Are there drs in the LA area that will inject Sculptra in an hiv patient for a reduced cost?

Sculptra has a patient access program that can reduce the cost of the procedure when it is used to treat HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy.  This program could drastically reduce the cost of the treatment for you.  The amount of the discount on the Sculptra product is determined by them and based on the amount of your income.  There are many doctors in LA that perform Sculptra, but you would need to find one who would be willing to submit your application to the patient access program.  You may need to check with a few offices.      

Sculptra was FDA approved in the US for HIV lipodystrophy in 2004.  Back then, when Sanofi-Aventis distributed Sculptra, the Access Program was generous.  It had a higher income level cut-off to qualify, and then they supplied 6 vials (3 boxes) at the beginning, enough to do 3-4 treatments.  The patients could then re-apply in 2 years.Now that Galderma is the distributor of Sculptra, they aren't so generous.  The Access program's annual income cut-off is much lower and they will only give 1 box for treatment.  Such that, you practically have to be at poverty level, and if you're at poverty level even if the Dr does cut their injection fee in half, it will probably still sound too expensive.  Doing one treatment of Sculptra if you are moderate or severe lipoatrophy probably won't deliver a satisfying result.To evaluate how much a patient needs, I typically need to see and touch their face and ask questions:  What is your CD4 count?  Is there any HIV detectable on your blood tests now?  Do you smoke tobacco?  Do you exercise?  Are you taking good care of your health in general?  Since Sculptra is a collagen stimulator, you have to be patient to see the result, and your body has to do the work of making the collagen to fill the hollowness.  The severity of the lipoatrophy determines the number of treatments needed.

As a former TPMG physician with Kaiser Permanente, I have to share with you that Sculptra for HIV associated lipoatrophy is a covered benefit, at least here in Northern California.  With the ACA, pre-existing conditions no longer preclude you from changing insurance.  Consider that as an option.   Sculptra also does offer a patient access program to assist those who need it and for whom it is not covered by insurance.  

Good question! Several years ago I was the senior surgeon on research outlining an appropriate treatment and grading system for individuals suffering with mid-facial HIV associated lipoatrophy. Our initial recommendations for Grades 3 and 4 cases included the placement of Terino Malar Cheek Implants and supplement with fillers for non-midfacial areas. Individuals with Grades 1 and 2 cases could often start with fillers first and then modify therapy based on results. Surgical options worked best on patients with T-cells greater than 100 and near undetectable viral load counts. Today, most patients prefer and respond extremely well to various synthetic fillers and soft tissue therapies requiring injections, at almost any T-cell level or viral load. However, the healthier the individual and the better the labs, this is preferred. In my experience, Sculptra provides excellent correction and long term collagen support for mid facial lipoatrophy provided you have full correction. This means that most individuals requires 3 sessions of 2 vials/ session, administered no more that 6-8 weeks apart. Once the beneficial effects of the Sculptra take effect, maintenance therapy, 1 vial, is offered as needed. Full correction can last over 1-2 years following this protocol. With regards to reducing cost, Sculptra (Galderma) offers a Patient Assistance Program for qualified applicants based on need and income. If you apply and are approved, you may qualify to receive Sculptra at a reduced cost. Galderma can direct you to participating providers in the program too. Other fillers, i.e Juvederm Ultra Plus, Volume, Restylane Lyft may also work well for patients and are well tolerated. However, these therapies typically do not last as long. Experienced physician injectors essential for the best results using Sculptra or the gel fillers. I suggest viewing your therapy on a long term basis, budget and map out a strategy to get the correction you desire for the best result.