Is HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery Painful?

Patients are placed under anesthesia during surgery, so there’s no pain felt during the procedure itself. Mild swelling, tightness, or tenderness may occur during the first few days of recovery; however, these symptoms can be managed with prescribed medication and compression garments. Most patients describe their discomfort as mild to moderate, and it tends to improve significantly within a week.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most patients require two to three visits in total, one for the initial consultation, another for the surgery itself, and at least one follow-up appointment to monitor healing. Depending on the complexity of your treatment plan, additional follow-ups may be scheduled to ensure your results continue to develop beautifully. Dr. Gallagher takes pride in being available and attentive throughout your recovery, offering guidance and reassurance at every stage.

How Long Until I See Results?

Visible improvements often appear within the first few weeks as swelling subsides; however, the final results emerge over the next two to three months as the body fully adjusts. Fat grafting results become more defined as transferred fat settles and integrates naturally into the surrounding tissue. Patients notice smoother contours, improved facial or body symmetry, and a significant boost in confidence as their new shape takes form. The outcome is long-lasting, especially when supported by a stable ART regimen and a healthy lifestyle.

Can I Combine HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery With Other Procedures?

Yes, depending on your goals and overall health, lipodystrophy surgery can be combined with complementary procedures. Combining treatments can help achieve a more balanced, comprehensive transformation while minimizing total recovery time. Dr. Gallagher will evaluate your medical background and aesthetic goals to determine a personalized, safe, and effective combination plan tailored specifically to you.

What Are the Risks Associated With HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, or changes in skin sensation. In rare cases, some fat grafts may not survive, which can slightly affect the final contour. However, Dr. Gallagher’s surgical technique and experience in working with HIV-positive patients significantly reduce these risks. She and her team closely monitor each patient’s healing process, ensuring any concerns are promptly addressed and recovery progresses safely.

Miami, FL

HIV Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery

HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy

We provide innovative solutions for individuals facing the challenges of lipodystrophy as a result of HIV medication. Dr. Gallagher addresses this condition usually using a combination of liposuction and fat grafting.

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Understanding HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy

HIV-associated lipodystrophy is a complex syndrome characterized by abnormal fat distribution in the body. It often occurs as a side effect of long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). This condition can manifest as lipoatrophy, characterized by the loss of fat in specific areas of the body, and lipohypertrophy, which involves the abnormal accumulation of fat in other areas. These changes can lead to physical discomfort, emotional distress, and a decreased quality of life.

What Are the Benefits of HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman with long curly hair, is seated at a desk in her office with a large window overlooking a cityscape. She is smiling and looking off to the side while holding documents and a pen.

Surgery for HIV-associated lipodystrophy can profoundly enhance both physical comfort and emotional well-being. By restoring a balanced fat distribution, patients often experience renewed confidence and relief from the self-consciousness that can accompany visible body changes. Beyond appearance, the procedure can reduce discomfort from fat accumulation in areas such as the neck or abdomen, improving mobility and posture. Restoring facial fullness through fat grafting can also help patients look healthier and more vibrant, which can be especially meaningful for those who have lived with the visible effects of lipodystrophy for years. Most importantly, this procedure helps patients reconnect with their bodies in a positive, affirming way.

Who Are the Best Candidates For HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman in a white lab coat over a grey dress, is seated and smiling warmly while speaking and gesturing with her hands to a patient in a light blue patterned hospital gown. They are in a well-lit exam room next to a wall with a pink and blue abstract painting.

The best candidates for this procedure are individuals living with HIV who are in stable overall health and experiencing fat loss (lipoatrophy), fat accumulation (lipohypertrophy), or both, due to antiretroviral therapy. Ideal candidates should have well-controlled HIV with a stable medication regimen and be nonsmokers or willing to stop smoking before surgery. Patients seeking to restore their natural contours, feel more at ease with their appearance, and enhance their quality of life can greatly benefit from treatment. A consultation in Miami with Dr. Gallagher will help determine whether this surgery is the right fit for your specific goals and medical background.

What’s the First Step?

Your HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery Journey with Dr. Gallagher

This treatment begins with a one-on-one consultation at Gallagher Plastic Surgery. During this appointment, whether in person or virtual, Dr. Gallagher will review your medical history, discuss your current ART regimen, and carefully assess the areas affected by lipodystrophy. She’ll listen to your concerns and expectations, then design a treatment plan that prioritizes both safety and natural-looking results. This initial meeting is also the perfect opportunity to ask questions and understand every aspect of the procedure to ensure that you feel informed and supported from start to finish.

What to Expect on the Day of HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery

Dr. Gallagher’s Innovative Approach

Dr. Gallagher’s approach to treating HIV-associated lipodystrophy is at the forefront of medical advancement. His expertise in the field ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive and tailored care available. Here’s a closer look at the key components of his pioneering treatment plan:

Liposuction: For areas affected by lipohypertrophy, Dr. Gallagher employs advanced liposuction techniques to remove excess fat, restoring a more balanced and natural appearance. Liposuction is a precise and effective method for addressing localized fat accumulation.
Fat Grafting: In cases of lipoatrophy, where fat has been lost, Dr. Gallagher uses fat grafting to restore volume and contour. Fat is harvested from one area of the body, purified, and then strategically injected into the areas affected by lipoatrophy.

HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery Care

Most patients can undergo this procedure as an outpatient. It typically takes about 1-2 hours under anesthesia, and patients can return home (or to their hotel) a couple of hours after surgery. Most patients take about 2 weeks off work and 6 weeks off heavy lifting.

How Much Does HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery Cost in Miami, FL?

The cost of HIV-associated lipodystrophy Surgery in Miami varies depending on the extent of treatment, whether both liposuction and fat grafting are required, and the specific areas being addressed. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed quote that includes all surgical fees, anesthesia, and follow-up care. Dr. Gallagher’s team understands the importance of accessible care and can discuss financing options to make treatment as attainable as possible. Because every case is unique, pricing is customized to reflect the patient’s individual needs and goals.

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Why Choose Dr. Gallagher?

Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher, affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the Aesthetic Society, is recognized nationally for her expertise in body contouring and reconstructive procedures for individuals living with HIV. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami, she combines surgical precision with genuine compassion for every patient she treats. Her deep understanding of HIV-associated lipodystrophy allows her to provide not just cosmetic improvement, but life-changing results that restore confidence and dignity. At Gallagher Plastic Surgery, patients can expect a judgment-free environment, state-of-the-art techniques, and care that goes far beyond the operating room. Dr. Gallagher’s commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and surgical excellence sets her apart as one of Miami’s most trusted surgeons for this specialized treatment.

HIV Associated Lipodystrophy Surgery FAQ’S

Patients are placed under anesthesia during surgery, so there’s no pain felt during the procedure itself. Mild swelling, tightness, or tenderness may occur during the first few days of recovery; however, these symptoms can be managed with prescribed medication and compression garments. Most patients describe their discomfort as mild to moderate, and it tends to improve significantly within a week.
Most patients require two to three visits in total, one for the initial consultation, another for the surgery itself, and at least one follow-up appointment to monitor healing. Depending on the complexity of your treatment plan, additional follow-ups may be scheduled to ensure your results continue to develop beautifully. Dr. Gallagher takes pride in being available and attentive throughout your recovery, offering guidance and reassurance at every stage.
Visible improvements often appear within the first few weeks as swelling subsides; however, the final results emerge over the next two to three months as the body fully adjusts. Fat grafting results become more defined as transferred fat settles and integrates naturally into the surrounding tissue. Patients notice smoother contours, improved facial or body symmetry, and a significant boost in confidence as their new shape takes form. The outcome is long-lasting, especially when supported by a stable ART regimen and a healthy lifestyle.
Yes, depending on your goals and overall health, lipodystrophy surgery can be combined with complementary procedures. Combining treatments can help achieve a more balanced, comprehensive transformation while minimizing total recovery time. Dr. Gallagher will evaluate your medical background and aesthetic goals to determine a personalized, safe, and effective combination plan tailored specifically to you.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, or changes in skin sensation. In rare cases, some fat grafts may not survive, which can slightly affect the final contour. However, Dr. Gallagher’s surgical technique and experience in working with HIV-positive patients significantly reduce these risks. She and her team closely monitor each patient’s healing process, ensuring any concerns are promptly addressed and recovery progresses safely.

See what our Patients Say

Patient Reviews

I had an amazing experience with Dr.Gallagher and her team, the whole experience from the procedure (top surgery) to the post-op care has been fantastic. Dr.Gallagher was able to address any concerns I had with my chest before the procedure and made me feel comfortable the whole way through, and then the attentiveness post-op is all the better.

Alfio Oliveira (Jay)
Thank you so much Dr. Gallagher for your amazing work! I appreciated the great support from your team at the surgical centre and your office. Everyone was so wonderful! I am extremely happy with my results and had a very positive experience. I had followed Dr. Gallagher for several years on Instagram prior to my surgery, and learned so much from her detailed explanations about various aspects of the surgical procedures, what to expect on the day, recovery, etc. I had complete trust, felt safe, felt listened to. I also appreciate the follow-ups, and answers to all my questions. The support, warmth, care is top notch!

Gill B.
Dr. Gallagher and her whole team, from Neasa to Daryl Ann and everyone else in between, are absolutely fantastic, kind hearted, hard working people. Dr. Gallagher truly amazed me and I’m so grateful to have had her on my team.

I was able to get keyhole top surgery about three weeks ago and I’m loving my results already! I’m muscular and heavier set as well but always had a smaller chest, and I’m so glad Dr. Gallagher was the one who could do this for me.

Right now I am still experiencing swelling, but I am using compression dressings every day, throughout the day which helps tons! I know that when the swelling subsides months from now, and everything is “back to normal”, I am going to love even more what I see in the mirror because I can finally see me.

Morgan F.
So glad I found Dr. Gallagher. I would not have elected to pursue my surgery had I not found a qualified and competent medical provider that I felt I could trust and have confidence in their ability to offer a high-quality, low-risk result. As a result of my initial contacts and consultations with Gallagher Plastic Surgery practice, I was willing to pursue my desired surgery and even travel half-way across the country to their offices. I’m so glad I did. The results are outstanding, more than I even anticipated. This was the 3rd practice I had dealt with and so I was learning what to look for and knew Dr. Gallagher was a good fit. The medical expertise and professionalism are what I based my decision on to proceed. They were calmly confident for a reason. I realized at the surgery event and through to the 3 week post-op checkin the excellence in their personal care (bed side manner). The office and Dr. Gallagher communicated very well. Everything went smoothly and as planned. As nervous as I was about an unnecessary surgery, Dr. Gallagher and her team were able to build enough trust that I was able to receive a very beneficial result.

Tim F.
Dr. Gallagher and her team are the absolute best! She completed my brachioplasty on Tuesday and when I saw the initial results at my post op appointment two days later I literally had tears of joy streaming down my face. My weight loss journey has been a road of many ups and downs, and I was so nervous about whether this surgery could even work for me. Even with the swelling that is normal after brachioplasty, there is an enormous difference, and I am still in disbelief that even this early on, my arms look this great. My husband was even in disbelief, and we’re so excited to see what I’ll look like in two weeks time. Dr. Gallagher is so kind and patient, and walked me through all of the phases of healing/expectations, and was great to call and check in. If you are looking for a highly skilled surgeon that will give you optimal results along with a compassionate approach, it is well worth your time and money to consider a consultation with her. I am forever thankful for her and for her team! This is life changing for me. Thank you, Dr. Gallagher! I appreciate you so much!

Melissa E.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you or a loved one is dealing with the challenges of HIV-associated lipodystrophy, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gallagher. During your visit, we will assess your condition, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Dr. Gallagher frequently works with patients outside of Miami and the state of Florida. If you are interested in discussing this procedure in further detail, you can also schedule a virtual consultation with her to ask any questions you may have and learn more about proceeding with your surgery.

Don’t let HIV-associated lipodystrophy impact your life any longer. Contact us today to take the first step towards a brighter and healthier future.

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