Improvements in patients with lipedema 4, 8 and 12 years after liposuction.

BACKGROUND: Long-term results following liposuction in patients with lipedema were available only for an average period of 8 years. OBJECTIVE: To find out whether the improvements persist for a further 4 years. METHODS: In 60 patients with lipedema a single-centre study with a mail questionnaire - often in combination with clinical controls - was performed after an average period of 12 years following liposuction(s). All patients in this group had already been surveyed 4 and 8 years after surgery. RESULTS: Compared with the earlier results improvement persisted with regard to spontaneous pain, sensitivity to pressure, edema, bruising and restriction of movement; similar outcomes were observed for self-assessment of cosmetic impairment, reduction in quality of life and overall impairment. While in the period from 4 to 8 years postoperatively complaints slightly increased, this was not the case for the period 8 to 12 years postoperatively. In addition a similar reduction of conservative treatment (decongestive therapy, compression garments) was observed as after 4 and 8 years postoperatively. Compared with the body weight before liposuction, 55% of the patients showed a reduction of 6.2 kg on average and 43.3% had a weight increase with an average of 7.9 kg. CONCLUSION: The results show, that the positive effects of liposuction last 12 years postoperatively without relevant worsening. They imply that liposuction for lipedema leads to a permanent reduction of symptom severity and need for conservative therapy.

Liposuction - a surgical procedure in dermatology.

Liposuction is an integral part of the wide range of surgical procedures in dermatology. Dermatologists established tumescent local anesthesia in combination with the use of micro-cannulas; especially dermatologists from Germany and Austria actively designed and developed these new techniques. In this position paper, we discuss the history, various interdisciplinary aspects, the significance, and the treatment indications for this procedure as well as its role within dermatologic training programs and research. For quality reasons, members of the Germany Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the Austrian Society of Dermatologic Surgery discuss several fundamental professional aspects as well as the historical development of liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction: a new and successful therapy for lipedema.

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.

[Lipoedema--current status, new perspectives]. / Lipödem--aktueller Stand, neue Perspektiven.

Because of the lifelong and often progressive course and the mental trauma to the patients, lipoedema is an important dermatologic disorder. Complex physical therapy programs were introduced as a standard therapy years ago and can achieve an impressive oedema reduction. Liposuction in tumescent local anesthesia with vibrating microcannulas has proved to be a new effective treatment. A targeted and permanent reduction of the fat tissue leads to an increased quality of life due to an improved appearance, reduced tendency to swelling and less pain.