What is Bio-Alcamid™?
Bio-Alcamid™ is an injectable gel polymer (synthetic) designed to correct small and large soft tissue deficits. When injected under the skin, it is designed to replace depleted fat tissue, restoring the natural fullness and contours of the face. Once implanted, Bio-Alcamid™, unlike other injectable fillers, becomes covered by a very thin collagen capsule (0.02 mm) which completely surrounds the gel, isolating it from the host tissues. It has been particularly effective for those suffering from facial lipoatrophy (facial wasting) that can be the result of anti-retroviral HIV medications and aging.

Bio-Alcamid™ is a gel polymer comprised exclusively of networks or alkyl-imide groups (approximately 4%) and non-pyrogenic water (approximately 96%). Alkyl-imide belongs to the family of acryl-derivatives and its polymeric structure does not contain free monomers.

What indications does it serve?
Bio-Alcamid™ serves facial lipoatrophy (facial-wasting), a severe and destructive side-effect which can be a result of antiretroviral drugs used in HIV therapy. Injected subcutaneously Bio-Alcamid™ can re-contour the face and restore the area(s) that have been depleted, while simultaneously relieving some of the physiological and psychological effects caused by this debilitation. These include

• Emaciated gaunt appearance which identifies the HIV-infection resulting in withdrawal from society and a depressive state.
• Lipoatrophy threatens the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy by discouraging patients from continuing treatment.
• Lipoatrophy can lead to complications such as introflection and interference during mastication - and consequently, painful lesions, infection in immunocompromised subjects, and in the long-run, possible leukoplakia.

Why Bio-Alcamid™?
There are no products in the markeplace that can be as safely and or cost effectively used for the correction of lipoatrophy. Approximately 64% of patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy for HIV have lipoatrophy. Living with Facial Lipoatrophy have debilitating physical and social effects.

There are very few risks associated with Bio-Alcamid™. Bio-Alcamid™ is:

• Highly bio-compatible. There is very little reaction with human tissue.
• Non Toxic. Of particular concern for patients dealing with an already compromised immune system.
• Non-sensitizing. Non-allergenic and no allergy test is required.
• Radio Transparent. Bio-Alcamid™ will not interfere with x-ray or radio imaging.
• Chemically and physically stable. Bio-Alcamid™ is a single molecule surrounded by a collagen membrane. It cannot change in terms of composition or consistency.
• Removable. Because it is a single molecule, Bio-Alcamid™ can be adjusted and may be removed in most cases much like squeezing a pimple.
• Non-migratory. Unlike other dermal fillers, Bio Bio-Alcamid™ will not move from its original location, nor can it fuse with or invade surrounding tissue.
• Out-Patient. Only local anesthetic is required for a 30-45 minute procedure. Patients are often able to return to work the next day.
• Cost-effective. Large amounts of Bio-Alcamid™ can be applied in one sitting, and because it is not absorbable, few repeat visits, if any, are necessary.
• History of Safety. Bio-Alcamid™ has been used in over twenty countries including the European Union and the UK since 2001. It has passed every major safety test applicable.

How is it applied?
The medical practitioner identifies the facial areas where Bio-Alcamid™ is required.
The face is frozen with a local anesthetic.
Bio-Alcamid™ is injected just below the skin and is massaged smooth by the practitioner.
An application session typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. Following your treatment, you and your practitioner will determine whether a touch-up is required. This can be performed no sooner than 6 weeks following your treatment.

Is Bio-Alcamid™ Safe?
Bio-Alcamid™ is a very safe product. It is highly biocompatible (welcome within the body), non toxic, chemically and physically stable and, if necessary, it is possible to remove or volume can be adjusted if overcorrection occurs. The materials which make up Bio-Alcamid™ have not shown any long-term reactions within the body. Once Bio-Alcamid™ is encapsulated, it remains in the same location. In a manner of speaking, the substance is one large molecule, meaning that parts of it cannot come loose and 'travel' through the body.

What Complications May Arise?
Any type of injection involves the risk of infection and allergy. With Bio-Alcamid™, such risks are very remote (less than 0.6%). In very rare occasions (0.2%), patients have displayed an immune response to the implant, creating localized swelling that requires draining over a 1-6 month period.  In these cases, no long term issues have occurred.  After the procedure, swelling and redness can appear. In addition, a bruise can develop in the treated area. In most cases, this will disappear within several days but there is the possibility that these blemishes persist longer. A specific risk with Bio-Alcamid™ is shifting which can be caused by applying pressure during the first 5 days. This can result in undesired irregularities of the skin.

What Can I Do After the Procedure?
After the procedure, you may return to your regular activities: work, exercise, shower, bathe, etc... You should, however, make sure that the treated area is not overexposed to sunlight, a sun-bed, sauna, or water that is too hot, as this could cause undue swelling and redness. Ideally, you should avoid make-up during the first few hours. You need not assume a particular sleeping position, but are advised to avoid too much pressure on the treated area during the first five days.

How much does it cost?
The cost of the procedure is primarily dependent on how much Bio-Alcamid™ is necessary to achieve your optimal result. Your medical practitioner should be able to estimate how much is required during your initial consultation.

Can Bio-Alcamid™ Be Combined With Other Substances?
Bio-Alcamid™ is very suitable for combining with other filling substances. In many cases, Bio-Alcamid™ provides the foundation while other fillers, such as hyaluronic acids, will provide the finishing touches on more superficial lines and wrinkles. Bio-Alcamid™ can also be used in conjunction with botuline products.

What Are the Alternatives For a Bio-Alcamid™ Procedure?
Other methods of filling up contours include lipo-transfer (transferring one's own fat e.g. from stomach or hips to the face) or a temporary or permanent filling using other substances. It is also possible to increase volume from under the skin by means of artificial implants on the chin or jaws.