Therapy Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or “vampire facial” is a process in which human blood is collected and used to rejuvenate hair and face growth.

Cosmetic procedures are commonly used to achieve desired facial and bodily appearances. Unfortunately, serious complications can arise from the subpar execution of these procedures. 

What

The New Mexico Department of Health announced on July 5 that an HIV case had been connected to a “vampire facial” done at an Albuquerque spa that had shut down in 2018. According to this HIV patient, the only ‘HIV-risk thing’ they did in 2018 was get a vampire facial.

The Department of Health has reopened its investigation into the spa in response to this, and it is urging past clients who got injection-related procedures, including vampire facials or Botox, to undergo another HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C test.

Cases of HIV

An inspection by the state found “unsafe practices” at the Albuquerque spa in 2018, prompting its closure because of the risk of spreading blood-borne diseases to customers.

The initial investigation involved the testing of over a hundred spa visitors by the state health department. Ex-customers who have tested negative in the past should be retested. 

The spa’s owner admitted to practicing medicine illegally in June 2022 and entered a guilty plea. A few HIV cases have been associated with the spa thus far, including two in 2019. 

(The investigation into this case is ongoing.)

What, exactly, are a vampire facial and botox?

Therapy Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or “vampire facial” refers to a procedure in which our own blood is drawn and then used as a rejuvenating agent for hair growth or face growth.

However, botox is nothing like a “vampire facial.” Botox is a cosmetic injectable used to temporarily paralyze muscles and diminish the look of wrinkles and fine lines.

How safe are these procedures?

Botox treatment does not involve the use of blood. During a vampire facial, the patient’s blood is drawn, purified, concentrated, and then applied directly to the skin.

Let us check if these procedures can really cause HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C before we talk about any other potential risks. 

One Mumbai dermatologist with ten years of experience performing vampire facials and botox procedures said, “The treatment of botox does not involve any blood. Meanwhile, the patient’s blood is drawn, cleansed, condensed, and then activated directly onto the skin during a vampire facial. There is currently absolutely no risk of contracting HIV from another person’s blood, as we are utilizing the patient’s own blood.” 

Yet he goes on to say that any needle-based treatment, such as vampire facials or botox, might spread HIV if the person administering the injections has HIV and pricks themselves accidentally before injecting the client.

A dermatologist from Noida said that the client has touched the needle on many occasions. The risk is the same in every procedure that employs syringes if something as fundamental as disposable syringes or needles is not utilized.

She also warns against getting any sort of blood work done at a spa. Because they lack the right training, they look for shortcuts and fail to consider the consequences.

In addition to HIV, it can cause far more lethal hepatitis B and C.

So, patients should undertake any procedure involving blood at a recognized clinic, not at a spa, and they should also ensure that all items used in the surgery are disposable.

If proper safeguards are taken, the process is safe.

However, the following are some additional risks associated with these treatments, as reported by professionals:

First, botox: 

1. Temporary muscular weakness: Botox can temporarily weaken or paralyze surrounding muscles, which might make particular facial expressions and motions more difficult to accomplish.
2. Reactions at the injection site: Some people may have redness, swelling, discomfort, or bruising there. Usually transient, these symptoms go away on their own.
3. Eyelid drooping or asymmetry: Sometimes, Botox injections close to the eyes cause temporary drooping of the eyelids or asymmetry of the face. The majority of these adverse effects are mild and go away on their own within a matter of weeks.

If the treatment is not performed properly, it may occasionally result in muscle paralysis.

Remember that these side effects normally subside on their own within a brief period of time. However, it is essential to speak with a licensed medical professional about the risks and benefits of your individual case before deciding to undergo any cosmetic procedure. 

Now, here are some potential risks to consider before scheduling a vampire facial:

1. Infection: Microneedling and the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) made from the client’s own blood are both used in vampire facials. An infection at the site of treatment is possible if proper sterilization procedures are not used, or if the equipment is not sterile.
2. Skin redness or irritation: Microneedling performed during a vampire facial may temporarily increase skin sensitivity, redness, or irritation. This is a typical side effect that goes away in a couple of days or weeks.
3. Allergy reactions: Some people can have an allergy to the PRP or other ingredients used in the vampire facial. At the treatment location, allergic responses may present as irritation, redness, or swelling.

Any treatment, including vampire facials, must be carried out by a licensed, experienced expert who adheres to strict health and safety guidelines.

Dentox facilitates medical personnel’s learning of proper and efficient Botox injection techniques. Participate in a seminar at one of our many accessible U.S. sites, or sign up for a live, online, or on-demand course to study at your own speed. Visit https://dentox.com/live-courses/ to learn more about our live courses, and https://dentox.com/all-courses/botox-training/ to learn more about our virtual Botox courses.