Facial Fat Loss (Lipoatrophy)
Dr. Zanelli has been performing corrective treatments for facial lipoatrophy for 10 years now, and he is the only physician in Northern California who performs microdroplet silicone injections for permanent correction of HIV lipoatrophy. He is regarded as one of the nation’s experts in facial restoration after fat loss from HIV disease and treatment.
Loss of fat (lipoatrophy) in the face contributes to an aged appearance, and if severe can make a patient look ill when in fact they may feel very well. Mild facial fat loss may be due to normal aging and severe fat loss may be secondary to HIV and treatment regimens. Facial fillers such as Sculptra are now available for correction of lipoatrophy. For permanent correction Dr. Zanelli uses an FDA-approved medical-grade silicone, which is approved for intraocular injection; Its use for lipoatrophy thus is considered off-label. The superior result that hundreds of patients have received with microdroplet silicone treatments for lipoatrophy has changed their lives.
Dr. Zanelli also works closely with Dr. John Meyer, the world-renowned director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at St. Francis Medical Center. Dr. Meyer utilizes a specialized low-dose radiation therapy to reduce enlarged parotid (cheek salivary) glands associated with HIV disease.
Photos, un-retouched, of some of Dr. Zanelli’s patients (individual results may vary):
