Lipedema treatment: modern therapies and techniques
Do you suffer from painful, swollen legs and feel that no diet or exercise is making any difference? Then lipedema could be the cause of your symptoms. Without the right lipedema treatment, this fat distribution disorder can progress over time and lead to further complications such as lymphedema.
As the world’s leading clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of lipedema, we would like to provide you with comprehensive information about the options available for treating lipedema.
Questions before lipedema treatment: What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that almost exclusively affects women. A pathological increase in fat cells leads to a disproportionate increase in subcutaneous fatty tissue, particularly in the legs, hips, and buttocks. The causes are not yet fully understood, but genetic and hormonal factors are suspected.
In addition to the accumulation of fatty tissue, other symptoms of lipedema include pain, feelings of tightness, and increased sensitivity to pressure in the affected areas. Patients often suffer from a reduced quality of life and psychological stress.
Conservative options for lipedema treatment
In early stages of lipedema, conservative treatment can alleviate symptoms. These include:
- Compression stockings and pants for decongestion
- Manual lymphatic drainage to improve lymphatic drainage
- Dietary changes and weight reduction for overweight individuals
- Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling
It is important to implement the measures consistently in order to achieve the best possible effect. Lymphatic drainage and compression therapy should be performed by specialized therapists.
Surgical lipedema treatment using liposuction
Liposuction has established itself as the most effective treatment method for lipedema in recent years. This involves removing the diseased fatty tissue using special cannulas. The two most common techniques are tumescent liposuction (TLA) and water-jet-assisted liposuction (WAL).
In TLA, a large amount of tumescent solution is first injected into the tissue. This solution contains a local anesthetic for numbing, adrenaline to constrict the blood vessels, and saline solution to cause the tissue to swell. This makes it easier to loosen the fat cells from the connective tissue and suck them out.
WAL, on the other hand, requires smaller amounts of tumescent solution. Instead, a low-pressure water jet is used to gently separate the fat cells from the tissue and suction them out at the same time. Both techniques require an experienced lipedema doctor to avoid injury to the lymph vessels.
In daily practice at LipoClinic, water-jet-assisted liposuction has proven to be beneficial. New studies and conference reports suggest that WAL offers advantages over other methods.
After surgical lipedema treatment, it is essential to wear compression garments consistently for at least 6 weeks to reduce swelling and bruising. Lymphatic drainage and skin care also support the healing process.
Studies show that liposuction can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and symptoms in the long term.
Holistic lipedema treatment as the key to success
To get lasting results and really improve your quality of life, you need a holistic approach to lipedema treatment. Along with the actual treatment, it’s super important to get personalized advice, involve the people around you, and have a customized follow-up plan.
These include:
- Education and psychological support
- Guide to an active lifestyle with healthy eating
- Lymphatic drainage and compression therapy after surgery
Often, both the secondary conditions associated with lipedema and the connection between lipedema and mental health are not given sufficient consideration. However, only when both body and soul are given equal attention is it possible to achieve a high degree of symptom relief and restore quality of life.
With the right lipedema treatment, the condition can be controlled very well. The key lies in a holistic therapy concept that is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. This can alleviate physical symptoms, boost self-esteem, and restore a zest for life.
Start your lipedema treatment at LipoClinic Dr. Heck!
At LipoClinic Dr. Heck, we offer comprehensive lipedema treatment in accordance with the latest medical standards. Let our team of experts accompany you on your journey.
Do you have any questions about our approach to lipedema treatment or would you like to make an appointment at our clinic? Then please feel free to contact us. During a non-binding consultation, we will provide you with detailed information about the options for lipedema treatment and work with you to find the best solution for your individual situation.
If you are looking for more support and want to talk to other people affected by the same condition, then our LipoTalks are just right for you!
