Lipedema operation: The D-day
Once the day of your operation has been fixed (depending on your availability, the days when the Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger can operate and the availability of the clinics) you will choose your anaesthetic after consultation with our anaesthetist (spinal or general anaesthesia).
Fasting and watching out for anaemia
You will arrive on an empty stomach (minimum 6 hours without eating, minimum 2 hours without drinking), with loose-fitting clothes, your arrival time will be fixed by the clinic: we advise you to arrive at least one hour before the operation (with your post-operative garment/compression that you have purchased beforehand).
Please note! You should not take any medication containing aspirin for 10 days before the operation. You should also be particularly careful if you are prone to anaemia.
How the lipedema operation is performed: having opted for a spinal anaesthetic, a patient listens quietly to her music during the operation.
The block
After paying the clinic fee and completing your admission file you will be directed to a room where the nurses will take your ‘vitals’ (blood pressure, temperature etc).
A “block” outfit will be provided (disposable briefs, block gown, gown and socks over shoes).
On arrival in the operating theatre, you will be met by Dr. Zwillinger who will briefly review the situation with you and mark out the lipedema areas with a felt-tip pen with your consent. Once you have been anaesthetised by the anaesthetist, the surgeon and his assistant will apply betadine (an iodine-based antiseptic) to your skin and begin the operation.
Duration of the operation
The operation lasts on average between 1h30 and 2h30 depending on the area concerned and the nature of your fatty tissue. The fat is sucked out by the BODY-JET machine using the WAL (Water-Assisted Liposuction) technique. At the end of the operation, the compression garment and dressings are put in place by the operating team.
Le vêteThe compression garment (or strips) must be worn for 15 days (day AND night) and must be combined with class III compression stockings to avoid swelling, reduce pain and improve the venous and lymphatic network of the area.
For the next 15 days we advise you to wear them during the day OR at night only.
You may have to wear them for longer periods if necessary.
Rest and anticoagulants
Although 1/3 of our patients feel the need to spend the night in the clinic, it is not necessary for you to stay there: after a few hours of rest you can walk home at the end of the day.
Following the operation you will have 10 days of anticoagulants (to thin your blood, limit the risk of phlebitis) with possible sensations in the legs (swelling, itching, pulling, feelings of electricity in the area).
Operating flows
Post-operative discharge (of infiltration fluids / saline / anaesthetic fluid mixture and blood) is common in the next 3-5 days. You should bring bed sheets to protect your train/car seat and bedding.
Results of the operation
You can visit our gallery to see the before/after results and our Instagram account. It is very important to walk a little every day but not to force yourself. Do not lie down and do nothing! Be careful though as dizziness is possible.
