One common side effect of HIV treatments is facial wasting, also known as lipodystrophy. While the cause of this symptom is not totally understood, it is suspected that the anti-retroviral drugs prescribed for HIV positive people are responsible. As a result, fat is broken down throughout the body and redistributed, which can lead to "facial wasting." Facial wasting occurs when the natural fat in the face breaks down, leading to a "sunken" appearance, especially in the cheeks.
Sculptra
Sculptra can be administered by a trained physician to specific areas of the face. Sculptra works by stimulating the body's collagen production. These injections are generally given over a series of time, as it gives better control for the physician and allows for a more gradual shaping of the face. On the other hand, these treatments can be expensive and require a long-term commitment, as the active ingredient in Sculptra relies on the body to create the collagen itself.
Radiesse
Radiesse is also administered by a professional via a series of injections. Much like Sculptra, it causes the body to create collagen which fills in areas of the face that have become subject to facial wasting. It is FDA approved for this purpose, but its effects are temporary, though in some cases they can last for several years. The effects can be extended with periodic "booster" injections. It is also very expensive and can cost over $100,000 for a full course of treatment.
Bio-Alcamid
While not approved for use in the United States, this treatment for facial wasting can be obtained in Mexico and Europe as well as Canada. With this treatment, a synthetic gel is injected into the affected areas of the face, where a thin collagen capsule forms around it. This mode of treatment is very stable, so it can produce long-lasting effects. On the other hand, it often looks "less natural" than other treatments.
Silikon 1000
While not approved by the FDA for facial wasting, it is nonetheless used by some physicians. It is administered via the "microdroplet technique" in which small drops of the silicone oil are injected into the skin. While significantly cheaper (a full course of treatment can run a little over $2000), there is a black market for the product and, as a result, the quality often suffers. Low-quality silicone oil can result in bumps and lumps under the skin, which can be very painful.
PMMA
This is a treatment based on small amounts of a compound called polymethyl-methylacrylate, surrounded by collagen from cows. Once injected, the cow collagen breaks down, allowing the body to make more collagen in its stead. This method generally requires two treatments and can cost between $500 and $1000 for a full course of treatments.
Tags: facial wasting, areas face, full course, body create, body create collagen, breaks down