Albuquerque, New Mexico – Three women in New Mexico were diagnosed with HIV after receiving “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed medical spa, marking the first known cases of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure involving needles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the clinic in question apparently reused disposable equipment meant for one-time use, leading to the transmission of the virus.
The investigation into the clinic spanned from 2018 to 2023, shedding light on the risks associated with contaminated needles in cosmetic procedures. While HIV transmission through unsterile injections is a known danger, this is the first documented instance of probable infections linked to cosmetic services involving needles.
Various aesthetic treatments, such as Botox and fillers, commonly use needles for application. A “vampire facial” procedure, which incorporates platelet-rich plasma microneedling, entails drawing the client’s blood, separating its components, and injecting plasma into the face with tiny needles to rejuvenate the skin. The use of needles is also prevalent in tattoo applications.
The New Mexico Department of Health launched an investigation into the spa in the summer of 2018 following a report of an HIV-positive woman in her 40s with no apparent risk factors. She disclosed exposure to needles during a spring procedure at the clinic. The spa was eventually closed in fall 2018, and its owner faced prosecution for practicing medicine without a license.
The CDC emphasized the importance of enforcing infection control measures at businesses offering cosmetic procedures involving needles. The report also highlighted deficiencies in record-keeping that hindered the investigation process, suggesting that businesses in this industry maintain thorough records for potential future client notifications.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks posed by improper needle use in cosmetic procedures and underscores the necessity for stringent safety protocols in such settings. The incident in New Mexico underscores the critical need for regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals seeking aesthetic treatments involving needles.