Liposuction

[Dylan674]

Hi,

Has anyone had experience of liposuction as a Lymphoedema sufferer? I have primary Lymphoedema in my left leg and I’m looking at treatment options.

Any information or stories of experience would be appreciated.

Thanks

[CCT67]

Ensure the surgeon is specialist liposuction trained in Suction Assisted Protein Lipectomy/SAPL. Normal liposuction would be dangerous for a lymphie limb.

Also be aware that the post op protocol is 23/7 compression forever otherwise the surgery is a waste as the limb would return to the pre-op swollen size.

Lymphies I know who had elephantiasis in their affected limb who’ve had SAPL report extreme pain in first weeks post op that required heavy pain killers. With adherence to the compression protocol they are very pleased with the surgery outcome 2 years on. They have been extremely diligent wearing compression 23/7 and feel it’s a small price to pay to keep their limb looking normal compared to it’s pre-op state.

If you’re not already aware, there is a specialist lymphoedema surgical team at Oxford Lymphoedema Practice.

If you go through with it good luck!

[Dylan674 in reply to CCT67]

Thanks for your reply. Is it something that must be paid for? Does the affected limb reduce a lot in size? Does is look ‘normal’ again? I wear compression all of the time now anyway. Thanks again.

[CCT67 in reply to Dylan674]

As SAPL de-bulks the limb, yes it reduces in size potentially quite a lot. My friends who had elephantiasis in their limb (both have Primary LE , born with it ) had over a stone removed. Their legs look ‘normal’ nearly as small as their unaffected leg. One had 2 months of unbearably extreme pain post-op while the other had pain for 5-6 weeks. They’re now over the moon with their results. Both wear daytime and night garments religiously, and they love being able to wear normal trousers as they couldn’t previously due to the huge size of their pre-op leg. SAPL is not covered by the NHS.

[Dylan674 in reply to CCT67]

Thanks. That’s encouraging.

[Dylan674 in reply to CCT67]

Sounds great, who did they have the procedure done by?

[PenelopeUK]

Hi, i have primary lymphoedema, it was stage 3, lots adipose tissue in upper legs, weighed me down, lower legs heavy but lymph fluid and no adipose there. I had VASER liposuction on both upper legs with Dr Dennis Wolf in London - a great success for me. Both upper legs now completely thin - I still wear compression tights but much smaller ones than before as leg circumference a lot less. And no more cellulitis since the liposuction! The best thing I did! But worth bearing in mind. The liposuction only the beginning! Important to keep the areas, which have been operated on, soft - by compression, massage, exercise, good nutrition, rest and more compression - and loads patience and perseverance. I did not see the full results for over a year. 5 years on and I still have perfect results - so so happy :))

[Dylan674 in reply to PenelopeUK]

That’s brilliant news. Do you have any before and after pictures? Did it cost a huge amount?

[PenelopeUK in reply to Dylan674]

Yes I do have before and after photos and I did pay privately. Best if you contact the various centres specializing in liposuction for lymphoedema (I had mine done with Dr. Wolf but there is the Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and also surgeons in Oxford and I'm sure there are more, maybe LSN can help with that) and book consultations with them to see if you are a candidate for liposuction and what they can offer you. Good to do your research to find out what's best for you.

[Dylan674 in reply to PenelopeUK]

I will do, thanks again.

[Lynora in reply to PenelopeUK]

Ninewells Dundee (Mr Munnoch) will only see Scottish residents. Currently long waiting list for consults and, if eligible, equally long list for surgery.

[CCT67 in reply to Dylan674]

You could contact Oxford Lymphoedema Clinic to find out pricing. They will require a pre-assessment consult to determine your suitably for SAPL and procedure cost. Their admin can give you a costing breakdown

olp.surgery/

[Dylan674 in reply to CCT67]

Thank you.

[Dylan674 in reply to CCT67]

Many thanks

[TyKelley]

Liposuction is the category of cosmetic procedure that helps reduce the volume and shape of fat tissue in the human body. Many people think that this procedure cures obesity - this is not quite true. Obesity is a disease directly related to metabolic disorders, and trivial "suctioning" of fat does not solve these problems. But it was difficult for me to get rid of fat on my own, so I went to gartnerplasticsurgery.com/l... . They couldn't help me right away because I was very nervous. But on the whole, I am happy with the results.