The Dark Side of Beauty: Vampire Facials

The Dark Side of Beauty: Vampire Facials

The Dark Side of Beauty: Vampire Facials Linked to HIV Cases in New Mexico

In the pursuit of beauty and youth, many people are willing to try the most innovative and, at times, bizarre treatments. One such treatment that has gained popularity in recent years is the vampire facial. However, a recent case in New Mexico has revealed a darker side to this beauty trend.

The Dark Side of Beauty Vampire Facials Linked to HIV Cases in New Mexico Tonys Drain and Sewer Cleaning

The Vampire Facial: A Risky Endeavor?

The vampire facial, a procedure that involves extracting a client's own blood and reinserting it into their face via micro-needling, has been linked to new HIV infections at a now-closed salon in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has urged anyone who received injection-related services at the VIP Spa to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

A Disturbing Discovery
The DOH recently announced a newly diagnosed case of HIV, with the patient's only self-reported exposure being a vampire facial they received at the VIP Spa in 2018. This alarming revelation has led to the reopening of the DOH's investigation into the incident, revealing additional HIV infections directly or indirectly connected to services provided at the VIP Spa.

A History of Negligence
This isn't the first time the VIP Spa has been under scrutiny. In September 2018, health officials warned clients who had received a vampire facial at the spa to get tested for HIV and hepatitis after one person contracted an infection. The spa was immediately shut down following the report, with the initial investigation revealing that their injected treatments, including vampire facials and Botox, could spread blood-borne infections like HIV, and hepatitis B and C.

The Consequences of Irresponsibility
The owner of VIP Spa, Maria Ramos de Ruiz, was charged with individual counts of racketeering and fraud, practicing medicine without a license, money laundering, tax evasion, and willful failure to collect and pay taxes in April 2021. She was sentenced to three and a half years in prison in June 2022.

A Cautionary Tale
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with beauty treatments, particularly those involving injections. It's crucial to ensure that any spa or salon you visit follows strict hygiene protocols, especially when it comes to handling and disposing of needles.

The pursuit of beauty should never compromise one's health. Always do your research, ask questions, and prioritize your safety when considering any beauty treatment.

The Dark Side of Beauty: Vampire Facials Linked to HIV Cases in New Mexico

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