Three Women Were Infected With HIV After 'Vampire Facials'

Dermatologist Bergen County, NJ - Dr. Rebecca Baxt

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I write this blog with extreme sadness after reading about three women who were diagnosed with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) after getting the so-called, ‘vampire facial.’ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced their findings in a report last week, marking the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through cosmetic services using needles.¹

A vampire facial refers to a procedure where platelet-rich plasma is injected into the skin using microneedling technique. It should be noted that these cases were reported and investigated by the CDC at an unlicensed New Mexico spa.
Never would I think as a Board-Certified Dermatologist that I would witness patients in the United States of America having medical treatments at questionable facilities contract HIV infection, which is life altering and incurable.

What is wrong with our society that something like this can happen? As a physician, we take the Hippocratic Oath part of which famously says, “First, do no harm.” I think of that adage daily in my Dermatology practice. When a patient comes to us, it is paramount that we do not want to harm them, and we do not want to make their problems worse. This is terrifying that unsuspecting women went to some sort of presumable medical facility or so they thought, had a cosmetic treatment, and got an incurable infection that could potentially kill them and infect their partners.

How do we reconcile this awful turn of events? These people will need to get on with their lives and do the best they can, but how can this be prevented in the future? How can you prevent this from happening to you or your loved one?

There will always be bad actors out there who try to steal your money and sometimes harm you either INTENTIONALLY OR FROM LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.

RULES OF THUMB FOR COSMETIC INJECTIONS AND SERVICES

1. Only see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon when you are having cosmetic procedures done. A board-certified doctor in the appropriate specialty, at a licensed medical office, practices basic infection control and would never allow something like this to happen in their offices. Be sure to verify the physician’s:

Be sure to verify the physician’s:

Board Certification
Medical License
Reputation And Reviews

2. Never rush into any cosmetic procedure. Always, take your time and do your homework and research. Find out what are the risks and benefits? Is it worth it?

3. Do not fall for quick discounts, coupons, or cheap services. Remember, the old adage, you get what you pay for.

4. Get a first and second opinion from credentialed and certified physicians. Before undergoing cosmetic services, it is always good to get more than one opinion as a good rule, so you have information to compare.

5. Do not go to any injection/Botox parties, or be injected in a house, salon, gym, or other non-medical facility. JUST DO NOT DO IT! Be advised that injections, microneedling, PRP procedures, other types of injectable treatments, laser treatments, and other cosmetic enhancement treatments are MEDICAL PROCEDURES and should be done by a licensed MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL in a MEDICAL OFFICE.

Dr. Rebecca Baxt is a board-certified dermatologist who has completed extensive education and clinical training, as well as specialized training in her areas of expertise. Dr. Rebecca Baxt holds memberships and fellowships in many professional organizations. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Baxt for your dermatological medical or cosmetic concerns. Her cosmetic and medical dermatology office is located in Paramus, NJ (serving Bergen County, NJ communities).