Soft tissue augmentation with PMMA-microspheres for the treatment of HIV-associated buttock lipodystrophy

Abstract

Summary Progression of lipodystrophy syndrome is a big challenge in HIV treatment. Nowadays, fat loss at the lower part of buttocks has become another problem as patients have started to complain that it is painful to be seated for a long time and/or on hard surfaces. We developed a method for buttock lipoatrophy treatment with PMMA-microspheres, as silicone prostheses and autologous fat transplant were not completely efficient. The treatment consisted of net-crossed injections, in the subcutaneous layer, of a 30% PMMA-microspheres solution on the atrophic areas of the buttock. One hundred and fifty-four patients were included. The amount of PMMA-microspheres used to treat buttock lipoatrophy depended on the degree of atrophy and size of the area to be treated. Patients were satisfied with this treatment and reported to be more comfortable to be seated for longer period of time. We demonstrated that soft tissue augmentation with PMMA-microspheres is safe and efficient for the treatment of buttock lipoatrophy associated with HIV lipodystrophy.