Former clients of VIP Beauty Salon and Spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are being urged to get tested for blood-borne infections after another case of HIV was linked to the spa’s “vampire facial” treatment. The spa, which was forced to close in September 2018, had previously seen two clients test positive for HIV following the facial procedure, which involved drawing blood from the patient and injecting components back into the face using microneedles.
In a news release from the New Mexico Department of Health, it was revealed that another former customer had tested positive for HIV in March, with their only reported risk exposure being the “vampire facial” they had received at VIP Beauty Salon and Spa prior to its closure. As a result, officials have reopened their investigation into the business, with a total of five HIV infections now identified among individuals who had a connection to the spa.
The Department of Health had previously found practices at the spa that could potentially spread blood-borne infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, to clients. The vampire facial treatment itself is considered safe when performed correctly, according to the Cellular Medicine Association (CMA), but cross-contamination can be deadly if done improperly.
During the initial investigation in 2018 and 2019, over 100 former clients were tested. However, health officials are now encouraging anyone who received any injection-related services at VIP Beauty Salon and Spa to be retested, regardless of their previous negative results.
It was also revealed by the CMA that the providers at the spa were impostors who were not licensed to use the “Vampire Facial” name. They were neither properly trained nor listed as certified providers by the association. This further highlights the importance of seeking treatments from licensed and certified practitioners.
In a recent development, the owner of the spa pleaded guilty to five felony counts of practicing medicine without a license in June 2022. As a result, she has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
The Department of Health and other relevant agencies are working to ensure the safety of the affected individuals and prevent further cases of blood-borne infections. It is crucial for anyone who had received injection-related services at VIP Beauty Salon and Spa to follow the department’s recommendations and get retested for their own health and well-being.