Safety and efficacy of one-step rehabilitation of human immunodeficiency virus-related facial lipoatrophy using an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler.

[BACKGROUND] Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related facial lipoatrophy seems to be the most distressing manifestation for individuals with HIV. It can be stigmatizing, severely affecting quality of life and self-esteem. Ever-increasing numbers of individuals with HIV receiving medication for HIV infection are presenting to plastic surgeons and requesting reconstructive surgery to counteract the unwanted side effects of their treatment protocols, for example facial lipoatrophy. The authors show their results with a one-step rehabilitation in cases of facial lipoatrophy using an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler mixed with local anesthetic and adrenaline.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] This study was conducted as a clinical prospective study; 26 individuals with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy and with facial lipoatrophy received injections of an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler mixed with local anesthetic and adrenaline.

[RESULTS] No major complications were registered. A stable result was observed in all the cases at the end of follow-up (3 months). High patient satisfaction was achieved in all cases.

[CONCLUSION] The outcomes of this study confirm that calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler safely and effectively ameliorates the appearance of patients with HIV-related facial lipoatrophy, and mixing it with local anaesthetic and adrenaline can reduce pain during injection and ecchymosis.