Treatment of elderly patients with advanced lipedema: a combination of laser-assisted liposuction, medial thigh lift, and lower partial abdominoplasty.

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Treatment of elderly patients with advanced lipedema: a combination of laser-assisted liposuction, medial thigh lift, and lower partial abdominoplasty.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a rare female disorder with a characteristic distribution of adipose tissue hypertrophy on the extremities, with pain and bruising. In advanced stages, reduction of adipose tissue is the only available effective treatment. In elderly patients with advanced lipedema, correction of increased skin laxity has to be considered for an optimal outcome. METHODS: We report on a tailored combined approach to improve advanced lipedema in elderly females with multiple comorbidities. Microcannular laser-assisted liposuction of the upper legs and knees is performed under tumescent anesthesia. Medial thigh lift and partial lower abdominoplasty with minimal undermining are used to correct skin laxity and prevent intertrigo. Postsurgical care with nonelastic flat knitted compression garments and manual lymph drainage are used. RESULTS: We report on three women aged 55-77 years with advanced lipedema of the legs and multiple comorbidities. Using this step-by-step approach, a short operation time and early mobilization were possible. Minor adverse effects were temporary methemoglobinemia after tumescent anesthesia and postsurgical pain. No severe adverse effects were seen. Patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSION: A tailored approach may be useful in advanced lipedema and is applicable even in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.
Publication
Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology
Volume
7
Pages
35-42
Date
2014
Journal Abbr
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol
Language
eng
ISSN
1178-7015 1178-7015 1178-7015
Citation
Wollina, U., Heinig, B., & Nowak, A. (2014). Treatment of elderly patients with advanced lipedema: a combination of  laser-assisted liposuction, medial thigh lift, and lower partial abdominoplasty. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 7, 35–42. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S56655
Publication