John Ramos, a 50-year-old private investor from Fort Lauderdale, was diagnosed in 1987 and first noticed his lipoatrophy 10 years ago. His doctors could recommend nothing, a common situation at that time. “They didn’t even know what to attribute [the lipo] to,” John says.
Eventually he stopped taking Zerit, and his doctor prescribed steroids and exercise. The effects? John says, “I became one of these muscle guys, but with a hollow face and no butt!”
For five years he had collagen injections in his face every six months, but with the costs mounting he decided to try an experimental procedure that promised longer-lasting results. He found a doctor who injected microdroplets of silicone in his face and butt. It took four trips to Los Angeles over several months and cost $15,000.
John says, “It was worth every dime… [Lipoatrophy] can really sap your self-confidence. Getting treatment is not about being beautiful and glamorous. It’s about taking pride in the way you look.”
