'Vampire facial' linked to three HIV infections at unlicensed spas

Vampire facial, etc. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Cosmetic surgery with microneedling is a simple, minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons in licensed facilities and medical spas.

Vampire facials performed at medical spas can often be more cost-effective than those performed at a cosmetic surgeon's office.

A vampire facial involves drawing blood from the client, separating the platelet-rich plasma in a centrifuge, and then injecting the plasma into the face using small needles. In plasma, hyaluronic acid Fillers can give you plumper skin with a more youthful appearance.

In most cases, vampire facials and other skin care treatments are quick. Outpatient A procedure that takes almost no time to recover. These services are often advertised as “anti-aging” for the face and body.

Proponents of this treatment say the following about this treatment: reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging, and appearance acne scars.

But a vampire facial is not for the faint of heart. For example, Kim Kardashian, who helped popularize the procedure more than a decade ago, says: regretted That I had one.

Vampire facials and other skin care treatments using needles are generally considered safe in licensed facilities with proper infection control practices.What the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Offers guidance To find the best board-certified cosmetic surgeon for your needs.

Although this procedure may be uncomfortable and even painful for some people, side effects of a vampire facial are generally minimal. These may include:

• bleeding
• swelling
• Bruise
• redness
• kindness

But less is known about the side effects of vampire facials performed at unlicensed medical spas, such as Spa A in New Mexico.

A CDC investigation says a spa in New Mexico failed to follow recommended infection control measures, leading to HIV infections in a small number of customers.

William SchaffnerM.D., professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, said HIV transmission in health care settings can occur when there is a “clear deviation from standard infection control practices.” Ta.

Such deviations may include reusing scalpels and needles for single-use purposes.

In another scenario, a needle used on one person could be inserted into a vial containing a drug intended for use on another person, potentially contaminating the vial.

“Then another needle goes into that vial, even if it's sterile, and the contaminated material is taken out and injected into another patient,” Schaffner explained.

Schaffner told Healthline that the source of HIV infection comes from people with untreated HIV infection.

“Usually it's not a caregiver. It's not a medical professional, licensed or unlicensed. Most of the time, it's another patient,” he explained.

When done properly in a sterile environment in a licensed facility, Vampire Facials should be safe for everyone, even people being treated for HIV, Schaffner said. .

“If treated properly, [HIV] viral load very much should be low or undetectable,” he explained.

“Proper infection control procedures can prevent infection to other patients, regardless of the initial patient's condition. Therefore, as long as it is provided in a licensed healthcare facility that adheres to strict standard infection control practices. , there is no need to exclude such patients from these medical procedures,” Schaffner said.

A recent CDC investigation linked three female HIV infections to vampire facials performed at unlicensed medical spas in New Mexico. The procedure, known as platelet-rich plasma using microneedles, involves drawing blood from the patient and injecting the plasma into the face. Under sanitary conditions in a licensed facility with strict infection controls, Vampire She Facials are generally considered safe, even for those with HIV.