Background: Lipedema is a rare and painful disease in women. Until recently, it could be treated only by conservative methods (combined physical therapy).
Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of surgery (liposuction) concerning appearance and associated complaints.
Methods: Twenty-eight patients, who had undergone conservative therapy over a period of years, were treated by liposuction under tumescent local anesthesia with vibrating microcannulas. Twenty-one could be reevaluated after an average of 12.2 (1-26) months.
Results: All showed great improvement, with normalization of body proportions. Additionally, spontaneous pain, sensitivity to pressure, and bruising either disappeared completely or improved markedly. Other than minor swelling for a few days, no complications could be observed following surgery. All patients reported a tremendous increase in their quality of life. Physical therapy had to be continued to a much lower degree.
Conclusion: Tumescent liposuction has proved to be a safe and effective treatment for lipedema.