FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6th, 2019
Contact: David Carl (505) 288-2465
Albuquerque, NM – Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas issued a health warning to
consumers 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,” said Attorney General Hector
Balderas. “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:
1. Whether or not the establishment uses universal precautions – similar to tattoo parlors
or a medical facility.
2. What precautions are utilized?
3. Who will be performing the procedure?
4. 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.
5. 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
at https://nmhealth.org/about/phd/idb/std/ 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
