One of Dr Nicolas Zwillinger’s patients shares her experience as a dance teacher affected by lipedema, which had a major impact on her professional and personal life.
When did you first notice lipedema on your lower limbs, and what were your day-to-day symptoms?
I realized I had a problem around the age of 20, but even as a teenager I was seeing dysmorphia, swelling, pain, heaviness and bruising regularly on my legs. Despite intensive sport in my youth, nothing made them thinner. I lost weight at the top, but my legs remained fat. Hopeless!
Has lipedema been a handicap in your personal or professional life?
Le lipœdème est depuis toujours un complexe énorme, je ne m’habillais qu’en pantalon large, en sarouel… bref en mode camouflage!
In fact, I hid my problem so well that a lot of people didn’t know about it. I’m not the type to complain, so some people were surprised to discover my legs before and now. Pregnancies didn’t accentuate the situation too much, but at the age of 32 I lost my mom and the lipedema became more pronounced.
But a year ago it became a real handicap in my work as a dance teacher.
“This operation saved me!”
Could you tell us about your operations (anaesthesia, stay, sensations…) and your post-op experience?
The first operation was really scary, I didn’t know where I was going and luckily the team was there to answer all my questions. Thank you Charlotte!
Tous les examens que j’ai fait avant l’opération m’ont rassurés aussi. Je me suis dit que le Docteur Nicolas Zwillinger était sérieux et minutieux.
Afterwards, with the protocols, I prepared these operations to be at my best for the big day.
The first clinic wasn’t great but the staff were lovely, which was the main thing.
I was stressed because my legs are my working tool and I was scared. But the surgeon really reassured me. Calf surgery is still painful. Fortunately, the painkillers were there. Putting on compression stockings was a real ordeal, but that’s behind me now.
A lot of discharge on the first day, but I walked right away. Not for long, but I walked. After a month and a half, I was up and running. But I still had some difficulties in my job.
On the other hand, the 2nd operation at the Clinique Étoile was really top-notch! The anaesthetist was very professional, calling me the next day and the day after that to check that I was all right. The operation on my thighs and hips was much simpler. I had less anxiety because I knew what to expect. But it’s a much less painful operation, I’d say almost painless, the only worry is the repeated discomfort as soon as you’re in an upright position for 3 days.
But I was well supported by my family. Fortunately, they were all there to help me with the 2 operations.
How long after your operation were you able to resume your “normal” life »?
After the 2nd operation, I was able to resume my job with total autonomy after 4 weeks. But after 3 weeks I was fine.
How have your WAL liposuction operations changed your daily life?
These operations have lifted an enormous amount of weight off my shoulders, and today I’ve lost 10 kg in my legs. You can imagine 5 less water bottles on each leg. It’s amazing! I can finally wear dresses, skirts and boots. Become feminine! I feel good in my skin, in my head. In my work, I’m lighter and more efficient. No more pain, no more bruises. My vein problems are getting better. I also had Achilles tendon problems, but with this weight off it’s the same, I hardly have any tendonitis. In short, everything’s improving.
“A thousand thanks to Doctor Nicolas Zwillinger, to the whole team, to Charlotte”
The only downside was the cost of these operations, which were not covered by social security. We had to take out a 5-year loan. It’s crazy when it’s a problem that would have put me in a wheelchair in the long term. It’s really unfair.
In any case, it’s a good thing Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger is here to help!
If you had one piece of advice for people with this condition, what would it be?
J’ai déjà conseillé certaines personnes atteintes de lipœdème de passer le cap et de réaliser une liposuccion WAL. Les photos parlent d’elles même.
“It’s a revolution! It’s life-changing. A rebirth. Thanks again!”
We would like to thank this patient for sharing her experience of WAL liposuction surgery on the lower limbs. Relieved of her lipedema, she was able to return to her professional life with greater ease.
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