title: 5-year study of a polyacrylamide hydrogel-based filler for rehabilitation of HIV-related facial lipoatrophy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lipoatrophy of the face negatively impacts the quality of life and body image of individuals on antiretroviral therapy. Facial fillers can minimize the stigma associated with the human immonodeficiency virus (HIV).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this 5-year follow-up study, the author assessed the safety and efficacy of a permanent, non-biodegradable, polyacrylamide hydrogel for facial volume restoration, and compared the results with those of a previous 18-month follow-up study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-one HIV-positive individuals, initially enrolled in the study between January 2008 and January 2009, received treatment of facial wasting by injection of the polyacrylamide gel until complete volume restoration was achieved. Asepsis rules were strictly observed before and during each injection session. Patients evaluated their aesthetic outcomes on a visual analog scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patient satisfaction was high. There was no occurrence of local infection, foreign-body reaction, or product during the 5 years of follow-up. Small, palpable, nonvisible nodules were recorded in nine cases. It appears that these same nodules were present in the 18-month study. It is believed that the nodules were caused by overfilling in the same site.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As supported by the initial 18-month study, polyacrylamide hydrogel filler appears safe and effective for the treatment of HIV-related lipoatrophy. With strict observation of asepsis rules and patient adherence to posttreatment instructions, this filler can be ideal for treating facial wasting in patients with HIV.
  
  
  METHODS
  3 Therapeutic.
authors.affiliation: Dr Rauso is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dentistry at the University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rauso
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D004954:Esthetics; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D039682:HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000998:Antiviral Agents; C016680:polyacrylamide gels