Liposuction for Lipoedema
For patients suffering with lipoedema, their quality of life can be significantly impacted. The condition is said to affect around 11% of women and it can lead to issues with self-confidence, make it difficult to find clothing that fits and affect a patient’s day to day life.
One treatment which may help to combat the condition is liposuction. So, what exactly is lipoedema and how can liposuction help?
Understanding lipoedema
Lipoedema causes an abnormal accumulation of fat underneath the skin. This can result in painful swelling within the buttocks, thighs, legs and in some cases, the arms. It almost exclusively affects women, with the condition being extremely rare in men.
Love Island star, Shaughna Phillips, has recently revealed her struggle with the condition. She was diagnosed after coming out of the villa and has undergone liposuction to treat it. The trouble with lipoedema is that it worsens over time. This means treatment will be required to eliminate the problem.
So, what symptoms should you watch out for to determine whether or not you have it?
What are the symptoms of lipoedema?
The most obvious symptom of lipoedema is swelling in the legs or buttocks. As the condition doesn’t affect the hands or feet, the fat accumulation is easily visible. It can also cause:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Skin hypersensitivity
- Ankle swelling
These are just some of the symptoms to watch out for. The fat accumulation will be unresponsive to diet and exercise. That’s why treatment is important.
How can liposuction help?
When carried out to treat lipoedema, the liposuction procedure is a little different. Surgeons use high-volume liposuction and need to be trained specifically in using the procedure to treat the condition. Patients are also required to spend up to three days in hospital afterwards.
Compression garments will need to be worn for a few months after the procedure. Patients are also advised not to drive for up to two weeks. So, the recovery process is a lot more intensive compared to standard liposuction procedures.
Like any procedure, liposuction for lipoedema does carry some risks. These will need to be discussed with Mr Paul Tulley before you undergo the surgery.
Overall, lipoedema can significantly impact your quality of life. Liposuction is an effective treatment, helping patients to regain their confidence and improve their quality of life.