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My Fabulous DiseaseI'm Gonna Wipe That AIDS Right Off of My Face
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I don't think Sculptra or Radiesse are FDA approved here for use on large areas of the body, such as arms, legs, or butts... it is another need that has not been met yet in this country and it is frustrating. Dr. Pierone would probably tell you that it is extremely cost-prohibitive. Bio-Alcamid is a semi-permanent filler available in Canada (the manufacturer says it can be removed in case of overinjection, unhappiness with results, infection, or possible improvement of the lipoatrophy), but there have been reports of serious infections. I have also heard of Hydrogel injections, which are also removable, but the safety profile is not known yet, so it is not FDA approved here, either. Perhaps if you have fat on another part of your body you want to rid yourself of (as the stomach), maybe you might want to find a doctor who is experienced in fat grafting.
Good luck!
Think twice before you decide to have Artefill injected into your face. It is a permanent filler which runs a long term risk of infection and is extremely difficult to remove because of the small molecules. The only known way to remove it is by excision of surrounding tissues, leading to scarring and other disfigurements which will require more reconstructive surgery. Also, as people get older, the face may change shape and the permanent filler may show through the skin, making it look disfigured. Perhaps if you just hang in there, maybe scientists and researchers may come up with a filler that is a little longer lasting than Sculptra but allows for removal in case of infection, aging, possible eventual improvement of the lipoatrophy, or unhappiness with the results. Who knows, maybe they might even come up with a drug that may permanently reverse the lipoatrophy, and a permanent filler would prevent this. In the meanwhile, you are lucky to have a clinician like Dr. Pierone, who has done a great job on your face and is aware of the patient assistance program. Good luck and continued good health!
Those are exactly the misgivings I have about the permanent product, and I'm glad to know I'm not simply a worrier. This makes a great deal of sense and has changed my thinking on the subject. Thanks.
p.s. Can I get a butt lift?
Unfortunately, the reality for too many of us is that the cost of Artefill is prohibitive, to say the least. In fact, for the volumes needed to correct HIV-related lipoatrophy it is INSANELY expensive. And Medicare has made such a complete mess of their coverage of Scultpra & Radiesse that no doctor is willing to accept it, while PAP's reject anyone w/Medicare because "it's covered". The whole situation is frustrating beyond belief!
I hope this will be a good long-term solution for you. Best wishes.
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My Fabulous Disease
Mark S. King has been an active AIDS activist, writer and community organization leader since the early 1980s in Los Angeles. He has been an outspoken advocate for prevention education and for issues important to those living with HIV.
Diagnosed in 1985, Mark has held positions with the Los Angeles Shanti Foundation, AID Atlanta and AIDS Survival Project, and is an award-winning writer. He continues his volunteer work as an AIDS educator and speaker for conferences and events.
Speaking engagements: Mark King is available to speak to groups. Contact Mark about speaking at your organization or event!
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Recent Posts:
February 27, 2013 - HIV and Gay Media: The Vanishing Virus
January 16, 2013 - Treating My Facial Wasting With Artefill: A Video Blog by Mark S. King
December 13, 2012 - The Night Don Lemon Hugged Me: A Blog Entry by Mark S. King
November 7, 2012 - On Board the 2012 HIV Cruise Retreat: A Blog Entry by Mark S. King
View an excerpt of Mark's book
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Interviews With Mark:
Mark King Looks Back at the AIDS Epidemic's Darkest Hour in the U.S. (May 14, 2008)
This Month in HIV: Crystal Methamphetamine and HIV (August 2007)
Articles by Mark:
Meth Burial (May 2008)
Once, When We Were Heroes (June 2006)
Outliving My Father (May 22, 2001)
Mark recounts how years of caring for friends dying of AIDS prepared him for taking care of his dying father
From The Advocate
AIDS Always Benefits from What We Don't Talk About (April 2001)
For the rest of Mark's articles, click here.
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The opinions expressed by TheBody.com's bloggers are entirely their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheBody.com itself.
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