Startling new cases of HIV have been discovered in New Mexico, all linked to the infamous “vampire facials” performed at a now-defunct beauty clinic. This shocking revelation has prompted health officials to issue a renewed call for anyone who visited the clinic to get tested for blood-borne pathogens.
Vampire facials, a trendy cosmetic procedure, involve spinning a person’s own blood in a centrifuge to extract platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is then injected back into the face using microneedles or micro-abrasions. Despite limited evidence supporting its effectiveness, the procedure has gained popularity and has been endorsed by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow.
In 2018, health officials received a tip about a potential infection related to the facials at the VIP Beauty Salon and Spa in Albuquerque. An inspection revealed practices that could spread blood-borne infections, leading to free testing for the spa’s clients. The results were alarming, with two HIV infections linked to the clinic.
Although the case seemed closed, recent developments have reopened the investigation. Genetic sequencing confirmed a cluster of highly related HIV infections among individuals without other risk factors or connections. The health department is now urging former clients to undergo free and confidential testing.
It is crucial to spread the word and ensure that anyone who received injections at the VIP Spa comes in for testing, emphasized Dr. Laura Parajon, deputy secretary for the health department. The department also advised clients who previously tested negative to get retested.
HIV testing has different window periods for detection, so it is important to retest after the window period has ended to confirm a negative result. HIV develops in stages, with an acute stage occurring within weeks of infection. Some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, while others may be asymptomatic. With proper treatment, the virus can be controlled, preventing complications and progression to AIDS.
The use of a particular skincare treatment has raged in popularity this year, largely attributed to celebrity influence, but with stirring reports of HIV infections being made linked to these particular facials, the debate has become one of ethical agreements and precaution development.
Once advertised as a ‘Vampire Facial,’ this particular procedure has had celebrities endorsed it and posting, and even competing, to start trends of obtaining the service themselves. The procedure works by taking a small sample of the individual’s own blood, which is then transferred back to the face via microneedling, a practice of inserting needles into the skin to stimulate collagen production. Though the effects are said to range from brighter skin to a youthful glow, the risks are becoming clear.
Two New Mexico spa locations are now having to pay out in the millions after one particular individual came forward with news of an HIV infection that had been caused from them visiting the location for their Vampire Facial. Though their sources are not exact, it appears that the issue tied back to a medical instrument being used which was not sterilized properly or often enough, and information is being raised regarding the appropriate sterilisation practices needed to maintain the safety of these instruments that could cause diseases.
The celebrity endorsement of this facial has caused a mass flux of individuals being ready to try out the service, and this lack of research which led to the infection has shared a spotlight on the severe importance of caution before these facials are provided. Without properly sterilised instruments, anything from disease to scarring to infections may occur on the face.
Skincare is a key factor for most people, and those who wish to stay in line with trends and keep up with celebrity lifestyles should be careful when selecting procedures and take the time to complete the necessary background research. Inspecting the place of service beforehand is a key factor, alongside seeking out reviews from other individuals who have already taken the plunge.
The tale of the Vampire Facial and the surge of infections reaffirms the importance of research before seeking any kind of medical treatment, and celebrity endorsement of certain treatments should be taken lightly if not considered thoroughly. The public should be aware of the severity of diseases, as no procedure is worth an infection.
