HIV Lipodystrophy

Solutions: Sculptra/Radiesse/Silicone Therapy

Many people living with HIV have a drug regimen that can sustain and lengthen their quality of life. However, treatment for HIV involves strong medications that block a protein necessary for the absorption of fat, causing a condition known as HIV lipodystrophy. Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hallow eyes.

In addition to serious metabolic effects, HIV lipodystrophy has significant cosmetic implications:

sunken cheeks and temples | flattened smile lines | general emaciated appearance

While some medications may stabilize the systemic effects of HIV Lipodystrophy, they do not improve the cosmetic defects. Although not yet FDA-approved, medical grade liquid injectable silicone (LIS) is used for the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy.

Beginning in 2001, Dr. Escobedo was among the first physicians in Texas to treat the devastating signs of lipodystrophy with silicone injection therapy. Depending on the severity, patients generally receive an average of four sessions over a six-month period and the results generally endure longer than several years.

Sculptra®

Sculptra® is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. It provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. No skin testing is required.

Sculptra® has been safely used outside the United States since 1999 in over 150,000 patients under the trade names New-Fill™ and Sculptra®.

Radiesse

Like Sculptra and Medical Grade Silicone, Radiesse is used to improve the cosmetic affects of HIV Lipoatrophy.

Sculptra™, poly-lactic acid, and Radiesse® are FDA approved for the cosmetic defects of HIV Lipodystrophy. Like Silicone, several sessions over a six month period are necessary to obtain improvements.

Call 512-347-9794 today for a consultation with Dr. Escobedo.