Lipedema

Lipedema is a condition that has received a lot of attention in plastic surgery in recent years. Despite this, there are still few in the medical profession in general who are aware of the condition and it is difficult for patients to get help in public healthcare. The condition mainly affects women and manifests itself as disproportionate fat distribution. Usually the lower body is significantly thicker than the upper body and the fatty tissue is also painful. Easy bruising of the legs is also a typical sign, as is numbness. There is no blood test or examination that can be done to make a diagnosis for sure, but it is a combination of what the patient says and clinical findings. Drawing the line between a normal fat distribution is sometimes difficult but sometimes obvious. The typical patient has thick calves, thighs and buttocks, but arms can also be affected.

The disease usually begins in connection with a hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Many women with lipedema have had difficulty growing up because of their large buttocks and many have had to endure derogatory and offensive comments.

The treatment consists of compression therapy, which should preferably be tried out by a physiotherapist or lymphatic therapist with a special interest in the area. Liposuction is also a treatment that often has a good effect on both volume and pain.

operations

When liposuctioning lipedema, we use a method called PAL, power assisted liposuction. The operation is performed under anesthesia and takes about 2 hours depending on how much liposuction is to be performed. Liposuction often involves large volumes of liposuction and large amounts of fluid being replaced in the body.

Results

The volume reduction occurs immediately, but as swelling persists for a long time after the operation, it is absolutely necessary to use compression garments to achieve the best results. The final result takes many months to achieve as the skin must be given the opportunity to contract. We often see a good effect on pain and "numbness" in the legs.

Follow-up

After about 1 week you will come back to check that it is healing properly. We will remove the stitches that are over the incision. If you would like further visits, you are welcome to book them.

Aftercare and convalescence

Compression garments should be worn for 4-6 months and are of great importance for the final result. We would like you to have LPG or lymphatic massage after the operation. Sick leave varies depending on the job, but a couple to a few weeks is common. Painkillers are required in the first period.

Risks and complications

As with all surgery, bleeding and infection can occur, but this is uncommon with liposuction. Blood clots are a serious complication and we often give you blood thinners to reduce the risk. There is a certain risk of sensory disturbances after liposuction of the lower legs as the sensory nerves on the lower legs are relatively superficial. With larger liposuctions there is a risk of salt balance disorders.

Video from the Swedish Edema Association describing what it can be like to live with lipedema – about the shame that is commonly associated with the disease and how this patient group is often treated poorly not only by their fellow humans but also by the healthcare system. The disease in many cases prevents the patient from living an active life and seemingly ordinary everyday tasks become a major project. SÖF Stockholm hopes that this audio file can help you get people in your area to gain greater insight into what it is like to live with lipedema.

This video from Malou Efter Tio on TV4 shows a personal journey where liposuction alleviated the symptoms of Lipedema.

Book a consultation and talk to a specialist to find out what is best for you.