Facial corrections for lipoatrophy in HIV-infected patients: Treatment with polyacrilamide hydrogel injections

This open-label study takes aim at the valutation of the efficacy and safety of facial injections of an Polyacrylamide Hydrogel (PAIG), in HIV-positive people that showed different level (severe, mode-rate and mild) of facial lipoatrophy. This is a typical AIDS-related pathology that involve a loss of subcutaneous fat in the face, especially in cheeks, temples and nasolabial folds, and other parts of the body, and often it consequently cause some mental rebound (lack of self-interest or loose of self-esteem). 36 HIV-positive subjects with facial lipoatrophy were enrolled. Every treatment consisted of the injection of 1 to 2 vials of PAIG on the first day, and every 4 weeks for some months, according to the level of facial lipoatrophy. We previously advised each one of the subjects to avoid sunburn in the injection's area. Patient's valuation has been done by facial ecosonography, along with clinical examination. Withal we took standard photographs before and after the treatment, scheduled for successive 12th, 24th and 48th week. 100 percent of our patients have been pleased with the aesthetic result, and they all judged excellent elasticity and consistency in the treated area after twelve months. Pain (scale 0-10) related at moment of the injection was reported in all patients. Excellent results has been obtained in the parietal area and lower third of the face, and also in the upper and lower jaw. The advantage of this hydrogel relates to its non-biodegradability and its important tolerability. Our product does not generally cause allergic reaction or other immunological effect either in animals or in humans; above all it does not migrate.