A Ribose-crosslinked Collagen Filler Treatment for Facial Lipoatrophy Associated With the Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Background: Facial lipoatrophy is a common problem for patients with human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV) treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The loss of subcutaneous facial tissue occurs in the cheeks, temples, and periocular region. Facial lipoa- trophy is a stigmatizing feature of HIV. The effective treatment can provide psychosocial stress for the patient.
Objective: To report on the experience using a ribose-crosslinked collagen fi ller in the treatment of a patient with HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. Physician observations and photographs for documentation were collected up to 14 months posttreatment.
Methods: A patient with HIV with facial lipoatrophy was treated with the ribose-crosslinked collagen injectable fi ller derived from por- cine collagen.
Results: After 4 treatment sessions over 7 months signifi cant improvement was found and dermal thickening was retained in the area of the cheeks for an additional 7 months.
Conclusion: As facial lipoatrophy is a very stigmatizing manifestation of HIV, volume augmentation is highly benefi cial. By using a ribose- crosslinked collagen, a very natural outcome was obtained that lasted for over 7 months. Additional studies should be conducted to further investigate the use of this fi ller in the treatment of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy.