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Frequently asked questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LIPEDEMA

Your most frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of lipedema?

The symptoms described by the patients are variable: sensations of heavy limbs, swelling, tightness, continuous pain or pain aggravated by prolonged sitting or standing.

The symptoms are always bilateral, affecting both sides of the body.

What tests are needed before the operation?

1/ Pre-operative blood test, which allows you and us to know where you stand in terms of haemoglobin

2/ Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs which shows the state of the deep veins (circulation and signs of insufficiency or not)

How does the operation work?

The operation is preferably performed under spinal anaesthesia in a clinic, but it is sometimes necessary to operate under general anaesthesia.

You will arrive in the morning (with your pre-purchased girdle) on an empty stomach at least one hour before the operation. The surgeon will make outlines  with a felt-tip pen on the areas of lipedema to be treated.

The operation takes place while you are sleeping and you will wake up with the girdle on you. You go home at the end of the day.

How long does the procedure last ?

The duration of liposuction W.A.L. operations is quite long, lasting at least 2 to 3 hours.

How long does it take until the results are visible?

The results will appear gradually over several weeks; after two months, there will already be a real physical change. The final results are seen after 6 months to 1 year.

The results are both visible and invisible because the disappearance or reduction of lipoedema symptoms accompanies the aesthetic transformations.

How long do patients stay in hospital after the operation?

Today, it is no longer necessary to stay in the clinic overnight, the operation has entered the modern era of ambulatory care!

Do I have to stay still for a few days after the operation?

No, standing still is not a good idea; on the contrary, you should try to walk a little more every day.

Which surgeons can operate on lipedema?

Only certain plastic surgeons can treat it because it is a very special and difficult disease to understand.

It requires a plastic surgeon who is used to liposuction techniques of the limbs, with a solid experience in plastic surgery and who knows perfectly the liposuction W.A.L. technique. This technique requires a lot of concentration, effort and meticulousness from the plastic surgeon.

Can all my lipedema be treated in one operation?

It depends on the stage of your lipedema. It will also depend on the extent of swelling on your limbs. Most of the time two operations will be necessary (legs and thighs, or thighs and arms), or even more, and in some exceptional cases only one operation can be considered.

Is the treatment for lipedema covered by health insurance?

Lipedema is not covered by health insurance.

Can I undergo surgery if I have already undergone liposuction by another surgeon with unfavourable results?

Yes, the case will be studied with the surgeon and if the damage is repairable then treatments will be proposed.

It is also important to note that an previous liposuction is insufficient to treat lipedema or that was performed with inappropriate techniques can be skilfully completed by a real liposuction W.A.L..

Can I fly soon after the operation?

It is not advisable to fly (journeys of more than 2 hours) at leas the first 15 days have elapsed and after a Doppler ultrasound has been performed.

Can I do sports after the operation?

Yes, but with a minimum delay of 4 weeks.

Do I need to pay attention to my diet?

Yes, because you must not forget the dietary rules specific to lipedema.

A balanced diet should always be sought in all patients with lipedema.

For more information on food click here – F.A.Q du lipœdème

What are the stages of lipedema?

There are 4 main stages or physical forms of lipedema:

1 – Early or minor with moderate limb deformities

2 – Moderate with cellulite-like deformities and fat nodules

3 – Major with fatty deformities in several areas of the limbs

4 – Lipo-lymphedema

What parts of the body are affected by lipedema?

Lipedema affects the limbs but not the feet, hands or trunk.

Lymphedema and lipedema, what are the differences?

Lymphedema is enhanced by elevation of the affected limb and may be asymmetric.

Lymphedema does not usually have fatty overload.

Lymphatic drainage for lipedema?

Lymphatic drainage is good for lipedema at all stages, before and after the operation. It is preferably performed manually by a physiotherapist, osteopath or naturopath.

What are the advantages of a liposuction W.A.L.?

W.A.L. liposuction has the advantage over conventional liposuction of respecting the lymphatic network of the aspirated limbs and it also allows larger quantities of fat to be removed in one session.

If you do not find the answer to your question in our FAQ-lipedema, do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail or by phone. We will answer all your questions.