Interview on WAL liposuction of the ankles and socks
At the Lipedema Clinic, every week we meet women who live with a condition that is often misunderstood:
Lipoedema localized around the ankles, creating the infamous "sock effect" that weighs heavily on both comfort and self-esteem. Today, we share the testimony of a patient who has chosen to reveal her journey without filters.
After years of hiding her legs and struggling with constant swelling, she turned to WAL liposuction, a gentle and tailored technique that precisely targets the affected areas.
In this interview, she talks about her before and after, her apprehensions, the procedure itself, and how this surgery has transformed her daily life. It offers valuable insight for anyone who recognizes these symptoms and is finally looking for a solution.
Hello Ms. F, could you introduce yourself?
My name is Ms. F, I am 28 years old, and I have known for two years that I have lipoedema.
For a long time, I tried to understand what was causing my pain, but no matter how many doctors I consulted, they all told me it was temporary.
It was when I went for an echo-Doppler scan that I was referred to an angiologist in 2019, who diagnosed me with lipoedema in my lower limbs. However, this doctor also told me that there was currently no cure for this condition.
What were your symptoms?
I have always experienced pain exclusively in my ankles and some swelling at the end of the day.
I didn't understand the reason for this pain, and those around me told me that there was nothing to be done and that it would go away with time.
But the pain didn't go away; it was still there and still intense.
How did you discover the possibility of undergoing surgery, specifically WAL liposuction on your ankles and calves?
I wasn't convinced that there was no solution, so I started doing my own research on lipoedema.I began my research on the internet and while browsing I discovered the website lipoedème-france.com, one of the only French websites dedicated to this disease.
I then discussed the WAL liposuction technique for treating lipedema with my primary care physician. My primary care physician reassured me and supported my decision to undergo surgery.
I then followed patients who had undergoneWAL liposuctionperformed byDr. Zwillinger on social media, specifically on Instagram.They talk about their procedures, which is a bit like hearing about their experiences. Their feedback reassured me greatly and convinced me to make an appointment with Dr. Zwillinger for a consultation. It was an opportunity for me to talk to a doctor who could offer me a solution and make a proper diagnosis.
How did your first consultation with Dr. Zwillinger go?
I made an appointment with the doctor via Doctolib for April 2021.
The appointment took place at Dr. Zwilinger's office, where I was able to explain my pain and show him the results of my examination (Doppler ultrasound).
Dr. Zwillinger made his diagnosis and confirmed that I did indeed have stage 1 lipoedema in my lower limbs and that the pain I was experiencing was related to this condition. He then suggested liposuction using the WAL (Water-Assisted Liposuction) technique to treat my lipoedema.
Following this consultation, I received a quote, an information sheet detailing WAL liposuction, and a prescription for a lymphoscintigraphy scan.
When did you decide to perform the procedure?
After this initial consultation, I thought about it for a few days because it's an important decision to make.
After a week, I made my decision and sent an email to Dr. Zwillinger's secretary to find out the available surgery dates after the start of the school year.
Can you tell us about the preparation for this procedure?
At the end of July 2021, I made another appointment with Dr. Zwillinger because I felt the need to talk to him again before the procedure scheduled for October 2021.
I mainly wanted to make sure that there was no risk of the fat being removed from the treated area returning, and the doctor confirmed that this would not happen thanks to the WAL technique. We then discussed the area to be operated on, namely the ankles and socks only, as this was where my pain was concentrated and it was this area that I wanted to treat as a priority.
It was after this meeting that I received an email containing all the information I needed to plan my presentation.
I received the consent form and quote to sign, as well as all the medical prescriptions and various orders necessary for the post-operative period, such as those for nursing care. I was therefore able to arrange for nurses to provide home care starting the day after the operation.
My procedure was scheduled for early October 2021 at the Etoile clinic, and I was patiently waiting for that date!
In order to prepare for my procedure, I also made an appointment with the anesthesiologist at the Etoile clinic, Dr. Gloulou, via the Qare app. I was able to discuss the different types of anesthesia with him during a video consultation.
My mother, who accompanied me to the consultation, was uncomfortable with the idea of me having general anesthesia. After discussing it with Dr. Gloulou, we agreed to perform the procedure under spinal anesthesia. Furthermore, given that it was a small area to operate on, I was not particularly stressed about being awake during the procedure.
How did your procedure go?
The big day of the procedure has finally arrived!
I arrived at the Etoile clinic at the agreed time. First, I had to register at the clinic's admissions desk. Then I was taken to my room and met the nurses who would be looking after me.
Then we went to the operating room, where I met Dr. Zwillinger. We discussed the location of the area to be operated on, and he drew on my ankles. I then settled in to receive the spinal anesthesia.
Once the anesthesia had been administered, they set up the surgical drapes and proceeded with the liposuction.
I was conscious and felt no pain. I talked with the anesthesiologist to relax.
Once the procedure was over, I was taken to the recovery room for a few moments and then returned to my room. I was given my first snack, and then Dr. Zwillinger's secretary came to see me in my room to explain the post-operative protocol. I was able to ask her the questions I had, particularly about the double restraint...
The nurses at the clinic helped me get up for the first time, and at the end of the day, when I was able to leave, I was able to join my mother, who was waiting to take me home.
Tell us about the post-operative period following your surgery.
The first night was difficult. I had a vasovagal reaction and felt a strong pulling sensation in my ankles and heavy legs. I had some discharge, but it didn't last long.
The nurse who came to my home took care of my Lovenox injections and changing my dressings, but also put on my compression stockings and biflex bandages. Honestly, it was sometimes very difficult to bear the pain of the double compression.
I had to be patient, and I know that today patience is the virtue that is absolutely necessary for a good recovery.
I really appreciated the fact that the day after the procedure, Dr. Zwillinger's assistant contacted me to check on me. I told her about the post-operative effects, she reassured me and gave me some tips to relieve my pain, such as using a cold/frozen bag to apply to the painful areas for a few moments when I woke up. I used frozen peas and it helped a lot.
Ten days after the procedure, I began my lymphatic drainage sessions, and it was from that moment on that the swelling began to gradually subside.
One month after my surgery, I returned to see Dr. Zwillinger at his office for my post-operative appointment.
We reviewed the post-operative protocol and I was able to ask him some more questions.