Delayed Onset of Infection Development after Polyalkylimide Treatment for HIV-Associated Lipoatrophy

Delayed Onset of Infection Development after Polyalkylimide Treatment for HIV-Associated Lipoatrophy

Bio-Alcamid, a polyalkylimide, is a non-reabsorbable polymeric substance and has been used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The material is widely used because it is non-toxic, non-allergenic, easily injectable, and quickly removable. Polyalkylimide has been used for the cosmetic treatment of atrophy of subcutaneous tissue and HIV-associated lipoatrophy due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In HIV-patients who received this treatment, immediate therapy within zero to six weeks proved more beneficial in reducing facial lipoatrophy compared to the delayed therapy within twelve to eighteen weeks. Furthermore, in the duration of four years after the polyalkylimide treatment is administered, patients have not experienced necrosis, nodules, or infection.