Injectable silicone shows promise for HIV facial lipoatrophy Tx

Currently, off-label use of highly purified, medical grade 1000-centisoke silicone oil (Silikon 1000, Alcon Laboratories) as a permanent filler material seems to best fulfill the need for persistent, safe, cost-effective and natural-appearing correction.

"HIV facial lipoatrophy has become a problem of epidemic proportion and is important to address because it can be stigmatizing and have a devastating effect on quality of life. As long as it is properly administered, liquid injectable silicone seems to hold great promise as an effective, long-lasting, and safe treatment for this condition," says Derek H. Jones, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles.

Evaluations of the patients in the pilot trial indicate silicone oil injection restored supple, even facial contours that have been maintained without the development of any significant adverse events.