KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lipoedema is the abnormal build-up of fat in the legs or, occasionally, the arms. It is a relatively common condition almost exclusively affecting biological women.
- Lipoedema can be uncomfortable or even painful, and it can negatively impact one’s self-esteem and quality of life.
- Lipoedema symptoms can be improved by removing excess fat deposits via liposuction. For people with less severe forms of lipoedema, Tumescent Liposculpture is surgical approach to this treatment that has been used worls-wide since 1987.
- Be Sculptured is an experienced liposuction / liposculpture clinic in Sydney and on the Gold Coast, offering liposuction for lipoedema.
Lipoedema is a disorder of the adipose (fat) tissue almost exclusively seen in women. It primarily affects the legs, though the arms can also be impacted. It results in a disproportionate body appearance, usually with a slimmer upper body and waist alongside a larger lower body, with possibly larger arms.
Lipoedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity, however, even people who are not clinically obese or otherwise overweight can be affected by this condition.
There are several conservative ways to help alleviate the symptoms of lipoedema, especially in its early stages:
- Using compression therapy (bandages, socks, stockings)
- Maintaining a healthy diet (reduces inflammation and non-lipoedemic fat accumulation)
- Gentle exercise to optimise circulation and mobility
- Wearing loose, comfortable clothing
- Moisturising the skin
- Massage to move fluids from the affected area (manual lymphatic drainage)
Liposuction for lipoedema can be a very effective treatment approach offering long-term results.
What is Lipoedema Liposuction?
Lipoedema liposuction is the surgical removal of excess fat cells that cause the condition.
Traditional liposuction is a procedure recommended for people whose symptoms do not improve with non-invasive management. It may require overnight hospital admission, is often performed under a general anaesthetic, and carries associated anaesthesia risks as well as risks of severe bruising and pain.
At Be Sculptured, we use the well-tested technique of liposuction/ liposculpture (over 38 years with hundreds of thousands of patients world-wide) in patients with mild to moderate lipoedema: tumescent liposuction / liposculpture. This procedure uses local anaesthetic and is suited to addressing even the earliest stages of lipoedema.
- It does not require a general anaesthetic
- Patients are admitted to hospital on a day-only basis for the procedure
- Walk out after the procedure (but no driving)
- Bleeding, bruising, and discomfort are reduced with the tumescent local anaesthetic technique
- Less time off work (usually)
- Optimises cosmetic outcomes because the patient may move themselves into desired positions during the procedure and he / she is able to stand near the end of the procedure to allow the proceduralist to look for symmetry, plus remaining fatty tissue is highlighted due to gravity, allowing for fine-tuning of the procedure, before completion of the procedure.
What are the Health Benefits of Lipoedema Liposuction?
Approximately 9% of females in Australia are affected by lipoedema[1]. While it begins as a cosmetic concern, it can eventually transition to a painful condition that can be debilitating and have further medical implications. It causes tenderness, pain, and discomfort, and can also interfere with daily activities and affect one’s physical appearance. This has ramifications for everything from overall quality of life to buying clothing.
There are several benefits of having liposuction for lipoedema at Be Sculptured, and medical research suggests that, for up to 65% of patients, treating the condition in this way can reduce their requirements for ongoing conservative treatment[2].
Reducing Swelling and Pain
Removing excess fat deposits from the legs or other affected body parts addresses the symptoms of this condition at their source. These fatty areas most often do not respond to diet or exercise, so the only way to actively treat them in a meaningful way for the longer term is to eliminate them. This helps reduce the associated swelling, pain, and tenderness they cause – and it has also been shown to improve the impact of conservative treatments, including compression therapy and manual lymphatic drainage massage.
Improving Mobility and Function
Lipoedema causes an array of symptoms that inhibit the function and mobility of the limbs, including tenderness, heaviness, pain, easy bruising, inflamed joints, knock knees, and flat feet. These make exercising difficult if not impossible. By removing the load on the body caused by lipoedemic fat, mobility and function may be improved to enable and encourage a more active lifestyle.
How Does Liposuction Improve Quality of Life?
Lipoedema has significant impacts on women’s health and well-being. While non-invasive methods of managing this condition do have an important role to play, having excess fat deposits surgically removed from the affected body areas via liposuction may offer efficient, long-lasting results.
There are distinct advantages to lipoedema liposuction in terms of overall quality of life going forward.
Psychological Benefits
Perhaps the most powerful of the advantages offered by this treatment is the psychological benefit it can deliver.
- Reducing pain and discomfort can significantly improve mood and overall state of mind.
- Being able to exercise and participate more in daily activities is also a mood booster, increasing motivation and social participation.
- A changed body shape and potentially greater ease in purchasing clothing for a better fit
Who is a Good Candidate for Lipoedema Liposuction?
Treating lipoedema earlier is more successful, before lipoedema advances. As lipoedema advances, it can lead to the development of secondary lymphoedema.
Tumescent liposculpture at Be Sculptured is suited for women (and men (less likely but possible)) with mild to moderate lipoedema and a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 35. Calculate your BMI here.
long-Term Results and Maintenance
It’s important to understand that liposuction is not a cure for lipoedema. While it can deliver long-term results both cosmetically and medically, there is a risk of fat re-accumulation, where existing fat cells can get bigger. This risk is higher in people who do not implement weight management/disease management lifestyle changes and/or who have a sedentary, inactive lifestyle.
Patients who undergo this treatment must wear the recommended compression garments during the recovery period (and potentially thereafter). The doctor proceduralist will provide instructions. They are also strongly advised to continue following conservative lipoedema management strategies long-term after the procedure has been performed.
Tumescent Liposculpture for Lipoedema at Be Sculptured
Tumescent liposculpture at Be Sculptured does not require a general anaesthetic or overnight hospital admission. Post-procedure discomfort is reduced because the tumescent local anaesthetic solution is infiltrated into the fatty tissue prior to the liposuction. However, pain perception, post-operatively, is very variable amongst patients.
Explore what you should know about our treatments at the following links:
Liposuction for Lipoedema: What to Expect
Understand more about Lipoedema
Book a Consultation
Be Sculptured is a Sydney liposuction / liposculpture clinic. We also have a satellite clinic on the Gold Coast. Dr Meaghan Heckenberg is a highly-trained and extremely experienced liposuction / liposculpture proceduralist. Her treatments are suitable for people with Stage 1 or Stage 2 lipoedema and a BMI of below 35.
Call 0484 898 977 or visit our website today to book a consultation with our liposuction / liposculpture proceduralist, Dr Meaghan Heckenberg to determine your suitability for tumescent liposuction / liposculpture for lipoedema. Our consultation form is at the bottom of this page.
Alternatively, send us an email at [email protected].
