Montefiore Medical Center (MMC) researchers have developed the first known, long-lasting surgical solution for facial wasting in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Approximately 50 percent of patients with HIV experience a condition known as HIV lipodystrophy syndrome, which includes facial wasting and a characteristic gaunt appearance, after treatment with highly active antiviral therapy (HAART).

HAART is the most effective therapy to treat HIV/AIDS known today and is used by many of the 1 million patients with HIV in the US to prevent the onset of acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS). To date, all cosmetic solutions for HAART-induced facial wasting have been short term.

"This new, long-lasting cosmetic surgery is a great boon to the quality of life and self-esteem of patients with HIV, most of whom live long lives today because of improved treatment," said Berish Strauch, chairman, Plastic Surgery, MMC.

In a study of five patients with HIV, Dr. Strauch found that a graft of the deep layer of skin and its attached fat, called dermafat, can be transferred from the abdomen to the cheeks of patients to correct the wasting look -- and the benefits have lasted up to two-and-a-half years. "The correction after three to five months is stable, dramatic and lasting through the lengthy follow-up period," said Dr. Strauch.