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Facial wasting is one symptom of a syndrome called lipoatrophy – or the loss of the soft layer of fat that sits just beneath the skin.
Facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) causes hollowed out-sunken cheeks and temple areas of the face. The cheeks and other facial areas such as the temples become hollow, sunken or flat. This is caused by facial fat loss caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Although there are currently no proven treatments that consistently lead to restoration of facial fat – there are several facial fillers and implants that can improve the appearance and quality of life.
Dr. Steven Davison will tailor your treatment to your specific needs. Dermal fillers (Sculptra® and RADIESSE®) and facial implants are used to restore lost volume to the hollow areas of the face. Injectables are administered in pre-measured doses, directly under the skin, in targeted areas and will plump up that area. They can last for several months while Sculptra can last for up to 2 years. Implants involve a surgical procedure using well hidden incisions through which the implant is inserted and positioned for optimal results. Implants provide long-lasting results. Fat grafting or tissue grafting are more advanced techniques for reconstruction.
If you are concerned about facial lipoatrpohy and have a desire to correct or improve your condition, you can have realistic expectations and goals – you could be an ideal candidate for treatments. Dr. Davison will be able to determine this during your initial consultation, when they will do a complete assessment of your condition, and recommend the most effective treatment for your concerns.
Dr. Davison will invest the time to sit down and talk to you face-to-face during your consultation. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell always listen carefully to each of their patients – every time.
The initial consultation with Dr. Davison is critical! It should always be face to face with Dr. Davison or Dr. Pinell during which time he/she listens closely to your concerns. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell believe this time spent with you is critical. It is during the consultation that they come to fully understand your concerns, evaluate them correctly and are then able to make the recommendations and develop the surgery/treatment plan that is right for you. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell invest the time to sit down and talk to you face-to-face.
Fat actually serves an important function in many of our bodies’ systems. It produces chemicals that talk to the immune and the digestive systems and can cause the body to release or stop making certain hormones. All body cells require a certain kind of fuel in order to thrive, be healthy and function normally in the body. Fat cells require the same. The mitochondria, (the hub inside every cell) turns this fuel into energy for the body to use. If the mitochondria is damaged or can’t reproduce, a cell will stop working properly and die. There may be other possible causes of lipoatrophy-such as uses of anti-HIV drugs can contribute to changes in healthy fat.
Treatments for facial wasting require the expertise of an experienced – skilled surgeon to ensure beneficial – satisfying outcomes.
Facial wasting, also medically known as lipoatrophy, is the subcutaneous fat loss in the cheeks and temples leading to a hollowed-out or sunken facial appearance. Fat wastes away from the buccal fat pad and the surrounding tissue around the temporal region and cheeks, which creates an emaciated and malnourished appearance.
The change in appearance due to facial fat loss can have a negative psychological impact on patients, causing their confidence and overall self-esteem to diminish.
Facial wasting is commonly considered to be a side effect of antiviral therapy for HIV. Other factors such as aging and extreme weight loss due to cancer or other debilitating conditions have also been suggested as possible causes of facial fat wasting.
There are several options for patients wishing to improve their thinning facial features. Among them include:
During your initial consultation, Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell will assess your facial wasting symptoms, review your medical history, and determine the appropriate treatment plan to resolve the effects of your lipoatrophy.
Recovery will vary depending on the type of treatment. For instance, recovery time for implant surgery is relatively longer than a procedure involving injectables.
Following implant surgery, patients may expect to experience minimal discomfort (pain and swelling), which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses.
The number one goal for treating facial wasting is to restore fullness to the pre-wasted facial appearance. Facial wasting treatments significantly reduce the visible effects of facial lipoatrophy. Many patients are able to restore a more vibrant, youthful, and energetic look, which serves as a great boost to their self-esteem and general outlook on life.
The initial consultation with your surgeon is critical! It should always be face to face with your surgeon, during which time he/she listens closely to your concerns. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell believe this time spent with you is critical to both you and him/her. It is during the consultation that your surgeon comes to fully understand your concerns, evaluates them correctly, and is then able to make the recommendations and develop the treatment plan that is right for you. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell invest the time to sit down and talk to you face to face.
