Lipedema Surgery
Lipedema is a chronic condition that presents as an asymmetric accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous tissue, occurring almost exclusively in women. Fatty tissue expands mainly in the lower extremities, from the buttocks to the ankles, as well as in the arms.
Lipedema is further characterized by pain, tenderness to touch, easy bruising, swelling (edema) and psychosocial problems that affect the general quality of life of patients.
The onset of lipedema occurs during puberty. However, it can occur or be exacerbated during periods of hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause. Similarly, weight gain and obesity are also considered to play a role in the appearance of lipedema and exacerbation of symptoms.
Lipedema was described for the first time in the 1940s, however there is a great lack of knowledge both in the general population and in health personnel to facilitate its diagnosis and correct approach; which many times causes confusion for the patients who suffer from it and searches for traumatic solutions about this pathology.
In ICMCE | Instituto Canario de Medicina y Cirugía Estética, we are very lucky to have the 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗿í𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘇 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗥í𝗼𝘀, the only specialist in the Canary Islands in this pathology. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. We will wait for you!
Blood analysis, electrocardiogram + echo-doppler.
It will depend on the area and the quantity.
Yes, depending on the case, it requires spinal or general anesthesia.
No, it is an outpatient procedure.
If the diagnosis is positive, the degree of lipedema must be detected and whether it can benefit from surgical lipedema treatment with WAL liposuction. The treated areas are legs and arms.
The inflammation and discomfort of pain, can last approximately a week. Everything will depend on the intervened areas.
The most delicate and advanced technique for the treatment of lipedema is the Water-jet Assisted liposuction or WAL technique. Among its many advantages are:
- Better and faster recovery compared to other techniques.
- Less postoperative discomfort for the patient.
- Delicate and soft treatment of tissues.
- Obtaining larger volumes of fatty tissue.
- Predictability of results.
- Greater security and control in execution.
- More detail in the definition.
After the lipedema operation with WAL liposuction, in the experienced hands of 𝗗𝗿. Once the results have been obtained, the following results will be evidenced:
- Reduction or disappearance of pain and pressure at rest.
- Improvement in blood and lymphatic circulation by decreasing the pressure of the tissues, which shows a sensation of lightness and relief.
- Increased mobility and flexibility of the extremities.
- Increase in physical capacity and resistance. The patient will be able to enjoy sports activities that previously seemed impossible.
- Stopping the progression of the disease to more advanced degrees.
Ask us and we will gladly advise you, according to your particular needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Lipedema (painful fat syndrome) is a chronic disease that occurs mainly in women.
It is characterized by an excess of bilateral and symmetrical fatty tissue, mainly in the region of the hip, upper and lower legs and combined with a tendency for leg swelling that worsens with daily activity.
The symptoms of lipedema can be varied and even increase over time. Patients may experience:
- Continuous pain and a feeling of heaviness would be the most common symptoms.
- constant itching
- Accumulation of fatty volume above the ankles and not below.
- Increased volume and sensitivity to contact.
- Appearance of bruises.
- A lot of pressure on the calves.
Lipedema is often misdiagnosed as bilateral lower extremity lymphedema or simple obesity.
In overweight and obesity there is a global volume gain. In lipedema, however, this gain is disproportionate in the mainly lower limbs.
The exact causes of lipedema and other types of fatty tissue enlargement are still unknown, although metabolic, inflammatory, or hormonal involvement is suspected.
The presentation of the disease and levels of fat accumulation can be present:
- Stage 1: normal skin with subcutaneous tissue enlargement.
- Stage 2: irregular skin with indentations in fat are present; larger mounds of fatty tissue.
- Stage 3: Large extensions of tissue that cause deformations; especially around the knees.
- Stage 4: Development of lipolymphedema with great tissue stiffness.