What Is Vampire Facial? The Beauty Treatment That Left 3 Women Infected With HIV

The vampire facial is one of the many over-the-top minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that have become common over the years. Kim Kardashian got a vampire facial in a 2013 episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which pushed it into the mainstream. In simple terms, this cosmetic treatment involves injecting pallet-rich blood plasma into one’s face via microneedling. Earlier this month, USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that three women in New Mexico contracted HIV after getting vampire facials from an unlicensed medical spa.

This is believed to be the first documented case where people have contracted HIV via a “facial” treatment. In its Morbidity and Mortality Report, released last week, the CDC mentioned that after the investigation of the culpable clinic, located in New Mexico, they found that the clinic reused the one-time-use disposable equipment, which likely infected women with HIV.

Here are some key points about vampire facials.

A vampire facial, also known as PRP therapy, first involves drawing out the client’s blood and then putting it through a device called a centrifuge that divides blood into plasma, white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells. The doctor then takes out the plasma and platelets or platelets-rich plasma (PRP) and injects it into the client’s face using microneedling.

This cosmetic treatment is believed to accelerate collagen production which reduces signs of wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation. However, there is very little research to prove its efficiency.

Vampire facial has a low recovery time. One can return to their daily routine within hours after the treatment, provided they avoid sun exposure, exfoliation or strenuous exercise for a week. The full effects of vampire facial may take up to a week to show.

As per Pristyn Care, an Indian health tech company, in India, one session of vampire facial can range between Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000. Similarly, as per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, in the USA, the estimated cost of one vampire facial can range between $250 to $1,500 (approximately between Rs 20,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh).

The FDA has not approved platelet-rich plasma (PRP) procedures, used in vampire facials, for cosmetic use. PRP treatment is only approved for medical procedures such as bone grafting. Plastic surgeon Dr Lawrence Koplin told BBC, “These facials are not FDA-approved because the injection of platelets into the skin for the purpose of improving the skin appearance is ‘off-label’ and not proven to be effective.”