People who received 'vampire facials' at Wolverhampton clinic urged to get blood tests over infection concerns
Clients of a Wolverhampton-based aesthetics clinic who had 'vampire facials' have been urged to arrange blood tests.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has asked clients who received 'vampire facials' from Olivia's Aesthetics, Wolverhampton, to come forward to arrange a free blood test due to concerns over bloodborne viruses.
Platelet-rich plasma treatment (PRP) - also known as a 'vampire facial' - is a cosmetic procedure that involves drawing blood from the arm, separating the platelets and then applying them onto the face. The treatment is said to revitalise the skin and reduce wrinkles.
The UKHSA has urged anyone who received the treatment from Olivia's Aesthetics to come forward for a free precautionary blood test.
The plea comes after the UKHSA identified the inadequate cleaning of equipment used in the 'vampire facial' treatment.
The investigation began in July 2024 after general complaints were made to Wolverhampton Council's environmental health department.
The group said that while the risk of contracting bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B and C, or HIV is considered low, testing is being offered as a precautionary measure.
Dr Naveed Syed, consultant in communicable disease control at UKHSA West Midlands, said: "We have concerns regarding the cleaning of equipment at Olivia’s Aesthetics in Wolverhampton. This means 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."
The UKHSA investigation relates specifically to Olivia's Aesthetics in Wolverhampton, and the agency has clarified that it does not relate to any other business of the same name elsewhere.
The business only administered PRP treatments when it operated from 2a Lloyd Hill, Stourbridge Road, Wolverhampton. The business has since moved, no longer offers PRP and now operates from Windmill Lane in Castlecroft.
Councillor Bhupinder Ghakal, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for resident services, said: "I would strongly urge anyone who received a PRP treatment, also known as a vampire facial, at Olivia’s Aesthetics in Wolverhampton to contact the UKHSA West Midland helpline to arrange a test.
“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."
Anyone who has received a PRP treatment (vampire facial) at this clinic should contact the UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3561 – with lines open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday until July 4 this year.
You can also email WMRegion@ukhsa.gov.uk.
Olivia's Aesthetics has been approached for comment.
