Treatment with Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid), one of two FDA-approved treatments for facial fat loss, results in only modest increases in tissue thickness but high patient satisfaction, according to a study published in the December 15 issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes.
Dianne Carey, MPH, of the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and her colleagues randomized 100 HIV-positive adults with facial fat loss either to receive immediate treatment with Sculptra or to wait 24 weeks before receiving the injections. The majority, 92 percent, were male. There were 50 people in each arm of the study, and people treated with Sculptra received four sets of injections spaced out every two weeks. Treatment effect was measured using both subjective methods—including visual examination and satisfaction surveys—and objective methods, such as CT scanning of the face.
Sculptra treatment was found to be relatively safe, with only minor pain and swelling at the injection sites that lasted for several days after each injection series.
Improvements in objective measurements were modest. Sculptra did not increase facial tissue volume after 24 weeks—there was no change in facial tissue volume in the treatment group, compared with a 10 cm2 additional loss in the deferred group. As for subjective measures, 86 percent of those who received Sculptra were perceived to have improved, compared with 20 percent in the deferred group.
The researchers concede that the study size may have been too small to detect a difference in facial tissue volume and that because the CT scans were carried out at nine different labs this may have also influenced the results of the study.
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comments 1 - 5 (of 5 total)
Karl, West Valley City, 2007-12-08 18:56:37
I had 12 vials placed in the tear troughs and cheeks of my face over the last 2 years. It has been over a year since the last injections and my face has held up really good. i am completely amazed at this product, although it is out of reach for many people even with the Patient Assistance program as the cost of the Doctor is really expensive. Mine was $500/vial just to have it injected. I think maybe next time I will seriously look at going to Tijuana.
Richard, San Francisco, 2007-12-06 00:38:55
I had five sessions of sculptra injections, and the results, even after a year, are dramatic. From a gaunt, wasted, hollow look, my cheeks and face are now practically plump! The contours are smooth, rounded, and my smile is back big time. There are no vacant areas, hollow areas, or folded, or even creased areas, even my wrinkles are virtually gone. I was lucky, with a discount from the manufacturer, to be able to afford the injections myself, My health plan wouldn't pay for them.
jr, glastonbury, 2007-12-02 19:17:03
it is amazing. and not cheap. I wish these pharmacuitical companies would offer a break to people who do not qualify for assistance programs, but still have a hard time affording the expense of it.
kenman, Los Lunas, NM, 2007-11-30 10:26:39
I will be having my 4th session (2 vials of Sculptra each time) in less than 2 weeks. I am extremely satisfied with the results.
I look at pics from 2 years agoa dn the change is amazing. Sculptra has improved my self image and allowed me to feel much more attractive.
I used ot look in the mirror and see the face of an AIDS person. Now I look and just see another "regular" guy.
Though it is not cheap, it was worth it...for me.
Pete Pertschi, Philadelphia Pa., 2007-11-30 09:43:51
Would like to find a study group on this medication in my area that I could be a part of. Can you give me any information?
Beth Benne, RN, is HIV negative, but
the virus has impacted her life. She currently supervises a biannual HIV/AIDS awareness week as
the director of the student health center at Pierce College, a
community commuter school in Woodland Hills, California.
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