Lipedema
Leg Liposuction
Surgical treatment of lipedema
What is it?
Lipedema is a chronic disease that causes an abnormal and symmetrical accumulation of fat in the legs and thighs. It can also affect the arms and typically spares the feet. Unlike common weight gain, this fat is painful, tender to the touch, prone to spontaneous bruising, and resistant to diet and exercise.
Liposuction is currently one of the main treatment options when symptoms significantly affect the patient's quality of life despite conservative treatment, which may include physiotherapy, compression, and dietary care.
Unlike conventional aesthetic liposuction, the technique used for lipedema is adapted to preserve the lymphatic vessels. Fine cannulas and gentle movements are used, together with tumescent infiltration of a saline solution containing anaesthetic and adrenaline before aspiration, reducing blood loss, lymphatic injury, and discomfort.
The aim is not only aesthetic but above all functional, seeking to reduce pain and swelling and improve the patient's circulation and mobility. Depending on the extent of the disease, treatment may require more than one surgical session.
The procedure should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Lipedema has no cure: liposuction permanently removes the existing diseased fat, but continued clinical follow-up, compression, lymphatic drainage, and lifestyle care are essential to control progression and prevent fat from accumulating again in other areas.
Procedures that may be combined
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about lipedema and leg liposuction.
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic disease characterised by an abnormal and symmetrical accumulation of fat, mainly in the legs and thighs.
Which areas of the body can be affected by lipedema?
Lipedema mainly affects the legs and thighs, although it can also involve the arms. The feet are typically spared.
How is lipedema different from common weight gain?
Fat associated with lipedema tends to be painful, tender to the touch, prone to spontaneous bruising, and resistant to diet and exercise.
Which symptoms may liposuction help relieve?
Liposuction may help reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort in the legs while also improving their contour.
When may liposuction be considered for lipedema?
It may be considered when symptoms significantly affect quality of life despite conservative treatment.
Which measures may be included in conservative treatment?
Conservative treatment may include physiotherapy, compression, and dietary care.
Is lipedema liposuction the same as conventional aesthetic liposuction?
No. The technique is adapted to preserve the lymphatic vessels and uses fine cannulas and gentle movements.
What is the purpose of tumescent infiltration?
Before aspiration, a saline solution containing anaesthetic and adrenaline may be infiltrated to help reduce blood loss, lymphatic injury, and discomfort.
Is the purpose of treatment only aesthetic?
No. The main purpose is functional: to reduce pain and swelling and improve circulation and mobility.
Can more than one surgical session be necessary?
Yes. Depending on the extent of the disease, treatment may require more than one surgical session.
Which type of anaesthesia may be used?
The procedure may be performed under general anaesthesia or epidural anaesthesia, with or without sedation.
What scars result from the procedure?
Small scars remain at the cannula entry sites and are usually concealed within natural folds or creases.
Is a hospital stay required and when can normal activities resume?
The procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis or require one day in hospital. Work may be resumed after 2 to 3 days and physical activity after 4 weeks.
What are the most frequent risks and problems?
During the first few days there may be swelling, tenderness, and drainage from the cannula entry sites. Other possible problems include skin laxity, overcorrection or undercorrection, haematoma, irregularities, fluid retention, excessive loss of blood and fluids, and postoperative pulmonary embolism.
Does liposuction cure lipedema and is the result permanent?
Lipedema is a chronic disease and has no cure. Removed fat does not return to the treated areas, but continued clinical follow-up, compression, lymphatic drainage, and lifestyle care remain essential to control symptoms and prevent new fat from forming in other areas.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
