Definition:
a significant loss of subcutaneous (under the skin) fat which leaves an unsightly dent, depression, or sunken look in the affected area. Lipoatrophy can occur as a result of repeated injections in the same area (such as insulin injections for a diabetic or Copaxone injections in a patient with multiple sclerosis), or it can be a direct result of disease, as with HIV/AIDS patients. Lipoatrophy also can occur as a result of normal aging.
The term lipoatrophy is usually associated with the face (the cheeks in particular), but can refer to notable subcutaneous fat loss on any area of the body.
Lipoatrophy is permanent, but its appearance can be treated with the use of injectable dermal fillers.
Pronunciation: Lye-poh-AT-truh-fee
