RESTORING FAT LOSS IN HIV PATIENTS

Most HIV-Positive patients share one common complaint: They report that the most devastating aspect of their condition is the facial lipoatrophy, a fat-wasting phenomenon caused by prescribed medications that drains the face of its natural plumpness. Their faces look drawn, and their cheeks sunken. The unhealthy appearance of their faces especially draws unwanted attention to their condition.

The approval in August by the United States Food and Drug Administration of Sculptra™ changes all that.

Dr. Jeffrey Raval of Faces First, triple board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, is one of the only surgeons in the western region trained to administer Sculptra™ in his offices at Harvard Park in Denver, Lone Tree at Park Meadows, and in Vail.

“This is a tremendous advancement for the treatment of HIV-Positive patients,” says Dr. Raval. “Until now, this treatment was only available in Europe.” More than 150,000 patients in 30-plus countries have been treated with Sculptra™ which was approved for use in Europe in 1999.

Sculptra™ is a synthetic biocompatible material injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss in multiple injections to gradually restore and significantly increase the skin’s thickness. Injections stimulate collagen production which is what adds the volume to the face, restoring a healthy appearance. Depending on the severity of the fat loss, patients require anywhere from two to five treatments—at $750 each. Injections are administered every two weeks and may not be permanent. The results last two to three years in HIV patients; longer in non-HIV patients. Touch-up procedures may only require one or two treatments.

Sculptra™ is not yet approved for treatment in other than HIV-Positive patients. However, it is seen as the future of treatment for non-HIV patients who are fit and toned but experiencing the generic fat loss in their fact that naturally comes with aging.

Fat injections have long been available in cosmetic treatment. But the problem with fat injections is that many baby boomers who are in good shape don’t have much fat to use for harvesting.

Patients should not use Sculptra™ if they are allergic to any ingredient of Sculptra™. Sculptra™ should not be injected while one has an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area. Side effects of Sculptra™ may include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. Other side effects may include injection-related events at the site of injection, such as bleeding, tenderness or discomfort, redness, bruising or swelling.

Jeffrey Raval, MD is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and did his residency and internship at the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University Barnes Jewish Hospital. He completed his fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology, is triple board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. He is Section Head of Otolaryngology at Swedish Hospital in Englewood and is the Medical Director of Matrix Spa in Denver. His is a practicing partner at Associates of Otolaryngology with offices at Harvard Park Medical Center and in Lone Tree and volunteers at Denver Inner City Health. He can be reached at 303.744.1961.