HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy treated with injectable silicone oil: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Facial lipoatrophy (FLA) is associated with HIV infection and is part of the lipodystrophy syndrome. Temporary filler treatments do not meet the need of the patient, as there is a lack of permanence, and excessive cost.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a highly purified medical-grade 1000-cst liquid injectable silicone in the treatment of HIV-associated FLA using the serial microdroplet injection technique.

METHODS

Twenty patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy were treated with liquid injectable silicone with a maximum of 6 treatment sessions (2.0 mL each session maximum). Patients were evaluated at 9-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up sessions. Safety, efficacy, injection volumes, and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

RESULTS

No persistent adverse effects were reported throughout the study. Most of the patients achieved complete correction of their HIV-associated FLA after 6 treatments and maintained this correction to the 18-month follow-up.

LIMITATIONS: This is a noncomparative, nonblinded study. Study patient population size is small.

CONCLUSION

Given our small sample size of 20 patients, our results suggest that, if administered correctly, liquid injectable silicone is potentially a safe, effective, and natural-feeling treatment option for HIV-associated FLA. Larger studies may be needed to confirm safety, efficacy, and permanence.