lipedema

Lipedema

Relief from uneven distribution: less pain, less fat, greater range of motion.

Good to Know

  • Anesthesia: Procedure performed under local or general anesthesia
  • Duration: 1–3 hours
  • Recovery: 7–14 days
  • Price: starting at €2,500
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About Lipoedema

Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by an uneven distribution of subcutaneous fat. It occurs almost exclusively in women, primarily on the arms and legs. It is a common condition, but its cause is often unknown. Liposuction can be used to reduce localized fat deposits.

  • The cost depends on the area or areas. The treatment is possible from €2,900. During a free, no-obligation consultation, our plastic surgeon discusses and assesses which procedure suits you best, including a personal cost estimate
  • These include tenderness to pressure, orange-peel skin (cellulite), a heavy and pressing sensation, cramps, bruising easily, and the absence of swelling in the hands and feet.
  • After the operation, your body will need time to recover. On average, the recovery time is 7 to 14 days.
  • At Boerhaave, lipoedema is treated by experienced plastic surgeons with an eye for safety, quality and a personal approach. You can count on expert guidance and comprehensive aftercare, so that you know where you stand throughout the entire treatment process.

Here's how the treatment works

Here you will find all the important information about this treatment, from the consultation and the treatment itself to follow-up care, the results, and potential risks.

  • In addition to the specific fat deposits, there are various types and characteristics of lipedema. Some of these characteristics include

    • (Pressure-) Pain in the skin

    • Orange-peel skin (cellulite)

    • A heavy and constricting sensation

    • Cramps

    • Tendency to bruise easily

    • Absence of swelling in the hands and feet

  • Plastic Surgeon
    The consultation always takes place with the plastic surgeon who will be treating you. During this consultation, you can discuss your goals regarding your lipedema. The plastic surgeon will suggest the most appropriate surgical technique for you and discuss it with you. In front of a mirror, they will explain what the technique involves and what you can expect in terms of the final result. This will allow you to make a well-informed decision.

    At the end, your consultation will be summarized in a treatment plan, and the associated costs will be discussed with you immediately. The goal of this consultation is to provide you with as clear and complete information as possible.

    Consultant
    Following your consultation, you will also have a meeting with your consultant. The purpose of this meeting is to inform you about the general procedures that need to be arranged.

  • It is possible to treat lipedema by addressing excess weight. This can be achieved through adequate physical activity and, if necessary, with the help of a dietitian. Losing weight is the only way to reduce fat deposits. In other cases, uneven fat distribution does not decrease, or decreases only slightly. In such cases, it can only be reduced through liposuction.

    Liposuction reduces localized fat deposits, pain, and any limitations in movement. This also brings your legs or arms more into proportion with the rest of your body. If you choose this procedure, it is possible to have the surgery performed under general anesthesia. Not only is this pain-free for you, but the plastic surgeon can often treat the area more effectively. This is because there is no need to take into account the limitations of local anesthesia.

    Please note that the prices in the table above are based on local anesthesia. Additional costs may apply if you undergo general anesthesia (€600) or if an overnight stay is recommended (€650).

    Limitations
    There are a few limitations to treating lipedema with liposuction, namely:

      1. For safety reasons, there is a limit to the amount of fat that can be removed during a single procedure. This is typically around four liters, depending on the size of the area. This means that multiple surgeries may sometimes be necessary to achieve the desired result. If it is agreed that more fat will be removed than this, you may need to stay overnight.

      2. The procedure is usually limited to one or two areas per session, as as much of the affected fat tissue as possible needs to be removed.

      3. One uncertain factor is how the skin will behave after liposuction. The skin may become loose and dimpled because a large amount of fat has been removed and the skin has been stretched too much.

      4. It is very important to follow the post-operative instructions, such as wearing compression garments, during the recovery period.

  • In most cases, you’ll need to stay overnight at our clinic after lipedema treatment. This allows you to spend your first night in a comfortable, well-cared-for environment. The plastic surgeon will visit you the next day to check on you and determine whether you’re ready to go home.

    During the first 24 hours, some fluid and occasionally a small amount of blood may seep from the incision sites. There is no need to worry about this; it will resolve on its own.

    Post-Treatment Pain
    After the lipedema treatment, the treated area will feel sore, and you may feel some pressure there. Painful bruising, swollen skin, and a tender sensation are normal symptoms. In addition, fluid may accumulate in some areas. This often resolves on its own after about two to six weeks. You may also experience muscle soreness, as if you’ve just finished an intense workout. When you move around, you may feel a painful burning sensation around the treated area.

    Recovery
    After the surgery, your body will need time to recover. Keep in mind that, in addition to post-operative pain, you may still experience the following:

    • The treated area will be quite swollen
    • The scars will be red and raised
    • The skin around the treated area may turn blue or yellow
    • You may experience reduced sensation in the skin

    These are, of course, natural reactions as your body heals. Don’t be alarmed by them.

    Scar Cream
    During your first follow-up visit, you’ll be given a nourishing scar cream to take home. Once the wound has closed and the scabs have fallen off, you may begin applying the cream. Applying it twice a day to the closed wound will increase the likelihood of a smooth, even healing.

  • By treating your lipedema, you will notice that the amount of excess fatty tissue has been drastically reduced. In addition, the affected areas will regain their proper proportions relative to the rest of the body, pain symptoms will decrease or even disappear, and you’ll be better able to exercise (again).

  • It is important to realize that any surgical procedure can involve risks and complications. Plastic surgery procedures generally involve healthy individuals, so the risks and likelihood of complications are low. Through our thorough patient education, comprehensive medical history review, and professional approach, we minimize these risks to an absolute minimum. In addition, you can help reduce certain risks by carefully following the instructions you have been given.

    Possible complications may include:

    • Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that requires drainage)
    • Adverse reaction to the anesthesia
    • Postoperative bleeding
    • Infection
    • Changes in sensation
    • Permanent visible scars
    • Damage to underlying structures
    • Unsatisfactory aesthetic result
    • Irregularities.
    • Sagging skin after liposuction.

    Smoking
    If you smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products at the time of surgery, you are at a higher risk of complications. These can include skin necrosis and impaired wound healing. It can also have a negative effect on anesthesia, potentially resulting in an increased risk of bleeding. That is why it is important to quit smoking at least four weeks before surgery and to remain smoke-free throughout the entire recovery process.

    Even if you are exposed to secondhand smoke, you may also be at an increased risk of similar complications. This is in comparison to people who are not exposed to tobacco smoke or nicotine-containing products; they have a significantly lower risk of such complications.

Lipedema results from our patients

Take a look at the lipedema results of patients who have been treated at our clinic before you. The before-and-after photos provide a realistic picture of what this treatment can achieve.

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In the hands of our experienced specialists

Our team of plastic surgeons combines years of experience with personalized care.
During a consultation, we take the time to discuss your wishes and provide honest advice about the options that are right for you.

Meet Our TeamIcons
Drs. R.A. Christiano

How much does lipedema treatment cost?

The exact price depends on the treatment that’s best for you. Because every body and every goal is different, we’ll develop a treatment plan during a personal consultation, including a clear, transparent price.

  • Lipedema – Upper arms
    Procedure under local anaesthesia
    €2,900
  • Lipedema – Forearms
    Procedure under local anaesthesia
    €2,500
  • Lipedema – Buttocks
    Procedure under local anaesthesia
    €2,800
  • Lipedema – Thighs
    Procedure under local anaesthesia
    €4,300
  • Lipedema – Lower legs
    Procedure under local anaesthesia
    €3,800
  • Lipedema – Thighs and lower legs
    Procedure under local anaesthesia
    €7,900
  • Surcharge for general anesthesia for lipedema treatment
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €600

Our patients experiences

Every patient has their own story. Read about their experiences with Boerhaave.

Plan a free consult with a specialist

Every body is different. During a free consultation, an experienced specialist will take the time to discuss your wishes and expectations in detail. You’ll receive personalised treatment advice, a clear explanation of the process and a transparent cost estimate.

You can also easily ask Bo, our AI medical assistant, any questions you may have.

Plan your free consultAsk Bo
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving an uneven distribution of subcutaneous fat. It occurs almost exclusively in women, mainly on the arms and legs. The exact cause is unknown, but hormonal changes or an underactive thyroid may play a role. It has nothing to do with diet.

  • Liposuction can reduce the local fat deposits, pain and any restriction of movement, bringing the arms or legs more into proportion with the rest of the body.

  • Carefully following the advice on compression garments during the aftercare period is very important for a good recovery and result. The compression garments help reduce swelling and support the skin during the recovery process, especially given the risk that the skin may feel loose or lumpy after the procedure.
  • For safety reasons, there is a maximum of approximately four litres of fat per procedure, depending on the size of the area. As a result, several operations are sometimes needed, and the treatment is usually limited to one or two regions at a time.

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