CDC Reveals HIV Infections Linked to Unlicensed Spa’s Vampire Facelift Procedure in the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that three women in the US have been infected with HIV after receiving blood cell injections for cosmetic procedures, specifically the Vampire Facelift. This information was disclosed during a meeting on April 26.

The first case was identified at VIP Spa in Albuquerque, Mexico, in 2018. The patient underwent blood cell injections at the spa but denied engaging in high-risk behaviors such as drug use, blood transfusions, or sex with HIV-infected individuals. However, this incident led to the New Mexico Department of Health offering free testing to all clients who had received injections at the facility, which was subsequently closed.

In 2019, two more cases of HIV infection were discovered in individuals who had received facial treatments at VIP Spa in 2018. One individual was diagnosed in the early stages of HIV infection while another was hospitalized with severe symptoms. The CDC found that the spa did not have a proper operating license and failed to implement appropriate safety measures.

An investigation by the CDC and the New Mexico Department of Health uncovered unsanitary practices at the spa, including unlabeled blood tubes stored in refrigerators and next to food, as well as improperly handled syringes. The spa owner was convicted of multiple health code violations and sentenced to prison. In total, 59 customers were potentially exposed to HIV, with 20 of them undergoing the Vampire Facelift procedure.

The Vampire Facelift involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the facial skin to improve its appearance. While some facilities use their own blood samples to minimize risks, others source blood from outside donors. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of this procedure and emphasizes that it should only be performed by trained professionals following strict protocols for infection control measures.

HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected body fluids such as blood and semen. It is essential for cosmetic facilities offering injection services to implement stringent protocols for infection control measures to prevent transmission of HIV and other blood-borne pathogens.

Overall, these cases highlight the dangers of poorly regulated cosmetic procedures involving injection services and underscore the importance of proper infection control measures when performing such procedures.