Are cheek implants good for HIV patients suffering from fat loss in the facial area?

Question

I have HIV and from medications i have lost the fullness in my face. I have been using fillers and I would like to look maybe getting implants. My face is very thin and my fear is that it will look like an implant when i really just want a natural fullness.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There are cheek implants that can help restore the appearance of patients that have facial fat loss associated with HIV.  Implants may work better for some people than others though, as it depends on the location and severity of the fat loss.  There are different styles, shapes, and sizes of cheek implants, but in most cases of HIV-associated facial fat loss, submalar implants work the best.  In a person that has flat cheek bones, sometimes a combined malar/submalar implant works best.  Since the implant needs to rest on top of the bone of the cheek, it does not usually help with areas of fat loss that are lower down on the face below the mouth.  Fillers can be used throughout the face, so sometimes can produce a better overall effect, but most fillers are temporary and fade over time.  If the implant size and placement is correct, it should be able to look natural.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

A malar-submalar implant is a very volume stable method for partially treating severe facial lipoatrophy. But an implant alone is often not enough. The implant does not extend low enough to cover the extent of the buccal space atrophy and there are potential concerns about edge demarcation around the implants. For this reason a more complete facial volume restoration requires the concomitant use of injectable fillers (fat or synthetic) or larger dermal-fat grafts. Putting together an approach that may combine implants with fat grafts or fillers based on each patient's extent of lipoatrophy produces the best volume result that can also look the most natural.

Sean Freeman, MD · Answer

nuedan11, I believe malar in submalar cheek implants are the most predictable treatment for midface fat atrophy.I have used this approach for many years with good success.  Fat injections are the other alternative.  I would recommend you see 2-3 facial plastic specialists, discussed both options with them. make sure you like they're photos.   Good luck!

Are cheek implants good for HIV patients suffering from fat loss in the facial area?

Answers (3)

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