A dermatologist performs contour plastic in the lips with filler. Photograph: Equatore/Alamy
The article reports on three women diagnosed with HIV after receiving “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed New Mexico medical spa, marking the first documented cases of HIV transmission through a cosmetic procedure involving needles. The CDC investigation revealed that the clinic reused disposable equipment, raising concerns about infection control practices. While HIV transmission via contaminated blood and unsterile injections is known, this incident highlights the risk associated with cosmetic services. The vampire facial, a platelet-rich plasma microneedling procedure, involves drawing blood, separating its components, and injecting plasma into the face. The investigation, prompted by a HIV-positive woman with no known risk factors, led to the spa’s closure and legal action against its owner for practicing medicine without a license. The report underscores the need for infection control regulations and better record-keeping in cosmetic facilities offering needle-based procedures.
#HIVAwareness #CosmeticSafety #NeedleProcedures #MedicalSpaAlert #HealthRegulations