Lipoedema Liposuction

The main symptom of lipoedema is the development and appearance of abnormal body fat. The fat usually feels lumpy beneath the skin. It is most likely to affect the lower body, and sometimes the arms, and it usually starts to develop during puberty or the menopause.

Other symptoms of lipoedema include:

• Painful joints
• Pain or tenderness where that fat develops
• Bruising

Lipoedema can continue to develop, spreading to different parts of your body. You may notice that your symptoms worsen during hot weather, when you’ve been standing for a long period of time, when you’re travelling by plane or after exercise.

Lipoedema can be extremely debilitating, affecting your day-to-day life. It can make you feel distressed, particularly as your lipoedema develops, and you may find it impacts your mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.

It can often be incorrectly diagnosed as weight gain, and many people with lipoedema may try dieting and exercising with very little success. There is no specific test for this condition, meaning that it can be difficult getting a diagnosis.

While there is no cure for lipoedema, there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms, such as compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and pain control. However, if you haven’t found a treatment that works for you, you may consider lipoedema liposuction.

It’s important to make sure you understand what this surgery involves and what it can and can’t achieve. You should have clear and realistic expectations of what this type of operation will do for you.

Lipoedema liposuction can take anywhere from one to three hours, and it is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. An epidural anaesthetic may be needed if the liposuction is being carried out in the lower part of your body. Your surgeon will inject the area with a solution containing anaesthetic and a medicine to reduce swelling, bruising and blood loss. Your surgeon will likely use a pen to mark the areas on your body where fat is to be removed.

During the operation, your surgeon will use high-frequency vibrations, a high-pressure water jet or a weak laser pulse to break up the fat cells. A small cut is made to the affected area, then a suction tube attached to a vacuum machine is inserted. The suction tube is moved backwards and forwards to loosen the fat before sucking it out. Once the fat has been removed, any excess fluid or blood is drained away, and the area is stitched and bandaged up.

After your surgery, it’s likely you will need to stay in hospital for a few days. This is for basic wound care and to manage your compression garment fitting. Designed to help reduce swelling and bruising, compression garments are essential following lipoedema surgery.

You may be required to wear compression garments in the weeks and even months following your surgery. However, some patients find that they are able to stop wearing these garments and undergo MLD to prevent their symptoms from returning.

You may be advised to take antibiotics following your operation to reduce the chance of infection, and you should be able to take painkillers to relieve any pain and swelling.

It’s important to note that you will not be able to drive for a week or two following your surgery.

You may find that your recovery process happens in stages. It’s likely that your wounds will heal within a few days, but you may notice that your limbs continue to feel swollen for some time after the operation. It can take several months until normal limb volume is established. During your recovery, you may also need to attend compression garment appointments to ensure your garments fit the contour and size of your new normal limb volume.

As with any type of operation, there is an element of risk. The complications of lipoedema liposuction surgery can include: Pain or discomfort

• A burning sensation
• Swelling
• Infection
• Itching, lumps or discomfort around your scars
• Skin numbness, which can persist for several weeks

It’s also important to note that while some patients find the benefits of this type of liposuction to be long-lasting, there is a chance your symptoms could return after surgery.

Meet the Best Lipedema Surgeon in UK

At Manchester Private Hospital, we take pride in offering top-tier care for lipedema patients under the expertise of the best lipedema surgeon in the UK. Our lead surgeon combines years of specialized experience with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with lipedema.

Recognized for innovative techniques and compassionate patient care, our surgeon is dedicated to achieving outstanding results that enhance both appearance and quality of life. When you choose our lipedema liposuction surgeons, you’re partnering with the best in the field for your journey towards comfort, confidence, and well-being.

If you’re considering liposuction for lipoedema, Manchester Private Hospital is here for you. Our team of trained medical professionals are experts at what they do, and we ensure we provide the highest level of care for all of our patients. From your first consultation to providing aftercare advice, we are here for you every step of the way.

Our highly qualified surgeons, doctors and nurses are armed with the knowledge and expertise to ensure your procedure is carried out safely and effectively. We can also provide you with a selection of finance options, giving you one less thing to think about.

For your free, no obligation quote for lipoedema liposuction, get in touch with us today.