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Lipoatrophy

Find out more about common and rare skin conditions, the causes and symptoms and how we can help you treat these conditions

Lipoatrophy

Causes & Symptoms

Facial lipoatrophy (also known as lipodystrophy) is part of a redistribution of body fat, most commonly occurring in people living with HIV. This is due to both the HIV infection as well as its antiviral treatment. Lipoatrophy can also occur with hepatomegaly, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia and hypermetabolism.

Lipoatrophy is part of the wide range of changes in body metabolism that can occur with HIV and its treatment. The main features of this skin condition are fat loss affecting the face, limbs and buttocks, accompanied by central fat accumulation in the abdomen and breasts and over the dorsocervical spine (the ‘buffalo hump’). However, facial lipoatrophy is the most visible element of this disorder.

The main areas affected on the face tend to be the cheek and temples. The cheeks can become sunken and the temples may also appear hollow. This loss of fat also increases facial lines and highlight changes seen with age. It also makes an individual look tired and older than their years. The loss of facial fat can be asymmetrical, made worse on one side by dental abscesses or other dental problems.

Treatment

The visible changes and symptomatic impact of facial lipoatrophy improves by a healthy lifestyle, the adjustment of anti-retroviral medications and use of suitable injectable fillers. This treatment is studied and subsidized on the Medicare PBS for those with severe lipoatrophy due to the treatment of HIV.

At The Skin Hospital our Speciality Clinics are run by dermatologists who have sub-specialised in a chosen condition bringing deep knowledge and specific expertise. The Skin Hospital runs a speciality clinic dedicated to the treatment of HIV skin conditions at Darlinghurst, run by Dr Margot Whitfeld however all dermatologists at the Skin Hospital are highly trained to treat this condition.

DermNet NZ
Lipoatrophy

Find a specialist

We have a number of Dermatologist specialising in lipoatrophy. If you are concerned, book your appointment with The Skin Hospital.

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