JAMA dermatology
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Facial lipoatrophy (FLA) is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy. The condition is primarily characterized by facial volume loss that affects the contours of the cheeks, temples, and orbits and may negatively affect patients' adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy, psychological health, and quality of life. A single treatment of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, 20 mg/mL, may provide an immediate, natural-appearing facial enhancement outcome. ⋯ This study reports excellent safety and efficacy and supports use of this HA filler for treatment of HIV-associated FLA with durable results at 12 months. Future multicenter, randomized clinical trials with blinded independent investigators are needed to demonstrate the long-term safety, efficacy, and durability of this HA filler for treatment of HIV-associated FLA.
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Until recently, no ideal valid, feasible, and reliable scar scale existed to effectively assess the quality of postoperative linear scars. The Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale was developed and validated as a tool to assess the quality of postoperative scars in clinical and research settings. ⋯ The SCAR scale is a reliable rating scale for postoperative linear scars, and photographs may reliably be used in lieu of live patient assessments. The SCAR scale therefore represents a reliable standard rating scale for postoperative scar cosmesis.