The use of custom-designed midfacial and submalar implants in the treatment of facial wasting syndrome.
Facial wasting syndrome is part of a lipodystrophy that occurs as a complication of highly active antiretroviral therapy. The loss of subcutaneous fat in the cheeks and temples results in a hollow-eyed, bony, emaciated appearance that is characteristic of the results of treatment of human immunodeficiency virus. Cessation of therapy results in a rebound in viral load and subsequent morbidity. The appearance of facial wasting syndrome is optimally treated with custom-designed implants that are made using high-resolution computed tomography combined with surgeon input and computer-aided design and manufacturing technology. Twenty-two patients with facial wasting syndrome were treated using either submalar implants (in more moderate cases) or custom-designed implants (in more severe cases). In each patient, the appearance of volumetric soft tissue restoration was successfully achieved, returning a permanent and more healthful appearance to the face.
Binder
William J
WJ
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. info@doctorbinder.com
Bloom
David C
DC
D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D019247:HIV Wasting Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies