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The loss of facial fat is characteristic of HIV infection, causing many otherwise healthy patients to lose their self-esteem -even to the point of becoming shut-ins. But the appearance of facial lipoatrophy improved in 16 patients who underwent the surgical insertion of Gore-Tex multistrand implants, according to reports at the recent annual meeting of the Canadian Dermatology Association.

In the procedure, a tunnel is created beneath the area of facial hollowing and one or more Gore-Tex implants are puilled under the skin to fill out the areas of fat loss. Some swelling is associated with the procedure and adds to the initial improvement in appearance. After approximately two months, however, the initial swelling has faded and some lumpiness typically is evident in the implanted areas. At this time, the patient is re-assessed to see if more implants are needed. About three out of four patients have required a second implant procedure. For those with lumpiness remaining at three months, silicone oil can be injected. This substance can be difficult to inject but remains in place better than collagen and other filler materials.

Editor's Note: from Internal Medicine News