I Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently revealed five cases of HIV infection, associated with the beauty treatment known as “vampire facial” o vampire lift, carried out in an unauthorized beauty centre. This procedure, also known as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)involves extracting blood from the patient, followed by centrifugation to separate the platelets, and finally injecting the platelets under the skin to promote facial rejuvenation.
Despite the popularity of the treatment, it is often advertised by celebrities as Kim Kardashian, who shared a photo on Instagram in 2015 immediately after receiving it, the risks associated with practices in centers that do not comply with regulations are significant. The most recent case, highlighted by the CDC, comes from an investigation that began in 2018 AlbuquerqueIn the New Mexicoafter a woman was diagnosed as HIV positive without having the traditional risk factors associated with transmission of the virus.
The investigations brought to light serious shortcomings in the management of the center: unlabeled test tubes stored improperly, the use of non-sterile syringes and the lack of an adequate sterilization system. These practices led to the closure of the center and the arrest of the owner, but the damage had already been done. Five people, including four women who had received the treatment and the partner of one of them, were infected with the virus.
The HIV transmission through non-sterile injections It’s a known risk, but this incident highlights the need for greater vigilance and regulation in cosmetic treatments involving the use of blood. THE CDC they emphasized the importance of following recommended infection control procedures and proper management of client records to prevent similar transmissions in the future.
The full report was published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), further underlining the seriousness of the case and the need for greater awareness of the risks associated with such beauty treatments. Users are encouraged to verify the credentials and licenses of beauty centers, as well as request detailed information on the sterilization and safety procedures adopted, before undergoing treatments involving manipulation of blood.