PRP Microneedling (Vampire Facials) has just recently been documented by the CDC as a vehicle for HIV transmission.
The CDC has been investigating a series of patients treated in an unlicensed MedSpa in New Mexico from 2018-2023 (1). HIV transmitted through contaminated blood via cosmetic injections has not been previously documented. Although the occurrences were reported in the news cycles when they happened, the CDC just recently released the findings of their investigation, which is the first to associate HIV transmission with nonsterile cosmetic injection procedures by an unlicensed provider.
These data suggest that HIV transmission likely occurred during PRP microneedling (aka Vampire Facials) procedures, but the source of contamination remains unknown. Three patients treated at the unlicensed MedSpa between the months of May and September in 2018 underwent procedures that resulted in HIV transmission, according to the data in the manuscript. The investigation revealed multiple unsafe infection control practices at the unlicensed MedSpa, such as finding unlabeled tubes containing blood on a kitchen counter, unlabeled tubes of blood and medical injectables stored in the kitchen refrigerator with food, having no autoclave on the premises, among others, and resulted in the unlicensed MedSpa having been shuttered.
It is important to note that PRP Microneedling (aka Vampire Facials) and cosmetic injectable procedures are very safe and effective when performed by medical professionals licensed and educated in aesthetic medicine and surgery with credentials attesting to their training. The Aesthetic Society would like to reiterate and underscore the importance of education and training in ensuring patient safety in cosmetic surgery and cosmetic medicine. The Aesthetic Society introduced its Allied Pro program to offer the very best in aesthetic medicine techniques and training. AlliedPro is an exclusive membership program that offers training and community for all nonsurgical aesthetic professionals who want to be at the top of their profession and offer the best and safest care for their patients.
- Stadelman-Behar AM, Gehre MN, Atallah L, et al. Investigation of Presumptive HIV Transmission Associated with Receipt of Platelet-Rich Plasma Microneedling Facials at a Spa Among Former Spa Clients — New Mexico, 2018–2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:372–376. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7316a3.