What Is Vampire Facial? Viral Beauty Treatment Left 3 Women Infected With HIV

Cosmetic procedures be it invasive or noninvasive, beauty treatments have become topic of heated discussions lately. However, one such treatment, Vampire facial, has drawn ire after reports of three women testing positive for HIV after getting the ‘vampire facial’ from an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico came into fore.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (UDC), in its firsts, the injections used in the 'Vampire facial' allegedly transmitted the virus in these three women, who chose the "less invasive" and more affordable option for a facelift, popularised by many celebrities. It was discovered in 2018 as the first known case of HIV transmission through "nonsterile cosmetic injection services."

Vampire Facial Horror: 3 US Women Contracted HIV After The Viral Facial

Three women who received "vampire facials" at a now-closed New Mexico spa are believed to have contracted the virus, highlighting the dangers of unsafe practices in the beauty industry.

After the first case of HIV infection contracted by a woman in 2018 after getting the special facial from the spa, it prompted a New Mexico Department of Health investigation and also offered free HIV testing to anyone getting a free vampire facial at the spa facility. 

The investigation unfolded, the spa, lacking proper licenses, exhibited egregious hygiene violations. Investigators found unlabeled blood tubes on kitchen counters and medical injectables stored alongside food in the refrigerator. Discarded, unwrapped syringes littered drawers, counters, and even trash cans. Disturbingly, the CDC estimates 59 clients may have been exposed, with 20 having undergone vampire facials.

The investigation's findings align with the women's diagnoses. The first case emerged in 2018 when a woman in her 40s tested positive for HIV despite no history of known risk factors. Two additional clients who received vampire facials in 2018 were later diagnosed, one in 2019 and the other as recently as 2023, which prompted the reopening of the case.

The CDC emphasizes that the exact source of contamination remains under investigation. However, the evidence overwhelmingly points to unsafe practices at VIP Spa. The spa's owner pleaded guilty in 2022 to practising medicine without a license and is currently serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

The CDC advises people to ensure providers are properly licensed and operate in clean, well-maintained facilities. It's crucial to research a spa's reputation and inquire about hygiene protocols before undergoing any cosmetic treatment.

What is vampire facial?

According to BBC News, vampire facial involves drawing a patient's blood and then separating out platelet-rich plasma from it using a centrifuge. The plasma is then injected back into the face through tiny needle punctures. The procedure is said to help repair the skin's barrier by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars.