Vampire facials, also known as plasma-rich protein (PRP) facials, are cosmetic procedures designed to reduce the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has warned individuals who received injection services, such as “vampire facials” or botox, at a spa in Albuquerque.
The DOH has found a direct or indirect connection between these services and the risk of blood-borne infections, including HIV and Hepatitis C. According to the DOH, three cases of HIV have been linked to procedures at VIP Spa.
The most recent case, diagnosed in 2018, prompted the investigation. In 2019, two other patients contracted HIV after receiving vampire facials at the same spa.
To ensure public safety, the DOH strongly urges anyone who received any injection-related service at VIP Spa to seek free and confidential testing. Dr. Laura Parajon, the deputy secretary for the DOH, emphasizes the importance of spreading the word to reach potentially affected individuals.
Following the investigation, VIP Spa was shut down in September 2018. In 2022, the spa owner, Maria Ramos de Ruiz, was imprisoned for three and a half years.
Another new HIV case has been tied to vampire facials at a now-closed New Mexico spa. What to know about the procedure: https://t.co/BZ01M3Oyjr pic.twitter.com/8dORYGwuxN
— WebMD (@WebMD) July 8, 2023
Vampire Facials Procedure
During the procedure, they collect a small amount of the patient’s blood and separate the protein-rich plasma and platelets. They will reintroduce the mixture to the skin through micro-needling or injection, promoting cell turnover, collagen production, and elastin production.
This procedure leads to smoother, tighter, and fuller-looking skin.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Bar Refaeli have popularized this procedure. Vampire facials are generally safe with clean, sterile needles and proper safety precautions.
Individuals with bleeding disorders or platelet abnormalities may not be suitable candidates. Dermatologists and board-certified plastic surgeons can perform the treatment.
If considering a spa for the procedure, it is advisable to ensure that the establishment receives oversight from a board-certified professional.
Three New HIV Cases Linked to Vampire Spa
Recently, the New Mexico Department of Health reported three new cases of HIV associated with the Vampire Spa Salon five years after its closure. The department is urging members of the public who previously visited the salon to undergo testing, expanding on the original testing conducted in 2018.
The department is also offering free walk-in tests to former spa clients. Individuals who previously had injection-related services, such as a vampire facial or Botox injections at the VIP Spa, should undergo HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C testing.
Health officials discovered numerous health code violations, including unwrapped needles and unlabeled syringes beside food in the refrigerator during an inspection in 2018. The spa closed in September 2018.
Ramon de Ruiz has no license to practice medicine in the state. According to inmate records, He is serving time in the Springer Correctional Center.
It is crucial for anyone who visited the spa to come in for free and confidential testing, said Dr. Laura Parajon, deputy secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health.
Ensuring Safety in Light of the VIP Spa Incident
Despite the concerning incident at VIP Spa, vampire facials can be safe when performed correctly. Former VIP spa patients must visit Albuquerque South Valley Public Health for free HIV, hepatitis B, and C lab testing and counseling.
Former VIP Spa clients should undergo retesting, even if they previously tested negative. Taking these precautions will help safeguard your health and well-being.
Written by Janet Grace Ortigas
Sources:
Insider: At least 3 people have gotten HIV after invasive facials at a New Mexico spa; by Kate Hull
Daily Mail: New Mexico salon that offered ‘vampire facials’ is linked to three more HIV diagnoses – five years after it was shut down when two clients tested positive for the infection; by Neirin Gray Desai
Sky News: New HIV cases linked to spa that closed after ‘vampire facial’ clients tested positive for virus
CBS News: New HIV case linked to “vampire facials” at New Mexico spa; by Aliza Chasan
Featured and Top Image by ZaldyImg Courtesy of Flickr – Creative Commons License
Inset Image by Courtney Elizabeth Courtesy of Flickr – Public Domain
Discover more from Guardian Liberty Voice
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.