Skin Care :: SCULPTRA for facial fat loss – lipoatrophy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee recently approved SCULPTRA (injectable poly-L-lactic acid) for use in correcting shape and contour deficiencies resulting from facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

This is an important step for people diagnosed with HIV who suffer from facial wasting, said American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) President Ronald L. Moy, MD, a dermatologic surgeon from Los Angeles, Calif. It will help bring more fullness, shape and contour to their faces and instill the confidence that is often lost with this disfiguring ailment. Facial lipoatrophy is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations and hollow eyes.

Used safely and effectively worldwide for years to treat a variety of facial volume and contour deficiencies, including signs of aging such as wrinkles, folds and sunken cheeks, SCULPTRA is a polymer synthetically derived from natural components and is biocompatible. Similar poly-L-lactic acids have been used in surgical products for two decades as dissolvable sutures and are used as vehicles for several sustained release injectable medications.

Preliminary results are very promising, said New York City dermatologic surgeon Rhoda S. Narins, MD, president-elect of the ASDS who is excited about the FDA?s approval of SCULPTRA. A clinical trial for safety and effectiveness for cosmetic use began in July this year, said Dr. Narins. The experience in Europe, where it has been used to treat facial volume and contour deficiencies, including cosmetic problems, has shown it lasts 18-24 months or longer.

Studies like these and other research investigations by leading dermatologic surgeons provide further evidence of the significant clinical contributions made by the specialty. It also underscores the importance of choosing a qualified dermatologic surgeon for cosmetic skin rejuvenation.

“Patient safety and clinical effectiveness are our chief concerns,” says Dr. Moy. “There is a tendency for doctors with no cosmetic training and even non-physicians to jump on the bandwagon. However, patients should be aware that aesthetic results with soft tissue fillers are skill dependent and dermatologic surgeons have the training, technical know-how and artistic finesse to ensure consistent, outstanding results.”


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