Newfill

What is Newfill®? 

Newfill is a treatment available to patients living with HIV who experience facial fat loss from taking some of the early treatments for HIV such as stavudine (d4T) and zidovudine (AZT).

Newfill is an injectable, non-permanent filler which is designed to encourage new collagen production. 

It is composed of poly-L-lactic acid, which has been used for over 30 years in the medical field and has been well used and researched within the areas of sutures, orthopedic surgery, facial surgery and aesthetics. 

In 2004 Newfill® obtained a CE Mark, and FDA approval to treat HIV lipoatrophy, and has been successfully used in the Lawson Unit since 2002. Newfill® is administered via a series of injections to the affected facial areas. 

What does Newfill® do? 

Newfill® is used to regenerate collagen production, with a natural and gradual approach to treat facial lipoatrophy (facial wasting) caused by HIV treatment and HIV itself. Facial wasting is commonly seen in the cheeks, temples and around the eyes. Newfill® can help improve the appearance of wasting and restore definition to the face. 

Treatment is designed to show results which last over 2 years. 

What is lipoatrophy? 

Lipoatrophy is the localised loss of fat tissue. This can occur anywhere on the body, including the arms, legs, buttocks and the face. 

How will Newfill® treatment be given? 

Newfill® is mixed with both water and lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) to reduce pain and is given via a series of small injections to the face.  

Injections are given into the sub-dermal layer of the affected areas. 

Are there any side effects? 

With any medical procedure, there can be some associated side effects. 

The face has many small blood vessels, and as we inject the product beneath the skin, there is a risk we can puncture these vessels causing some localised bruising.  

Newfill® can also cause some lumps to form under the skin (nodules). To try and prevent this, we dilute the product to a consistency which is shown to be less likely to cause problems. Advice will also be given on post-treatment massage – which not only increases the effect of Newfill®, but also further reduced the likeliness of nodule formation. 

The procedure itself can be painful for some people. Local anaesthetic is used throughout the procedure to reduce the pain.  

Regular pain killers can also be taken before treatment if needed. 

How long will the treatment take? 

This will depend on your current degree of fat loss, and how well you respond to treatment. When you are first referred for treatment, you will be assessed, and an estimated treatment timescale will be discussed. There are three stages of lipoatrophy, from mild to severe and the number of treatments recommended ranges from 1 to 2 treatments up to 4 to 5 treatment sessions.

Please note this is  only a guide, and each person will have a different response to treatment. Treatments are normally spaced 4-6 weeks apart. 

Will I be able to have Newfill® treatment? 

It will be important for your clinician to decide what is causing your lipoatrophy before we consider treatment. We will only be able to treat HIV related lipoatrophy. Your clinician will need to consider relevant information such as your age, length of time on HIV treatment, other health conditions, and evaluate the risk of treatment against potential benefits.