Three women who were diagnosed with HIV after receiving "vampire facial" procedures at an unlicensed New Mexico medical spa are likely to be the first known cases of obtaining the virus through a cosmetic procedure involving needles, according to federal health officials.

CDC Warns HIV Risk in 'Vampire Facials'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in its Morbidity and Mortality Report last week that a study into the clinic from 2018 to 2023 revealed that it reportedly reprocessed disposable equipment designated for single use.

Although HIV transmission from tainted blood via unsterile injection is a well-known concern, the report claims this is the first documented case of possible infections employing cosmetic procedures.

Many popular cosmetic treatments, such as Botox for wrinkle removal and fillers for lip plumping, are administered with needles.

A "vampire facial," also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling, involves extracting a client's own blood, separating its components, and injecting plasma into the face to renew the skin. Tattoos also require needles.

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New Mexico Department of Health Closed a VIP Spa in 2018

While the CDC study did not identify the unlicensed spa, the New Mexico Department of Health closed down the VIP Spa in Albuquerque in 2018 after state inspectors discovered procedures that might possibly spread blood-borne illnesses, including HIV, to clients.

This includes unmarked blood tubes on a kitchen counter and other injectables stored in the refrigerator beside food.  

Maria Ramos de Ruiz, the former owner of VIP Spa, pled guilty in June 2022 to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license. She was sentenced to three and one-half years in prison.  

Kim Kardashian, who had the cosmetic treatment in 2013, posted an image of her bleeding face afterward. She has since spoken out against the practice.

People seeking injections for medical or cosmetic reasons should inquire whether the practitioner, clinic, or spa is licensed and trained, and whether any products used are FDA approved and obtained from a reputable source. According to the CDC, several states have a look-up tool for checking licenses.

According to the CDC's findings, requiring proper infection control methods at spas that provide cosmetic injection services can help prevent the transmission of HIV and other bloodborne diseases.

Separately, the CDC is looking into an 11-state botulism outbreak connected to counterfeit Botox used in non-healthcare settings such as residences or spas, CBS News reported.

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