Study Finds Liposuction Effective on Lipedema
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There’s an exciting new study out on Lipedema from Dr. Stefan Rapprich and his colleagues at the Department of Dermatology, Darmstadt Hospital in Germany. They report that the most effective treatment for Lipedema is Tumescent Local Anesthesia Liposuction using a vibrating microcannula. Depending on the stage of disease, up to 5 sessions of Liposuction were needed at 4-week intervals for the most severe cases. The study involved 25 patients who were examined, measured, and photographed using a special 3-D camera, then given liposuction using the preferred method. Patients were subsequently followed for 6 months post-op. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and compression treatments were given for 4-6 weeks following surgeries and then as needed. The patients reported greatly reduced pain, much better quality of life and better self-image.
Previously the only treatment offered for lipedema has been MLD and compression garments, but this method only offers temporary relief from the edema at best, and is a lifelong process with frequent MLD sessions being necessary. Removal of the diseased fat using these advanced liposuction techniques gives more permanent relief and a return to a more normal life. Lipedema is a chronic disease and this advanced method of Liposuction significantly improves the condition for up to 8 years post surgery, negating the need for frequent MLD. This is especially true for those in the early stages of the disease, which showed the most improvement, although late stage patients also improved. The study reports few complications using this new liposuction method for treating painful Lipedema.
At last there is some good news and promise for this painful condition on the horizon. For a further bit of good news…we are currently making arrangements for Dr. Stefan Rapprich to speak at the annual FDRS conference. His attendance is not 100% confirmed yet, but we are planning an exciting lineup of speakers, including Dr. Karen Herbst, for this expanded 2-day event on April 29-30, 2011 in the Chicago area. Save the date and be sure to register to receive FDRS updates in your inbox, so you will be the first to know when we make announcements about the conference.
I would like to know more about this research re lipedema. mine is worsening in that the compression machine etc helps but not as much as even 2 yrs ago and my l. leg hurts more. i live in boston..please let me know, thanks!
Dear Sir
I have been suffering from Lipodema for about 20 years. I too have had to explain to Doctors that it is not Lymphodema but they all say I am wrong and tell me to lose weight. Do you know if there is anywhere in England that has any research going on. I am getting desperate I am getting bigger and it is destroying my self confidence and also making me very depressed. I would be grateful for any advise
Thanking you in anticipation
I need a physician in the New York Metropolitan area that understands and can treat (liposuction) Lipedema unrelated to Lymphedema. Compression and massage of any kind worsens symptoms of pain, extreme heat and stasis dermatitis. I have just about exhausted my resources and my condition is worsening.
Thank you.
I live in Holland. I think ( ar better are sure) I have Dercum’s disaese. It is not known bij the doctors in Holland.
What is the best thing I can do.IS there also a clinic in Hannover.
Riekje from Holland
Since I live in Germany, I was very happy to see the report about Dr. Rapprich. Do you know if this new method also works for Dercums? I will investigate it and let you know!! Carina from Germany
I have serious concerns about liposuction and lipo-lymphedema patients. I know that the swelling that I still have in my forearm after having a relatively small lipoma removed back in February is because of my overall edema issues. Anytime I have any kind of trauma, large or small, insignificant or serious, my body goes into overdrive with the swelling response. I just cannot see how it would be any different with lipo, no matter how small an instrument is used. I look forward to hearing Dr. Rapprich’s response to this issue.
i have had the first two of four planned procedures of this type of liposuction and already the pain i previously encountered is greatly reduced – i feel and look better yhan i have done in years – my treatment is at hanse clinic – hamburg germany
Leisa,
Lipedema isn’t well known in the U.S., as you probably already know, so I’m not surprised that the surgeon reacted the way he did, but it frustrates me as much as it does you. I had a similar experience several years ago with a plastic surgeon and I cried all the way home. I could barely see to drive and was upset for days because the doctor was so disbelieving and insulting. I feel for you and understand perfectly. My suggestion would be to prepare a letter to send out to potential surgeons, explaining your disease and asking if they are familiar or if not, willing to learn. It’s important that they use the least damaging method of liposuction to keep from harming our lymphatic system, so do your research and keep trying. Good luck!
All the best,
Carole
The doctor that I saw at the Lymphedema clinic over a month ago referred me to a plastic surgeon that works with/at the Lymphedema clinic. My appt with the plastic surgeon was yesterday at the Lymphedema clinic in Houston. I brought a copy of the research information with me to get his opionion. Long story short he kept correcting me when I would use the term Lipedema and said that it’s Lymphedema. He said that I needed to see a Bariatric doctor to lose weight in my legs and upper arms and that he didnt understand why I was referred to him because he doesnt use surgery or lipo for weight loss. I explained that I had Lap Band in 2004 and that because of the Lipedema I’m unable to lose the “weight in my legs and upper arms”. He said that he didnt know what I was talking about. I said that it’s Lipedema and he got frustrated and said “I don’t have any idea what that is”. I showed him the copy of the research info and he briefly read it and said well we could do Lipo but would have to take over 8 liters out of each leg and by law I’d have to keep you overnight….
or we could do one leg, send you home and see how it goes?
I guess my biggest disappointment is that HE works at the Lymphedema clinic and had never heard of Lipedema.
Thanks Dr. Herbst!
There are a few studies previously published on liposuction for patients with lipedema and even on patients with lymphedema. I do not know of any formal studies on liposuction in patients with lipo-lymphedema. Development of lymphedema is a risk of liposcution but in the centers that focus on liposuction and lipedema, my understanding is that this risk has gone way down. Going to any surgeon without a lot of experience with lipedema may increase this risk. This is definitely a question we will ask Dr. Rapprich in April 2011.
I’m curious to know whether this treatment has been studied on patients with lipo-lymphedema. I would imagine that the liposuction might make the lymphedema worse. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on the latest research and treatments!