Microneedling...was I exposed?

[lucy33]

Hello all,

I'm not sure if you have heard about the Spa in New Mexico that has resulted in infecting two people with HIV so far, but it has me very concerned. I was not treated at that spa, but I did have microneedling performed a year ago in NYC by a board certified dermatologist. Her office appeared to be clean, but a month after I received my microneedling treatment, I learned that the dermatologist was arrested for medicaid fraud.  She had been billing medicaid for treatments that were actually cosmetic. She is still practicing (I'm not sure what came of her charges) but I never went back to her again. I didn't think anything of my treatment with her until the news broke about the spa in New Mexico.  My question is, should I be tested?

[Jim Allen]

Microneedling is not a HIV risk. Injecting your face filled with other peoples blood on the other-hand is.

The prick or head from a needle is not a HIV concern, its that sharing syringes that are a hollow needle and include fluid (blood) in a tube that has been stored in a near-vacuum and is than being injected in quantity into the bloodstream. None of this is at all the case with microneedling and, it meets none of the requirements for HIV transmission.

She had been billing medicaid for treatments that were actually cosmetic

Cooking the books and injecting people with blood are two different things. Relax.

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, every time, no exceptions. Consider starting PrEP in the future as an additional layer of protection against HIV

Keep in mind that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safe’ in terms of HIV transmission might still pose a risk for transmission of other STI's, so please do get fully tested regularly and at least yearly for all STI's including but not limited to HIV and test more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs

Also note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms and the only way of knowing is by testing.

More information on HIV Basics, PEP, TaSP and Transmission can be found through the links in my signature to our POZ pages, this includes information on HIV Testing

Kind regards

Jim

Please Note.
As a member of the AM I Infected Forum you are required to only post in this one thread no matter how long between visits or the subject matter. You can find this thread by going to your profile and selecting show own post and it will take you here . It helps us to help you when you keep all your thoughts or questions in one thread and it helps other readers to follow the discussion. Any additional threads will be deleted.

[lucy33]

Thank you so much, Jim! Is there a place to donate to this site? I just saved about an hour with a therapist, so I feel some reimbursement to you all is definitely warranted

[Jim Allen]

You're welcome & glad you have peace of mind.
 
No need to donate here, but if you want to help someone check your local hiv/aids foundations. They are always in need of support.

Jim