Progressive Lipodystrophy Treatment & Management
- Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: William D James, MD more...
Medical Care
No specific treatment for progressive lipodystrophy is effective. Symptomatic therapy should be prescribed as necessary for the treatment of renal complications and associated autoimmune disorders in progressive lipodystrophy patients.
Surgical Care
Various surgical techniques have been adopted through the years in an effort to improve progressive lipodystrophy patients’ facial appearance.[11, 12] Dermal-fat grafts from the gluteal region, temporal muscle flaps, silicone-filling material, and subcutaneous injections of fat from unaffected areas have been used with variable results.
Consultations
Referral to a nephrologist or an internist may be warranted for progressive lipodystrophy patients with severe nephropathy and those with associated autoimmune diseases.
Diet
Hyperalimentation can result in the excessive accumulation of fat in an unaffected area with no improvement on dystrophic areas.
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