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Serrapeptase After Liposuction for Lipedema: Limited Evidence for Antifibrotic Efficacy
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Bruno, Agostino (Author)
- Saccoccio, Valerio (Author)
Title
Serrapeptase After Liposuction for Lipedema: Limited Evidence for Antifibrotic Efficacy
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Postoperative fibrosis is a frequent complication following liposuction for lipedema. Serrapeptase, a proteolytic enzyme with purported anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects, is used empirically, but robust evidence supporting its efficacy is lacking. This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of postoperative serrapeptase supplementation in reducing fibrosis following lower limb liposuction for lipedema.
METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study included 50 female patients with a confirmed diagnosis of lipedema undergoing tumescent liposuction. Patients were allocated to either a serrapeptase group (n = 25), receiving 60,000 IU daily for 4 weeks, or a control group (n = 25) receiving standard care alone. The primary outcome was tissue stiffness measured by quantitative ultrasound elastography (QUS). Secondary outcomes included B-mode ultrasonography, patient-reported pain (VAS), and clinical assessment of induration. Evaluations were performed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 months.
RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in the primary outcome of tissue stiffness at 4 weeks (14.8 ± 3.1 kPa vs. 15.2 ± 3.0 kPa; p = 0.62) or 3 months (13.7 ± 2.9 kPa vs. 14.0 ± 3.2 kPa; p = 0.78). Similarly, no significant benefits were seen in secondary outcomes, including fibrotic changes on ultrasound, VAS pain scores, or clinical induration (p > 0.05 for all). Serrapeptase was well-tolerated with no adverse events reported.
CONCLUSIONS: Oral serrapeptase supplementation did not demonstrate measurable efficacy in preventing postoperative fibrosis or improving patient-reported outcomes following liposuction for lipedema. These findings do not support its routine use in this clinical setting.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Publication
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Date
2026-02-05
Journal Abbr
Aesthetic Plast Surg
PMID
41642311
ISSN
1432-5241
Short Title
Serrapeptase After Liposuction for Lipedema
Language
eng
Library Catalog
PubMed
Citation
Bruno, A., & Saccoccio, V. (2026). Serrapeptase After Liposuction for Lipedema: Limited Evidence for Antifibrotic Efficacy. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-026-05638-0
Topic
Remark
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