Albuquerque, New Mexico – In a groundbreaking development, three women have been diagnosed with HIV following “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico. Federal health officials have identified this as the first documented cases of HIV transmission through a cosmetic procedure involving needles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an investigation spanning from 2018 to 2023 revealed that the clinic allegedly reused disposable equipment meant for single use. While the risk of HIV transmission through contaminated blood via unsterile injections is well-documented, this report marks the first probable instances of infections linked to cosmetic needle procedures.

The popularity of cosmetic treatments involving needles, such as Botox, fillers, and vampire facials, has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of these practices. The vampire facial, also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling, entails drawing blood from a client, separating its components, and injecting plasma into the face to rejuvenate the skin.

The New Mexico Department of Health initiated an investigation into the spa in 2018 after a woman in her 40s tested positive for HIV without any known risk factors. She reported exposure to needles during a procedure at the clinic earlier that year. Following the investigation, the spa was closed in the fall of 2018, and its owner faced prosecution for practicing medicine without a license.

The CDC report stressed the importance of implementing infection control measures at businesses offering cosmetic procedures involving needles. It underscored the need for improved record-keeping practices among such establishments to facilitate potential follow-ups with clients if necessary.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated cosmetic practices involving needles and highlights the crucial role of stringent safety protocols in safeguarding public health. The implications of these cases extend beyond individual experiences, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and oversight in the cosmetic industry to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.