New Report Links This Type of Facial With HIV—What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
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PRP facial treatments, colloquially known as “vampire facials,” is a buzzy procedure that claims to help patients achieve plump, youthful-looking skin.
A new CDC report may have found a link between PRP facial treatments and new cases of HIV.
Dermatologists weigh in on the skincare trend.
In 2024, the methods for achieving better and brighter skin are vast. From slathering on snail mucin to slugging (which is something different altogether) to red light therapy, there is no shortage of techniques. Now, PRP facial treatments, also known as “vampire facials,” are getting buzz for their ability to renew your complexion. But a new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) links the blood-containing treatment with three cases of HIV—so is it safe?
Meet the Experts: Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut; Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ; Peterson Pierre, M.D., dermatologist and founder of Pierre Skin Care Institute.
Here, experts explain what exactly a PRP facial treatment is, share the potential benefits and risks, and weigh in on the recent public health concerns surrounding the controversial skincare trend.
What is a “vampire facial,” a.k.a. PRP treatment?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, Peterson Pierre, M.D., dermatologist and founder of Pierre Skin Care Institute, explains. “Plasma is a component of your blood that contains proteins and other factors that are involved in healing and cell growth.”
A PRP facial injects the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma into the face using a device with microneedles. To acquire your own plasma for the treatment, your blood is drawn, spun down, and the concentrated plasma is separated, Dr. Pierre explains.
As the plasma is rich in growth factors, the procedure may help accelerate wound healing, stimulate collagen, improve hyperpigmentation, and boost overall skin quality, says Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
What is a PRP facial experience like?
When you sign up for a PRP facial, the first thing you can expect is to get your blood drawn. In fact, usually 15-30 mL of blood is drawn, says Dr. Lal, and as with typical blood drawing, it may be uncomfortable.
After blood is drawn from the patient, it is spun down in a centrifuge, PRP is separated, then reinjected into the area of interest (face/scalp) with an instrument that has many tiny needles, says Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. “The needles make punctures [in the skin] so that the PRP can get infused into the skin.”
There is some discomfort involved in undergoing multiple small injections all over the face, notes Dr. Pierre, so many patients consider some topical anesthesia during the procedure.
Benefits of a PRP facial treatment
PRP facial treatments are typically used to rejuvenate and plump the skin while stimulating cellular growth, which hopefully leads to more collagen and elastin production along with cellular repair, says Dr. Pierre, and studies have backed this up. As people age, their bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and other signs of aging. Therefore, stimulating collagen production may:
Lessen the appearance of wrinkles
Plump sagging skin
Keep your complexion looking smooth
Minimize acne scars, according to Dr. Gohara
Aid in hair growth when injected into the scalp
Research has shown that the combination of microneedling and PRP can significantly decrease the severity of acne scars. And, if the PRP is injected into the scalp, you may find an increase in hair growth, says Dr. Gohara. A 2022 review backed this up when researchers found that PRP may stimulate hair growth and thickness, as well as protect hair follicles from premature shedding.
For darker skin tones, PRP facials may improve hyperpigmentation and acne scars, says Dr. Lal. However, Dr. Gohara notes that the treatment should always be done by a board-certified dermatologist to avoid scarring.
Undergoing a PRP facial may also help reduce downtime from procedures such as microneedling and laser resurfacing, adds Dr. Lal.
Potential risks of a PRP facial
Per Dr. Gohara, “vampire facial” risks, a.k.a. PRP treatment, may include::
Infection
Irritation
Inflammation
Scarring
Infection is by far the most serious risk that a PRP facial poses, says Dr. Lal, “especially if an aseptic technique is not employed.” Some people can break out after PRP treatments, he adds, but Dr. Lal notes that this is normal and usually resolves pretty quickly.
What are the risks involving HIV and PRP facials?
The CDC recently released a report about HIV transmission linked to PRP facial treatments performed at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico. The CDC’s investigation concluded that three people were found to have contracted HIV infections linked to the PRP facials they received at the spa, due to unsterile practices. Per the report, public health officials found that the spa allegedly reused disposable equipment intended for one-time use. These are believed to be the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure using needles.
PRP facial treatment is a blood-based procedure and one that involves needles, says Dr. Gohara. “However, the transmission that occurred in New Mexico was done with an unlicensed provider at a med spa. This should be done at a board-certified dermatology office where protocols around safety and infection are standard of care, and taken very seriously,” she explains. In the context of a trained dermatologist, this is a low-risk procedure, Dr. Gohara notes.
To further clarify, the blood used during a “vampire facial” should be your own. So, you shouldn’t be worried about contracting HIV from someone else’s. PRP is an autologous procedure, says Dr. Lal, “meaning YOUR blood is applied to your skin.” He continues: “We do not apply someone else’s blood or use contaminated needles. This puts you at risk for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.”
Who should avoid a PRP facial treatment?
In general, anyone with inflamed skin (due to acne or rosacea), active skin infections, or easily irritated skin should avoid giving the “vampire facial” a go, says Dr. Gohara.
Additionally, if you’re averse to pain or bruise easily, you may want to reconsider trying the treatment, says Dr. Pierre.
How much does a PRP facial cost?
If you want to try a PRP facial treatment for yourself (at a board-certified, licensed dermatology office), know that it will cost you. It all depends on where you go and who you go to, says Dr. Lal. The service performed by a dermatologist will typically be more expensive than a medspa, he notes. But experts still recommend seeing a licensed dermatologist for the procedure.
Per Dr. Pierre, the average cost of a “vampire facial” is about $1300, “but prices can range between $900 and $2500.”
The bottom line
PRP facial treatments can be safe and effective if done properly by board-certified dermatologists, says Dr. Gohara. So if you’re curious how a “vampire facial” may give you a glowing complexion, ask your dermatologist if it’s a good option for you.
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