Dystrophic Fat Lipoplasty in HIV Patients. Focus on lower Limb Lipodystrophy and Introduction of Fat Assisted Body Sculpturing (FABS)

Background: With increasing prevalence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and improved prognosis of patients due to chronic use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), multiple adverse effects have been also reported, especially lipodystrophy. This study was done to check the effectiveness of fat assisted body sculpturing for lipodystrophy in HIV positive patients. Methods: Between October 2010 and October 2013, 125 patients (85 females and 40 males) who presented with lipodystrophy of lower limbs, underwent liposuction with fat assisted body sculpturing (FABS). Mean age and seropositivity history were of 44 and 17 years, respectively. Results: A questionnaire was given to all 125 patients, to asses patient’s satisfaction for the results obtained at the end of the follow-up period a 1 to 5 scale was allocated to each parameter. For persistence of volumetric correction at 1 year, the score 3, 4 and 5 was given by 25, 76 and 24 patients, respectively. For overall surgical experience, the score 3, 4 and 5 was given by 32, 75 and 18 patients, respectively. The majority of patients expressed satisfaction for the management of lipodystrophy. The great majority of the patients scored 4 (good result). Conclusions: Patients demanding volume adjustments found that FABS is an effective method for adipose tissue manipulation and further studies in the future will clarify the findings of the present study.