[Treatment of HIV facial lipoatrophy with a submalar porous polyethylene implant (Medpor)]. / Traitement des lipoatrophies faciales utilisant des implants de Medpor en polyéthylène poreux.

ABSTRACT

Human immunodeficiency virus associated facial lipoatrophy is becoming epidemic and is a distressing sign for patients. Non permanent fillers provide only temporary results and cannot be the solution for severe cases. Lipodystrophy makes the lipofilling difficult to perform with a fibrous low quality fat difficult to harvest. We propose another solution using porous polyethylene implants (Medpor). Eight patients underwent submalar augmentation through an upper gingivobuccal sulcus incision that allows a subperiosteal dissection. The implants are carved to provide the desired augmentation. Overall, eight patients had good or very good aesthetic postoperative outcomes as determined by the patient and the surgeon. No complications occurred and results remain natural. Porous polyethylene implant (Medpor) is our treatment of choice for mild to severe facial lipoatrophy. Besides these implants could be removed easily later if needed.