Treatment of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy with Radiance FN (Radiesse)

Dermatol Online J. 2004 Oct 15;10(2):2.

Abstract

HIV treatments frequently include the administration of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to combat the disease; although no conclusive evidence exists, it has been suggested that the HAART regimen may lead to facial lipoatrophy, exemplified by fat loss from facial areas, most notably the cheeks. Lipoatrophy can cause severe psychosocial consequences because it can be an identifying marker of HIV infection. Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiance FN, recently renamed Radiesse) has been postulated to be a long-lasting, biocompatible filler that does not ossify, migratem or calcify. We present three patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy who were treated with Radiance FN. Touch-up treatments were performed 1 month later for two patients. The percentage of improvement following the initial treatment ranged from 75 to 90 percent. Although there has been some loss of improvement over time, there has been significant persistence for up to 9 months. No complications have occurred, and patients were highly satisfied with treatment results. Our experience with Radiance FN has shown it to be a potentially valuable tool for treating facial lipoatrophy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Atrophy / etiology
  • Atrophy / therapy
  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Durapatite*
  • Face
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Durapatite