Use of hyaluronic acid for soft tissue augmentation of HIV-associated facial lipodystrophy.

BACKGROUND

Lipodystrophy syndrome is a devastating complication of antiretroviral therapy in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The appearance of the associated facial lipoatrophy can be demoralizing and stigmatizing for the affected individuals to a point at which it may compromise their compliance with antiretroviral medication.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the use of hyaluronic acid as an intradermal filler for correction of this disfiguring problem.

METHODS

We treated five patients with grade 2 to 3 facial lipoatrophy. Each patient received approximately 5 to 6 cc in total of hyaluronic acid in the malar area via intradermal injection.

RESULTS

There were no adverse events. We found that this technique provided a good cosmetic result with high patient satisfaction. At 6-month follow-up, sustained longevity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose the use of hyaluronic acid for HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy as an efficacious and safe, but temporary, option for this problem until a more cost-effective option is available.