title: Polyacrylamide gel injection for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-associated facial lipoatrophy: 18 months follow-up.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lipoatrophy of the face affects the quality of life and body image of individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a permanent nonbiodegradable polyacrylamide gel filler, used for facial wasting rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two individuals positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were enrolled in the study between January 2007 and January 2009 and treated using nonbiodegradable polyacrylamide gel injections for a facial wasting rehabilitation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Local infection, foreign body reaction, and migration of the product were not observed during follow-up (18 months). Small, palpable, nonvisible nodules were recorded in 13 cases at the end of follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Polyacrylamide hydrogel is an appropriate treatment option in restoring facial contours in immunocompromised people with HIV. Injections of large volumes of polyacrylamide gel (8 to 12 mL) are not associated with a high rate of complications such as infection and foreign body reaction and allow improvement in quality of life in a limited time.
authors.affiliation: Centro Polispecialistico Santa Apollonia, S. Maria C. V. (CE), Italy. raffaelerauso@virgilio.it
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rauso
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Freda
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Parlato
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gherardini
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Amore
authors.forename: Gianpaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tartaro
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005782:Gels / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D039682:HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011788:Quality of Life; D012060:Rejuvenation
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005782:Gels; C016680:polyacrylamide gels