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.