Preliminary experiences with Bio-Alcamid in HIV facial lipoatrophy.
BACKGROUND
Highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected patients causes metabolic changes known as the lipodystrophy syndrome. Autologous fat injections, dermal fat grafts, malar implants and injected fillers have been reported as treatment options.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of HIV-infected patients treated with Bio-Alcamid for facial lipoatrophy.


METHODS
Over a 3-year period, 13 HIV-infected patients with facial lipoatrophy had Bio-Alcamid injections for aesthetic purposes. The procedure was done under local anesthesia, and the amount of the injected material varied from 5 to 13 ml. Results were independently evaluated by patients and physicians.


RESULTS
Most of the patients felt they had good to excellent results. Touch-ups were necessary for 2 patients; the added volume was 2-3 ml for each. No major complications were recorded. A small hematoma was noted in 1 patient. Overcorrection was attained in 2 cases, and some of the filler was removed at the patient's request.


CONCLUSIONS
One of the greatest advantages of this filler is that, although permanent, it can be removed easily. We consider Bio-Alcamid to be a safe and useful correcting tool for patients suffering from drug-induced facial lipoatrophy.
Ramon
Yitzhack
Y
Department of Aesthetic Surgery, Elisha Hospital, Haifa, Israel.
Fodor
Lucian
L
Ullmann
Yehuda
Y
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D039682:HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents; C470344:Bio-Alcamid