Important measures before and after lipedema surgery
Before surgery (beginning 6 weeks before operation):
- Blood check-up from GP, especially blood count and hemoglobin/iron levels. Please send us results at least 1-2 weeks before flying. In case of abnormalities, begin with Iron/Vit. B complex/folate substitution supplements after consulting with your GP.
- Other examinations necessary (ECG, spirometry etc) will be decided after discussing your case with the anaesthesiology team
- Intensify your Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy
- Arrange MLD appointments for immediately after returning to your country of residence
- Wearing your flat-knit, class 2 compression garments (including feet but open toe) regularly throughout the day (it is preferable to have 2 sets of compression garments so that you can have one on while the other one is getting washed)
- If you are using Lipoelastic, you can use the discount code DRIAKOVOS10
- Avoiding extreme dieting (the goal before operation is weight stabilization through a healthy nutrition)
- Swimming/biking (the goal is to precondition your circulatory system for a quicker convalescence period)
- Gathering all relevant documentation in regards to medical history/past lipedema treatment
- Booking a flexible flight ticket in case you need to prolong your stay. You should arrive 2- 3 days before the operation and leave 7-10 days after the operation
- Book airport assistance for your flight back home
- Book a travel insurance in case of medical emergencies not associated with your surgery
Operation day:
- Avoid using any form of lotions/creams on areas to be treated
- Fasting 6 hours before operation
- Bringing your compression garments with you in the operating theater
After surgery:
- Standing up/walking in your compression garments, beginning on day of surgery
- Wearing your compression garments 23h/day for at least 6 weeks
- Thrombosis prophylaxis until sufficient mobilization is achieved/return to country of residence
- Intensified MLD therapy beginning on 1st postoperative day (daily if possible for the first 7 postoperative days), for at least 6 weeks (we recommend taking a pain killer 30-60 minutes before going to your MLD appointment).
- Showering with water for the first few days without any shower products
- Using products for reduction of swelling and bruising e.g. Arnica gel, Heparin cream
- Consider supplementing iron, Vitamin B12, Folate and Vitamin C
- Begin with scar care (massage, scar cream) after the 3rd week. Avoid direct sunlight on scars for 6 months.
- Begin with a balanced diet with a goal of BMI reduction to healthy levels
- Unfortunately no universally accepted lipedema-diet exists, consider consulting with a nutritionist preferably with experience in lipedema to discuss options (eg low-carbohydrate diet)
- Begin with light exercising/physical activity (taking long walks, swimming/hydrotherapy, biking) after the 3rd week; contact sports and sauna allowed after the 6th postoperative week
- Time period of at least 3 months between operations