Tumescent liposuction: a new and successful therapy for lipedema.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Lipedema is a rare and painful disease in women. Until recently, it could be treated only by conservative methods (combined physical therapy).

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the efficacy and safety of surgery (liposuction) concerning appearance and associated complaints.

METHODS:

Twenty-eight patients, who had undergone conservative therapy over a period of years, were treated by liposuction under tumescent local anesthesia with vibrating microcannulas. Twenty-one could be reevaluated after an average of 12.2 (1-26) months.

RESULTS:

All showed great improvement, with normalization of body proportions. Additionally, spontaneous pain, sensitivity to pressure, and bruising either disappeared completely or improved markedly. Other than minor swelling for a few days, no complications could be observed following surgery. All patients reported a tremendous increase in their quality of life. Physical therapy had to be continued to a much lower degree.

CONCLUSION:

Tumescent liposuction has proved to be a safe and effective treatment for lipedema.

• Authors: Wilfried Schmeller, Ilka Meier-Vollrath
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery (J Cutan Med Surg) 2006 Jan-Feb Vol. 10 Issue 1 Pg. 7-10 ISSN: 1203-4754 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17241565 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adipose Tissue
• Adult
• Edema (therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Leg
• Lipectomy (methods)
• Middle Aged
• Treatment Outcome