Attorney General Hector BalderasAG News:
ALBUQUERQUE ― Attorney General Hector Balderas issued a health warning to consumers Thursday regarding procedures known as “Vampire Facials” or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy; warning that the unregulated procedures are highly dangerous and that individuals in New Mexico have contracted HIV after receiving the procedures.
“I am highly concerned that these procedures are not being regulated at the State and Federal level and am announcing a criminal investigation into this incident,” Balderas said. “In addition, I am calling for action by the FDA and State Attorneys General across the nation. We cannot allow more people to fall victim.”
The Attorney General advised that anyone who has received a “Vampire Facial” or PRP therapy who believes that they may have been exposed to a communicable disease or received treatment from an unlicensed practitioner should contact his office for information on resources available.
AG Balderas recommends that anyone who is planning to undergo PRP therapy makes sure that they are receiving the procedure from a licensed nurse or physician and that the establishment is using universal precautions to sterilize equipment and prevent the spread of blood-bourne pathogens.
Consumers should ask questions of providers of PRP therapy or “Vampire Facials” prior to undergoing the procedure.
Consumers have the right to know:
- Whether or not the establishment uses universal precautions – similar to tattoo parlors or a medical facility;
- What precautions are utilized?;
- Who will be performing the procedure?;
- Will it be performed by a licensed nurse or physician? Cosmetologists and estheticians are not licensed to conduct medical procedures. At minimum, one must be qualified as a phlebotomist to draw blood, and if injections are administered below the subdermis, a nurse or physician must perform the procedure; and
- Does the establishment have a medical director? If so, what are their qualifications? Is it a physician or a nurse practitioner?
If you believe that you may have been exposed to a communicable disease, such as HIV, you can visit the New Mexico Department of Health’s website to find a Public Health Office near you that provides screening and treatments services such as free, confidential examination and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. (STD)
If you have received or attempted to receive a “vampire facial”, and you think that the individual was not properly licensed or that the procedure was not done properly, you may file a complaint with the New Mexico office of the Attorney General online at https://www.nmag.gov/
