Two patients contract HIV from ‘vampire facial’

Two clients at a luxury spa have paid a hefty price after their trendy cosmetic treatment ended in the most unimaginable way.

Two people have contracted HIV after having trendy “vampire facials” at a US health spa, reports revealed this week.

Officials from the New Mexico Department of Health said the unnamed patients may have been infected by the needles used to perform the anti-ageing procedure.

The cosmetic op — beloved by celebs including Kim Kardashian — involves drawing blood from a patient.

Kim Kardashian made vampire facials famous after posting this picture on Twitter

That blood is then put in a centrifuge machine to extract the plasma and platelets, which are then reinjected into the patient’s face.

Two clients of VIP Spa in Albuquerque contracted HIV after undergoing the treatment between May and September last year.

And there are fears many more may have unknowingly been infected with the potentially deadly bloodborne disease.

MORE VICTIMS FEARED

New Mexico Department of Health spokeswoman Kathy Kunkel said officials were investigating the clinic.

“While over 100 VIP Spa clients have already been tested, NMDOH is reaching out to ensure that testing and counselling services are available for individuals who received injection-related services at the VIP Spa,” she said.

“Testing is important for everyone, as there are effective treatments for HIV and many hepatitis infections.”

VIP Spa was closed down last September over concerns about how it handled needles and whether it had a licence to perform the procedures.

Reality stars regularly spruke the procedure on their social media channels.

CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT

Demand for vampire facials soared after Kardashian shared a photo of her bloodied face on social media just after she underwent the gruesome treatment in 2013.

Beauticians say the platelet-rich blood solution is high in protein and other nutrients that can boost skin cell growth and flatten wrinkles.

They also claim it has high levels of collagen, which helps keep skin firm and gives a youthful complexion.

HIV attacks the immune system of sufferers, making them more susceptible to other diseases.

While there is no cure, recent medical advances mean the virus can be managed with medication.

Most HIV patients now expect to have a normal life expectancy.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission