Can This Med Spa Treatment Cause HIV?

Over the past decade, a new facial beauty treatment has become increasingly popular: the vampire facial.

Promoted by celebrities and influencers, vampire facials purport to rejuvenate the skin using the patient’s blood.

The treatment involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient’s arm, then separating our health t the platelets and injecting the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) back into the patient’s face.

Platelets are an essential part of the healing process, as they help promote the growth of new cells and the regeneration of tissue.

The PRP injected during a vampire facial is thought to help to improve your complexion by stimulating the secretion of growth factors and the production of new healthy cells.

Are Vampire Facials Safe?

Because the vampire facial involves needles and blood, there is some concern about its safety.

In 2018, a spa in New Mexico was shut down for unsafe practices and potential linkage to two cases of positive HIV after receiving their vampire facial treatments.

No other cases of HIV have been reported in relation to vampire facials.

When the procedure is done correctly, with thoroughly sterilized tools and equipment, the risk of contracting an infection is minimal.

However, it is still essential to make informed decisions and be aware of the risks involved with any beauty treatment, especially those involving blood or skin penetration.

Do Vampire Facials Actually Work?

While the evidence is limited so far, the initial research on vampire facials does indicate that the treatment may be able to reduce wrinkles, reduce the appearance of acne scars, and improve the skin’s appearance overall.

In one small study, 27 participants received PRP injections in one cheek and a placebo saline injection in the other cheek. The participants’ eyes were covered, so they couldn’t tell which injection was given to which cheek.

Six months after a single treatment, participants consistently reported that the side that received the PRP injections felt and looked improved, but not significantly.

More extensive and more in-depth studies are needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of vampire facials.

If you’re considering a vampire facial, do your research and choose a reputable provider.

And if you are at all concerned about the safety or efficacy of the treatment, remember that many other options are available to help you improve the health and appearance of your skin.