Can you introduce yourself?
My name is J. I’m 27 years old, I’m a pharmacist and since I was a teenager I’ve wanted to have an operation on my legs and calves because I thought they had a rather atypical shape. I had initially consulted several other doctors before taking the plunge and carrying out this WAL liposuction procedure. But I didn’t feel up to taking the plunge because I didn’t feel at ease with the doctors I had consulted before Dr. Zwillinger Nicolas.
How were you diagnosed?
I must confess that I didn’t know for a very long time. It was while I was looking for a doctor that I stumbled across Dr. Zwillinger’s website and the lipedema website. So I started to go further in my research and medical examinations(echo-doppler, lymphoscintigraphy…).
I then recognized myself at the appointment with Dr Zwillinger Nicolas when he showed me photos of patients with lipedema. For me, the particularity is that I don’t necessarily have the symptoms and pain. However, this is quite justified as I have a fairly early stage. I often had bruises but no pain. Even so, as I’m on my feet all day in the pharmacy, I sometimes had heavy legs.
At the first appointment, what did you decide with the doctor?
During my first consultation with Dr. Zwillinger Nicolas, I mentioned that I found my legs and thighs to be rather oddly shaped, and presented him with my various tests. Given that I have a very early stage of lipedema, the doctor suggested that I undergo WAL liposuction of the following areas in a single procedure: ankles, calves, knees and saddlebags.
Can you tell us more about your preparations for the operation?
First of all, the secretary sent me all the administrative details and my medical prescriptions. I also had to make an appointment with Doctor Gloulou, the anaesthetist at the clinic where I had the operation. So I met the anaesthetist, who is just as fantastic as Doctor Zwillinger, very attentive and kind. Following my appointment with Dr Gloulou, I decided to have the operation under spinal anaesthetic. I didn’t want to be completely asleep.
I also have coagulation problems, so I had to undergo a lot of additional tests to make sure that the operation was feasible and risk-free.
Tell us about the day of your WAL liposuction procedure…
A little stressed, I go to the Etoile clinic with my panty in my backpack.
I register at admission, the staff are very nice, and I go to my room. The nurse gives me all the instructions. Charlotte, the doctor’s assistant, accompanies me to the operating room. We review the areas to be treated with Dr. Zwillinger Nicolas, and then the procedure begins.
And how did the postoperative period go?
Right after my operation, I was in the recovery room for a few moments while the anaesthetic wore off Right after my operation, I was in the recovery room for a few moments while the anaesthetic wore off, then I stayed in my room at the clinic while the nurses helped me to get up. I went home at the end of the day.
It wasn’t easy at first, but I was prepared. The first 7 nights, I had a lot of pain. During the day it got better. I felt like I was getting big electric shocks and my legs were tingling.
During the day, pain is mild to moderate.
The first week I had a lot of discharge and it was difficult to put the compression stockings back on because of all the haematomas, but after that it was much easier.
I did my lovenox injections alone every day for 10 days.
I tried to walk as much as possible.
The transition to the shower was a little difficult, I had 2 fainting spells, but you can feel the improvement day by day.
Finally, you had your post-op appointment with Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger.
I take this test at 6 weeks postoperative.
After 3 weeks, I was already well on the mend.
I went back to work exactly 19 days after my operation, so it’s important to give yourself time to recover.
If I can give some important advice: Be patient, give yourself time, be prepared for pain. There are painkillers that calm the pain easily. You need to be surrounded in the first few days.
General condition improves very quickly, but patience is important to achieve results.
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