Three women were diagnosed with HIV after undergoing “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks the first known instance of individuals contracting HIV through cosmetic needle services.
The investigation began when a woman in her 40s was diagnosed with HIV, prompting scrutiny of the spa’s practices. The CDC report revealed that between 2018 and 2023, the spa allegedly reused disposable equipment meant for single use. Although the risk of HIV transmission through unsterile injections is well-documented, this is the first recorded case involving cosmetic procedures.
HIV, once diagnosed, can damage immune system cells, impairing the body’s ability to combat infections and diseases. While there is no cure, highly effective drug treatments are available.
A “vampire facial,” or platelet-rich plasma microneedling, involves drawing a client’s blood, separating its components, and using tiny needles to inject the plasma back into the face to rejuvenate the skin.
The New Mexico spa was shut down in 2018 after the state health department initiated an investigation, and its owner was prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license. The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality report underscores the importance of customers inquiring about infection control practices at cosmetic procedure facilities.