New York: In a shocking incident, three women in New Mexico have contracted HIV after getting a popular beauty treatment known as "vampire facial".
The treatment, which combines platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and micro-needling, has become a viral trend in recent years due to its promise of giving the skin a radiant glow. However, the recent incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of such procedures and the need for stricter regulations in the beauty industry.
According to reports, the three women got the vampire facial at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that it is believed to be the first documented case of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure using needles. An examination of the clinic from 2018 to 2023 revealed that it appeared to have reused single-use disposable equipment, a severe violation of safety protocols.
What is vampire facial?
Sakhiya Skin Clinic explains that a vampire facial, also known as PRP therapy, involves two procedures: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and microneedling. PRP therapy is a popular cosmetic treatment that uses the patient's blood to stimulate collagen production, promote hair growth, and aid wound healing. When combined with microneedling, the treatment enhances the skin's texture and appearance.
How is vampire facial performed?
Blood is drawn from a person's arm during a vampire facial and later separated into layers. One of these layers contains a high concentration of platelets injected into a person's face or scalp.
Why is it called a vampire?
This process has been called a vampire facial, as it involves the use of blood.
Call for stricter regulations
The incident has sparked a nationwide debate on the safety of cosmetic procedures and the need for stricter regulations in the beauty industry. Experts say that while cosmetic treatments can effectively enhance one's appearance, they can pose serious risks if not done in a safe and sterile environment.
Who can undergo this procedure?
According to Garza Plastic Surgery's website, if you have visible sun-damaged surface layers of your skin, such as age spots, sun spots, or other issues, PRP treatment can help even out your complexion. The procedure is also suitable for individuals with wrinkles, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, and other skin problems.
Safety should come first.
The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry constantly evolving with new trends and treatments. However, incidents like these serve as a reminder that safety should always be the top priority and that consumers should be vigilant when choosing where to get their beauty treatments done.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the CDC has urged people to be cautious when getting cosmetic treatments done and to ensure that the facility adheres to strict safety protocols. The incident has also prompted calls for more stringent regulations in the beauty industry to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
In its Morbidity and Mortality Report, released this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that an examination of the clinic from 2018 to 2023 revealed that it appeared to have reused single-use disposable equipment.