Three women were diagnosed with HIV after receiving “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico, making them the first documented cases of HIV transmission through a cosmetic procedure using needles. The clinic in question was found to have reused disposable equipment meant for one-time use, leading to the probable infections. While HIV transmission from contaminated blood through unsterile injections is a known risk, this is the first time such cases have been linked to cosmetic services.
Popular cosmetic treatments often involve the use of needles, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers. The “vampire facial,” also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling, requires drawing the client’s blood, separating the plasma, and injecting it into the face with tiny needles to rejuvenate the skin. Tattoos also involve the use of needles, highlighting the potential risks associated with unsterile practices and equipment at cosmetic facilities.
The investigation into the New Mexico medical spa began in 2018 after a woman tested positive for HIV despite having no known risk factors. She reported exposure to needles during a cosmetic procedure at the clinic, prompting further scrutiny. The spa was closed later that year, and its owner faced prosecution for practicing medicine without a license, underscoring the importance of regulatory oversight in the cosmetic industry.
The report emphasized the need for infection control practices at businesses offering cosmetic procedures involving needles, citing the lack of proper procedures at the medical spa as a contributing factor to the HIV transmissions. It also highlighted the challenges faced during the investigation due to poor record-keeping practices at the clinic, suggesting that businesses providing such services should maintain better records for future reference and potential client outreach.
The cases of HIV transmission through cosmetic procedures serve as a cautionary tale for both consumers and providers in the beauty industry. Strict adherence to safety protocols, proper disposal of equipment, and maintaining accurate records are essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in cosmetic settings. The incidents in New Mexico underscore the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures involving needles and the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure public health and safety.
Moving forward, stricter regulations and oversight may be necessary to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Consumers are advised to research and choose licensed and reputable providers for cosmetic procedures, while providers are urged to prioritize infection control measures and maintain accurate records to protect their clients and themselves. The cases in New Mexico serve as a wake-up call for the cosmetic industry to prioritize safety and compliance to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through cosmetic services.
