Lipoedema
The Private Clinic offers safe and reliable treatments for Lipoedema symptoms.
Please see our frequently asked questions for Lipoedema.
FAQs
You may notice an instant change shortly after the treatment has taken place, however swelling is common, and we recommend regularly elevating the treated areas to help with this.
The results of liposuction for lipoedema will vary between patients, if the calves are treated, this area in particular is more prone to swelling and calves can remain swollen for up to 6 months in some cases as it is the lowest body part affected by gravity.
We encourage patients to remain relatively active during their recovery period with activities like walking. Exercise can be performed on other areas of the body that have not been treated. If the legs were treated for example, then arm exercises can be carried out but you will need to ideally wait at least 4-5 weeks before resuming running or other highly strenuous activities.
We advise patients to allow 3-5 days before returning to work. This will depend on the nature of your role. Those in a job role that is highly strenuous may need to take extra time to allow time to heal.
There is no real cure for lipoedema however the range of treatments on offer will help patients manage their condition, their symptoms and reduce the progression of the condition whilst also improving their overall health.
If left untreated, your lipoedema symptoms may get worse and begin to affect your mobility, emotional health, and quality of life.
Lipoedema can also progress into lymphedema if the excess starts to block vessels of the lymphatic system which will prevent the natural drainage of lymph fluid.
Lipoedema is commonly misdiagnosed as Lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema is a condition where the lymphatic system does not work properly and causes a build-up of excess fluid and swelling in the affected areas. It usually only occurs in one leg or arm and is often caused due to damage to lymph nodes which can happen as part of cancer therapy.
Lipoedema in comparison is a condition that causes a build up of fatty deposits in the affected areas. It affects both arms or legs symmetrically and although the cause is still relatively unknown, reports have presented those hormones and genetics are factors that can make you more prone to developing lipoedema.
Whilst both conditions do cause an enlargement of the affected area, the cause is different. Another tell-tale difference between the two conditions is that when pressure is applied to an area affected by lymphoedema, an indention mark may remain which does not happen when pressure is applied to an area affected by lipoedema.
It is possible for patients with lipoedema to also have lymphoedema.
There is no real treatment for Lymphoedema but treatments that implement compression and massage have been known to help reduce symptoms, along with a healthy lifestyle and exercise. At The Private Clinic we offer Body Ballancer treatment which has been clinically proven to help reduce limb and body swelling by effectively moving any excess fluid into and through the lymphatic vessels whilst boosting blood circulation. Find out more here.
Liposuction for Lipoedema on the NHS is possible; however it is very difficult to get NHS funding for this type of procedure.
The first step is to get a diagnosis from your GP, once this has happened then your GP can apply for funding through your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Each CCG has different regulations as to what they will and won’t fund and many conditions are taken on a case-by-case basis.
As well as strict regulations, the NHS also has lengthy wait-times for Lipo for Lipoedema procedures.
Many patients choose to seek for self-pay liposuction treatment for lipoedema for these reasons.
Our private clinic setting allows Lipoedema patients to meet with our expert surgeon, Dr Dennis Wolf who specialises in Liposuction for Lipoedema. Surgery is carried out at our state-of-the-art private hospital in London Fitzroy Square. All aftercare appointments are included in the cost of the procedure and our 24-hour helpline means you will be in the best of hands.
Unfortunately it can be hard to get an official diagnosis of lipoedema from a GP as it is likely that they would not be familiar with the condition.
We recommend going through the list of lipoedema symptoms and seeing if any fit what you are experiencing.
There are lots of online sources and organisations that can help including:
If you are wondering if liposuction is going to be the best treatment for you to reduce excess fat in your legs. We recommend booking a consultation with our expert Dr Dennis Wolf who will be able to help identify if lipoedema is the cause and advise on the best course of treatment to help reduce your symptoms.
