Post-WAL liposuction fatigue,
: things you need to know
Following lipedema treatment withWAL liposuction, patients will experience fatigue. The severity of this fatigue may vary depending on a number of factors.
Things to consider before the procedure
Firstly, it will depend on your physical condition prior to the procedure. If you are feeling tired, or are just recovering from a winter illness, for example, you may find it more difficult to recover from the procedure.
You will need to have a preoperative blood test to check for anemia. If anemia is detected, an increase in the dosage of iron treatment may be recommended, and in some cases, the procedure may even be postponed.
Elements related to the intervention
The volume aspirated will also influence this fatigue; in fact, the greater the volume, the greater the post-operative fatigue.Dr. Nicolas Zwillingerdivides the treatment of lipedema into two or three operations depending on the stage of lipedema diagnosed, the areas affected, and the volume to be aspirated. An overly extensive operation could lead to significant and prolonged asthenia, and is therefore strongly discouraged.
Anesthesia can affect your post-operative fatigue. It has been found that general anesthesia causes significant fatigue during the first week, unlike spinal anesthesia, which has less impact on recovery.
We recommend a minimum interval of three months between two procedures to allow the body to recover and avoid physical and psychological fatigue after the second procedure. In the event of severe fatigue following the first procedure, it is advisable to perform the second procedure (WAL liposuction of the knees, thighs, and saddlebags) four to six months after the first procedure.
Post-operative recovery time may vary depending on the areas treated. We estimate a recovery period of 2 to 3 weeks for ankle/calf and lower knee procedures, and 10 days to 2 weeks for thighs, upper knees, or arms. These times are provided for informational purposes only and may vary from patient to patient.
The more advanced the lipedema, the longer the recovery is likely to take.
Factors influencing fatigue following surgery
It is essential to eat and drink well after the procedure to allow the body to recover properly. Postoperative iron treatment is also an essential part of convalescence.
Returning to work after WAL liposuction surgery will depend on the type of job you do. The possibility of teleworking makes it possible to return to work more quickly, but it is important not to underestimate the fatigue caused by the procedure and anesthesia, as well as the difficulty of maintaining the same position (sitting or standing) for long periods of time during the first few days. It is important to take breaks and vary your position in order to reduce feelings of heaviness and promote blood and lymphatic circulation.
The commute to work should be taken into account, as journeys of more than 30 minutes on public transport or sitting down for long periods of time may not always be possible, which can make returning to work more difficult. Similarly, for some patients, post-operative swelling can make driving difficult.
To facilitate recovery, it is necessary to have support and assistance as soon as you return home (on the day of or the day after your surgery). During the first few days, your walking speed will be significantly reduced, stairs will be difficult to climb or descend, and everyday tasks will be difficult to perform (shopping, children, housework, etc.). We recommend that you do not be alone for at least 48 hours, but ideally for 7 days.