Porcine filler for facial lipoatrophy associated with human immunodeficiency virus treatment.
BACKGROUND
Facial lipoatrophy is a common problem for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The loss of subcutaneous facial tissue occurs in the cheeks, temples, and periocular region. Facial lipoatrophy is a stigmatizing feature of HIV. The effective treatment can provide psychosocial stress for the patient.


OBJECTIVE
To report on the experience using a novel porcine collagen filler in the treatment of a patient with HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. Physician observations and photographs for documentation were collected up to 14 months posttreatment.


METHODS
A patient with HIV with facial lipoatrophy was treated with a novel collagen injectable filler derived from porcine collagen.


RESULTS
After 4 treatment sessions over 7 months using the novel porcine collagen injectable filler, significant improvement was found and dermal thickening was retained in the area of the cheeks for an additional 7 months.


CONCLUSIONS
As facial lipoatrophy is a very stigmatizing manifestation of HIV, volume augmentation is highly beneficial. Using a novel porcine collagen, a natural outcome was obtained that lasted for over 4 months. Additional studies should be conducted to further investigate the use of a novel porcine collagen in the treatment of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy.
Reytan
Natalie
N
Division of Evidence Based Medicine (dEBM), Klinik für Dermatologie,Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. natalie.reytan@charite.de
Rzany
Berthold
B
D000818:Animals; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003094:Collagen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005145:Face; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D039682:HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D013552:Swine
D003094:Collagen