Hyaluronic acid fillers for correcting midface volume deficit in Barraquer-Simons syndrome

Barraquer-Simons syndrome (BSS) or acquired partial lipodystrophy is a disorder of loss of subcutaneous fat from the upper part of the body. The resulting cosmetic disfigurement causes significant psychological distress in the affected individuals. Fillers, autologous fat transplant or cosmetic surgeries can be used to correct the volume deficit.

The authors report a case of a young woman, who presented with gradual loss of subcutaneous fat from the face, upper limbs, and trunk. On evaluation, she had low complement C3 levels, but there were no features to suggest any metabolic complication. She was diagnosed with BSS. Her volume deficit in the midface area was managed with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler.

The treatment has resulted in the correction of her facial volume loss immediately following the procedure with a maintained effect at follow-up visits. She experienced no major adverse events.

Hyaluronic acid filler is safe and effective for the management of volume loss in BSS. It gives a long lasting result and an added self-confidence to the patient.