Polyacrylamide Gel Injection for Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Associated Facial Lipoatrophy: 18 Months Follow‐Up

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery Vol. 37; no. 11; pp. 1584 - 1589
• Main Authors: RAUSO, RAFFAELE, FREDA, NICOLA, PARLATO, VINCENZO, GHERARDINI, GIULIO, AMORE, ROBERTO, TARTARO, GIANPAOLO
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01.11.2011; Wiley
• Subjects: Acrylic Resins - administration & dosage; antiretroviral therapy; Biocompatible Materials; Biological and medical sciences; Body image; Cosmetic Techniques; Dermatology; Foreign bodies; Gels - administration & dosage; HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome - drug therapy; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human viral diseases; Humans; hydrogels; Immunodeficiency; Infection; Infectious diseases; lipoatrophy; Medical sciences; Migration; Nodules; Prospective Studies; Prostheses and Implants; Quality of Life; Rehabilitation; Rejuvenation; Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects; Skin plastic surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; Immunopathology; Skin disease; Dermatology; Retroviridae; AIDS; Injection; Immune deficiency; Lentivirus; Infection; Virus; Treatment; Follow up study; Lipoatrophy; Viral disease; Surgery; Adipose tissue disorders; Human immunodeficiency virus; Face
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02131.x
• ISSN: 1076-0512

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. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.