Lipoedema and Liposuction: When is liposuction the best choice?
What is lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a rare, chronic condition. Its main characteristic is the large buildup of subcutaneous fat in legs or arms. Most seen in women, but there are a few cases reported in men. The condition has more prevalence in family members (it seems to be genetic) and according to the reported cases till today, it affects 11% of women worldwide.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It, also, improves the contour and shape of the body. Remember that it is not a weight-loss method or a cure for lipoedema. After lipo, lipoedema patients have to keep implementing traditional treatments and lifestyle changes in order to continue managing symptoms and avoiding the progression of the disease.
What comes first in lipoedema management?
Before considering surgery, your lipoedema team (clinicians, surgeon, therapist, etc.) will advise you to try conservative therapies, these are:
- CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy)
- Compression garments
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Physical therapy
- Healthy targeted diet
- Exercise
- Orthopaedic consultation and therapy if needed
These approaches can help manage many symptoms like pain, swelling and discomfort, however, they don’t address the underlying fat deposits.
When is liposuction the best choice for lipoedema management?
Liposuction is considered the best option for managing lipedema symptoms when conservative treatments cannot control the progression of the condition or late diagnosis in severe cases. On the other hand, liposuction can be used at any stage of the condition. Some key factors that let you know liposuction might be the right choice are:
- Persistent pain (chronic)
- Discomfort and pressure sensation (chronic)
- Reduced mobility (impair walking, difficulties in daily activities)
- Daily function issues
- Disease progression
- Late diagnosis (severe cases, but the patient should be in good health, remember it is a surgery and has risks).
- Patient and surgeon agreement ( if you want to start with this option and your surgeon agrees, but remember that after the procedure you have to continue with traditional methods as lipoedema symptoms management treatment. Liposuction is not a cure).
- When conservative methods fail. If non-surgical treatments fail, surgical intervention becomes a logical next step to stop symptoms progression. Although, after lipo, you ought to continue with lipoedema treatment (CDT, MLD, exercise, diet, etc.) to keep symptoms in line.
What are the benefits of liposuction in lipoedema management?
Liposuction has long lasting benefits for lipoedema patients. Follow up studies showed 12 years of symptom relief after lipo, but it is not a cure. Some benefits of lipo are:
- It can provide significant relief by reducing the volume of diseased fat deposits.
- Alleviate nerve and lymphatic compression.
- Restore mobility and improve quality of life.
- Helps in body reshaping (improving self-image and self-esteem).
- Help slowing down or avoid the progression of lipoedema.
- Preventing further fat accumulation and tissue changes (when accompanied with traditional treatments).
Lipoedema management needs an integrative treatment where different disciplines including surgery get together to keep symptoms in line and avoid disease progression. Talk to your lipoedema team in order to tailor the best treatment option according to your needs, and remember to stay where you are treated better!
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
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