Vampire facial and other cosmetic surgeries raise safety concerns

“Vampire Facial” is a treatment used by people to look young. In New Mexico, some women got HIV from getting this facial at a spa. This is the first time HIV has spread through a cosmetic treatment in the US. It shows that these treatments can be risky, and we need to make sure they are safe for everyone.

The popular TV series “Breaking Bad” was in the spotlight again due to a controversy surrounding a local spa offering a trendy cosmetic procedure known as the “vampire facial.” This facial, which gained attention for its purported skin-rejuvenating effects which is to look young, involved taking a person’s blood, drawing platelets, and injecting them back into the skin using tiny needles. However, an investigation by the New Mexico Health Department found unsafe practices at the spa, which led to the HIV contamination of five individuals.

Presently, the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) gave a report detailing the case, which said that three women who underwent vampire facials at the spa in 2018 were diagnosed with HIV. This was the first ever documentation of transmission of HIV through cosmetic surgeries including needles. This investigation uncovered the spa’s reuse of disposable equipment which is intended for single use, this practice is common in other cosmetic surgeries like Botox and tattoos.

The CDC stressed the significance of implementing infection control measures at businesses offering such treatments and emphasized the need for improved record-keeping to identify and notify potentially affected clients. Despite its popularity, the vampire facial, also known as a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facial, has enhanced safety concerns.

The procedure, which is believed to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, is not only painful but expensive too, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 at licensed medical spas. The CDC investigation into the New Mexico spa exposed shocking safety violations, including operating without a license and practicing unsanitary procedures.

Examples of storing blood and medical supplies in a kitchen refrigerator along with food were discovered, and additionally evidence of reused blood vials, posing significant health risks to clients. Following the investigation, the spa was shut down in 2018, and its owner faced legal repercussions for unauthorized medical practices. The findings of the CDC report have prompted concerns about the safety of cosmetic procedures like vampire facials.

While the procedure itself may be safe when performed correctly, improper handling of blood and medical equipment can result in infections and other serious health complications. It is imperative for individuals considering cosmetic treatments to thoroughly research providers and ensure they are licensed and adhere to proper safety protocols. Besides vampire facials, other cosmetic treatments have also faced scrutiny over safety issues.

The recent outbreak of botulism linked to counterfeit Botox injections underscores the importance of using FDA-approved products from reputable sources. Patients seeking cosmetic procedures should prioritize safety and exercise caution when selecting providers to minimize the risk of adverse effects and complications.

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