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HIV Facial Wasting Treatment Options

In the last several years, several new facial fillers have become available in the general cosmetic market and are being used off-label for HIV Facial Wasting Treatment.

The two products that are FDA approved for treatment of facial lipoatrophy in the United States are Radiesse® and Sculptra®.

Artefill® in my opinion, appears to be the best treatment option available for Facial Wasting.

Below is a Matrix Summary of other treatment options that are available for treatment of facial lipoatrophy.

Bellafill® (Artefill®)

Artefill® is a hybrid product that contains 20 percent PMMA (polymethyl-methacrylate) microspheres that are suspended in 80 percent purified bovine collagen gel. After injection, the collagen gel is gradually resorbed and your body produces its own natural collagen to fill out the spaces around the PMMA microspheres under the skin.
This facial filler has a permanent component – PMMA – that does not get degraded over time like other fillers. However, it still requires a series of treatment sessions to establish long-term volume restoration. It is also the most cost effective in the long run because fewer touch up treatments will be needed.
Rare Complications: Hypersensitivity reaction to bovine collagen, late granuloma related to PMMA.
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Duration

5-10+ Years

$

Sessions

3-6

Cost

$10,000-$20,000, depending on Lipoatrophy Severity.

Radiesse®

Calcium Hydroxylapatite fillers contain small particles that act as a scaffold that your own collagen then grows on. Over time, the particles are slowly dissolved.

Immediate Results, lasts longer in some (up to 2 years).  FDA Approved HIV Lipoatrophy. Available Patient Assistance (Limited)

Some patients need full treatment in less than a year.

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Duration

12-24 Months Typical

$

Sessions

3-6

Cost

$3,000-$8,000, depending on Lipoatrophy Severity

Sculptra®

Polylactic acid is a synthetic dermal filler that is injected into your face, causing an increase in your body’s own production of collagen.
10 years on Market, FDA Approved HIV Lipoatrophy Treatment. Available Patient Assistance (Limited)
It can take up to 6 months to see effects. Some don’t respond well to action of product, see little result. Nodules can form as a side effect.
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Duration

12-24 Months Typical

$

Sessions

3-6

Cost

$3,000-$10,000, depending on Lipoatrophy Severity

Hylaronic Acid-Based Fillers

Hyaluronic acid filler acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume or elasticity due to normal aging. It also brings water to the surface of skin to keep it looking fresh and supple.
Natural Substance produced by body.
Only lasts 6 months for most. Too many sessions needed, not cost effective.
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Duration

6-12 Months Typical

$

Sessions

Ongoing

Cost

$3,000+