Preliminary experiences with Bio-Alcamid in HIV facial lipoatrophy.

BACKGROUND

Highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected patients causes metabolic changes known as the lipodystrophy syndrome. Autologous fat injections, dermal fat grafts, malar implants and injected fillers have been reported as treatment options.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of HIV-infected patients treated with Bio-Alcamid for facial lipoatrophy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Over a 3-year period, 13 HIV-infected patients with facial lipoatrophy had Bio-Alcamid injections for aesthetic purposes. The procedure was done under local anesthesia, and the amount of the injected material varied from 5 to 13 ml. Results were independently evaluated by patients and physicians.

RESULTS

Most of the patients felt they had good to excellent results. Touch-ups were necessary for 2 patients; the added volume was 2-3 ml for each. No major complications were recorded. A small hematoma was noted in 1 patient. Overcorrection was attained in 2 cases, and some of the filler was removed at the patient's request.

CONCLUSION

One of the greatest advantages of this filler is that, although permanent, it can be removed easily. We consider Bio-Alcamid to be a safe and useful correcting tool for patients suffering from drug-induced facial lipoatrophy.