A “vampire facial” is a cosmetic procedure that is thought to be a less intrusive and less expensive substitute for facelifts.
However, if the surgery is carried out in an unhygienic setting, a recent investigation indicates that there may be a serious health risk.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed earlier this week that vampire facials at an unregulated spa in New Mexico may have exposed three women to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
As per the CDC study earlier this week, CBS News said, these are the first documented cases of the virus spreading after a cosmetic injectable operation.
One skin clinic claims that a vampire facial involves taking a patient’s blood from their arm, separating the platelets, and using microneedles to apply the platelets to the patient’s face.
Proponents of the therapy, also known as platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, assert that it helps to rejuvenate the skin and decrease small lines and pores.
However, the CDC investigation said that several individuals who did not have recognized risk factors for HIV were probably exposed to the virus through vampire facials at the now-closed institution.
“This investigation is the first to associate HIV transmission with nonsterile cosmetic injection services,” it said.
The 2013 cosmetic treatment was done on American media figure Kim Kardashian, who has subsequently spoken out against the procedure.
The CDC advises anybody thinking about getting an injection for cosmetic or medical reasons to find out about the credentials and experience of the practitioner, spa, or clinic, as well as the FDA permission and reliable source of any supplies used.
According to the CDC, several states offer a look-up tool for validating licenses.
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