3 American Women Contracted HIV Through Injecting Blood Cells for Beauty

Three women in the US were infected with HIV after undergoing blood cell injections for wrinkle removal and facelift procedures, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC revealed this information during a meeting on April 26, stating that the method used, known as the Vampire Facelift skin rejuvenation, involves using plasma in blood cells for cosmetic purposes.

The first case was reported at VIP Spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2018. The patient had not engaged in any risky behavior for HIV transmission but had received blood cell injections at the spa. This incident prompted the New Mexico Department of Health to offer free testing to all individuals who had received injections at the facility. Subsequent investigations found unlabeled blood tubes and improper safety measures at the spa.

In 2023, two additional cases of HIV infection were discovered in individuals who had undergone the Vampire Facelift treatment at VIP Spa in 2018. One person was diagnosed with early-stage HIV in 2019, while the other was hospitalized with severe symptoms. The lack of proper licensing and safety measures at VIP Spa led to a joint investigation by the CDC and the New Mexico Department of Health.

The owner of VIP Spa pleaded guilty to serious medical charges in 2022 and was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. The investigation identified 59 customers who may have been exposed to HIV, with 20 of them having undergone the Vampire Facelift treatment. The CDC emphasizes the importance of proper infection control measures in facilities offering cosmetic injection services to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens like HIV.

Vampire Facelift involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the facial skin to improve its appearance. While some facilities use the customer’s own blood to minimize risk, others may source blood and plasma externally. Despite claims of skin rejuvenation, the American Academy of Dermatology notes limited evidence of effectiveness for this method. Proper handling of blood is essential to ensure the safety of such cosmetic procedures.

HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids and can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. The CDC advises individuals to seek cosmetic services from facilities that prioritize infection control measures to minimize the risk of blood-borne infections.