Reader Reactions to "New-Fill for an Old Face"

Editor's Note: Writers to the (HIV) Lipidlist e-mail listserve gave us permission to reprint items regarding this article:

Jeff, I recently found your article on the Internet ("Who Moved My Cheeks?" Nov/Dec 2000). It has a very positive feel to it and I needed that. I am just starting to think about doing some type of cosmetic changes, although I must tell you that I think there has been an improvement to the fat wasting in my face over the past three years since I stopped using d4T [Zerit]. I have changed a number of the drugs, so it could have been any of them. It is just that most of what I read seems to point toward d4T. The clinic I go to in London is beginning to do work with New-Fill [facial filling]. Thanks again and enjoy life.
Name withheld,
via the Internet

Jeff, I liked your article about your New-Fill experience ("New-Fill for an Old Face," May/June 2002]. You may want to check my Web site, www.facialwasting.org for all options. As you will realize, New-Fill does not last very long. Polyacrylamide gel or Artecol are permanent and so far safe solutions (8 years). You can access them in Tijuana or Canada. I got polyacylamide in TJ and loved it.
Nelson Vergel,
Program for Wellness Restoration (PoWeR), www.medibolics.com

Yes, New-Fill is a great product, but Dr. Stein’s technique is unusual. It doesn’t seem to be the method used by Drs. Amard or LeGlenne in Paris. Why didn’t he massage the patient afterwards? Why did he use so many injections? It is wonderful that Mr. Berry’s treatment is a success and the HIV community should be campaigning hard for government and private insurance coverage for lipoatrophy treatments. This is not cosmetic, but akin to breast reconstruction or skin grafts. Keep up the information.
Name withheld,
via the Internet

Editor’s Note: Dr. Daniel Berger (also trained by Dr. Jorge Tagle) responds. "Dr. Stein’s technique is one pioneered by Dr. Tagle, a plastic surgeon who has been one of the other individuals who have revolutionized treatment of facial atrophy in HIV-positive patients. Dr. Tagle is internationally recognized for his work. Various surgeons have different techniques, based on their experience and training. Not to criticize one technique over another, Dr. Stein and Dr. Tagle use different methods from Dr. Amard in Paris, not just the injections in themselves, but they instill a separate (third) layer close to the bone (periosteum), which Dr. Tagle has found improves the outcome, potentiates New-Fill’s effect and increases its durability. Also, there is no clear proof that massaging the face has any further benefit, unless the product is not placed in the right area; then massaging helps move the product around in a general location."

I was glad to see your cautious comments in [the July/August] Positively Aware, responding to Jeff Berry’s article on his New-Fill experience. That article was far too positive in my opinion. I haven’t seen Jeff since he finished his treatment, but I went to the same doctor with mild facial lipoatrophy with no results that lasted longer than three weeks (post-op swelling made the face look full for a while). Another person who works with Jeff told me that after six treatments with that doctor, he had no results that lasted longer than six weeks and is looking into collagen injections. Collagen also yields short-term results, as we know. In your letter to the editor you mentioned going to Tijuana and being very happy with your polyacrylamide treatment. I’ve been to the facial wasting website several times and have not seen any before and long-term after photos for this treatment. I know there is now eight years of experience with the product.
Name withheld

I would not waste my money on collagen. The results dissipate too quickly. I am happy with the BioAlcamid (polyacrylamide gel) I got in Tijuana with Anna Love (she is a technician, not a doctor). The beauty of this product is that any excess can be extracted. It feels just like your flesh and is as permanent as silicone. I had a mild case of facial wasting, so my pics are not that impressive. It was nice to run into people in South Beach last week who said I looked "younger" and wanted to know what I had done. My friend and volunteer Ellen Hahn had a severe case. You can see her pics at www.houstonbuyersclub.com.
Nelson Vergel

The author responds: Not everyone sees the same results from New-Fill, a point which had been covered in previous articles. However, I did mention not to expect miracles, results are not guaranteed, and it’s not for everybody. I know of some people who have had great success with New-Fill, and others who have seen no improvement whatsoever. I have seen some improvement in myself, which to me has meant a great deal. -- Jeff Berry