Lipedema is the uncontrolled development of fat cells on the lower and/or upper limbs, and occurs in around 11% of women (#jesuis11%).
Many women suffering from lipedema complain about their lower limbs, but a certain proportion also experience discomfort in their upper limbs (arms and sometimes forearms). In this case, it’s also upper-limb lipedema.
Different types of lipedema
We distinguish between different types of lipedema depending on location:
- Lipedema type 1: Hips/buttocks
- Lipedema type 2: From buttocks to knees (included)
- Lipedema type 3: Buttocks to ankles (included)
- Lipedema type 4: Arms + lower limbs
- Lipedema type 5: Calves only
Symptoms of lipedema in the upper limbs are similar to those in the lower limbs: pain, a feeling of heaviness, spontaneous bruising, and impaired movement. Women also complain of difficulty getting dressed.
Surgical treatment of upper limb lipedema
For people with upper and lower limb problems, Dr. Nicolas Zwillinger generally proposes a three-stage WAL (Water-Assisted-Liposuction) surgical treatment, with at least 3 months between each procedure.
- Lower limbs
- Upper lower limbs
- Upper limbs
It is often advisable to start with the lower body, then gradually work your way up to the upper limbs, but the patient’s wishes come first, and if the upper limbs are the most troublesome and/or painful area of the body, it is possible to start with this procedure.
Upper limb surgery is generally performed in the same way as lower limb surgery, although it is not possible to use spinal anesthesia in this case.
The procedure lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the stage of lipedema and the volume of fat to be removed.
Post-operative WAL liposuction of the upper limbs
The post-operative period is similar to that of the lower limb procedure, with discharge from the suction points lasting 2 to 5 days, and edema in the suctioned areas, which may also extend down to the hands and fingers.
Post-operative compression garments must be worn in this area. We recommend compression sleeves (day and night for 15 days, then day or night for 15 days).
Post-operative pain generally lasts less than for the lower limbs, and WAL liposuction of the upper limbs does not cause difficulty in walking, making the post-operative period easier. However, it is difficult to return to work for 10 to 15 days.
The results of this surgical treatment of lipedema of the upper limbs are visible as soon as the post-operative oedema subsides, i.e. the results start to show two to three weeks after the operation, but the final results are visible 6 months after the operation.
We invite you to read the testimonial of a patient operated on by Doctor Nicolas Zwillinger using WAL liposuction of the upper limbs.
In some cases, excess skin associated with lipedema of the upper limbs may be noted, in which case an arm lift may be combined with the WAL liposuction procedure. The need for an arm lift is determined by the surgeon during the initial consultation, in particular by palpating the affected areas.
In conclusion, it’s not often that lipedema affects women’s arms, but it shouldn’t be overlooked, as the symptoms can be very debilitating and cause daily discomfort. There is a solution: WAL liposuction, using the same technique as for surgical treatment of the lower limbs.
We invite you to make an appointment with Dr Nicolas Zwillinger to determine whether your upper and/or lower limbs are affected by lipedema.
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