Is it safe to do PRP (Vampire facial) if you have the HPV virus? Would it affect the outcome?

Hi thanks for asking this question. We have been getting a lot of questions lately about risk of infections from Vampire PRP procedures. PRP procedures use the components of your own blood to amplify your body's natural healing signal in the treated area. HPV is typically localized to specific areas like the genitalia. The virus is mainly spread by contact. The presence of the virus in your system should have no adverse effect on the outcome of a Vampire Facial. Just be careful not to touch an infected area and then touch your face because the tiny punctures created by the needles could be an entry point for any infection. You cannot get HPV, HIV, hepatitis or any other infection from the procedure itself if you don't already have it unless, the clinic is not practicing proper medical precautions like not reusing needles or cleaning the treatment area properly. This is why it is very important to have your procedure done by a licensed professional who is authorized to perform a Vampire Facial. Please see the video below for my comments about the story of the spa in New Mexico.

Hi!  Great question.  HPV is a virus that is commonly associated with the genitalia and could cause female gynecological cancers such as cervical and is the culprit behind genital warts. It is usually sexually transmitted.  In a 'vampire facial', microneedling is preformed (small microscopic punctures of your skin) and then PRP (a component from your own blood) is placed on the skin for 'wound healing' thus increasing collagen and elastin.  Your are not a risk for getting HPV when getting a vampire facial.  Now, if you have a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) I may ask that you take suppression medications before the procedure.  Triggers for HSV flareups may differ from person to person so to error on the side of caution, I typically will prescribe valtrex.  Most important is that you go to a medical office that takes all the necessary precautions when handling the PRP and performing the microneedling.  Example, the cartridge of needles used in microneedling should be a one time use and disposed after each use with a patient.  So you should always be getting a brand new one.  Needles used to draw your blood should be new and sterile.  Good luck & hope I've helped answer your question.  Dr. Huo

I do not recommend PRP procedures when you have an active infection of any kind. It is better to let it settle as these are elective procedures. That being said PRP procedures can activate a herpes infection if you already carry the virus in your body. When my clients have a strong history of recurrent episodes i offer them a prescription for the infection so that they will have it available should it happen.