Analysis of the Lipedema Definition Technique (LDT) for Treating Lipedema: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Tenorio, Juliana (Author)
- Rapprich, Stefan (Author)
- Almeida, Samanta Fioravante Saraiva de (Author)
- Cruz, Pedro Nilson Pereira Rodrigues (Author)
- Souza, Rosiane Santos de (Author)
Title
Analysis of the Lipedema Definition Technique (LDT) for Treating Lipedema: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study
Abstract
Introduction:Lipedema is a progressive chronic condition that mainly affects women, and is characterized by disproportionate subcutaneous fat accumulation in the extremities, causing pain, edema, and impaired quality of life.Objective:This study evaluated the outcomes of the lipedema definition technique (LDT) for the treatment of lipedema, focusing on clinical efficacy, quality of life improvement, and patient satisfaction.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted with 67 women who underwent the LDT to treat lipedema (types II to V and stages 1 to 4). Analyzed variables included weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, total body water, InBody score, ideal weight, fat-free mass, basal metabolic rate, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat level, and percentage of obesity. The Lipedema Symptoms Assessment Questionnaire and complementary questionnaire were applied to assess satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Study assessments were conducted preoperatively, 90 days after surgery, and completed 2 years later.Results:A total of 34 patients (mean age of 40 years) were included; most had stage 2 lipedema (50.7%) and type IV (49.2%). After 90 days of the LDT, significant reductions were observed in weight (−2.5 kg, P = .001), body mass index (−0.9 kg/m2, P = .001), body fat percentage (−3.1%, P = .001), visceral fat (−1.8 points, P = .001), and percentage of obesity (−4.3%, P = .001). Moreover, fat levels in the upper and lower quadrants were significantly reduced, and bioimpedance analysis showed changes in all 5 body segments after LDT. Improvements in quality of life (89.4%) and pain reduction (87.2%) were reported. High satisfaction rates (91.5%) were observed, with 81.0% of patients reporting positive outcomes and 75.0% maintaining results in the long term.Conclusion:Lipedema definition technique was effective in reducing fat, improving quality of life, and achieving high patient satisfaction. This study reinforces the role of surgery as an intervention for lipedema, promoting important clinical and aesthetic benefits.
Publication
The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery
Pages
07488068251347720
Date
2025-09-02
Journal Abbr
Am J Cosmet Surg
Language
EN
ISSN
0748-8068
Short Title
Analysis of the Lipedema Definition Technique (LDT) for Treating Lipedema
Accessed
9/9/25, 12:25 PM
Library Catalog
SAGE Journals
Extra
Publisher: SAGE Publications Inc
Citation
Tenorio, J., Rapprich, S., Almeida, S. F. S. de, Cruz, P. N. P. R., & Souza, R. S. de. (2025). Analysis of the Lipedema Definition Technique (LDT) for Treating Lipedema: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study. The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, 07488068251347720. https://doi.org/10.1177/07488068251347720
Topic
Remark
The Lipedema Foundation LEGATO Lipedema Library is not currently in possession of this resource.
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