'I don't want to look like an AIDS victim': A New Zealand case study of facial lipoatrophy.

The development of antiretroviral ( ARV) drugs to treat HIV has turned what was once a death sentence into a chronic disorder. However, a focus on absence of disease in the form of an undetectable viral load and the dismissal of the so-called 'cosmetic' complications of the disease ignores perceptions of health and well-being of those living with HIV. Facial lipoatrophy is a stigmatising side effect of treatment for HIV as it betrays the presence of the virus within the body. The study took a longitudinal qualitative approach, interviewing 11 people twice over a period of 1 year on their experience of living with HIV. Two participants were given cameras and asked to take photos which represented what it was like for them to live with this condition and were interviewed four times at four monthly intervals. This paper looks at one man's struggle to conceal or veil his facial lipoatrophy. His story is presented in the form of 'selfies' and extracts from in-depth interviews. It tells of an emotional (ongoing) journey of frustration, anger, excitement, depression and resignation which had a profound effect on his sense of social and psychological well-being. This suggests a more holistic approach to treating people living with HIV is needed. While an undetectable viral load is indeed vital, it should not be seen as the only essential outcome of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]