Doctor,

I live in Europe, where recently a new non-surgical alternative to liposuction has become available: Ultrashape. Basically its ultrasound waves breaking up the fat cells, whereafter the body gets rid of the released fat and cellular debris by itself. Some clinics offering this treatment list hiv as a contra-indication, while others dont. What do you think? Is there a reason why people with hiv shouldnt try this method even if theyre healthy otherwise?

Thank you for your answer.

Some extra info on Ultrashape: http://www.ultrashape.com/healthcare_professionals.aspx

I have no personal experience with patients undergoing that treatment nor have I seen any literature on use of the technique in HIV+ persons. The fat problems in HIV+ persons of most concern are fat loss or intra-abdominal (not subcutaneous) fat (unclear if the technique could be used for intra-abdominal fat). On the surface there would be little reason why HIV+ persons should respond much differently than the general population to a given intervention if the fat is located in an accessible region of the body. If any reader has personal experience or knows of a reference please post. KH