A recent CDC report highlighted cases of women contracting HIV after receiving a "vampire facial" at an unlicensed spa in New Mexico in 2018, shedding light on the risks associated with certain cosmetic procedures.

The "vampire facial," or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facial, involves drawing a patient's blood, separating out platelet-rich plasma, and then reinjecting it into the face to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which can improve skin texture. This procedure, popularized by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, can cost between $1,000 to $2,000 at licensed medical spas.

The New Mexico women contracted HIV due to unsafe practices at the unlicensed spa. The spa stored blood and medical injectables improperly, including keeping unlabelled blood tubes in a kitchen fridge near food and using unwrapped syringes. Additionally, some blood vials showed signs of reuse. The CDC investigation linked the spa to five HIV cases, indicating serious breaches in infection control.

Regarding the safety of cosmetic procedures like vampire facials, the American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that when done correctly, these treatments are generally safe, though patients may experience temporary pain, bruising, or swelling. The key risk lies in improper handling of blood and medical equipment by the treatment facility, emphasizing the importance of ensuring sterile practices and using the patient's own blood for injection.

Similar concerns have been raised about other cosmetic treatments, such as counterfeit Botox injections linked to a recent botulism outbreak. The CDC advises patients to research treatment providers, verify FDA approval of products like Botox, and ensure reliable sourcing to minimize health risks associated with cosmetic procedures.