Managing Lipoedema. The recommended surgery for lipoedema a a specialised type of liposuction called water-assisted liposuction (WAL).
Scroll across for more details about the recommended surgery for lipoedema – a specialised type of liposuction called water-assisted liposuction (WAL).
Here in Australia we have one or two surgeons in each state that specialise in this surgery.
If you’re considering the procedure, then I recommend joining lipoedema support forums online and getting feedback from prior patients who have undergone surgery who can give you personal feedback on their experiences.
Then follow up with a consultation with a surgeon (cost is usually around $350) to make sure you’re a suitable candidate and that you’re comfortable that they can answer all of your questions and alleviate any concerns.
Some questions to ask:
1. What actions do they recommend you take prior to surgery to help you get the best results and support recovery (e.g. Endermologie massage, arnica supplements, etc)
2. What is the expected post op recovery like, e.g.:
– How long with you be required to stay in hospital?
– How long should you wear your compression garments?
– What pain relief do they recommend?
– When can you go back to work?
– When can you start exercise again?
– What are their tips for a speedy recovery? Etc.
3. Costs
4. Timelines
5. Known side effects/complications and how they manage them.
6. Do you need to stop taking any current medications?
7. Will you require antibiotics or any other meds to help your recovery?
8. Suggested pre-op reading material.
9. Expected outcomes?
10. How many surgeries they recommend?
11. And anything else that comes into your mind…Don’t be afraid to ask questions as every person experiences the procedure differently. For example, if you have another condition, such as Fibromyalgia, discuss how this might trigger a larger pain response and how you can manage that.