A ribose-crosslinked collagen filler treatment for facial lipoatrophy associated with the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus.

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 ribose-crosslinked 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 the ribose-crosslinked collagen injectable filler derived from porcine collagen.

RESULTS

After 4 treatment sessions over 7 months significant improvement was found and dermal thickening was retained in the area of the cheeks for an additional 7 months.

CONCLUSION

As facial lipoatrophy is a very stigmatizing manifestation of HIV, volume augmentation is highly beneficial. By using a ribose-crosslinked collagen, a very natural outcome was obtained that lasted for over 7 months. Additional studies should be conducted to further investigate the use of this filler in the treatment of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy.