Three women were diagnosed with HIV after receiving vampire facial procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico, marking the first cases of people contracting the virus through cosmetic services with needles. The investigation into the clinic, VIP Spa, found that it reused disposable equipment intended for one-time use, leading to the transmission of HIV to clients through contaminated blood. Vampire facials, also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling facials, involve drawing a client’s blood, separating it into platelets and cells, and then injecting the plasma into the face using either single-use disposable or multiuse sterile needles.
While the American Academy of Dermatology considers vampire facials generally safe, there is a known risk of HIV transmission via unsterile injections in beauty treatments and other services. The procedures are intended to rejuvenate the skin and reduce acne scars and wrinkles, and have gained popularity in recent years. Other cosmetic services such as Botox and lip fillers also use needles for injections. Platelet-rich plasma injections were initially used for medical purposes like bone grafting and osteoarthritis before becoming popular in cosmetic treatments, although their use for rejuvenation purposes is not FDA-approved.
The cases of HIV linked to the spa were traced back to several former clients, all of whom tested positive for the virus after receiving the spa’s services. Equipment containing blood, unlabeled tubes of blood, injectables stored alongside food, and unwrapped syringes were found in the spa during the investigation. Nearly 200 former clients of the spa and their sexual partners were tested for HIV, but no additional infections were found. The former owner of VIP Spa, Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Ruiz, pleaded guilty to multiple felony counts of practicing medicine without a license, including conducting illegal vampire facials, plasma, and Botox injections. She was sentenced to 7 1/2 years, with 3 1/2 years in prison and the rest on supervised probation.
Health officials stress the importance of ensuring medical procedures are done in a medical setting to prevent potential risks, emphasizing that the lower cost of treatments at unlicensed facilities is not worth putting one’s life at risk. Despite the risks associated with cosmetic injections, proper infection control and maintenance of client records in spa facilities offering such services can help prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens like HIV. Although the vampire facial procedure itself may be generally safe, the context in which it is performed, such as the cleanliness of the equipment and the qualifications of the practitioner, plays a crucial role in minimizing risks to clients. The case highlights the need for strict regulations and oversight in the cosmetic industry to protect the health and safety of individuals seeking these popular procedures.
