Treating My Facial Wasting: A Video Blog by Mark S. King

Mark S. King
March 25, 2009

Treating My Facial Wasting
A Video Blog

Subscribe to Mark's Blog or learn about blog subscriptions

I've lived with HIV for more than 25 years and I'm grateful for that. But my face belies my good fortune. I've begun developing "the look" of a long-term survivor -- the telltale troughs in my face (facial lipoatrophy) that bear witness to my history of taking HIV medications.

Fortunately, treatment for this condition is available, and my video blog takes you along as I meet the talented Dr. Gerald Pierone. Observe my consultation with him, hear answers to common questions and see my own procedure and the results. Dr. Pierone used a combination of Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite, Radiance) and Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid, New-Fill) to begin restoring the loss of facial fat, and I look forward to follow-up procedures in the months to come. Maybe my experience can help you decide if this is right for you or someone you care about.

By the way, patient assistance is still available for Sculptra. Ask your HIV physician about forms to submit that reduce the cost considerably to those in financial hardship.

In the meantime, my friends, please be well.

Mark

To contact Mark, click here.

Episode Seven: Treating My Facial Wasting

Got a question about facial wasting? Ask Dr. Pierone at The Body's Ask the Expert forum.

Reader Comments:

Add Your Comment

Comment by: Dan Baskin (United States) Thu., Sep. 24, 2009 at 7:26 pm EDT
I usually don't post on Blogs but ya forced me to, great info.. excellent! I'll add a backlink and bookmark your site.

Comment by: Sabby (Nutley, NJ) Mon., Sep. 14, 2009 at 12:34 pm EDT
I was very interested in seeing this video of Dr. Pierone. A very good childhood friend suffers from said problem. He also has been HIV for more than 15 yrs. now and is very conscience of his appearance. These shots that the dr. gives his patients is in essence a miracle drug. The before and after pic's tells the story. I am really pleased that there is a injectable drug on the market that they can help anyone afflicted with fascial wasting. Best of luck to anyone that may need to use this drug.

Comment by: Bill Bartmann (Portugal) Fri., Sep. 4, 2009 at 3:05 pm EDT
Cool site, love the info.

Comment by: lazz (key west) Thu., Aug. 20, 2009 at 10:31 am EDT
hi mark It is a very helpful video. u look wanderful, i wish i can find the product and if medicare help us with that product. thank so much lazz

Comment by: Kristin (Oslo, NO) Thu., Jun. 25, 2009 at 5:10 am EDT
Seriously, you don't look like the same person at all! You look so much younger after the surgery. I imagine you put on some makeup too, no? Anyway, very interesting. Thanks for sharing this. It gives me hope that I can do something if my facial wasting gets worse. I am also 48 and was diagnosed in 88, but doing ok. Interesting reflections on why you wanted to do this. All the best, Kristin

Comment by: Jeb Jones (Columbus) Sat., Jun. 20, 2009 at 9:31 pm EDT
@Keith: I had moderate to slightly severe lipoatrophy but never touched a recreational drug in my life.

Comment by: Vialtetty (USA) Thu., Jun. 4, 2009 at 5:51 pm EDT
any updates coming ?

Comment by: Maria (Asia) Sun., May. 24, 2009 at 5:36 am EDT
I just want to thank you for your blog and your video which was such a source of comfort. I've had some facial fat loss as a result of a laser procedure gone bad. Your experience, your willingness to share it with others, has been a real source of encouragement. God bless and keep you. May you continue to be a source of hope for others

Comment by: Greg (OC, Cailf) Fri., May. 22, 2009 at 2:45 pm EDT
My partner just let me know his facial wasting was begining to bother him emotionally.I frankly, only see love in his face! Thank you soo much for videoing the procedure. I will show him tonite, and let him know there is something that can be done. Thanks again G&G

Comment by: alusbaf (USA) Sun., May. 17, 2009 at 6:13 pm EDT
hh.. attractive..

Comment by: How I Lost Thirty Pounds in Thirty Days Sun., May. 3, 2009 at 8:07 pm EDT
Hi, interesting post. I have been wondering about this issue, so thanks for sharing. I will definitely be coming back to your posts.

Comment by: Beck (Dayton) Thu., Apr. 23, 2009 at 2:24 pm EDT
Mark, Thanks for your courage, I really needed to see this video. My Lipo is severe after 15 years of HIV meds. I have been hiding for a while, and it seems that Docs in my area aren't experienced as yours. I wonder if your Doc knows of experienced Docs that he can recommend in Southwest Ohio (Dayton, Cincinnati). Thanks and God Bless

Comment by: Kevin (Minneapolis MN) Wed., Apr. 22, 2009 at 9:21 am EDT
Hi Mark, Thank you so much for your courage and bringing this Phenomenia to society. I have been POZ for 2o years and I have not had any lipoatrophy thankfully. It is the one thing about HIV that does scare me more than anything. We now have a potential repair if that should happen! WOOHOO! Thanks for all you do! BTW You are one HANDSOME Devil! WINK!

Comment by: JayC (London, UK) Thu., Apr. 16, 2009 at 5:29 am EDT
Mark, thanks for this insight and allowing your procedure to be filmed, I've only been diagnosed just under 2 years and this is a huge concern of mine in later years -- thank you so much for all your work and helping to put my mind at ease at little for the future!

Comment by: Jim (Philadelphia) Thu., Apr. 16, 2009 at 1:46 am EDT
Great video. I get sculptra injections at a local agency in Philadelphia and only pay $50 for each visit. The product I get through the drug company's assistance program. It has really uplifted my face and my self esteem and changed my life. The needles pinch and some are uncomfortable but I don't mind at all with the results I get and how it improves my mental outlook.

Comment by: Charles (Atlanta, GA) Mon., Apr. 13, 2009 at 1:54 pm EDT
Mark, I finally got the courage to watch this video blog despite my morbid fear of needles! Wow, it was so cool and informative (though I still squirmed). I also appreciated your no-nonsense MD for using plain language in his explanations. The results of the procedure are stunning. Question: Can I donate the fat from my love handles towards future injections into your face? It would be a win-win situation! :)

Comment by: Smitty (Michigan) Fri., Apr. 10, 2009 at 8:52 am EDT
You rock! The courage, the pain, the growth and now the smiles. You send encouragement to others and your heart is bigger because of it. You were ALWAYS easy on the eyes, now....you're easy on yourself! (But you were never just EASY!) LOLOL

Comment by: Riette (New Zealand) Wed., Apr. 8, 2009 at 3:58 pm EDT
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!! You look hottt!!! All the best and wishing you a speedy recovery . . . will stay tuned!!

Comment by: Jay (Washington D.C.) Tue., Apr. 7, 2009 at 9:57 pm EDT
Your lipoatrophy was/is barely even noticeable. My dad is your age and not HIV+ and you looked better then he does before your procedure. I am glad you like the results though.

Comment by: Kia (Washington, DC) Mon., Apr. 6, 2009 at 5:48 pm EDT
Wow, you look great! The injections actually make you look younger

Comment by: sergio (Guadalajara, Mexico) Mon., Apr. 6, 2009 at 12:02 am EDT
Hi Mark, Thank you so much for sharing your results, they are really amazing!!! I would like to do that in my city, but is not so easy and costly, do you have more information about that?

Comment by: jo lap (fl) Sun., Apr. 5, 2009 at 6:21 pm EDT
you look fabulous!i am so excited for you and can't wait to see you this week!!! love jo

Comment by: daniel (seattle) Fri., Apr. 3, 2009 at 7:20 pm EDT
Mark, your results were amazing! Thank you for being so candid and taking us along with you while you had this procedure. It was the most informative and candid in regards to facial fillers for the HIV positive population I have seen. I admire you a great deal. Best, Daniel

Comment by: Bob (Dallas, Tx) Fri., Apr. 3, 2009 at 11:04 am EDT
Mark, Appreciated the video but I couldn't hear the sound very well at all. I had the volume turned all the way up. I don't think it's my computer because I have no problem hearing sound from other videos. Anyways, I liked the results you got and I'm going to start my search for a reputable doc to do the same for me. Thanks!!

Comment by: CJG (New York, NY) Thu., Apr. 2, 2009 at 11:07 pm EDT
Fab-U-Lous!!!!! Thanks for sharing your life with us ;)

Comment by: MIKEYMUSE (NYC) Thu., Apr. 2, 2009 at 10:39 pm EDT
Dear Mark, This video is truly uplifting to me, thank you for your candor. While you are having this done for the exterior you, it is clear that the interior you on the inside is also beautiful. The results shown in this video are truly stunning. Good luck to you. michael

Comment by: idoia (spain) Thu., Apr. 2, 2009 at 10:13 am EDT
You look great Mark!!I didn´t get to listen to the explanation. I have just seen the images. First of all thank you so much for sharing all the process with us. I wonder if ithis could be possible with children. Maybe, risky?

Comment by: Guille (Miami Fl) Wed., Apr. 1, 2009 at 8:46 pm EDT
Hi Mark hope still good. You look wonderfull and also hope you understand my writing. Me & my partner are hiv+ for about 10 years and i have no problem thank god with the facial wasting but he is very depressed because he have the problem. Just to have idea need to know how much its cost because we not have insurance in USA and concerning the price, any way his birthday is in June and my dream is to help him with this matter. Thank you for the video help me to underestand and try to found the best way to help my love.

Comment by: Sunshine (Mpls) Wed., Apr. 1, 2009 at 1:27 pm EDT
I think your attitude and the outcome of your treatment are great!

Comment by: Mark King (Atlanta) Tue., Mar. 31, 2009 at 11:29 am EDT
Thanks for the wonderful feedback, everyone. Many of you have asked questions that would make good questions in the "Ask the Experts" forum here on The Body -- or just click the link below my video to ask Dr. Pierone himself. It has been my experience that facial wasting is the result of specific anti-viral drugs (again, Dr. Pierone is more qualified to answer this), and I have friends without recreational drug histories that have experienced lipoatrophy side effects. Also, both Sculptra and Radiesse have patient assistance programs (call 1-866-310-7551) although costs for the actual injections range from $150-$300 per visit. There's nothing wrong with asking your physician about costs involved and seeing if they might work with you on the price.

Comment by: Paulo Morais (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Tue., Mar. 31, 2009 at 3:58 am EDT
Hi Mark - Thank you for posting this. I'm going through Sculptra sessions myself and I'm impressed by the results. Take care! Paulo

Comment by: NEAL (SAN DIEGO) Sun., Mar. 29, 2009 at 3:49 am EDT
I HAD TO SAY GOOD JOB ON THE VID. U APPROACHED IT LOGICALLY AND ASKED THE RIGHT QUESTION. I HAVE BEEEN USING SILISKSIL1000 WITH GREAT RESULTS. I MAY GO IN SOON FOR A TUNE UP THANKS NEAL

Comment by: Cathy (New Jersey) Sat., Mar. 28, 2009 at 9:05 am EDT
Mark - you definitely did the right thing - you found a wonderful doctor and took care of yourself!!! Very handsome.

Comment by: Keith (New York) Sat., Mar. 28, 2009 at 4:03 am EDT
The product works - congratulations. Good luck with restoring the vitality to your very handsome face. Great video with music BTW. I have a scientific question. DO people with wasting - all share years of HIV meds use along with party drugs. Are there recipients of this product who had wasting without the damaging effects of the party life. Just curious to see if the combination is responsible for the wasting or is it truly HIV meds over long period usage. Any studies done to shed light on this? Having recently started meds and the fact that I have not participated in the party culture - is the wasting going to happen to me as well at some point. Thanks.

Comment by: James (Boston, MA) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 8:39 pm EDT
Thanks so much for this. You really look fantastic! I have had my initial consult, and I get my injections next month. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. Take care.

Comment by: Drew (Sydney, Australia) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 7:08 pm EDT
Wow , Mark !! It looks great , I bet ya can't wait for follow up treatments. I think here in Sydney it's all on Medicare (Free). But I realise that in the USA you don't have UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE...oh well, you all had your chance with HILLARY! (hehehe) Cheers Drew xx MWAH xx

Comment by: Francois (Montreal, Canada) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 4:46 pm EDT
Hi Mark! I'm glad to see that this treatment was put on video. I had it done a few years ago and I still get it about once a year. Ever since I've had these injections I feel much better since I look better. Its made a great difference in my life. Stay healthy

Comment by: PD (Atlanta, GA) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 4:33 pm EDT
Mark my dah-ling, You Look Mah-velous! I've been writing about these 'fillers' for years and so glad they are happening for you! Nice walk down memory lane as well. XO, PD

Comment by: DAB (NYC) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 3:57 pm EDT
Looks great! Congratulations. Looks no more strenuous than a bit of botox.

Comment by: Ben (Ft. Lauderdale) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 12:08 pm EDT
Really great blog; informative, interesting, engaging, Q & A w/Doc was very helpful. Music was well chosen and the Dr. was exceptionally good explaining things. Lookin' good.

Comment by: miguel mantero (lisbon-portugal) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 8:32 am EDT
fantastic video. very informative and also nice guy with good music! this video is very well done because is good for people with hiv to know about these things! thanks again

Comment by: jf (spain) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 6:28 am EDT
GREAT BLOG always informative and look forward to the next regards

Comment by: Doc (Midwest MN) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 5:51 am EDT
Mark I celebrate in your glory! A few years back My doctor told me about silicone 1000, I immediately went ahead with it. IT was fabulous turn around for me, so much in fact along with my one pill a day regimen, I often forget that HIV is a part of me. Hugs to you!

Comment by: Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 4:28 am EDT
I am in Nigeria experiencing facial wasting too after taking ARV for 12 years now, pls is there any where that i cant get this facial treatment done here in Nigeria ,Thanks

Comment by: Terry Delonas (Orange Ca.) Thu., Mar. 26, 2009 at 2:28 am EDT
Hey guys, if you have facial wasting you probably have lost some butt also. Check out www.lipowear.com and look at the new shorts that restore appearance while relieving sitting pain from lipoatrophy. They really work!

Comment by: David Capogna (NYC) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 11:22 pm EDT
You are too cute!!! I love the background music, awesome. Who the camera guy? - very professional! The doc was very informative about what he was doing. I've had TONS of Sculptra injection, but never Radiesse. I was paying $500 every month for Sculptra, and that was "finanical hardship." - for an average HIVer, it's since pretty expensive. You look excellent, and you're worth it...damn it! oxox

Comment by: JORIAL Jo.hn Ri.chard Al.lan (Toronto, Canada) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 10:29 pm EDT
Thanks so much for this amazing blog and video and sharing this information about the procedure with us! xox John

Comment by: Dennis (Ohio) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 9:04 pm EDT
Thank you Mark for a very informative video blog! The big question for me is the cost. I found a dr in central ohio with experience but he was family practice dr and not infectious disease or dermatologist. What is the cost range of your treatments? Keep us informed! Dennis

Comment by: BlackPearl (New York City) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 8:53 pm EDT
Hi Mark, thank you for sharing. I too suffer in silence from lypodystrophy. I keep saying to myself that I have more important issues to think about. While it's true, the condition is a painful reminder of my struggle with this dreadful disease. I would like to share with you some of my horror stories.

Comment by: C.J (New York, NY) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 8:36 pm EDT
Mark! This blog/Video was so appreciated and needed. They're are a lot of people who contemplate this procedure and are searching for an answer. Thank you so much for allowing us to come along. You look great!! All the best to you.

Comment by: David (Raleigh, NC) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 8:15 pm EDT
Recently, I was treated with Radiesse. The procedure was very mild and tolerable, especially since I recently past my 17 year mark post diagnosis and all the blood I've had drawn (read: needle sticks) during that time. The results are amazing. Friends and family unaware of the treatment have commented, "You look great! Have you gained weight?"

Comment by: sean (Boston) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 8:12 pm EDT
Very informative and hopeful Thank you

Comment by: Angelica (Tucson, AZ) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 7:56 pm EDT
Mark, great illustrative video...you look great! A

Comment by: Robert Don Meek, Jr. (Loris SC USA) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 3:24 pm EDT
Hi, Mark. Yes, you look great, but can I say it??? You looked great, in MY eyes, anyway, man! ;) Just for what it's worth. But hey, nothing wrong with looking better, and feeling better about yourself. Not at all! I just wanted you to know that you looked great before, TOO. Improved, yes. But still great either way.

Comment by: Ricardo (Caracas, Venezuela.) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 2:30 pm EDT
Hi there Mark, I have just seen your video about Sculptra. You had great results in this first session, so I congrat you on that. Hope everything is well. Regards.

Comment by: Sherri Lewis (Hollywood, CA) Wed., Mar. 25, 2009 at 1:14 pm EDT
Hi Mark, I love this video blog! It's very informative and entertaining with the music sound track! Your interview with the doctor is so helpful so people understand about Sculptra and also watch you as you get injected. Brave and also not disturbing. A good advertisement for facial fillers and an example of how painless it really is. AND you look great. Healthy. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing. All the best to you my friend, Sherri Lewis aka Beachfront ox

Add Your Comment:

(Please note: Your name and comment will be public, and may even show up in
Google search results. Be careful when providing personal information!)

VIDEO BLOG:
My Fabulous Disease

Mark S. King

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 now available to speak to groups. Click here to contact him.

More About Mark:
Profile

Subscribe to Mark's Blog

Subscribe to Mark's Blog

Learn About Blog Subscriptions