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Liposuction is an integral part of the wide range of surgical procedures in dermatology. Dermatologists established tumescent local anesthesia in combination with the use of micro-cannulas; especially dermatologists from Germany and Austria actively designed and developed these new techniques. In this position paper, we discuss the history, various interdisciplinary aspects, the significance, and the treatment indications for this procedure as well as its role within dermatologic training programs and research. For quality reasons, members of the Germany Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the Austrian Society of Dermatologic Surgery discuss several fundamental professional aspects as well as the historical development of liposuction.

Lymphedema and lipedema are chronic progressive disorders for which no causal therapy exists so far. Many general practitioners will rarely see these disorders with the consequence that diagnosis is often delayed. The pathophysiological basis is edematization of the tissues. Lymphedema involves an impairment of lymph drainage with resultant fluid build-up. Lipedema arises from an orthostatic predisposition to edema in pathologically increased subcutaneous tissue. Treatment includes complex physical decongestion by manual lymph drainage and absolutely uncompromising compression therapy whether it is by bandage in the intensive phase to reduce edema or with a flat knit compression stocking to maintain volume.

At the 3rd International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) conference in Toronto, an attempt was made to begin to try to address this issue. Over thirty people attended a lipoedema workshop run by the author. In this workshop, I had the opportunity to talk to this international group (Canada, USA, Netherlands, Australia, UK, Germany) who shared their experiences from across the world. One of the goals of the workshop was to create an initial broad consensus about the worldwide diagnosis and management of lipoedema.The outcomes of that workshop are presented in the following report.

It is estimated that 3.5 million patients, both male and female, suffer from a congenital lipid distribution disorder of the arms and legs. Because these lipid distribution disorders are painful, owing to a lymphological high volume insufficiency and a structural drainage incompetence, the term lipohyperplasia dolorosa has become established as the name for the clinical picture of lipoedema. This lymphological clinical picture has also undergone a paradigm change with regard to the therapeutic options over the last 15 years: lipohyperplasia dolorosa is curable. This four part series reports on the principles and successes in operative lymphology. Zusammenfassung Geschätzt werden 3,5 Millionen PatientInnen, die an einer angeborenen Fettverteilungsstö-rung der Beine und Arme leiden. Da diese Fettverteilungsstörungen aufgrund einer lym -phologischen Hochvolumeninsuffizienz und einer strukturellen Drainageschwäche schmerzhaft ist, hat sich der Begriff Lipo-hyperplasia dolorosa zur Bezeichnung des Krankheitsbildes Lipödem durchgesetzt. Auch in Bezug auf die therapeutischen Optionen erlebte dieses lymphologische Krankheitsbild in den letzten 15 Jahren einen Paradigmenwechsel: Lipohyperplasia dolorosa ist heilbar. In einer vierteiligen Serie wird über Grundlagen und Erfolge der operativen Lymphologie berichtet werden.

Lipedema is an infrequently recognized and often neglected clinical entity that nearly always affects women. It poses a diagnostic challenge as one of the common disorders that is easily confused with lymphedema.

Lipoedema is a distinct clinical condition characterized by bilateral, symmetrical enlargement of the buttocks and lower limbs owing to excess deposition of subcutaneous fat. It is found almost exclusively in women. The common features associated with this condition are 'column- shaped' legs with sparing of the feet, bruising, sensitivity to pressure, and orthostatic oedema. The progression to lipo-lymphoedema or morbid obesity is possible. Conservative measures used in the management of lymphoedema can prevent progression/limit the orthostatic oedema. Surgical procedures may also play a part in the management of lipoedema.

PURPOSE: To enhance the learner's competence in caring for patients with lipedema through understanding the differential diagnoses, pathophysiology, and treatment/management options. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to: 1. Differentiate lipedema from other similar diagnoses. 2. Tell patients with lipedema and their caregivers about treatment of this condition. 3. Construct assessments, treatment plans, and management options for patients with lipedema.

Lipohyperplasia dolorosa and lymphedema are completely different disease entities, which are both, however, classified under lymphology. While in lipohyperplasia dolorosa a congenital lipid distribution disorder leads to a high volume insufficiency and the corresponding clinical symptoms, lymphedema is characterized by a congenital transport incompetence of the vessels or acquired disorders of transport capacity. Both lymphedemas of different genesis are familial volume alterations of the affected regions and the increase in volume is irreversible if not exclusively still in stage I or II. According to current knowledge the solid increase in volume by lymphedema is due to a malfunctioning biomechanism by which the release of additional proteoglycans in the homeostasis system of the fluid in the interstital space plays an important role. Removal of this tissue and the sponge-like substance of proteoglycans is the aim of therapeutic approaches. Manual lymph drainage and compression can evacuate the sponge but not remove it. Lymphological liposculpture is a successful dermatosurgical measure even for secondary lymphedema. Reduction of the necessity of complex hemostasis therapy to 20% of the initial value and an adjustment of the affected extremity on the healthy side, represent a clear improvement in quality of life of patients. The same dermatosurgical method, lymphological liposculpture, has been known for many years to fulfil the successfully proven purpose for the treatment of lipohyperplasia dolorosa by the removal of subcutaneous fatty tissue, present as hyperplasia and not hypertrophy. Tenderness and the necessity for complex hemostasis therapy are no longer present or no longer necessary after lymphological liposculpture for lipohyperplasia dolorosa. This condition is permanent because the congenital fatty masses do not reoccur following surgical removal. Lipohyperplasia dolorosa is therefore curable by lymphological liposculpture. For secondary lymphedema a drastic improvement in quality of life of the patient can be achieved by this method which is demonstrated by the adjustment of symmetry of the extremities and reduction or even avoidance of complex hemostasis therapy.

In the guidelines for lipedema treatment, in addition to decongestive therapy, surgical therapy (liposuction) is advised as a standard treatment. However, in most cases the German social health insurance system refuses to pay for the costs of treatment. While primarily medical arguments are cited, it is clear that this refusal is chiefly due to the socioeconomic restrictions in the German social health insurance system. At present objective criteria in the form of prioritization are being tested for evaluation and to create a ranking list for the validity of treatment. For liposuction it is not yet clear whether in addition to an improvement in the quality of life, a reduction in lifetime treatment costs can be achieved.

Lipoedema is an infrequently recognized disorder in women. Lipoedema is characterized by bilateral enlargement of the legs due to abnormal depositions of subcutaneous fat associated with often mild oedema. There is substantial variability in disease severity. The diagnosis should be made as early as possible to prevent complications of the disorder, which is associated with increasing functional and cosmetic morbidity. This review describes clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, technical investigations, management and therapies of lipoedema, with the aim of optimizing management and care of patients with lipoedema.

Lipoedema is an infrequently recognized disorder in women. Lipoedema is characterized by bilateral enlargement of the legs due to abnormal depositions of subcutaneous fat associated with often mild oedema. There is substantial variability in disease severity. The diagnosis should be made as early as possible to prevent complications of the disorder, which is associated with increasing functional and cosmetic morbidity. This review describes clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, technical investigations, management and therapies of lipoedema, with the aim of optimizing management and care of patients with lipoedema.

Lymphedema results from impaired lymphatic transport with increased limb volume. Primary and secondary forms can be distinguished. Secondary lymphedema of the upper limb is the most frequent in France. A 2-cm difference on any segment of the limb confirms the diagnosis of lymphedema. Calculated lymphedema volume using the formula for a truncated cone is required to assess the efficacy of treatment and to monitor follow-up. Primary lymphedema is sporadic but rarely familial. Lymphoscintigraphy is useful in the primary form to evaluate precisely lymphatic function of the two limbs. Erysipelas is the main complication,but psychological or functional discomfort may occur throughout the course of lymphedema. Lipedema is the main differential diagnosis, defined as an abnormal accumulation of fat from hip to ankle and occurs almost exclusively in obese women.

Overweight and obesity is a public health problem in Hungary and in the Western world. It is important to underline that obesity is an illness and an important risk factor for several skin and other diseases. An overview of skin diseases caused or aggravated by obesity (acanthosis nigricans, acrochordons, keratosis pilaris, hyperandrogenism, stria, adiposis dolorosa, lymphoedema, chronic venous insufficiency, plantar hyperkeratosis, lipoedema, skin infections, acne inversa, psoriasis, tophi) helps us to look and see as well. Look for the possibility of skin infections as it helps the early diagnosis and to avoid complications. Draw patients' attention to the preventive importance of skin care. In case of an obese patient the usual dosage of most local and systemic drugs should be modified. It must be kept in mind that obesity directly or indirectly starts unfavorable processes in almost all organ systems. Therefore, only a multidisciplinary care may secure treatment and rehabilitation of obese patients. Dermatological and lymphological care is often part of the rehabilitation.