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The New Mexico Department of Health is investigating two cases of HIV infection found in a spa clients in New Mexico in the U.S. that offers the “vampire facials” treatment.
The department has invited people who received injection related procedures, including vampire facials, at the spa between May and September 2018, to come in for free HIV and Hepatitis B and C virus testing.
According to the department’s statement, additional laboratory testing of the two clients shows recent infection with the same HI-virus, which increases the likelihood that these two HIV infections may have resulted from a procedure at the Albuquerque-based spa.
This spa has been in hot water due to its reportedly unsafe beauty procedures, which have resulted in people being at risk of infection.
So let's take a look at other risky cosmetic procedures:
Society has a lot to answer for in terms of promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
Popular culture and beauty trends see a lot of us eager for our faces to look younger and our bodies to look trimmer and more toned - quick to jump on the latest miracle cure.
And while I think there are some great treatments out there (and safe may I add), the problem with trends is that often many people don’t do enough research on the treatments offered or ensure that the professionals offering the treatment adhere to the proper health standards.
READ MORE: Your skin can be healthy even with blemishes, blackheads, acne and pimples
According to The Cut, the New Mexico Department of Health had advised people who’ve visited the VIP Spa, particularly those who’ve had a vampire facial, to get free screenings for HIV, and Hepatitis B and C after it emerged that a customer developed an infection.
Vampire facials are nothing new – in fact, Kim Kardashian was one of the very first people to try and share the treatment.
But over the years there’s been a lot of debate around it – some swear by it, while others are skeptical about whether it actually produces rejuvenating results or not.
READ MORE: It takes 17 products that add up to a total of over R65K to get skin like Kim Kardashian
The treatment, as you can guess, involves using your own blood. Blood is withdrawn, and plasma is extracted from it. The plasma is said to contain rich nutrients needed to rejuvenate the skin, CNN reports.
It’s not a pretty procedure, and experts advise that if you do opt for this, to make sure that you actually see the beauticians opening new syringes and that conditions in the facilities are spotless.
This is why the Department of Health conducted an inspection which determined that the spa in question was practicing in a manner that put customers at risk. The spa has subsequently closed down.
READ MORE: An orange in a bottle? The benefits of using topical vitamin C
Of course, vampire facials aren't the only treatments that are controversial.
The following cosmetic procedures and treatments aren’t without their concerns and dangers:
Brazilian butt lifts
This controversial procedure has reportedly resulted in deaths. For many who desire a bum that’s bigger and firmer, the surgery for this involves taking fat from another part of your body (usually the stomach, BBC reports) and injecting it into your buttocks.
This surgery allegedly has the highest death rate because injecting fat into the veins of your buttocks can affect the heart and brain, resulting in severe illness or death.
Sometimes people don't use qualified practitioner while others have serious reactions to the implants.
Vitamin IV drip treatments
A fad that’s been doing the rounds, particularly among celebrities, Vitamin IV drips have become quite popular, although many debate whether they’re necessary.
Earlier this year, Kendall Jenner was reportedly hospitalised because of complications with the drip (which is essentially a cocktail of vitamins that is injected straight into your bloodstream that's supposed to boost your immune system, make a good hangover cure or help with energy levels to mention but a few).
Our editor, Zanele actually tried out this treatment and while it certainly worked for her – and for many others – it doesn’t come without it’s complications. It’s recommended that you consult with a doctor – or go to an IV bar that has medical professionals on hand to guide you.
But do be careful, if you have a chequered medical history particularly a heart condition or take medication, you could react negatively to the cocktail.
Skin bleaching
A treatment that’s rooted in colonisation and society’s obsession with fair skin, skin bleaching is one of the most psychologically and physically harmful treatments available. And unfortunately here in Africa there is still a huge market for it – it doesn’t help that some celebrities have endorsed this.
Besides the fact that this issue speaks to us about the rampant colourism that continues to prevail all over, it’s also harmful in that many of the skin bleaching products available have been known to result in the thinning of the skin, which makes you more vulnerable to skin cancer, The Guardian reports.
Some of the products are often also unregulated, which makes the chances that they contain toxic ingredients that much greater.
