Liposuction for lipoedema found to be beneficial

The commonly misdiagnosed condition Lipoedema has been found to be improved with liposuction treatment. A new study has revealed more about this rare disease and the benefits liposuction can have in its treatment.

Here, we’ll look at what the study revealed and how liposuction for Lipoedema can be helpful.

What is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic, long-term condition which causes an excessive build-up of fat cells. These tend to build up in buttocks, thighs and legs, though they can also occur in the arms. It tends to largely affect women and it can occasionally lead to a fluid build-up, known as Lymphoedema.

As well as proving to be uncomfortable, the condition can also lead to reduced mobility, alongside psychological issues.

Understanding the study

The study, published within the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, assessed 209 women known to suffer from the condition. Carried out by the Technical University Munich, the goal was to discover more about the condition, which is often misdiagnosed as obesity.

Most of the women surveyed in the study also suffered from other conditions such as an underactive thyroid. Interestingly, they had lower rates of symptoms associated with obesity such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Each of the patients underwent liposuction to eliminate the fat cell build-up. The average amount of fat removed was 10 litres, although some patients had significantly more than this removed.

In almost all of the patients, the liposuction procedure managed to reduce pain, bruising and migraine attacks. It was also discovered to have long-lasting effects. This ultimately led to improvements within their quality of life.

How does liposuction help?

Liposuction has been a common procedure for eliminating fat from the body for decades. Over the years, it has been developed and improved to offer more targeted results. With Lipoedema, the areas where excess fat has built up can be targeted by liposuction. It safely removes the fat, reducing the swelling significantly.

Although this research is helpful in determining effective treatments for Lipoedema, further research is required. The study was only very small, so larger, more in-depth studies will need to be carried out to provide a more accurate picture of the condition and the best methods of treatment.