The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded three women infected with HIV after receiving blood cell injections to remove wrinkles and face lift.
The information was stated by the US CDC in a meeting on April 26. The method they use is called Vampire Facelift skin rejuvenation, which means using plasma in blood cells for beauty.
The first case was recorded at VIP Spa in Albuquerque, Mexico, in 2018. The patient said she did not inject drugs, have blood transfusions or have sex with HIV-infected people, but did use cell injections. blood. The incident prompted the New Mexico Department of Health to provide free testing to anyone receiving injections at the facility. At the time, the ministry said the spa was closed. The investigator determined “the facility’s services had the potential to spread bloodborne infections.”
Two recently discovered cases also received facial care using the Vampire Facelift blood cell injection method at VIP Spa in 2018. One person was diagnosed with early-stage HIV infection in 2019, the other person got sick in 2023 and was hospitalized. with severe symptoms.
The US CDC said VIP Spa did not have an operating license and did not apply appropriate safety measures. A joint investigation by the CDC and the New Mexico Department of Health found shelves of unlabeled blood tubes on the kitchen counter, in the kitchen refrigerator, and next to foods and injections at the spa. Investigators also discovered syringes unwrapped in plastic, left in drawers, on counters and in trash cans.
In 2022, the spa owner pleaded guilty to five serious medical charges and was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. CDC and investigators ultimately identified 59 customers as possibly exposed to HIV. Among them, 20 people used Vampire Facelift blood cell injection therapy.
Illustration of cosmetic microinjection method to rejuvenate the skin. Image: NBC News
Vampire Facelift is a method of microimplanting platelet-rich plasma into the facial skin. Experts will separate the plasma from the blood and inject it into the facial skin using a small needle. The method is advertised to plump sagging skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars or wrinkles. Some facilities use customers’ autologous blood to reduce the possibility of exposure, but some use outside sources of blood and plasma. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is little evidence that this method is effective. However, the therapy is safe if the blood is handled properly.
HIV is transmitted through contact with an infected person’s body fluids, specifically blood and semen. HIV attacks the immune system, if not treated properly it can lead to AIDS, causing death.
According to the CDC, spa facilities that provide cosmetic injection services should have appropriate infection control measures in place to prevent the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne pathogens.