A few years ago it wouldn’t have been hard to pick out someone suffering from AIDS numerous other terminal illnesses. The sunken cheeks, hollowed eyes, and indented temples offered obvious clues. Called lipoatrophy (lipo – fat; atrophy – loss), this phenomenon isn’t unique to those with a terminal illness, however. Instead, it’s a common problem for many people as they age or lose large amounts of weight. The result is frequently a significant lack of fat in their face. Far from being ill, these people are supremely healthy, though they can often look as though they suffer from a serious ailment.
Because of the lack of fat under the skin, there are limited options for correcting the problem. Injectable fillers are one of the few choices available for treatment, but most of those on the market are short-term fillers used with the intent to alleviate minor wrinkles or correct smaller folds around the nose or mouth. None of these fillers were dense enough to work on the significant lipoatrophy AIDS patients faced.
A new drug, called Sculptra®, entered the market in 2003 that offered those with AIDS a chance at looking as healthy as possible. Developed 20 years ago to dissolve sutures, it has since been adapted as a filler for those with compromised immune systems. This usage has resulted in the product having to meet some pretty stiff requirements before being offered to its target base. Since it was approved by the FDA, it has provided those suffering from lipoatrophy an opportunity to fill out their skin in a natural, safe way without compromising their health. This poly-L-lactic acid filler plumps up cheeks, fills out hollows, and gets rid of the deep skin folds often seen with lipoatrophy. An amazing boon for those most in need, Sculptra® also benefits those not infected with HIV. No matter what the cause, lipoatrophy can cause a good bit of consternation for those who suffer from it.
Sculptra® is a safe synthetic material that is injected under the skin where the lipoatrophy has occurred. (Because it’s a biocompatible substance, there is no need to test for an allergic reaction prior to treatment.) The poly-L-lactic acid then coats the area where the fat belongs, filling out the depressions in the face. Within two weeks the dermal layer of the skin fills out, smoothing the face and alleviating skin folds. For severe cases of lipoatrophy, it may require from three to six treatments, but once the treatment is over, it lasts for up to two years, a marked improvement over previous products.
The beauty of Sculptra® is in the way that it works in the body. Sculptra® pushes the body to create its own collagen to fill the area, rather than filling it with an implant. Completely biodegradable, it will eventually be processed through the system without leaving anything behind. This process happens gradually over a long period of time, making it a measured transformation rather than the stark change created by a face lift or other types of fillers. Depending on how many treatments are needed, the end result can be seen anywhere from two to six months after the first treatment.
Along with the lipoatrophy, because it’s so dense, Sculptra® has also been used to treat deep acne scars, fill out lesser contours of the face, such as buried cheekbones. It’s also used to fill out improminent chins and nose bridges.
Shortly after treatment there is the potential for swelling, bruising, and tenderness. A cool pack applied to the area of the injection will help alleviate most of the discomfort, but these side affects have been known to last up to 17 days. There is also a risk of small bumps being felt under the skin, though they are usually not visible. These side affects are usually very mild, and almost always fade with time. The especially good news is that most people are able to go right back to their daily activities after treatments, meaning no missed work or family time.
Sculptra® has made a name for itself that has since grown well beyond its noble beginnings. Thousands of people have enjoyed the affects of this safe injectable filler, living happier, fuller lives. From rosy cheeks to strong chins, this product has given those suffering from lipoatrophy and aging a lovely, youthful look. Consult with your cosmetic surgeon for more information on this amazing treatment option.
