4 preoperative tips for a successful lipoedema procedure
and recovery
When considering surgery to treat lipoedema, proper preparation can make a big difference to your preoperative experience and recovery.
In this article, we will provide you with valuable preoperative advice to help you prepare for surgery as best as possible.
and promote optimal recovery. Find out what to bring on the day of the procedure, what nursing care to expect,
as well as advice on how to deal with each potentially disabling factor.
What to bring on the day of your lipedema procedure
During your lipedema surgery, certain points will be essential to facilitate your healing process.
Here's what you need to plan for:
- Compression bandages: Be sure to bring two boxes ofURGO K2 bandages. These compression bandages are specially designed for the ankles, calves, and knees to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling after surgery.
- Tights: Bring a pair of class 3 compression tights for your thighs and calves. Compression tights support the tissues and help reduce post-operative swelling.
- Compression sleeves or jacket: If your procedure involves the arms and forearms, it is advisable to bring appropriate compression sleeves or a jacket. These garments promote lymphatic circulation and reduce swelling.
What to bring
In addition to the items to bring, certain nursing care and practical aspects must be taken into account.
Here's what you need to anticipate:
- LOVENOX injections on day 1: LOVENOX injections are usually prescribed to prevent blood clots after surgery on the legs or thighs.
- Compression: Leave in place for 3 days to help reduce post-operative swelling and promote good skin retraction.
- Bandages on day 3: Applied to manage discharge. They should be changed on day 3 and then every day after showering. Nursing care instructions will be sent to you by email before the procedure.
Preoperative advice for better management on the day of surgery and a better recovery
Clothing :
- Choose loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing. This will make it easier to get dressed and undressed while concealing any stains or bleeding.
- Choose Crocs-style shoes for optimal comfort.
Transportation :
- For car journeys of less than 2 hours, you can return home on the same day as the procedure.
- For longer journeys, it is strongly recommended that you return home the day after (or more) the procedure to reduce physical stress.
Air travel :
- You may consider flying two weeks after the procedure for flights lasting less than three hours.
- For flights lasting more than 3 hours, wait at least one month after the procedure and have a Doppler ultrasound scan 48 hours before the flight.
Input/output :
- Admission to the clinic usually takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., while discharge takes place between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for outpatient procedures. In the case of an overnight stay, discharge is scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Appointment to be scheduled
During your recovery period, certain appointments are essential to ensure proper follow-up.
Schedule the following appointments:
- Blood test: Schedule a blood test to be performed by a nurse at home 7 days after the procedure.
- Doppler ultrasound: Schedule aDoppler ultrasoundwith an angiologist (excluding arm surgery) 15 days after the procedure.
- Lymphatic drainage: Schedulelymphatic drainagesessions starting 7 days after the procedure (or 20 days after in the case of a facelift). These sessions should be performed twice a week for at least 5 weeks.
- Follow-up appointment: Schedule a follow-up appointment 15 days after the procedure, which can take place via videoconference or at the office.
Before
By following these instructions, you will be better prepared for your lipedema surgery and can facilitate your recovery.
Don't forget to get the necessary items, arrange for appropriate nursing care, and schedule follow-up appointments.
Your medical team will be there to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you have the best possible surgical and recovery experience.
Consultation
You will be given an information sheet on the technique used.
Explanation of estimates
and tests to be performed:
• Lymphoscintigraphy
• Doppler ultrasound
2 months before
Sending of prescriptions for the operation (pain relief, compression, etc.) and contractual documents to be signed.
You will be given the contact details of an anesthetist to help you prepare for your procedure.
1 month before
The health protocol and your arrival time at the clinic will be sent to you by email.
Signature
Signature of the quote
and consent form
must be completed at least three weeks before the procedure.
2–3 weeks before
Appointment with the anesthesiologist to review your medical history and treatments and determine the type of anesthesia (general or local).
3 weeks before
Treatment with iron, EPO, and blood tests to be performed for preoperative monitoring.
During
D-Day: The operation
48 hours before
Don't forget to take a PCR test.
In the morning
Please arrive at the clinic on the day of your procedure at the specified time. Remember to bring your compression stockings.
1 month before
Simple compression for one day
, and up to three days without touching it
After
Day 3
Compression day and night for 2 to 4 weeks. Then compression during the day only for 2 to 4 weeks.
Day 7
Postoperative blood test to check hemoglobin levels. Start of lymphatic drainage.
D+14 to 21
Postoperative appointment and postoperative Doppler ultrasound