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The word lipodystrophy literally means “fat disorder.” It is an abnormal change in the way the body distributes and metabolizes fat causing some parts of your body that don’t normally store fat to store fat and affecting how your body processes fats and sugars as it breaks down food. Many people who suffer from lipodystrophy suffer from fat being distributed in areas around your body under the skin like the neck and facial areas.
While there is no proven way to reverse the changes that occur the body associated with lipodystrophy, cosmetic surgery is leading the way to improving the appearance of those who suffer from it by successfully reversing the changes in fat distribution. Unfortunately for most lipodystrophy sufferers going to a plastic surgeon to have your appearance corrected is considered “cosmetic” and isn’t covered by a lot of private or public insurance plans.
Cosmetic surgery can be used to help correct the effects of lipoatrophy in the face and make your hollow cheeks full by placing facial implants or injecting dermal fillers under the skin. Dr. Echavez can also remove abnormal fat deposits by performing liposuction or surgically removing them. Liposuction is performed generally under anesthesia and involves little to no risk or discomfort. You can be released to go home the same day and generally have no major side effects.
Polylactic Acid aka Sculptra™ Sculptra fills in affected areas by stimulating collagen production and the gradual thickening of the skin. Depending on how severe the lipoatrophy is, it will take between three and six treatments to have everything resolved. The results that Dr. Echavez achieves with Sculptra in his Sand Francisco and Seattle offices can last anywhere from two to four years. A local anesthetic is used to reduce any pain from the injection, and while bruising and swelling is possible, this does not occur in most patients.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite aka Radiesse™ Made from microparticles of calcium that help stimulate the formation of new collagen fibers, which can lead to a natural looking filling that lasts between 12 and 18 months. Dr. Echavez offers Radiesse in his San Francisco and Seattle offices. Radiesse is a good option for people with facial lipoatrophy and local anesthesia is used to make the treatment relatively painless. Bruising is possible after the treatment, but this does not commonly occur. Mild temporary swelling can occur as a result of the treatment though.
BellaFill Composed of microscopic particles of PMMA that stimulate collage formation, Bellafill results can last 5-10 years. You will need a series of treatments spaced over time to produce gradual improvement. Because it lasts for such a long time, touch-ups are not needed for a while.
There are several cosmetic procedures that can be performed to treat the disorders Lipodystrophy and Lipoatrophy. If you are interested in finding out what a plastic surgeon can do for you take a moment and consult Dr. Echavez by calling 415-212-7068.
415-212-7068
Monday – Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday – Closed
Friday 9am – 3pm
Saturday – By appointment only
Sunday – Closed
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