Lipoatrophy (lipodystrophy) is a condition characterised by the loss of fat tissue beneath the skin. This loss can lead to sunken, thinned skin. Lipoatrophy can be seen particularly in areas subject to long-term injection treatment (for example, where diabetes patients inject insulin, or following iron, cortisone and similar medication injections), or in certain immune system conditions. Certain aesthetic treatments and medications used in HIV/AIDS treatment can also lead to lipoatrophy.
Besides these, there are many congenital or acquired, localised or widespread forms of lipodystrophy.
Facial lipoatrophy is characterised by the loss of fat tissue beneath the skin in areas such as the cheeks, temples and around the eyes. This leads to sunken facial contours and gives an older, more tired appearance. Various factors can lead to facial lipoatrophy:
Ageing: Facial fat tissue can decrease as part of the natural ageing process.
Autoimmune conditions: Certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, can cause facial lipoatrophy.
HIV treatment: Facial lipoatrophy can be seen with long-term use of antiretroviral medications, particularly in HIV/AIDS patients.
Genetics: Certain genetic conditions or a family tendency can lead to facial lipoatrophy.
Trauma or inflammation: Trauma to the face or chronic inflammation can also cause lipoatrophy. It can also occur following certain unsuitable aesthetic procedures.
Low body fat: When bodybuilders reduce their body fat percentage excessively to make their muscles more defined, fat tissue naturally decreases as a result. Fat loss across the body, including the face, can lead to a lipoatrophy-like appearance.
Fat loss in the face poses a problem for aesthetic appearance. Treatments such as biostimulators (PLLA, etc.), dermal fillers or fat transfer can be used to restore facial fullness.