023 the spa allegedly reused disposable equipment intended for single use, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
The risk of HIV transmission from contaminated blood through unsterilized injections is well known, but the CDC said this is the first documented case of infections involving cosmetic services.
Once diagnosed, the virus can cause damage to immune system cells, affecting how a person fights everyday infections and illnesses.
There is currently no cure, but very effective drug treatments.
A “vampire facial,” also known as a platelet-rich plasma microneedling procedure, involves using the client’s own blood, separating its components, and using small needles to inject plasma into the face to rejuvenate the skin.
Reality TV Star kim kardashian once underwent the procedure during an episode of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians spin-off Kim and Kourtney Take Miami in 2013.
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Many other cosmetic procedures also involve needles, including Botox to eliminate wrinkles, plump lips, or get a tattoo.
The New Mexico spa closed in 2018 after the state health department’s investigation began.
Its owner was sued for practicing medicine without a license.
The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality report said the incident shows how important it is for customers to ask a company that offers cosmetic needle procedures about its infection control practices.
He also noted that the investigation was slowed by the spa’s poor record keeping and said companies that provide such services should keep better records in case customers need to be contacted later.
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