Answer to a patient’s question
After an operation, you may be alarmed by the appearance of your legs: too great a contrast between the size of your thighs and lower legs, not enough fat removed for your taste… Don’t panic!
A few explanations
In the case of significant lipedema present in several areas of the body, several surgical operations may be required to target one or more specific areas each time.
Avoid an operation that takes too long
It would be too dangerous and too painful for a patient to undergo a long and exhausting operation if all the fat from her extensive lipedema were removed at once from all areas. Multiple operations reduce the risk of anaemia and complications. A long operation means a very long period of fatigue, more risk of anaemia, malaise, hypotension and less risk with anaesthesia.
The average procedure lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, and the surgeon never goes beyond 3 hours for the treatment of lipedema.
A multi-part operation
First, the lower part of the body is operated on, i.e. the lower legs. In subsequent operations, the surgeon will operate on the upper knees, then the thighs, and finally the arms if necessary.
During lipoedema surgery, it is important to remove all diseased lipoedema fat, which can result in a very “sculpted” calf appearance.
Of course, between two operations, the appearance of the legs can give a disharmonious impression. We therefore advise our patients to be patient, continue to wear their compression garments, drink plenty of water (between 2 and 3 liters a day) (see our articles on nutrition for more information) and remain mobile and active, and to wait at least 3 months before their next operation (or even 6 months for greater safety in the event of fatigue and/or anemia risk).
A question of angles
Last but not least: the angle of view of some photos, and the position of limbs. A calf or thigh may appear larger when lying down. Similarly, a leg stretched in hypertension will highlight a particular area of the leg that is not normally as visible when the leg is at rest.
To conclude this article on “My legs look strange in post-op photos”
In short, to be sure of the result of an operation, always wait a few months, and always prefer photos of people standing and in a relaxed position.
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