Objective: To compare autologous fat transfer (AFT), injections of reabsorbable [polylactic acid (PLA)] and non-reabsorbable [polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG)] filler materials for the treatment of HIV-related facial lipoatrophy.
Design and methods: Eligible individuals with enough residual subcutaneous fat in the abdomen or in the dorso-cervical region were offered AFT surgery. Other individuals were blindly assigned to two different surgical teams, who administered a set of PLA or PAAG injections every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the measurement of Bichat's fat pad region, determined by the result of dermal plus subcutaneous thickness. Secondary endpoints included body image evaluation (determined by ABCD questionnaire), facial aesthetic satisfaction (determined by Visual Analogue Scale), and aesthetic pre- and post-picture comparisons by independent reviewers. All variables were measured at baseline and at 24 weeks after the last treatment session.
Results: Twenty-four individuals received AFT and 35 were selectively randomized to PLA (20) or PAAG (15) infiltrations. PLA and PAAG groups received a mean of 5 and 6 injections respectively (P = NS). The mean change in dermal and subcutaneous thickness was 3.3 +/- 4.1 mm, 3.5 +/- 4.0 mm; 2.1 +/- 3.0 mm (P = 0.687), respectively. The mean change in ABCD score result was poorer in the AFT arm, but there were no other differences in other measured factors. Four serious adverse events were documented in the AFT arm only.
Conclusions: All three interventional techniques were highly effective in improving the aesthetic satisfaction of the patients. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine the most durable and suitable treatment.