Microcannular tumescent liposuction in advanced lipedema and Dercum's disease
Wollina, U.; Goldman, A.; Heinig, B.
Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia Organo Ufficiale Societa Italiana di Dermatologia e Sifilografia 145(2): 151-159
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-0488 PMID: 20467389 Document Number: 638153
We evaluated the outcome and risks of tumescence liposuction in patients with advanced lipedema or Dercum's disease. Six patients treated at a single center during the years 2004 to 2008 have been included. All patients were female and obese (body mass index 34 to 41.9; mean 38.2+/-3.8) with an age range from 29 to 78 years (mean 55.7+/-20.5 years), five of them had co-morbidities. The total amount of lipoaspirates varied between 1500 mL and 4800 mL. Pain could be reduced in all four patients with Dercum's disease. Large adipose tissue removing implies a better the outcome for pain. Patient's satisfaction was "high" or "very high" in 5 and "medium" in one. The most common adverse effect was met-hemoglobulinemia (N.=4). Tumescence liposuction is a treatment option for lipedema and Dercum's disease. With careful monitoring the procedure is safe even for patients in advanced stages, higher age and with co-morbidities.