New Mexico Spa Linked to New HIV Case from “Vampire Facial”
Albuquerque, New Mexico – The New Mexico Department of Health announced this week that a new case of HIV has been linked to a controversial cosmetic procedure known as a “vampire facial.” The case is connected to the VIP Beauty Salon and Spa, which closed its doors in 2018 after unsafe practices were discovered during a state inspection.
The patient, identified as a 2023 case, reported that the only HIV risk they had was receiving a vampire facial at the spa in 2018. This is not the first time the spa has been associated with HIV cases. Two cases were previously linked to injection-related procedures at the spa in 2019.
In response to the new case, the Department of Health has reopened its investigation into the spa. They are urging former clients who received injection-related services, including vampire facials and Botox, to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Even if clients previously tested negative, the department recommends retesting.
During the previous investigation, the state health department provided testing to over 100 spa clients. However, with the discovery of additional HIV infections with connections to the VIP Spa, the department wants to ensure the safety of all former clients.
Dr. Laura Parajon, Department of Health deputy secretary, emphasized the importance of spreading the word about the retesting. “It’s very important that we spread the word and remind people who received any kind of injection-related to services provided at the VIP Spa to come in for free and confidential testing,” said Parajon in a news release.
The owners of the spa are facing legal consequences for their actions. In June 2022, the owner pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license.
A vampire facial, also known as a plasma-rich protein facial, involves injecting a patient’s own plasma into the skin on their face using a micro-needling pen. However, infections could occur if proper sanitation measures are not followed, such as reusing micro-needling tips or syringes or using another patient’s blood.
The Department of Health is urging anyone who received injection-related services at the VIP Spa to take advantage of the free and confidential testing being offered. By doing so, they can ensure their own health and prevent the spread of infections.
Note: This article includes contributions from CNN’s Jacqueline Howard.