Lipedema: assessment and treatment
Lipedema-reducing surgery with WAL may be considered for clinically diagnosed lipedema. The aim is to relieve pain, tenderness and a feeling of heaviness, and to improve everyday function. The treatment is not a method for weight loss.
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic condition of the fat tissue, characterized by pain, tenderness, a feeling of heaviness and a disproportionate distribution of fat in the extremities. When lipedema has been clinically diagnosed, surgical treatment may be considered as part of an individually tailored treatment plan.
Who may the treatment suit?
Surgical treatment may be considered for adults with clinically diagnosed lipedema when it is reasonable to expect an improvement in symptoms or function. The assessment is based on symptom burden and function, not stage alone, and includes general health, weight and metabolic status, blood count and iron status, nicotine use, and venous and lymphatic factors. The ability to follow compression and postoperative follow-up is also important. In cases of concurrent obesity or metabolic disease, optimization may be necessary before surgery.
How the treatment works
Surgery at ILEANA is performed with WAL, water-assisted liposuction. A controlled jet of fluid helps loosen the fat tissue before it is removed through cannulas. The procedure uses an anatomical, lymphatic-sparing technique, but no liposuction method can guarantee that lymphatic vessels will not be damaged. Treatment is usually planned in two sessions, but the number is adapted to the areas involved, lipedema type and stage, symptom burden, tissue volume and safety. ILEANA usually uses a total aspirated volume of about 8–10 percent of body weight per session as the upper planning limit, in line with protocols used internationally. The actual volume may be lower and is determined during the procedure based on blood loss, fluid balance and tissue response.
After the treatment
Early mobilization, compression and structured follow-up are essential. Swelling, tenderness, bruising and temporary unevenness are to be expected. Physiotherapy and lymphatic treatment are adapted to your needs, and not everyone needs every component. Return to work depends on the extent of the surgery and the physical demands of the job. Results and any change in symptoms develop over several months.
Important to know
As with all surgery, lipedema surgery carries a risk of complications. These may include bleeding and subsequent anemia, infection, seroma or other fluid collection, unevenness, asymmetry, altered sensation, prolonged swelling, excess skin, blood clots, and damage to lymphatic vessels or other surrounding structures. In some cases, further treatment or corrective surgery may be needed.
The effect of the treatment varies between patients. The degree of symptom relief, functional improvement and change in body shape cannot be guaranteed, and the scientific evidence base for surgical treatment of lipedema is still developing.
Physiotherapy and follow-up for lipedema
Physiotherapy can be an important part of comprehensive treatment for lipedema, both as conservative treatment and as follow-up before and after any surgery.
Follow-up is tailored to each patient's symptoms, function and needs. Relevant measures may include guidance on physical activity and exercise, compression therapy, self-care and, when considered appropriate, manual lymphatic drainage.
With surgical treatment, physiotherapy follow-up can also be part of the preparation before the procedure and of rehabilitation afterward.
Find a physiotherapist with relevant expertise
The Norwegian Lymphedema and Lipedema Association (Norsk Lymfødem- og Lipødemforbund) has a nationwide directory of physiotherapists who work with lymphedema and lipedema.
If you want treatment from a physiotherapist with a municipal operating agreement, we recommend checking this directly with the physiotherapist in question or the municipality. The directory does not necessarily indicate who holds an operating agreement. Availability, waiting times and out-of-pocket costs may vary.
Button: Find a physiotherapist in Norway
https://nllf.forening247.no/finnfysioterapeut/
Private physiotherapy services
If you are considering private physiotherapy follow-up, the following practices may be relevant. Both have experience following patients with lipedema and lymph-related conditions.
One Body Klinikk, Bergen
One Body Klinikk offers individually tailored physiotherapy follow-up and manual lymphatic drainage in Bergen. The clinic accepts patients with lipedema and patients who need follow-up before or after surgical treatment.
One Body Klinikk has developed a dedicated treatment program for patients followed up at ILEANA.
https://www.onebodyklinikk.no
Ann-Katrin Schimmele, Stavanger and Sandnes
Ann-Katrin Schimmele is a physiotherapist and sports therapist with advanced training in the treatment of lymphedema and lipedema from Germany. She offers individually tailored follow-up for lipedema and lymphedema.
Follow-up may include manual lymphatic drainage, guidance on physical activity and self-care, and assessment and follow-up related to compression therapy.
The clinic is located at Forus, between Stavanger and Sandnes.
https://www.akschimmele.com
Choosing a physiotherapist
The need for physiotherapy and the choice of measures are assessed individually. Patients are free to choose their own physiotherapist. Prices, waiting times, reimbursement schemes and practical arrangements should be clarified directly with the individual provider.
How we work
Phase 1
Consultation
The first consultation is about understanding your needs and assessing whether surgery is the right treatment. You receive a thorough medical assessment, information about possibilities and limitations, and plenty of time to ask questions before making a decision.
Phase 2
Treatment plan
If treatment is appropriate, an individual plan is drawn up. The patient receives information about preparations, the procedure itself and what matters in the period afterwards.
Phase 3
Treatment
Treatment is carried out with a focus on professional precision, safety and natural results. Each procedure is tailored to the patient and performed only when there is a clear indication.
Phase 4
Follow-up
Follow-up is an important part of the treatment. The patient is closely monitored during the healing phase, with clear information about what is normal, what requires attention and what the road ahead looks like.
Price list
Prices incl. VAT
Lipoedema reduction surgery with WAL technology
By appointment
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
During the consultation we go through what you want help with, your medical history, medications, previous procedures and relevant findings. You receive a professional assessment of the available options, limitations and alternatives, including when surgery is not recommended.
Can several treatments be combined?
Some procedures can be combined, but this is assessed individually. The extent of surgery, operating time, anaesthesia, medical risk and expected recovery must all be safe. Some treatments should be carried out in separate sessions.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. The choice depends on the treatment area, the extent of the procedure and an individual medical assessment. At the consultation we review which type of anaesthesia is suitable for you. The final plan is agreed before the procedure.
Is the result permanent?
The fat cells that are removed are usually not replaced by new fat cells in the same number. However, the remaining fat cells and the body's tissue can still change with weight changes, ageing, hormones and pregnancy. No treatment can guarantee a specific or lasting cosmetic result.
What is included in the price of surgery?
Price and content are confirmed in the written treatment offer. Scheduled follow-up appointments, suture removal and any local anaesthesia or sedation are normally included. Any extras, such as general anaesthesia, compression garments or an overnight stay, are agreed in advance.
Considering treatment? Start with a safe assessment.
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