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INNOVATIVE PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE REJUVENATES HIV PATIENTS; NOW HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS CAN LOOK AS WELL AS THEY FEEL

Press Release From the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Jan. 5 -- Imagine feeling perfectly healthy but appearing severely ill. Many patients who have successfully managed the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for years feel perfectly fine; yet their appearance contradicts their physical condition, which can affect their self-esteem and even lead to social and sexual dysfunction, as well as depression. According to a study published in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(r), the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), an innovative plastic surgery procedure now allows HIV patients to look as well as they feel.

What was once viewed as an untreatable condition less than two decades ago has been transformed into a manageable condition through prescription drug therapies. However, long-term use of an essential medication often prescribed to HIV-positive patients causes lipodystrophy, a substantial wasting of fat in the face, causing the appearance of someone chronically ill.

"The medications my patients were taking caused them to lose fat in their face but not from their mid-sections because there is a biochemical difference between the two fats," said Berish Strauch, MD, ASPS member. "After researching a number of options, I found that dermafat grafts from their mid-sections would allow me to return the natural look to my patients' faces long-term without any external scarring."

For the procedure, Dr. Strauch harvested fat and overlying deeper layers of skin, placing the fat in the face through a small incision in the mouth. By saving the skin with the fat, the body can reconnect the blood vessels and restore circulation from the body to the graft. Because it takes some time for circulation to reestablish, some fat attached to the dermis does not survive, according to the study. So twice as much material is used for the patient's final appearance because approximately 50 percent of the graft is lost during this reconstructive phase.

The typical patient in this study was between 40 and 50 years old and had been treated with antiretroviral medications for at least 10 years. In women, the fat was removed from the tummy area, while it was removed from the "love handle" region in men. Normal facial contour was maintained in all patients during the follow-up period of 14 to 30 months.

"The reaction of my patients has been unbelievable, and I'm so thrilled to be able to help them look as well as they feel," said Dr. Strauch. "The change is so dramatic that they look 10 to 20 years younger. They look like themselves again."

"This study gives hope to others successfully managing HIV, showing that there is no reason why their outward appearance shouldn't reflect how well they feel physically," he added.

ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. For referrals to ABPS-certified plastic surgeons in your area and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, call the ASPS at 888-4-PLASTIC)(888-475-2784) or visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org

CONTACT:Media Relations
(847) 228-9900
mailto: media@plasticsurgery.org

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