TWO people have contracted HIV after getting so-called “vampire facials” at a US health spa, it was revealed yesterday.
Officials from the New Mexico Department of Health said the unnamed customers may have been infected by the needles used to perform the anti-ageing procedure.
Kim Kardashian/twitter
The cosmetic op – beloved by celebs including Kim Kardashian and Ferne McCann – involves drawing blood from a patient.
That blood is then put in a centrifuge to extract the plasma and platelets – which are then re-injected into the face.
Two clients of VIP Spa in Albuquerque contracted HIV after undergoing the treatment between May and September last year.
And there are fears that many more may have unknowingly been infected with the potentially deadly blood-borne disease.
MORE VICTIMS FEARED
Kathy Kunkel, from the New Mexico Department of Health, said yesterday: “While over 100 VIP Spa clients have already been tested, NMDOH is reaching out to ensure that testing and counselling services are available for individuals who received injection related services at the VIP Spa.
“Testing is important for everyone as there are effective treatments for HIV and many hepatitis infections.”
VIP Spa was closed down last September over concerns about how it handled needles – and whether it had a licence to perform the procedures.
CELEB ENDORSEMENT
Demand for vampire facials soared after reality megastar Kim shared a photo of herself on social media undergoing the gruesome treatment in 2013.
Beauticians say the platelet-rich blood solution is high in protein and other nutrients that can boost skin cell growth and flatten wrinkles.
They also claim it has high levels of collagen – which helps keep skin firm and gives a youthful complexion.
Bloody hell! What is a vampire facial? Extreme anti-ageing treatment loved by celebs
THE ‘proper’ name for a vampire facial is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy.
It’s essentially a regenerative therapy, which uses nothing but the patient’s own blood.
Platelets are tiny blood cells which play a crucial part in helping the body stop bleeding – as well as repairing damaged blood vessels and cells.
You could think of them as little powerhouses, which release proteins for growth when they come in contact with the body’s tissue.
In PRP, a needle is used to draw blood from the client’s arm.
The blood is then spun in a machine, to remove the platelets.
The plasma from the blood is extracted, and spattered on the client’s face using tiny acupuncture-style needles to rejuvenate their face.
Those promoting PRP say it should:
- Improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars and stretch marks
- Rejuvenate the under-eye area
- Tighten stubborn open poors
- Plump and volumise any area (e.g. cheeks) where someone might otherwise gets fillers.
HIV attacks the immune system of sufferers – making them more susceptible to other diseases.
While there is no cure, recent medical advances mean that the virus can be managed with medication.
Most suffers now expect to have a normal life expectancy.
KOAT
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