New HIV cases linked to spa offering PRP facials

As first reported by Sky News, more new HIV cases in the USA have been linked to a spa offering PRP facials, often referred to as ‘vampire facials’.

The VIP Spa, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, had been offering both botulinum toxin injections and PRP facials to clients; the latter of which involves a specific process of drawing a patient’s blood, splitting the plasma from it, and reinjecting into the face, intending to stimulate new collagen production. It is thought that these cases were caused by cross-contamination fron improperly sterilised equipment.

The US-based business folded in September 2018 after two clients tested positive for HIV following a PRP facial procedure. The owner also pleaded guilty in June 2022 to five counts of practising medicine without a licence.

Now, the New Mexico Department of Health has reopened an investigation after another former client tested positive for the virus in March 2023.

In total, five HIV infections have been identified among people “with direct or indirect connection with services provided at the VIP Spa," according to a department spokesperson.

More than 100 former salon clients were tested in 2018 and 2019 as part of the initial investigation. However, officials are now asking all former clients to get (re)tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, including those who may have previously tested negative. To aid this process, the New Mexico health department is hosting free walk-in testing for former clients this month.

"It's very important that we spread the word and remind people who received any kind of injection-related to services provided at the VIP Spa to come in for free and confidential testing," said the deputy secretary of the health department, Laura Parajon.

Practitioners can also use this example to emphasise to potential clients the importance of visiting licensed doctors and aesthetic clinics for such procedures.