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Safety and Efficacy of Surgical Techniques in Treating Lipedema: Systematic Review
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Vengoechea, José Alejandro Acuña (Author)
- Gagliardi, Ricardo Coronel (Author)
- Martín, María Isabel Manzano (Author)
- Valencia, Camilo Zuleta (Author)
- Triana, Benito Madiedo (Author)
- Limia, Sonia Blanco (Author)
- Figueroa, Cristian Rojas (Author)
- Millán, Curro (Author)
- Meyer, Patrícia Froes (Author)
Title
Safety and Efficacy of Surgical Techniques in Treating Lipedema: Systematic Review
Abstract
Lipedema is a chronic disorder characterized by abnormal subcutaneous fat accumulation, mainly in women's lower limbs. The aim of the study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of liposuction in treating lipedema. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE until June 2024 using the terms "lipedema," "liposuction," "results," and "complications." Twenty-five studies were included (n = 2373 patients). Liposuction, mainly using the tumescent infiltration, reduced pain, BMI, and functional limitations, with improvements in mobility and quality of life. Mean aspirated fat volume was 3077 mL per session and 6111 mL per treatment course. Complications were uncommon (hematomas, edema, anemia, DVT, and rare methemoglobinemia). Moreover, improvements were maintained during the follow-up, suggesting that the beneficial results were sustained over time. Although 15 studies reported using tumescent, only 2 fully described the anesthetic fluid composition. Liposuction is a safe and effective treatment for lipedema, but variability in techniques and postoperative care highlights the need for standardized protocols and further research. Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic).
Publication
Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Open Forum
Date
2026
Volume
8
Pages
ojag039
Journal Abbr
Aesthet Surg J Open Forum
PMID
41884178
PMCID
PMC13010320
ISSN
2631-4797
Short Title
Safety and Efficacy of Surgical Techniques in Treating Lipedema
Language
eng
Library Catalog
PubMed
Citation
Vengoechea, J. A. A., Gagliardi, R. C., Martín, M. I. M., Valencia, C. Z., Triana, B. M., Limia, S. B., Figueroa, C. R., Millán, C., & Meyer, P. F. (2026). Safety and Efficacy of Surgical Techniques in Treating Lipedema: Systematic Review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Open Forum, 8, ojag039. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojag039
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