Prevention of Fat Loss and Lipoatrophy of the Face

(Dr Albert Canas applies Sculptra in my face)

Yes, many people are very afraid to start their HIV medications because of lipoatrophy or lipodistrophy (fat loss or gaining fat in some areas). Well there are many options now. One of the most important parts of a person's body is their face. This is like the cover of a magazine, and how we represent ourselves! Many people feel very depressed because they lose fat in their face and become stigmatized by it! Although medication is better today as it was 20 years ago, I use Sculptra to prevent fat loss in my face. I see the pain in peoples' eyes when they suffer from this. It makes them very depressed and makes them want to hide! Once they get their face back, I see them thriving, working, loving everything.

It's just very sad that sometimes, as Dr. Canas mentions in my vlog, that the most adherent patient is the one that can suffer from this condition the most! It is not fair! We should look how we feel in the inside ... not have high Tcells and undetectable viral loads, but with a face that is nothing like the person they use to see in the pictures! I am not talking about aging gracefully ... I am talking about holes in your cheeks and looking like a skeleton! So I am thankful that there is new and better medication out there with less side effects, as well as there are fillers like Sculptra, that either give you your whole life back or like me ... PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AS LONG AS I CAN!

As always love and light,

Maria T Mejia

(The following video blog is in a 6-part series)