Lipoedema Liposuction

As its name suggests, lipoedema liposuction is a treatment for lipoedema – a condition which causes abnormal deposits of fat to build up in the body. The areas most frequently affected by lipoedema are the extremities, including hips, thighs, knees, buttocks and arms, causing them to look disproportionately large compared to the rest of the body. The condition mainly affects women, but it can happen to men too.

Liposuction for lipoedema effectively targets all affected areas, including:

• Thighs: Reducing excess fat from the inner, outer, and front thighs helps slim the legs and prevents discomfort and irritation caused by thigh rubbing.
• Calves: Removing fat around the ankle bones enhances leg definition and overall shape.
• Knees: Targeting the inner knee, often combined with thigh and ankle treatments, refines the leg’s contour.
• Arms: Focuses on reducing fat between the elbow and armpit, restoring proportion and balance to your arms and overall body.

The main symptom of lipoedema is the development and appearance of abnormal body fat. The fat usually feels lumpy beneath the skin. It more frequently concentrates on the lower, however can also affect the arms. Lipoedema usually starts to develop during puberty or the menopause.

• Other common symptoms of lipoedema include:
• Painful joints
• Pain or tenderness where that fat develops
• Bruising

Lipoedema can continue developing and spreading to different parts of your body. You may notice that your symptoms worsen during warmer weather, following a flight, after exercise or when you’ve been standing for a long period of time.

Whilst traditional liposuction is used to achieve cosmetic improvements only, lipoedema surgery is a specialized procedure to eliminate fat build-ups triggered by lipoedema. The main focus of this procedure is to alleviate discomfort, enhance movement and boost the well-being of individuals dealing with lipoedema. It serves as a remedy that tackles the difficulties associated with the condition, providing patients with enduring comfort and self-assurance.

There are two routes that can be taken for lipoedema management: surgical with liposuction or non-surgical with options like cool sculpting. The results from surgical treatments are more significant and longer-lasting compared to non-surgical options.

There are many different methods of liposuction available that can be used for lipoedema treatment in the UK. Most popular methods used are:

• Vaser Liposuction (ultrasound-assisted liposuction)
• Smart Liposuction (laser-assisted liposuction)
• Water Assisted Liposuction

During your consultation with your specialist surgeon, they will be able to discuss which one of these methods is the best one for your needs and goals.

Lipoedema can be extremely debilitating, affecting your day-to-day life. It can make you feel distressed, particularly as your lipoedema develops, and you may find it impacts your mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.

It can often be incorrectly diagnosed as weight gain, and many people with lipoedema may try dieting and exercising with very little success. There is no specific test for this condition, meaning that it can be difficult to get a diagnosis.

While there is no cure for lipoedema, there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms, such as compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and pain control. However, if you haven’t found a treatment that works for you, you may consider lipoedema liposuction.

It’s important to make sure you understand what this surgery involves and what it can and can’t achieve. You should have clear and realistic expectations of what this type of operation will do for you.

Lipoedema liposuction can take anywhere from one to three hours, and it is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. An epidural anaesthetic may be needed if the liposuction is being carried out in the lower part of your body. Your surgeon will inject the area with a solution containing anaesthetic and a medicine to reduce swelling, bruising and blood loss. Before your procedure, the surgeon will use a pen to mark the areas on your body where fat is to be removed.

During the operation, your surgeon will make a small cut at the treatment area and will use high-frequency vibrations, a high-pressure water jet or a weak laser pulse to break up the fat cells. Once this step is completed a suction tube attached to a vacuum machine is inserted and moved backwards and forwards to loosen the fat before sucking it out. Once the fat has been removed, any excess fluid or blood is drained away, and the area is stitched and bandaged up.

Following your procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. This is common practice for basic wound care and compression garment fit management. A compression garment is integral to your healing since it is designed to help reduce swelling and bruising following lipoedema surgery.

Use of compression garments is recommended for anywhere from several weeks up to months following the lipoedema liposuction treatment. However, some patients find that they are able to stop wearing these garments and undergo MLD to prevent their symptoms from returning.

You may be advised to take antibiotics following your operation to reduce the chance of infection, and some painkillers to relieve any pain and swelling.

It’s important to note that you will not be able to drive for a week or two following your surgery.

You may find that your recovery process happens in stages. Your wounds will likely heal within a few days, but you may notice that your limbs continue to feel swollen for some time after the operation. It can take several months until normal limb volume is established. During your recovery, you may also need to attend compression garment appointments to ensure your garments fit the contour and size of your new normal limb volume. Final results are often visible at the 4-6 month mark.

As with any type of operation, there is an element of risk. The complications of lipoedema liposuction surgery can include:

• Pain or discomfort
• A burning sensation
• Swelling
• Infection
• Itching, lumps or discomfort around your scars
• Skin numbness, which can persist for several weeks

It is critical to note that while most patients enjoy long-lasting results following lipoedema treatment, there is a chance your symptoms could return after surgery.

Unfortunately, lipoedema cannot be cured with liposuction. However, the symptoms like swollen legs and heavy legs can be improved significantly. Lipoedema liposuction can help reduce swelling, pain and bruising, as well as improve mobility. For many people, the results of lipoedema liposuction are long-lasting. At Manchester private hospital, you will be treated by one of our lipoedema specialists.

While there is no known cure for lipoedema, a healthy diet and lifestyle are beneficial in managing symptoms and in some instances slowing its progression. Although it is reassuring that several studies suggest certain diets, such as an anti-inflammatory or Keto diet, are beneficial for patients with lipoedema, no specific diet has shown sufficient evidence to be approved as a treatment option.

Typically the cost of lipedema surgery starts from £6,000 each session. In the UK prices of lipedema surgery can differ based on factors such as the seriousness of the condition, the type of liposuction method employed, the skill level of the surgeon, number of sessions required, type of anesthesia and where the clinic is situated.

At Manchester Private Hospital, we take pride in being one of the top lipoedema liposuction clinics in UK. Offering top-tier care for lipoedema patients under the expertise of the best lipoedema surgeon in the UK. Our lead surgeon combines years of specialized experience with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with lipoedema.
Recognized for innovative techniques and compassionate patient care, our surgeon is dedicated to achieving outstanding results that enhance both appearance and quality of life. When you choose our lipoedema liposuction surgeons, you’re partnering with the best in the field for your journey towards comfort, confidence, and well-being.

If you’re considering liposuction for lipoedema, Manchester Private Hospital is here for you. Being the top private lipoedema treatment provider in the UK, our team of trained medical professionals are experts at what they do, and we ensure we provide the highest level of care for all our patients. From your first consultation to providing aftercare advice, we are here for you every step of the way.

Our highly qualified surgeons, doctors and nurses are armed with the knowledge and expertise to ensure your procedure is carried out safely and effectively. We can also provide you with a selection of lipoedema liposuction financing options, giving you one less thing to think about
If you wish to see more Lipoedema liposuction before and after, click here to see our gallery of exceptional transformations.

If you are wondering, where can I have lipoedema surgery near me?

For your free, no-obligation quote for lipoedema liposuction, get in touch with us today.

Lipoedema Liposuction – Patient Experience

Posted in Instagram on 09 April 2025