How can lipedema be treated?

Unfortunately, lipedema does not respond to exercise or dietary changes; the only real solution is a special kind of liposuction. The conservative treatment methods used initially to manage symptoms, such as regular weekly lymph drainage massage and compression garments do not heal lipedema. Thus, patients can spend a great deal of time and energy on measures that provide temporary relief, but do not have any lasting effect. As the disease progresses and symptoms worsen, the only solution is the surgical removal of the diseased tissue. This can cure the condition, or, at least, provide lasting relief.

What results can I expect from lipedema surgery?

The surgical removal of the diseased tissue using liposuction has many benefits:

1. Reduction of volume with simultaneous improvement of lymphatic drainage
2. Little to no pain due to relief of pressure receptors
3. Improved appearance
4. Ease of movement, mobility, motivation to exercise and eat well
5. Damage to the joints, as well as knock-knees, can be avoided
6. Progression of the disease is halted

How is the treatment carried out?

Gentle waterjet-assisted liposuction (WAL) removes the fat cells with pathological changes while leaving the connective tissue structures, blood vessels, lymphatic system and nerves intact. This allows extremely pleasing aesthetic results can be achieved. The surgical procedures last around 90 – 180 minutes and are performed under general anaesthetic.

As a rule, a standardised lipedema surgery should be performed on an inpatient basis. Large volumes of fat may be removed during lipedema surgery. In the interests of patient safety and to avoid any complications, a maximum of 10% of the body weight in litres of fat should be removed. The surgical area should also be kept to a minimum, which is why lipedema needs to be treated in several stages.

Can any surgeon perform lipedema surgery?

It depends how frequently that surgeon performs lipedema procedures! Always verify how often your surgeon carries out such surgeries. It’s a good idea to exchange experiences about surgical results online (self-help groups, lipedema associations etc.) and don’t rely solely on “5-Star” reviews.

Ideally, such extensive and complex surgery should only be performed by a specialised surgeon at a specialised clinic.

Make sure that when you first contact the clinic, you surgeon takes enough time for consultation and to fully answer any questions you may have. Lipedema is a very complex condition. As such, a brief consultation is not sufficient to discuss all the relevant factors, as well as a patient’s specific situation.

What happens next?

Your tailor-made flat-knit compression garments will be applied directly after surgery. This is followed by a long recovery period with lymph drainage massage for up to one year. In general, the pain typically associated with lipedema disappears immediately. Bruising and swelling are temporary. The improvement in appearance is lasting, which has a positive knock-on effect on the patient’s mental health and self-esteem. Many patients report feeling like they started a new life after surgery.