5 things you should know about lipedema consultations
You think you may have lipedema and would like to seeDr. Nicolas Zwillinger, but you have questions about this initial consultation.
This article, "5 things to know about lipedema consultations," will answer that question.
1. Lipedema consultation process
When you arrive at the clinic, we will ask you to fill out a questionnaire so that we can collect various information about your symptoms and their severity.
Dr. Nicolas Zwillingerwill then see you in his office. He will ask you questions about yourself and your medical history, focusing specifically on the factors that lead you to suspect lipedema.
The surgeon will then proceed to the clinical examination, observing the disproportion between the different parts of your body (lower and/or upper limbs in relation to your torso). They will palpate the areas that may be affected and ask you how you feel when pressure is applied to these areas.
Photos will then be taken in a standing position (from the front, back, and each side profile), which will allow us to monitor the progress of the areas affected followingWAL liposuction surgery.
Following all these steps, the diagnosis of lipoedema can be confirmed or made, and the surgeon will indicate the areas affected by lipoedema.
There are five types of lipedema:
- Lipedema type I: Hips/buttocks.
- Lipedema type II: From buttocks to knees (included).
- Lipedema type III: buttocks to ankles (included).
- Lipedema type IV: Arm.
- Lipedema type V: Calves only
The WAL liposuction technique will then be explained to you in detail, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about this condition and its surgical treatment.
At the end of your consultation, you will review the details with the surgeon's secretaries and you will be given a quote.
2. Examinations before or after the consultation
We recommend having aDoppler ultrasound scanof the affected areas within six months prior to your consultation. This will allow us to gather information about your vascular network, which may be affected by lipedema. If this examination has not been performed before your visit to the clinic, we will provide you with a prescription at the end of your appointment.
If Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger deems it necessary, you will also be given a prescription for alymphoscintigraphy. This examination, which is performed in nuclear medicine centers, allows your lymphatic system to be visualized before a possible procedure.
It is nevertheless important to note that vascular or lymphatic insufficiency does not necessarily preclude surgery.
If you have a history of anemia, you will also be given a prescription for a blood test.
3. The special case of video consultations
In cases where it is not possible to attend a consultation at Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger's clinic, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, we offer video consultations. This solution is entirely feasible in the case of lipedema.
It is strongly recommended that you conduct this remote consultation using a computer rather than a smartphone, as video quality is essential. You will need to have a good internet connection and be in a quiet place where you can undress to your underwear so that you can show the affected areas to the surgeon.
If this is not possible, we recommend taking photos beforehand.
These photos must meet certain criteria:
- On a plain background
- With good quality lighting
- A plan from your feet to your waist (or your entire body if your arms are affected)
- Positions: front view, back view, each profile, arms outstretched if the upper limbs are affected
These photos can be shared during your consultation via Doctolib or sent by email before the consultation.
The various stages of the consultation will be followed, and the quote and administrative information will be sent to you by email after your appointment.
4. Follow-up appointment
It is possible to consult Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger again following this initial appointment. This second appointment can take place at the office or via video, and will not be billed.
He will answer any additional questions you may have and discuss any further tests with you if necessary.
5. Postoperative appointment
Following the procedure, we recommend appointments 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure so that we can monitor your recovery and the results. These consultations can take place at the office or via video consultation.
This article outlines the various stages of lipedema consultation in order to answer questions from people affected by this condition. If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us.