Women who contracted HIV after receiving a “vampire facial” have raised questions about the safety of some cosmetic procedures.
A number of cosmetic procedures have received recent scrutiny, including the vampire facial. There were three documented cases of HIV transmission in the US in 2018 involving women who received this treatment at a spa in New Mexico.
But what is a “vampire facial,” and how did these women get infected? And most importantly, how can people stay safe when getting cosmetic treatments? Let’s break it down.
What is Vampire Facial?
A vampire facial is a cosmetic procedure known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials. This is how it works.
A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient first. Using a centrifuge, the platelet-rich plasma is separated from the blood. This plasma is then injected back into the face through tiny needle punctures.
The goal is to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars.
While the procedure has been around for some time and gained attention when Kim Kardashian posted about it in 2013, she later said it was too painful for her and she wouldn’t do it again
The vampire facial treatment can cost between $1,000 to $2,000 at licensed medical spas, as estimated by providers online.
How Did the New Mexico women Contract HIV?
In 2018, several women in New Mexico contracted HIV after receiving vampire facials at an unlicensed spa. The spa had unsafe practices, including reusing needles and storing medical supplies improperly. The CDC linked the spa to five cases of HIV and it was shut down. The spa’s owner, Maria de Lourdes Ramos De Ruiz, is now in prison for practicing medicine without a license.
Are cosmetic Procedures such as Vampire Facials Safe?
Medical research supports the effectiveness of cosmetic treatments for various conditions like sports injuries, acne, and eczema.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association says these procedures are usually safe when done right, but you might have some temporary side effects like pain, bruising, or swelling.
The main risk lies in how the facility handles the blood used during the procedure, as improper handling can lead to infections.
Ensuring that the blood remains sterile and belongs to the client is crucial to prevent complications.
Before undergoing any cosmetic treatment, experts advise researching the provider to ensure the facility is licensed and that proper protocols are followed for handling medical equipment like needles.
Recent incidents, such as a botulism outbreak linked to counterfeit Botox injections, highlight the importance of vigilance in choosing a safe provider and FDA-approved products
