Warning issued over HIV risk to 'vampire facial' clinics
Clients who have had a facial treatment at a West Midlands beauty clinic are being urged to have a blood test, because they may have been infected with a HIV or hepatitis.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has concerns about the cleaning of equipment at Olivia's Aesthetics in Wolverhampton.
Clients who had a 'vampire facial', also known as a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) are being encouraged to take a free blood test to check if they have contracted a bloodborne virus.
The 'vampire facial' involves the clients own blood being withdrawn then spun in a machine to separate the plasma from the red blood cells and then the PRP is then injected into areas of the face.
The intended results are improved skin texture, a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and a brightened complexion.
As a result of the UKHSA's concerns around the cleanliness of equipment at Olivia's Aesthetics, they say there is a risk that bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B, C and HIV could have been passed between clients.
'The risk is low, and we are offering testing as a precautionary measure, but if these viruses are undiagnosed, they can pose a serious risk to health and can be fatal. Effective treatments are available, which is why it's important to identify anyone who may have been put at risk of infection so that testing and treatment can be offered if needed' said Dr Naveed Syed, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA West Midlands.
Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should contact the UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3561 – lines will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday until Friday 4 July, 2025 or email WMRegion@ukhsa.gov.uk and leave your phone details.
Customers who had different treatments at the clinic and not the 'vampire facial' do not need to contact the helpline.
Blood test results can take up to two weeks to process, according to Wolverhampton City Council and clients who receive a positive result, will be referred for appropriate treatment and support.
Councillor Bhupinder Ghakal, said: 'Aesthetics procedures are becoming increasingly popular on the high street, and we recommend that anyone considering a treatment follows a simple checklist.
'Make sure your practitioner is wearing PPE and washing their hands. They should carry out a pre-consultation, including an assessment of your medical history and be happy to discuss their qualifications. They should also provide you with a consent form on the risks for you to sign.
'Remember, you don't have to accept treatment on the day of your consultation – and if you have any doubts, you have the right to change your mind.'
Wolverhampton City Council added that their investigation relates specifically to Olivia's Aesthetics in Wolverhampton and not to any other businesses of the same name elsewhere.
Olivia's Aesthetics told ITV News: 'We offered these facials for a very short period of time at Olivia's and only treated a handful of clients; and after discovering their link with certain bloodborne viruses, I immediately ceased offering this treatment.
'As a conscientious practitioner in the beauty industry, I contacted my clients immediately to alert them to this possible serious side effect, and urged them to get tested just to be on the safe side.
"I would never offer any harmful treatments to any of my clients, and I invest heavily in procedural training and ongoing development.'
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