What is lipoedema?
Lipoedema is an accumulation of fatty tissue and fluid. It is a chronic disease that causes pain and many complaints. The production of fatty tissue is disturbed and the drainage of body fluids via the lymph vessels does not function properly. The disturbed processes lead to a subcutaneous accumulation of fat and fluid. Lipoedema is most commonly found on the hips, knees and thighs. Despite losing weight, your legs remain fat and develop the shape of saddlebags. Occasionally, fatty tissue can also accumulate around your ankles and arms. Your hands and feet are usually spared.
How can I treat my lipoedema?
Unfortunately, there is no effective solution for self-treatment. Losing weight and following a strict diet are unfortunately not effective for lipoedema. However, a varied and healthy diet can reduce your symptoms. Physiotherapy treatments and manual therapies can also help to alleviate symptoms. However, these solutions are only temporary. If you are looking for a permanent solution, treating your lipoedema with a Liposuction a possible key.
How does liposuction work for lipoedema?
The Liposuction of lipoedema is performed under general anaesthetic. This minimises the risk of damage to the lymph vessels. After the anaesthetic begins to take effect, small incisions are made and an anaesthetic fluid is injected to soften the fatty tissue. After the anaesthetic fluid has taken effect, the accumulated fat is liquefied using the Vaser system so that it can be extracted using fine cannulas. The treatment takes about two hours.
Am I suitable for liposuction?
As a rule, most patients with lipoedema are suitable for the Liposuction suitable. The larger your lipoedema, the better the results. With large amounts of accumulated fat, several treatments are sometimes necessary to achieve an optimal result. Your general health is also crucial. Before the lipoedema treatment, you will be informed in detail about the treatment by one of our experienced specialists.
How do I know if I have lipoedema?
Are your legs much thicker compared to the rest of your body? If this is the case, you may have lipoedema. Typical for lipoedema is that despite visible weight loss, there is no improvement in the lipoedema. The fat pads are flabby and you experience a heavy to painful feeling in your legs. Bruising occurs in the affected areas and your skin is sensitive to pressure. Lipoedema is often accompanied by cellulite. The deposits can also cause you to gain a dress size. The localised occurrence of lipoedema can result in a difference of two to three dress sizes between the upper and lower body. Both your doctor and a dermatologist can diagnose lipoedema.
What can I expect after lipoedema treatment?
After the procedure, you can recover from the treatment in our Acura clinic. The incisions are taped and bandaged together. You will wear elasticated trousers to protect the treated area and minimise bruising and swelling. As soon as the effect of the anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some pain. A normal painkiller can be taken to counteract this. The bruising and swelling will disappear within a few days or weeks.
What results can I expect from lipoedema treatment?
The first results are visible immediately after the procedure. It takes about 6 months to achieve the final result. Your skin needs time to adapt to the new body shape. The Liposuction against lipoedema helps to improve your quality of life. Your arms and / or Legs The contours return to normal and both the pain and the flaccid feeling decrease considerably. Most patients are very satisfied with their body after the treatment.
Are the results of lipoedema treatment permanent?
The course of recovery varies from person to person. The recovery phase is between three and six months. This depends on the areas treated and the number of treatments performed. Your skin needs time to recover from the procedure. The results of the treatment are generally permanent. The correction of your body therefore remains permanent. If you gain weight after the treatment, more fat will be stored again. It is important to have a realistic picture of the expected results so that you can go home satisfied after the operation.
Is liposuction for lipoedema painful?
The procedure takes place under general anaesthetic. For this reason, you will not feel anything from the treatment. You may experience slight pain after the treatment. This will disappear within a few hours.
What do I need to consider when treating lipoedema?
It is necessary to be sober on the day of the procedure, as the operation is performed under general anaesthetic.
In order to positively influence the results, it is recommended to stop smoking two to three weeks before the procedure.
Can lipoedema treatment be carried out under general anaesthetic?
Lipoedema treatment is always carried out under general anaesthetic.
Why is it recommended to wear elasticated trousers after the procedure?
The elasticated trousers reduce bruising and swelling. The trousers also act as a compress for the subcutaneous tissue. We advise you to wear the elasticated trousers for at least 2 to 4 weeks after the treatment. Buy several pairs of trousers so that you can change from time to time.
Are there certain things I should bear in mind in the days following lipoedema treatment?
We advise you not to drive again immediately after the treatment. Have someone pick you up. After two days, you can get back behind the wheel yourself. However, avoid long journeys at the beginning. If you are forced to drive for a longer period of time, interrupt your journey every hour to get some exercise. You can resume your normal work a few days after the operation. You should avoid physically strenuous work and/or intensive training in the first week after treatment. For optimal recovery, it is important to listen to your body.
What are the risks of lipoedema treatment?
The Liposuction is a safe, frequently used cosmetic procedure. Complications can occur as with any other surgery. Possible complications include bruising, temporary swelling, bleeding, allergic reactions to the anaesthetic used, wound infections and poor wound healing. The likelihood of complications is higher in smokers. Smoking has a negative effect on anaesthesia and can lead to poor wound healing. You should therefore try to stop smoking before the planned treatment and also refrain from smoking for a few weeks after the treatment.
How much does liposuction for lipoedema cost?
The Acura Medical Centre offers a fixed price for lipoedema treatments using Liposuction on. The costs amount to €3,500. In special cases, a second treatment is required to achieve an optimal result.
How do I know how many treatments I need?
Your situation will be discussed during the consultation. The experienced doctor will determine whether one treatment is sufficient or whether you can achieve a better result with two treatments.
Can the costs of lipoedema treatment be reimbursed?
The costs Lipoedema treatment is rarely reimbursed. The disease is not (yet) recognised as such and has no place in the insurance system. Only in cases of medical necessity can there be partial reimbursement. Of course, you can always try submitting a justified application for reimbursement to your health insurance company. You should state the medical need as clearly as possible and enclose the statements of your treating doctor(s).
Will there be scars after the treatment?
The resulting scars from lipoedema treatment are very small. After the treatment, the scars may be red and swollen for the first time. However, these symptoms disappear in the days and weeks following treatment. Give the scars enough time to heal, this process can take up to a year.
Can lipoedema treatment be paid for in instalments?
Cosmetic treatments are not cheap. Lipoedema treatment is not usually covered by your health insurance. The high costs can be a reason to forego the procedure. However, lipoedema treatment can fundamentally improve your life. We work with a lender to enable you to pay in monthly instalments. You should be aware that the total amount may be higher if you pay in instalments. Also due to the lender's interest costs. The lender determines the length of the repayment period.
Is pregnancy an additional risk with lipoedema?
It has not been proven whether pregnancy influences the development of lipoedema. In a normal pregnancy there is always a certain risk of problems with the legs, such as varicose veins. If you have lipoedema, it is important to prevent and/or limit swelling as much as possible. To do this, you should keep moving. You should discuss with your doctor or GP what precautions you can take to limit the increase in lipoedema.
What can I do myself against lipoedema?
To prevent lipoedema from worsening, you should get enough exercise. Exercising the leg muscles stabilises symptoms such as tired and painful legs. A healthy, varied diet is also recommended. If you are overweight, you will benefit from losing weight. Weight gain leads to a worsening of lipoedema.
Can lipoedema disappear by itself?
Lipoedema does not heal by itself. To control the condition of lipoedema, you should exercise sufficiently and maintain a normal, healthy weight. Some people with lipoedema need to wear elasticated stockings for life. If you are unable or unwilling to do this, the lipoedemaLiposuction often the only solution available.
Does the removed fat return after lipoedema liposuction?
Fat cells, which are caused by a Liposuction are removed do not come back. The results of the treatment are permanent. If you gain weight after the operation, you will notice this. The existing fat cells will expand. In order to maintain the treatment results achieved, a healthy lifestyle with a varied diet and sufficient exercise is recommended.
Will my skin recover after the treatment?
The lipoedemaLiposuction is an extremely precise procedure in which the tissue of your skin remains intact thanks to the innovative technique. After the treatment, you should wear elasticated trousers to support your skin. The doctor will inform you in advance about the recovery time. To dispel any concerns about possible damage to the skin, you can view before and after photos of the treatment.
Can lipoedema also be treated at an older age?
The treatment of lipoedema is not limited to a certain age. If you are healthy and would like to have your lipoedema treated, you can consider treatment at any time. The treating doctor will discuss your health and any chronic illnesses with you, as well as any medication you are taking. Based on this, a treatment proposal will be drawn up.
What is the difference between lipoedema and lymphoedema?
In contrast to lipoedema, lymphoedema is usually unilateral. Lipoedema is symmetrical on both sides. In addition, lipoedema only occurs in women. While the entire leg, including the foot and toes, can be swollen in lymphoedema, the feet usually remain "normal" in lipoedema. The swelling stops above the foot. Lipoedema can be associated with Liposuction can be treated, but unfortunately lymphoedema cannot.
Why are some patients with lipoedema advised against liposuction?
The classic Liposuction can damage the lymphatic vessels in some patients. This is not beneficial for existing lipoedema. Depending on the extent of the condition, an inexperienced doctor may advise against the treatment. At the Acura Medical Centre, the fatty tissue is first liquefied and then removed using thin microcannulas. Our doctors have a lot of experience with the Liposuction for lipoedema patients.
Is there a minimum age for lipoedema treatment?
Cosmetic procedures have a minimum age of 18 years. Lipoedema treatment can be for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Minors must provide a signed declaration from their parents and/or legal guardian. As a rule, however, this treatment does not affect young people.
Can I continue working after lipoedema treatment?
Although you will be mobile after lipoedema treatment, you may experience considerable muscle pain. These painful and stiff feelings last for an average of 7 to 14 days. Doctors advise against performing heavy physical labour during this time.
When can I start showering again after lipoedema treatment?
You may shower gently 24 hours after the treatment. Make sure that you do not shower too hot or for too long. Follow the doctor's instructions regarding compression garments. When you take off this special clothing, it may feel a little strange at first. In addition, some anaesthetic fluid may leak from the wound in the first few days and weeks. When showering, be careful not to rub too hard and do not apply pressure to the treated area.
Further questions about lipoedema treatment?
Do you have any questions that are not listed here? You are welcome to contact us Contact us.
