Doubts and frequently asked questions about lipedema

Our specialists answer the questions that usually concern patients with lipedema.
How long should I wear the stocking after surgery?
The flat tissue compression stocking is essential to wear post-operatively and for at least the first 3 to 6 months after the end of the last planned intervention. In some patients, depending on the evolution, it can be gradually withdrawn, even removing it completely from their daily lives. Some patients prefer to switch to regular compression circular knit compression stockings for continuity or even stop wearing stockings altogether. This will be agreed upon with your doctor and your physiotherapist depending on the clinical situation.
What happens to the skin after surgery after having removed my inflamed fat?

During the post-operative period, intensive manual lymphatic drainage treatment and wearing flat-woven compression stockings is very important. The skin will initially have a lax appearance in some patients due to the loss of volume, leaving the sensation of having the skin “hanging”. This is particularly noticeable in the arm treatment part. In some patients, corrective surgery by a plastic surgeon may be necessary to remove excess skin. In cases of lower limbs, it is very common for the skin, given its elasticity, to adapt to the new volume over time, as long as clinical, lifestyle and dietary guidelines are followed. In patients over 40 years of age, given the loss of elasticity – contractility, skin laxity may occur after reductive surgery.

The presence of laxity and “hanging skin” will be assessed and recommendations given on an individualized basis.

Why do I have cramps and tingling in my legs and arms after surgery?

During the intervention, manipulation of the subcutaneous fatty tissue occurs, and this leads in some cases to injuries to very small cutaneous nerves that are sensitive (they do not compromise mobility). These discomforts will decrease over time, after about 6 – 9 months after the last intervention, they should have practically disappeared completely.

Will I have many wounds in my post-operative period?

The cannula is inserted through micro incisions made in different parts of the affected limb. These will serve as drainage points in the post-operative period and therefore will not require staples or stitches. The patient should avoid sun exposure of these micro incisions for at least the first three months to avoid hyper-pigmentation during the healing phase.

Is there a specific diet for the treatment of lipedema?

We recommend the evaluation of a Nutritionist specialized in the management of this disease. While it is true that the anti-inflammatory diet can be considered a valid option, the most important thing is to eliminate everything that generates inflammation in our body, mainly: tobacco, alcohol, and steroid hormonal treatments. Generally healthy lifestyles and diet are recommended.
For this you may need to consult the corresponding specialist.

How long will I be out of work after each surgery?

The leave recommendation is independent of each person and according to the type of work. We usually recommend at least a week of calm and focus on recovery with complementary intensive manual lymphatic drainage treatments with your physical therapist.
Although each patient has their recovery times, walking from the first moment is highly recommended, given the benefits it provides to the drainage system – venous pump and therefore reduction of inflammation.

Are other exercises recommended to improve my recovery?

Yes, once the wounds have healed (approximately between the 2nd and 3rd week), the patient can begin physical recovery therapy in water. It has been proven that water sports improve the pump system and therefore promote the reduction of load and inflammation.

Is it possible that my lipedema will come back?

Studies of liposuction treatment for Lipedema provide excellent results with a 12-year follow-up, as long as the aforementioned care guidelines are followed. However, there is a percentage of patients, approximately 5-10%, in whom there is disease recurrence in the medium term and possibly need new corrective therapies.

What happens with the areas of fat that I have in my abdomen or lower back, among others?

The fat in these locations does not correspond to inflammatory fat resulting from Lipedema and, therefore, they are not treated using the WAL technique. A plastic surgeon will be recommended if treatment of these areas is required, although we recommend carrying out this evaluation at least 9 – 12 months after the last lipedema intervention.

Should all patients diagnosed with Lipedema undergo surgery?

No, each case is evaluated by the treating physician with a specific focus on its symptoms, first ruling out the presence of venous pathology through the use of Doppler ultrasound. The best recommendations will be made to each patient, including their risk factors and assessing some other possible underlying diseases.
Certainly, the corrective treatment is the elimination of inflamed fat in the affected limb and this is obtained through WAL liposuction in cases of Lipedema. The best results are obtained when patients are treated in earlier stages of the disease. Lipedema must be assessed dynamically, which is why semiannual/annual controls are carried out to assess the evolution of the disease.