Porcine Filler for Facial Lipoatrophy Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment

Background: Facial lipoatrophy is a common problem for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treated with highly ac- tive antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The loss of subcutaneous facial tissue occurs in the cheeks, temples, and periocular region. Facial lipoatrophy is a stigmatizing feature of HIV. The effective treatment can provide psychosocial stress for the patient.
Objective: To report on the experience using a novel porcine collagen filler 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 a novel collagen injectable filler derived from porcine collagen.
Results: After 4 treatment sessions over 7 months using the novel porcine collagen injectable filler, significant 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 beneficial. Using a novel porcine collagen, a natural outcome was obtained that lasted for over 4 months. Additional studies should be conducted to further investigate the use of a novel porcine collagen in the treatment of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy.