Summary
Bio-Alcamid, a polyalkylimide gel, can be injected into subcutaneous tissue as an
endoprosthesis for correcting contour deformities and soft tissue defects. We have
reviewed its facial uses and longer-term outcomes over a 7-year period, including
a patient satisfaction survey. 69 patients were included in the study, 89.9% undergoing
treatment secondary to HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. 55.0% of patients responded
to questionnaires: 52.5% experienced severe pain associated with injections, and 50.0%
experienced at least one complication (migration, hardening, irregularity). 94.4%
stated an improvement in their cheek volume, 77.8% would undergo the procedure again,
and 86.1% would recommend the treatment to a friend. Despite the relatively high patient
satisfaction, we no longer recommend this treatment to our patients for cosmetic indications,
due to significant long-term complication rates.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 03, 2012
Accepted:
June 12,
2012
Received:
March 6,
2012
Footnotes
☆Previously presented at British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) Winter Scientific Meeting, Royal College of Surgeons of England, 30 November – 2 December 2011.
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
