Three Women Contract HIV from “Vampire Facial” Procedures at Unlicensed New Mexico Spa
Three women have been diagnosed with HIV after undergoing “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico. This is the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through cosmetic services that use needles.
Federal health officials discovered that the clinic, VIP Spa, was reusing disposable equipment meant for one-time use, leading to the transmission of HIV through contaminated blood. Vampire facials, also known as platelet-rich plasma microneedling facials, are popular cosmetic procedures designed to rejuvenate skin by reducing acne scars and wrinkles.
Despite the known risk of HIV transmission through unsterile injections, the American Academy of Dermatology insists that vampire facials are generally safe. Originally used for medical purposes such as bone grafting and osteoarthritis, these procedures have become increasingly popular in the cosmetic industry.
Spa owner Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Ruiz pleaded guilty to multiple felony counts for practicing medicine without a license and performing illegal procedures. Nearly 200 former clients of the spa were tested for HIV, with no additional infections reported.
The CDC recommends having medical procedures done in a proper medical setting and emphasizes the importance of safety protocols to minimize risks. After inspections by state health and regulation departments revealed code violations, the spa was shut down in 2018.
The spa owner has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison and supervised probation for her illegal practices. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of choosing licensed and reputable facilities for cosmetic procedures.
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