Poly-L-lactic Acid Helps in HAART-related Facial Wasting

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By David Douglas

Soft tissue augmentation with poly-L-lactic acid [New Fill] for facial lipoatrophy in HIV patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) provides significant improvement in appearance, Washington DC-based researchers report in the February issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Lead investigator Dr. Cheryl M. Burgess told Reuters Health that recently the US Food and Drug Administration "approved the use of poly-L-lactic acid for the restoration and/or correction of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. This approval has enabled physicians to restore the volume necessary to correct significant concavities or defects in the skin."

Dr. Burgess and her colleague Dr. Rafaela M. Quiroga of the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery evaluated the approach in 61 immunocompromised HIV-infected men.

They underwent multiple injections of poly-L-lactic acid over a 5-month period, and all had a successful outcome at a 6 months' follow-up. This was defined as smoothing of the skin and improved overall appearance, which was achieved after an average of three treatment sessions. All patients were very pleased with the results.

At 18 months, 13 patients (21%) requested further treatment sessions. However, say the researchers, "the desire for further dermal enhancement was purely subjective."

There were no serious adverse reactions and, continued Dr. Burgess, "as a result of the overwhelming patient response, tolerability and satisfaction, I have been encouraged to continue facial restoration with poly-L-lactic acid in patients with facial wasting."

03/02/05

J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52:233-239.