Cosmetic surgery
Lipedema
Recupera la armonía de tu cuerpo
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by the disproportionate development of fatty tissue in patients, mainly in the lower extremities (70%) and, in some cases, in the upper extremities (30%).
This accumulation of fat and water in the subcutaneous tissue causes pain to patients, but notably, hands, feet and trunk are not affected.
The disease becomes more evident with attempts to lose weight, as weight loss is only observed in the trunk, leaving the limbs with an asymmetrically thick appearance.
At the Dr. Ana Torres Institute, located in In Barcelona, we specialize in offering a comprehensive and personalized approach to treating this disease, improving the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Lipedema classification
Type I
The distribution of subcutaneous fat maintains a harmonious appearance, and the skin looks relatively smooth, although interstitial fluid accumulates in the connective tissue. This phase can be mistaken for simple weight gain.
Type II
It is characterized by the formation of painful nodules under the skin, which takes on a cellulite or “mattress” appearance due to lipo-sclerosis, marking a visible deformation of the skin.
Type III
There is an increase in connective tissue, which hardens the affected area and increases the sensation of pain even without applying pressure. The skin becomes deformed, exhibiting fat lobules or an appearance similar to architectural columns.
How to treat lipedema?
Treating lipedema temporarily is crucial to improving its progression and the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
At the Dr. Ana Torres Institute, we focus on reducing symptoms, halting disease progression, and offering options tailored to each patient’s condition by combining accurate diagnosis, conservative treatments, and advanced surgical techniques to address lipedema in all its phases.
Diagnóstico Personalizado
• Detailed evaluation to identify the stage of lipedema and personalize treatment.
• Functional and aesthetic assessment to establish an action plan adapted to each patient.
Conservative Treatments
By personalizing each treatment according to individual needs, we implement therapies such as:
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): An essential technique for reducing inflammation and improving circulation.
•Intermittent pneumatic pressotherapy: Ideal for relieving fluid retention and improving lymphatic drainage.
•Compression bandages / Compression garments: Reduce discomfort and help slow the progression of lipedema.
Ejercicio Adaptado
• Recomendamos actividades físicas de bajo impacto, preferiblemente en agua para minimizar el impacto en las articulaciones y favorecer el drenaje linfático como natación, aqua-aerobic y aqua-jogging.
• Exercises such as Nordic Walking or cross-country skiing to promote mobility and support treatment.
Tratamiento Quirúrgico
Water-assisted liposuction (WAL) is our preferred surgical technique, as it allows for the effective removal of fat tissue with a minimally invasive technique that preserves lymphatic structures, resulting in excellent results.
Depending on the stage of lipedema, the WAL technique alone is not always sufficient. In some cases, it is necessary to complement the treatment to improve skin retraction using advanced technologies such as BodyTite (which uses radiofrequency to tighten the skin), argon plasma (which facilitates tissue contraction) or Vaser (ultrasound technique that promotes remodeling of the treated area).
These procedures allow for optimized results, adapting to the specific needs of each patient.
*There may be swelling and bruising that obscure the final result, but these will gradually fade in the weeks following surgery
**Factors such as aging, genetics, changes in body weight, or the natural progression of this incurable disease may play a role.
In any case, postoperative care will always be tailored to the specific needs of each patient, taking into account factors such as the stage of the disease, individual characteristics, and the objectives of the procedure. Personalized postoperative care will ensure a more effective recovery and optimal results.
Why choose the Dr. Ana Torres Institute in Barcelona?
•Experience and Specialization: We are international leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of lipedema.
•Cutting-edge technology: We use minimally invasive techniques and advanced technologies such as WAL Liposuction, BodyTite and Vaser to treat our patients.
•Personalized Attention: Each patient receives a plan tailored to their personal needs.
Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the surgery painful?
Our patients can rest assured that lipedema treatment requires local anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or sedation, which helps minimize any discomfort during the procedure. Pain medication may also be prescribed to help with postoperative discomfort.
How long does recovery from lipedema treatment take?
El tiempo de recuperación después del tratamiento de lipedema puede variar según la paciente y la extensión del procedimiento, sin embargo, el postoperatorio puede conllevar un período de varias semanas antes de poder volver a las actividades normales y meses para que la hinchazón y los moretones disminuyan por completo.
Are there any risks associated with lipedema treatment?
As with any surgical procedure, liposuction for lipedema carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, skin irregularities, and deep vein thrombosis. However, at the Dr. Ana Torres Institute, we have all the necessary tools, care, and expert staff to minimize any risks to our patients associated with the surgery. It is important to discuss these risks with our specialist before proceeding with treatment.
