Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a relatively common but poorly understood condition that predominantly impacts women. Most likely to appear for the first time during puberty, it is also associated with periods of hormonal upheaval such as during pregnancy and at menopause.
Lipoedema symptoms can be troublesome: not only can it be physically uncomfortable, but it affects the body’s shape and appearance, often resulting in a loss of confidence and quality of life. Treatment for lipoedema has evolved enormously in recent years and, arguably, the best approach for many women is tumescent liposculpture/liposuction performed under local anaesthesia.
what is lipoedema?
Lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in the legs and sometimes the arms. It can be painful and affect daily life. It is more common in women and usually affects both sides equally.
Women may have heavy legs, a narrow waist and a much smaller upper body. Some women may have a large bottom, thighs, and lower legs, yet the feet are unaffected.
Some women have fatty upper arms, however the forearm and hands are unaffected. There may be pain, tenderness or heaviness in the affected limbs and may bruise easily. Joints may be affected which can make walking difficult, and some people may have knock knees and flat feet.
If the skin is tight and firm but does not hurt to touch and leaves a dent when the thumb presses down on the skin, then the condition could be lymphodema. That is a problem of the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection and drain excess fluid from the tissue). That may cause swollen feet, most usually. In lipoedema, however, the feet are not usually affected.
Compression therapy can sometimes help manage lipoedema. As well as changing diet, massage therapy and water-based activities may potentially improve the condition. Liposculpture may help too, which also changes the body shape by removing the excess fat cells. Compression is also necessary after liposculpture/liposuction.
Be Sculptured founder Dr Meaghan Heckenberg is a highly qualified and experienced lipoedema proceduralist working in Sydney and on the Gold Coast.
With Specialist Registration in General Practice and a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, she gained further qualifications in cosmetic medicine and holds Fellowship of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Fellowship of Lipoplasty Surgery. She is one of only a very small, select group of doctors in Australia with these credentials.
Meaghan has dedicated her career at Be Sculptured to tumescent liposculpture performed under local anaesthetic, and she is highly experienced, having performed more than 1500 procedures of this type. Meaghan’s passion for changing bodies, shapes, and proportions is unrivalled and her level of experience, dedication, and patience in her work to achieve the very best outcomes for each of her patients is second to none. Meaghan’s care for her patients is further informed by her own experience having tumescent liposculpture herself, and it is underpinned by her adherence to the highest of industry standards and personal commitment to continuing professional development and education.
Lipoedema Surgery - What to Expect
Modern lipoedema surgery at Be Sculptured involves tumescent liposculpture.
Unlike traditional liposuction, which is carried out under a general anaesthetic and has risks including those associated with general anaesthesia as well as severe bruising, the tumescent technique is performed with a local anaesthetic. This is used to numb the tissues over the area of concern. This method allows for significant constriction of the blood vessels, which vastly reduces blood loss during the procedure and helps to minimise bruising after the procedure. Recovery times and patient discomfort tend to be lessened with this technique.
Patients undergoing liposculpture at Be Sculptured require day-only hospital admission do require a GP referral (per Australian regulations from 1st July 2023). They can walk out after the procedure.
Cosmetic outcomes may be improved with this approach to care. This is because, as the patient can stand up near the end of the procedure, the proceduralist will check for the effect of gravity on the body and make final adjustments to enhance the outcome.
Comprehensive Care at Be Sculptured
Pre- and Post-Operative Care
- Please advise the doctor at the initial consultation whether you take regular medications and follow advice regarding these before the procedure.
- DO NOT use Aspirin or Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID) medications for 2 weeks before the procedure.
- DO NOT take Fish Oil, Omega-3, large amounts of Vitamin E, or mega-dose multivitamins for 1 week before the procedure (these can worsen bruising).
- AVOID ALCOHOL for 2 days before the procedure.
- Have the prescription filled by 2 days before the procedure. Take the antibiotic capsules as directed.
- Purchase some antibacterial soap (Sapoderm or Gamophen) from your pharmacy (or hypoallergenic soap if skin is sensitive) to use when showering for 48 hours before the procedure.
- AVOID CAFFEINE drinks for 24 hours before the procedure.
- Follow the diet and fasting instructions given at your Consultation on the night before and the day of the procedure.
- Arrive at the clinic 30 minutes before your appointment time.
- Have somebody drive you home and stay with you overnight.
- DO NOT drive, work, operate machinery, or sign important documents for 24 hours after the procedure (due to the sedation medication used).
- DO NOT drink alcohol for 24 hours.
- DO NOT use Aspirin or Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID) medications for 2 weeks after the procedure.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Eat a light diet for the first few days and moderate fluid intake.
- Bruising will increase for 2-3 days and improve thereafter.
- Wear compression garments as instructed.
- Attend your post-procedure follow-up appointment.
Book a Consultation
Be Sculptured has two clinics, located in Bondi Junction, NSW and in Southport, QLD. Please contact us here to book a consultation at either location. Alternatively, you are welcome to call us during business hours on 0484 898 977 or email [email protected].
