Recent reports from federal health officials have highlighted a concerning development in the cosmetic industry, as three women were diagnosed with HIV after receiving 'vampire facial' procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico. This incident is believed to be the first documented cases of individuals contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure involving needles.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted an investigation into the clinic's practices from 2018 to 2023, revealing that disposable equipment intended for one-time use was apparently being reused. While HIV transmission through unsterile injections is a known risk, this marks the first documented instance of probable infections linked to cosmetic services.
Various popular cosmetic treatments, including Botox injections and fillers, involve the use of needles. The 'vampire facial,' also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling, entails drawing a client's blood, separating its components, and injecting plasma into the face with tiny needles to rejuvenate the skin. Additionally, procedures like tattoos also rely on needle application.
The New Mexico Department of Health initiated an investigation into the spa in 2018 following a report of a woman in her 40s testing positive for HIV despite having no known risk factors. The woman disclosed exposure to needles during a procedure at the clinic earlier that year. Subsequently, the spa was shut down in the fall of 2018, and its owner faced legal action for practicing medicine without a license.
The CDC report emphasized the importance of enforcing infection control practices at establishments offering cosmetic procedures involving needles. It also underscored the significance of maintaining accurate records, as the investigation was hindered by inadequate record-keeping practices. The report recommended that businesses providing such services improve their record-keeping protocols to facilitate future client notifications if necessary.
