Sun, beach and light clothing – what for many is the best time of the year can also be a phase full of uncertainties and challenges for women with lipoedema. This is because the chronic fat distribution disorder not only causes physical discomfort, but also has an emotional impact on the vacation experience.
The good news: with the right strategies and targeted lipedema tips, your vacation can be a relaxing and beneficial time.
In this article, we would like to support you with empathetic advice and helpful tips on traveling with non-operated lipedema.
The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you can enjoy your trip with lipoedema in summer. Careful planning and the right lipoedema tips will help you to minimize physical discomfort and start your time away mentally refreshed.
Not every vacation destination is equally suitable for women with lipoedema. Regions with very high temperatures in particular can have a negative impact on well-being: Heat can exacerbate lipoedema symptoms and put additional strain on the circulation. Our lipoedema tip is therefore to choose destinations with a mild climate, e.g. in the mountains, by the sea or in more northerly regions.
A pleasant bonus: physical activity is easier in temperate regions, be it walking, hiking or swimming.
Whether by plane, train or car – long journeys can be stressful for women with lipoedema. It is therefore important to choose the most comfortable and safest option for yourself in advance. If you are flying, you should make sure you are sitting comfortably, drink enough water and never do without compression garments. For train or car journeys, take regular breaks to stand up, stretch and stimulate your circulation. If possible, bring a small cushion or footrest with you to support a more comfortable sitting posture.
Perhaps the most important lipoedema tip of all: don’t plan your vacation according to other people’s ideas, but according to your own needs. If you know that you have more energy in the morning, then plan excursions early in the day. If you feel more comfortable in nature than in busy tourist centers, consciously choose quiet places. Free yourself from the expectation that you have to “do everything” on vacation. Your trip can and should be designed in such a way that it is good for you physically and mentally.
The right equipment is crucial so that you can enjoy your vacation carefree. These lipoedema tips for your suitcase will make packing easier:
Your suitcase should not only be functional, but also give you a sense of security and self-care on your journey.
Finally arrived – now it’s time to switch off, enjoy and recharge your batteries. But women with lipoedema in particular often ask themselves: how much activity is really good for me? The answer lies in being mindful of your own body. Exercise is not only allowed, it is highly recommended.
Our lipoedema tip is gentle activities that are easy on the joints. They promote blood circulation and help to get the lymph flow going. Walks in nature, walking barefoot in the sand, swimming in the sea or light aqua aerobics often work wonders. The compression effect of the water has a similar effect to lymphatic drainage: the buoyancy in the water relieves the tissue, while the movement boosts the metabolism – an ideal combination to counteract swelling and heaviness in the legs. Cycling on flat routes or yoga can also be a beneficial alternative to keep moving without overstraining the body.
The important thing is to listen to your inner voice. If you feel that your legs are tired or swelling painfully, consciously take time to rest. Find a shady spot, put your legs up or treat yourself to a cooling break in the water. Small rituals such as a leg massage in the evening or applying cooling lotion can help to restore your well-being after an active day.
The rhythm of the day also plays an important role. Use the cooler morning hours for exercise when the sun is not yet too strong. In the midday heat, on the other hand, it is advisable to avoid physical activity and instead plan periods of rest. A book by the pool or a nap in the hammock – this is also part of a healthy level of activity and relaxation.
You often eat differently on vacation – but there are also some lipedema tips to help you:
Small, regular meals can also relieve the body and better regulate the feeling of hunger. Listen to your gut feeling – in the truest sense of the word – and consciously treat yourself to the diet for lipoedema that is good for you.
Many patients ask themselves whether liposuction makes sense before their planned vacation – or whether it is better to have the treatment afterwards. Basically, liposuction is a medical procedure that requires not only careful preparation, but also targeted aftercare and recovery time.
Immediately after the operation, compression garments must be worn, physical rest must be observed and regular lymph drainage must be carried out. Heat, long journeys or activities such as swimming can be problematic during this phase of lipoedema treatment.
That is why our lipoedema tip is not to have liposuction performed immediately before your vacation, but with sufficient time in between – ideally after your return. In a personal consultation, we will be happy to work with you to determine the best time for you.
A vacation with lipoedema doesn’t have to be a burden – on the contrary: with the right preparation and a mindful approach to your body, you can enjoy your vacation. Allow yourself time, space and ease – at your own pace.
The team at LipoClinic Dr. Heck will accompany you on this journey – with medical expertise, human warmth and an understanding of your individual situation.
Do you need more lipedema tips or are you interested in a free consultation at our clinic? Then please feel free to contact us at any time!
myKompriGUIDE: Traveling with lipedema and flat knit compression. (https://mykompriguide.de/2024/07/31/reisen-mit-lipoedem-und-flachstrickkompression/)
Dr. Thomas Witte is Medical Director of LipoClinic Dr. Heck and a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery. With decades of surgical experience and a deep understanding of the individual needs of lipoedema patients, he is one of the leading experts in this field. His focus is on holistic, safe and empathetic care – always with the aim of restoring quality of life.
Medical Director
Specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
Specialist in surgery and hand surgeon
