{"id":5913,"date":"2026-07-06T09:33:54","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T09:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/operacion-lipedema\/"},"modified":"2026-08-21T13:18:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T13:18:09","slug":"lipedema-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/lipedema-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Operaci\u00f3n de lipedema"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"5913\" class=\"elementor elementor-5913\" data-elementor-settings=\"{&quot;ha_cmc_init_switcher&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6a4c9ae elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6a4c9ae\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8fb235e\" data-id=\"8fb235e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0faf39e elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"0faf39e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<!--\r\n=====================================================================\r\n\/en\/lipedema-surgery\/  -  MERGED SURGICAL PAGE (ALL IN ONE)  -  EN\r\nTransactional landing: premium hero + blog-style body.\r\nPaste into a block that PROCESSES shortcodes (Gutenberg \"Custom HTML\" or Elementor).\r\nIncludes the rich snippet (JSON-LD) at the end and the EN WPForms shortcode (3655).\r\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\r\nMERGE: this page absorbs \/en\/lipedema-reduction-surgery\/.\r\n  -> A 301 IS REQUIRED from \/en\/lipedema-reduction-surgery\/ to \/en\/lipedema-surgery\/\r\nWhy this URL survives:\r\n  - hreflang pairing verified live: \/operacion-lipedema\/ <-> \/en\/lipedema-surgery\/ and\r\n    \/cirugia-lipedema\/ <-> \/en\/lipedema-reduction-surgery\/. Since the ES merge keeps\r\n    \/operacion-lipedema\/, the EN merge must keep its pair or hreflang breaks.\r\n  - \"lipedema surgery\" is the stronger English head term.\r\n  - NOTE THE TRADE-OFF: \/en\/lipedema-reduction-surgery\/ had 41 impressions and\r\n    \/en\/lipedema-surgery\/ had 0. In EN the page being retired had MORE impressions.\r\n    hreflang consistency wins: 41 impressions with 0 clicks is not worth breaking\r\n    the language pairing of the whole surgical cluster.\r\n  - \"lipedema reduction surgery\" is covered as a SYNONYM in the copy and FAQ.\r\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\r\nES SERP EVIDENCE behind the merge (same intent, one page):\r\n  85.7% SERP overlap between \"cirugia de lipedema\" and \"operacion de lipedema\";\r\n  the AI Overview for both queries is word-for-word identical with the same 13\r\n  references. Google treats them as a single intent.\r\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\r\nCROSS-LINKS TO UPDATE when publishing: any EN page pointing to\r\n\/en\/lipedema-reduction-surgery\/ should point to \/en\/lipedema-surgery\/.\r\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\r\nHARD RULES (client gates):\r\n  - NO PRICES. Always \"individual assessment\". The competitors that lead the generic\r\n    query do not publish figures either. Compensated with a table of cost FACTORS.\r\n  - Surgery does NOT cure lipedema. It is chronic. No promised outcomes.\r\n  - Stages in ARABIC (1-4), types in ROMAN (I-V).\r\n  - Surgical indication is NOT based on the stage (S2k Rec 12.3).\r\n  - Diet and exercise are baseline therapy, not a discarded alternative (Rec 10.2).\r\n  - Lymphatic preservation depends on the TECHNIQUE, not on the duplex ultrasound.\r\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\r\nMEDICAL GATE CORRECTIONS ALREADY APPLIED (from the ES version):\r\n  - Rec 12.4 confirms the extraction limit: max aspirate 10% of body weight per\r\n    session, 1-4 sessions per legs, 1-2 per arms. Cited as a published criterion,\r\n    no figure of our own.\r\n  - Rec 12.4 confirms anaesthesia (TLA or general) and allows BOTH day-case and\r\n    overnight stay: the overnight stay is OUR protocol, not a general rule.\r\n  - Pain relief goes in the MODAL, as the guideline does (\"koennen ... gelindert\r\n    werden\"); the evidence base is observational.\r\n  - Rec 12.2 criteria added: documented pain refractory to conservative care, and\r\n    caution with BMI >40 or WHtR >0.55, treating coincident obesity first.\r\n  - Contraindications block added: this is the biggest YMYL gap of a surgical page.\r\n  - FLACS labelled as the clinic's OWN denomination, not a recognised technique\r\n    (and note: FLACS is an established acronym in ophthalmology).\r\n  - UAL deliberately EXCLUDED from the technique table: Rec 12.4 names only PAL and\r\n    WAL, and Herbst 2021 states there is little published information on ultrasound\r\n    safety for removing lipedema tissue. The client confirmed on 2026-08-19 that the\r\n    clinic does NOT use UAL in lipedema.\r\n  - Renuvion is helium plasma + RF, FDA-cleared to coagulate and contract soft\r\n    tissue: it does NOT remove fat. Never label it RFAL.\r\n  - Disclaimer names concrete surgical risks instead of \"risks explained in consultation\".\r\n-----------------------------------------------------------------\r\nON-PAGE SEO (Rank Math):\r\n  Title: Lipedema surgery: how it works, techniques and when it is indicated\r\n  Slug:  en\/lipedema-surgery  (UNCHANGED - already live)\r\n  Meta:  How lipedema surgery works step by step: when it is indicated, which techniques\r\n         are used, duration, anaesthesia and recovery. Individual assessment.\r\n  H1:    Lipedema surgery: how it works, step by step (the hero one)\r\nFORM (3655): WPForms confirmation redirect -> \/en\/thank-you\/\r\n=====================================================================\r\n-->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.oplac-hero,.oplac-section{font-family:inherit;}\r\n.oplac-container{max-width:1180px;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;}\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-prose{max-width:820px;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;}\r\n\r\n\/* HERO *\/\r\n.oplac-hero{position:relative;min-height:62vh;display:flex;align-items:center;overflow:hidden;\r\n  background-image:url('https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tratamiento-integral-del-lipedema.webp');\r\n  background-size:cover;background-position:78% center;background-repeat:no-repeat;}\r\n.oplac-hero::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:1;\r\n  background:linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(5,8,9,.96) 0%, rgba(5,8,9,.92) 28%, rgba(5,8,9,.70) 48%, rgba(5,8,9,.28) 72%, rgba(5,8,9,.10) 100%),linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,0,0,.20) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,.05) 40%, rgba(0,0,0,.45) 100%);}\r\n.oplac-hero::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:2;background:radial-gradient(circle at 22% 35%, rgba(216,189,132,.12), transparent 35%);}\r\n.oplac-hero-inner{position:relative;z-index:3;width:100%;max-width:1240px;margin:0 auto;padding:100px 30px 74px;}\r\n.oplac-hero-content{max-width:760px;}\r\n.oplac-kicker{display:inline-block;margin-bottom:22px;padding:10px 18px;border:1px solid rgba(216,189,132,.45);color:#d8bd84;font-size:12px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.24em;text-transform:uppercase;background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);backdrop-filter:blur(10px);}\r\n.oplac-hero h1{margin:0 0 22px;color:#fff;font-size:clamp(38px,4.8vw,64px);font-weight:300;line-height:1.03;letter-spacing:-.045em;}\r\n.oplac-hero h1 span{display:block;color:#d8bd84;font-weight:500;}\r\n.oplac-hero-text{max-width:660px;margin:0 0 28px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);font-size:clamp(17px,1.35vw,21px);line-height:1.8;font-weight:300;}\r\n.oplac-hero-links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px;margin-bottom:32px;}\r\n.oplac-hero-links a{padding:10px 16px;border-radius:999px;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.22);color:#fff;text-decoration:none;font-size:13px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);transition:.25s;}\r\n.oplac-hero-links a:hover{border-color:#d8bd84;color:#d8bd84;}\r\n.oplac-actions{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:15px;}\r\n.oplac-btn-primary,.oplac-btn-secondary{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-height:54px;padding:15px 28px;border-radius:999px;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.12em;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;transition:.25s;}\r\n.oplac-btn-primary{background:#00B0F0;border:1px solid #00B0F0;color:#0D3544;}\r\n.oplac-btn-primary:hover{background:#fff;border-color:#fff;color:#0D3544;}\r\n.oplac-btn-secondary{color:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.35);background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);}\r\n.oplac-btn-secondary:hover{border-color:#d8bd84;color:#d8bd84;}\r\n\r\n\/* SECTIONS *\/\r\n.oplac-section{padding:76px 24px;background:#f8f6f1;}\r\n.oplac-section.white{background:#fff;}\r\n.oplac-section.dark{background:#0d0d0d;color:#fff;}\r\n.oplac-eyebrow{color:#b4975f;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.22em;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:14px;}\r\n.oplac-section h2{margin:0 0 18px;color:#111;font-size:clamp(27px,3.2vw,42px);line-height:1.12;letter-spacing:-.03em;font-weight:400;}\r\n.oplac-section.dark h2{color:#fff;}\r\n.oplac-section h2 span{color:#b4975f;}\r\n.oplac-section h3{color:#111;font-size:21px;font-weight:600;margin:26px 0 12px;line-height:1.3;}\r\n.oplac-section.dark h3{color:#d8bd84;}\r\n.oplac-section p{color:#3b3b3b;font-size:17px;line-height:1.9;margin:0 0 18px;}\r\n.oplac-section.dark p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.76);}\r\n.oplac-section ul{margin:0 0 18px;padding-left:20px;color:#3b3b3b;line-height:1.85;font-size:16.5px;}\r\n.oplac-section.dark ul{color:rgba(255,255,255,.76);}\r\n.oplac-section li{margin-bottom:9px;}\r\n.oplac-section li strong,.oplac-section p strong{color:#111;}\r\n.oplac-section.dark li strong,.oplac-section.dark p strong{color:#fff;}\r\n.oplac-link{color:#9b7b3d;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(155,123,61,.35);}\r\n.oplac-link:hover{border-bottom-color:#9b7b3d;}\r\n.oplac-section.dark .oplac-link{color:#d8bd84;border-bottom-color:rgba(216,189,132,.5);}\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-lead{max-width:900px;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;text-align:center;}\r\n\r\n\/* BYLINE *\/\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-byline{max-width:900px;margin:0 auto 34px auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;padding-bottom:18px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(180,151,95,.28);}\r\n.oplac-byline-txt{color:#5a727d;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;}\r\n.oplac-byline-txt strong{color:#111;}\r\n.oplac-byline-txt a{color:#9b7b3d;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;}\r\n.oplac-byline-badge{flex:0 0 auto;width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;background:#0D3544;color:#d8bd84;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:15px;font-weight:800;}\r\n\r\n\/* PASO *\/\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-step{max-width:860px;margin:0 auto 30px auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;padding-bottom:26px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(180,151,95,.25);}\r\n.oplac-step:last-child{border-bottom:none;margin-bottom:0;padding-bottom:0;}\r\n.oplac-num{display:inline-block;background:#0D3544;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.14em;padding:6px 12px;margin-bottom:12px;text-transform:uppercase;}\r\n.oplac-step h3{margin:0 0 12px;font-size:23px;}\r\n\r\n\/* TABLA *\/\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-tablewrap{overflow-x:auto;max-width:980px;margin:26px auto 6px auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;}\r\n.oplac-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;background:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(180,151,95,.22);box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.045);font-size:15px;min-width:640px;}\r\n.oplac-table th,.oplac-table td{padding:13px 16px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;vertical-align:top;line-height:1.6;}\r\n.oplac-table th{background:#0D3544;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12.5px;letter-spacing:.03em;text-transform:uppercase;}\r\n.oplac-table td:first-child{font-weight:700;color:#111;}\r\n.oplac-table tr:last-child td{border-bottom:none;}\r\n.oplac-table a{color:#9b7b3d;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;}\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-tnote{max-width:980px;margin:10px auto 0 auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;color:#5a727d;font-size:14px;}\r\n.oplac-tnote a{color:#9b7b3d;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;}\r\n\r\n\/* FICHA TECNICA *\/\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-specs{max-width:980px;margin:30px auto 0 auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:18px;}\r\n.oplac-spec{background:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(180,151,95,.22);border-top:3px solid #b4975f;padding:22px 20px;box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.045);}\r\n.oplac-spec-lab{display:block;color:#b4975f;font-size:11px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:9px;}\r\n.oplac-spec-val{display:block;color:#111;font-size:16.5px;font-weight:600;line-height:1.45;}\r\n@media(max-width:900px){.oplac-section .oplac-specs{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);}}\r\n@media(max-width:520px){.oplac-section .oplac-specs{grid-template-columns:1fr;}}\r\n\r\n\/* CALLOUT *\/\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-callout{max-width:900px;margin:26px auto 0 auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;background:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(180,151,95,.22);border-left:4px solid #00B0F0;padding:24px 28px;box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.045);}\r\n.oplac-callout p{margin:0;font-size:16.5px;}\r\n\r\n\/* CHECKLIST *\/\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-check{max-width:860px;margin:24px auto 0 auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;background:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(180,151,95,.22);padding:28px 32px;box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.045);}\r\n.oplac-check ul{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0;}\r\n.oplac-check li{padding-left:30px;position:relative;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:16.5px;color:#3b3b3b;line-height:1.75;}\r\n.oplac-check li::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:0;top:6px;width:16px;height:16px;border:2px solid #00B0F0;border-radius:3px;}\r\n.oplac-check li strong{color:#111;}\r\n\r\n\/* FAQ *\/\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-faq{max-width:920px;margin:34px auto 0 auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;display:grid;gap:14px;}\r\n.oplac-faq-item{background:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(180,151,95,.22);padding:24px 28px;box-shadow:0 18px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.045);}\r\n.oplac-faq-item h3{margin:0 0 10px;font-size:18px;}\r\n.oplac-faq-item p{margin:0;color:#555;font-size:16px;line-height:1.8;}\r\n.oplac-faq-item p a{color:#9b7b3d;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;}\r\n\r\n\/* AUTOR \/ FUENTES *\/\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-authorbox{max-width:1180px;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;background:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(180,151,95,.28);border-left:4px solid #b4975f;padding:30px 34px;}\r\n.oplac-authorbox p{margin:0 0 10px;color:#3b3b3b;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.7;}\r\n.oplac-authorbox p:last-child{margin:0;}\r\n.oplac-authorbox strong{color:#111;}\r\n.oplac-authorbox a{color:#9b7b3d;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;}\r\n.oplac-section .oplac-refs{max-width:920px;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;}\r\n.oplac-refs h3{color:#111;font-size:15px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.1em;}\r\n.oplac-refs ol{color:#666;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.7;padding-left:18px;}\r\n.oplac-refs a{color:#9b7b3d;text-decoration:none;}\r\n\r\n@media(max-width:820px){.oplac-section{padding:56px 20px;}}\r\n@media(max-width:767px){\r\n  .oplac-hero{min-height:560px;background-position:72% center;}\r\n  .oplac-hero::before{background:linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(5,8,9,.96) 0%, rgba(5,8,9,.84) 45%, rgba(5,8,9,.96) 100%);}\r\n  .oplac-hero-inner{padding:92px 22px 56px;}\r\n  .oplac-actions{flex-direction:column;}\r\n  .oplac-btn-primary,.oplac-btn-secondary{width:100%;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= HERO ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-hero\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-hero-inner\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-hero-content\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-kicker\">Lipedema surgery<\/div>\r\n      <h1>Lipedema surgery:<span>how it works, step by step<\/span><\/h1>\r\n      <p class=\"oplac-hero-text\">\r\n        Surgery is currently the only treatment that removes lipedema tissue. It does not cure the condition, which is chronic, but it can produce a lasting reduction in pain and volume when conservative management is not enough. Here we explain when it is indicated, which techniques are used, how the procedure works and what determines the quote.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-hero-links\">\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-treatment\/\">Treatment<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/wal-lipedema-liposuction\/\">WAL liposuction<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/renuvion-lipedema\/\">Renuvion&reg;<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-surgery-recovery\/\">Recovery<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/advanced-care-method\/\">Advanced Care Method<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-actions\">\r\n        <a href=\"#contacto_footer\" class=\"oplac-btn-primary\">Request a concierge assessment<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-diagnosis\/\" class=\"oplac-btn-secondary\">How it is diagnosed<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= WHAT IT IS ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-byline\">\r\n      <span class=\"oplac-byline-badge\">AC<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"oplac-byline-txt\">\r\n        Medical content reviewed by <strong><a href=\"\/en\/doctor-alexo-carballeira-brana\/\">Dr Alexo Carballeira Bra&ntilde;a<\/a><\/strong>, plastic surgeon recertified by the SECPRE, specialising in lipedema surgery and author of <em>The Advanced Care Study<\/em>.<br>Last reviewed: August 2026.\r\n      <\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">The first thing to understand<\/div>\r\n      <h2>A medical procedure, <span>not a cosmetic liposuction<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        <strong>Lipedema surgery<\/strong>, also called lipedema reduction surgery, consists of removing the diseased fatty tissue through a specific liposuction that <strong>spares the lymphatic vessels<\/strong>. It shares the name of the technique with cosmetic liposuction, but it shares neither the aim nor the execution.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        The practical difference lies in three things: the <strong>aim<\/strong> is functional, to reduce pain and restore mobility, not to reshape the silhouette; the <strong>technique<\/strong> orients the cannulas to preserve the lymphatic system, whose integrity conditions the long-term outcome; and the <strong>volume and the areas<\/strong> are planned on a prior clinical diagnosis, not on a cosmetic request.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        And one clarification, because it is the question that comes up most in consultation: <strong>surgery does not cure lipedema<\/strong>. Lipedema is a chronic condition and there is no cure. What surgery does is remove the affected tissue in the treated areas, and with it reduce pain and volume. Conservative management (compression, exercise, weight control) remains part of the treatment both before and after surgery.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= WHEN IT IS INDICATED ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">The prior question<\/div>\r\n      <h2>When surgery <span>is indicated<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Not every patient with lipedema needs surgery, and the indication is not decided by looking at a photograph. These are the criteria that are assessed:\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li><strong>A confirmed clinical diagnosis.<\/strong> Before considering surgery we must be certain it is lipedema and not something else. This is how <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/lipedema-diagnosis\/\">lipedema is diagnosed<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Symptoms that limit your daily life.<\/strong> The decisive criterion is pain and functional impact, not volume or appearance.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Conservative management already under way.<\/strong> Compression, drainage and weight control are the basis of treatment; surgery is considered when they are not enough to control the symptoms.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Vascular status assessed.<\/strong> A prior venous study makes it possible to rule out concomitant venous disease and adjust the planning.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Documented pain that does not respond to conservative treatment.<\/strong> Pain alone is not enough: the guideline asks that it be established that it does not improve despite properly delivered conservative care.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Weight and obesity assessed beforehand.<\/strong> If obesity coexists, it is treated first: with a BMI above 40 or a waist-to-height ratio above 0.55 the surgical indication is considered with particular caution.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>Realistic expectations.<\/strong> Understanding that the tissue of the operated areas is treated and that the condition remains chronic.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-callout\">\r\n        <p><strong>A point that is often misread:<\/strong> the surgical indication <strong>does not depend on the stage<\/strong>. The <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/stages-of-lipedema\/\">stages of lipedema<\/a> describe the appearance of the tissue, they do not measure the severity of the symptoms. Pain can be intense at stage 1 and manageable at stage 3, and what decides is the pain and the limitation, not the number.<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-callout\" style=\"border-left-color:#b4975f;margin-top:20px;\">\r\n        <p><strong>When surgery is not performed, or not yet:<\/strong> if there is associated oedema of another cause, decongestive therapy is carried out before surgery; if obesity coexists, it is treated first; in patients under 18 the indication is strict; and active venous disease, recent thrombosis, a clotting disorder or pre-existing anaemia are corrected or ruled out before scheduling theatre. Liposuction of painless lipohypertrophy, with no pain or limitation, falls outside the indication in the guideline.<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= TECHNIQUES ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">What we operate with<\/div>\r\n      <h2>The techniques, <span>and what each is for<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        There is no single technique. They are combined according to the areas, the consistency of the tissue and the quality of the skin:\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-tablewrap\">\r\n      <table class=\"oplac-table\">\r\n        <thead><tr><th>Technique<\/th><th>What it involves<\/th><th>Why it is chosen<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n        <tbody>\r\n          <tr><td><a href=\"\/en\/wal-lipedema-liposuction\/\">WAL<\/a><br><span style=\"font-weight:400;color:#5a727d;font-size:13.5px;\">Water-jet Assisted<\/span><\/td><td>A pressurised jet of saline separates the fatty tissue before it is aspirated.<\/td><td>It makes it easier to remove the fat while sparing neighbouring structures, among them the lymphatic vessels.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td><a href=\"\/en\/pal-lipedema-liposuction\/\">PAL<\/a><br><span style=\"font-weight:400;color:#5a727d;font-size:13.5px;\">Power Assisted<\/span><\/td><td>The cannula vibrates mechanically to pass through the tissue with less force.<\/td><td>In our experience, useful in fibrous, hardened tissue, where simple aspiration is more traumatic. The guideline places PAL and WAL at the same level.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td><a href=\"\/en\/renuvion-lipedema\/\">Renuvion&reg;<\/a><\/td><td>Applies energy to the subcutaneous tissue to encourage its contraction and, with it, the retraction of the skin. It does not appear in the reference clinical guideline.<\/td><td>When residual laxity is anticipated because the skin will not retract on its own.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>FLACS<br><span style=\"font-weight:400;color:#5a727d;font-size:13.5px;\">The clinic's own denomination<\/span><\/td><td>It is not a separate technique nor a term from the guidelines: it is the name we give to our planning for treating the legs in full as one whole, using the techniques above.<\/td><td>Cases with extensive involvement, so the outcome is not fragmented across isolated procedures.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n        <\/tbody>\r\n      <\/table>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <p class=\"oplac-tnote\">The choice is not a clinic preference: it is decided on your tissue and your areas. It is usual to combine more than one in the same procedure. WAL and PAL are the systems recommended by the reference clinical guideline; Renuvion&reg; is a complementary resource for skin quality, not a method for removing tissue.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= THE PROCEDURE (SPECS) ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-lead\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">What nobody tells you and everybody asks<\/div>\r\n      <h2>What the procedure is like<\/h2>\r\n      <p style=\"max-width:760px;margin:0 auto 10px;\">The concrete facts about the day of surgery, in our protocol.<\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-specs\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-spec\"><span class=\"oplac-spec-lab\">Duration<\/span><span class=\"oplac-spec-val\">Usually between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the number of areas<\/span><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-spec\"><span class=\"oplac-spec-lab\">Anaesthesia<\/span><span class=\"oplac-spec-val\">Decided with the anaesthetist according to the case and the extent<\/span><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-spec\"><span class=\"oplac-spec-lab\">Stay<\/span><span class=\"oplac-spec-val\">Usually one night, to monitor the first hours<\/span><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-spec\"><span class=\"oplac-spec-lab\">Sessions<\/span><span class=\"oplac-spec-val\">Several if the involvement is extensive, spaced out over time<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\" style=\"margin-top:40px;\">\r\n      <h3>Why it is divided into several procedures<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        This is the point that surprises patients most, and there is a safety reason for it: <strong>there is a limit to how much tissue can be safely removed in a single procedure<\/strong>. Exceeding it increases the surgical risk without improving the outcome. That is why, when the involvement is extensive, it is planned by areas and across several sessions spaced out over time, rather than forcing everything into one.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        It is not a commercial strategy nor a way of stretching out the process: it is what makes it possible to operate with a margin of safety. The reference clinical guideline sets a maximum aspirate per session in relation to body weight and limits the number of sessions per limb. At the assessment you are told how many are anticipated in your case and how far apart.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= THE PROCESS STEP BY STEP ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-lead\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">From the first consultation to discharge<\/div>\r\n      <h2>The five phases of the process<\/h2>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-step\">\r\n      <span class=\"oplac-num\">Phase 1<\/span>\r\n      <h3>Assessment, diagnosis and vascular study<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Before theatre is discussed, the diagnosis is confirmed and the venous system is assessed with <strong>duplex ultrasound<\/strong>, carried out by <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/doctora-marta-zaplana-cordoba\/\">Dr Marta Zaplana<\/a>, angiologist and vascular surgeon. Varicose veins, venous insufficiency or the after-effects of thrombosis are ruled out, as they change the planning.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        A <strong>3D body scanner<\/strong> is also incorporated, documenting the starting contour and making it possible to measure change afterwards objectively, rather than comparing by eye.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-step\">\r\n      <span class=\"oplac-num\">Phase 2<\/span>\r\n      <h3>Surgical planning by areas<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        With the diagnosis and the vascular study on the table, we define which areas are treated, in what order, with which techniques and across how many sessions. This is where it is decided whether Renuvion&reg; is needed because of the quality of the skin, or whether fibrous tissue calls for PAL in a particular area.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-step\">\r\n      <span class=\"oplac-num\">Phase 3<\/span>\r\n      <h3>The procedure<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        The lipedema tissue is removed from the planned areas using the chosen technique, orienting the cannulas to <strong>preserve the lymphatic vessels<\/strong>. That preservation depends on how the surgery is performed: it is a matter of surgical technique, not of the equipment used.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-step\">\r\n      <span class=\"oplac-num\">Phase 4<\/span>\r\n      <h3>The first hours and discharge<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        After surgery the compression is fitted and the first hours are monitored before discharge. You are given the instructions on mobility, compression and care of the area, which are part of the outcome and not a formality.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-step\">\r\n      <span class=\"oplac-num\">Phase 5<\/span>\r\n      <h3>Recovery and follow-up<\/h3>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Recovery is gradual and with scheduled reviews: compression, manual lymphatic drainage and the progressive reintroduction of activity. The full detail, with timings and what to expect week by week, is in <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/lipedema-surgery-recovery\/\">lipedema surgery recovery<\/a>.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= AREAS ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">Where surgery can be performed<\/div>\r\n      <h2>Areas that are treated<\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        The distribution of your lipedema determines the areas, and that distribution is what defines the <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/stages-of-lipedema\/\">type<\/a> (from I to V, described alongside the stages):\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-tablewrap\">\r\n      <table class=\"oplac-table\">\r\n        <thead><tr><th>Area<\/th><th>What is addressed<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n        <tbody>\r\n          <tr><td>Full legs<\/td><td>Hips, thighs, knees and calves in one joint plan, the FLACS approach.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Thighs and saddlebags<\/td><td>The most frequent area and the one that most limits chafing and the choice of clothing.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Calves and ankles<\/td><td>A delicate area because of drainage; planned with particular care for the lymphatic system.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Arms<\/td><td>Inner and upper aspect, characteristic of type IV lipedema, which can occur alongside involvement of the legs.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Buttocks and abdomen<\/td><td>When the involvement extends to the lower trunk.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n        <\/tbody>\r\n      <\/table>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <p class=\"oplac-tnote\">The foot and the hand are spared: in lipedema the build-up stops at the ankle or the wrist, and that is one of the signs that set it apart. See <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-symptoms\/\">the symptoms of lipedema<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= COST (NO PRICES) ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">Let us talk about the quote<\/div>\r\n      <h2>What determines the cost <span>of surgery<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        We do not publish a fixed price on the website, and it is not evasion: <strong>giving a figure without having assessed the case would mean making it up<\/strong>. Two patients with the same diagnosis may need a single procedure or three, and that changes the quote completely. These are the factors that determine it:\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-tablewrap\">\r\n      <table class=\"oplac-table\">\r\n        <thead><tr><th>Factor<\/th><th>Why it matters<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n        <tbody>\r\n          <tr><td>Number of areas<\/td><td>Each area adds theatre time and its own planning.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Number of sessions<\/td><td>Because of the limit on how much tissue can be safely removed in one procedure.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Extent of involvement<\/td><td>It determines the volume to be treated and the complexity of the approach.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Techniques required<\/td><td>Whether Renuvion&reg; is needed for the quality of the skin, or PAL for fibrous tissue.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Anaesthesia and stay<\/td><td>They vary with the duration and the extent of the procedure.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n          <tr><td>Follow-up included<\/td><td>Reviews, compression garments and the drainage sessions of the recovery period.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n        <\/tbody>\r\n      <\/table>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-callout\">\r\n      <p><strong>What the assessment includes:<\/strong> medical consultation, vascular study with duplex ultrasound carried out by our angiologist, 3D body scan and a concrete surgical plan with the areas, the techniques and the number of sessions anticipated. The quote comes from that, in writing and with no surprises. <strong>Financing options<\/strong> are available; the terms are reviewed at the assessment.<\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= WHY HERE ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section dark\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">How to choose<\/div>\r\n      <h2>What you should ask <span>at any clinic<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Having lipedema surgery is an important decision and it deserves a proper comparison. These are the questions we would ask, and which have an answer here:\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-check\" style=\"background:rgba(255,255,255,.04);border-color:rgba(216,189,132,.28);\">\r\n      <ul style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.8);\">\r\n        <li style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);\"><strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Who will operate on me, and with what credentials?<\/strong> Here the surgeon is <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/doctor-alexo-carballeira-brana\/\">Dr Alexo Carballeira<\/a>, plastic surgeon recertified by the SECPRE, specialising in lipedema.<\/li>\r\n        <li style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);\"><strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Is my vascular system studied beforehand?<\/strong> Yes, with duplex ultrasound performed by <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/doctora-marta-zaplana-cordoba\/\">Dr Marta Zaplana<\/a>, angiologist and vascular surgeon integrated into our team, at the same clinic.<\/li>\r\n        <li style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);\"><strong style=\"color:#fff;\">How is my progress measured?<\/strong> With a 3D body scanner, which gives an objective measurement rather than an impression.<\/li>\r\n        <li style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);\"><strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Does the technique preserve the lymphatic system?<\/strong> This is the point that conditions the long-term outcome and should always be asked.<\/li>\r\n        <li style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);\"><strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Is there published research behind it?<\/strong> In 2023 our team published a study of 969 participants with lipedema in Spain.<\/li>\r\n        <li style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,.82);\"><strong style=\"color:#fff;\">What follow-up is included?<\/strong> Scheduled reviews and compression and drainage instructions, within the <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/advanced-care-method\/\">Advanced Care Method<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\" style=\"margin-top:34px;\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-actions\" style=\"justify-content:flex-start;\">\r\n        <a href=\"#contacto_footer\" class=\"oplac-btn-primary\">Request a concierge assessment<\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-treatment\/\" class=\"oplac-btn-secondary\">See all the options<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= WHAT TO EXPECT ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">Expectations<\/div>\r\n      <h2>What you can expect <span>and what you cannot<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        This is probably the most important part of the page, because a badly set expectation ruins a good surgical outcome. Here is what it does and what it does not.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n\r\n      <h3>What surgery does do<\/h3>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li><strong>It removes the lipedema tissue<\/strong> from the treated areas. It is the only thing that achieves this: that tissue is not eliminated by diet or exercise, although losing weight does reduce leg volume when there is associated overweight.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>It can reduce pain and heaviness<\/strong> in a lasting way in the operated areas, which is the functional aim of the procedure. This is what the German clinical guideline and the published series describe, with improvements sustained over years, although the magnitude varies from one patient to another.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>It improves mobility<\/strong> and chafing between the legs when volume was limiting them.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>It partly corrects the disproportion<\/strong> relative to the trunk, with the consequent effect on clothing and body image.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n\r\n      <h3>What surgery does not do<\/h3>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li><strong>It does not cure the condition.<\/strong> Lipedema is chronic. The tissue of the operated areas is treated, not the underlying predisposition.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>It does not replace conservative management.<\/strong> Compression, low-impact exercise and weight control remain part of the treatment after surgery.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>It is not a weight-loss treatment.<\/strong> The target is the diseased tissue and the symptoms, not the scales.<\/li>\r\n        <li><strong>It does not guarantee a particular outcome.<\/strong> It depends on your tissue, on the quality of the skin and on individual progress, and like all surgery it carries risks that are explained in consultation.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-callout\">\r\n        <p><strong>About weight:<\/strong> if there is associated overweight or obesity, losing weight does also reduce leg volume, even though the characteristic disproportion and pain remain. That is why nutrition and exercise are not a discarded alternative, they are the foundation on which everything else rests, before and after surgery.<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= SCIENTIFIC BACKING ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-prose\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">Why it matters who operates on you<\/div>\r\n      <h2>Our own research, <span>not just experience<\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>\r\n        Most of the information about lipedema in circulation in Spanish comes from elsewhere, and almost no clinic in Spain has published data of its own. Our team has: in 2023 we published <em>The Advanced Care Study<\/em> in the <em>International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health<\/em>, a descriptive cross-sectional study of <strong>969 participants with lipedema in Spain<\/strong>.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        From it comes a figure that explains a great deal about why so many patients come to consider surgery late: <strong>51.2% needed to consult three or more different specialists before receiving a diagnosis<\/strong>, and one in three more than five. By the time they finally reach a specialist clinic, they carry years of accumulated delay.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <p>\r\n        The existence of research behind us does not guarantee a surgical outcome, and we do not present it as such. What it does indicate is the level of rigour with which the diagnosis and the indication are approached, which is exactly what determines whether an operation is well planned. You can read the <a class=\"oplac-link\" href=\"\/en\/lipedema-study\/\">full study<\/a>.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= FAQ ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section white\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-container\">\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-lead\"><div class=\"oplac-eyebrow\">Frequently asked questions<\/div><h2>Questions about the surgery<\/h2><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"oplac-faq\">\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>What does lipedema surgery involve?<\/h3><p>Removing the diseased fatty tissue through a specific liposuction that spares the lymphatic vessels. It is planned by areas on a prior clinical diagnosis and a vascular study, and the aim is functional: to reduce pain and volume, not to reshape the silhouette.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>Does surgery cure lipedema?<\/h3><p>No. Lipedema is a chronic condition and there is no cure. Surgery removes the affected tissue in the treated areas and with it reduces pain and volume, but conservative management remains part of the treatment both before and after.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>How does it differ from a cosmetic liposuction?<\/h3><p>In the aim, in the technique and in the indication. Here the purpose is functional, the execution preserves the lymphatic system and the procedure is planned on a medical diagnosis. A conventional cosmetic liposuction is not designed for this tissue.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>How much does lipedema surgery cost?<\/h3><p>It depends on the number of areas, the sessions required, the extent and the techniques that need to be combined, so we do not publish a fixed figure: without assessing the case it would be made up. A written quote is provided at the assessment, and financing options are available.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>How many sessions are needed?<\/h3><p>It depends on the extent. There is a limit to how much tissue can be safely removed in a single procedure, so when the involvement is extensive it is planned across several sessions spaced out over time. At the assessment you are told how many are anticipated in your case.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>How long does the surgery take and is a hospital stay required?<\/h3><p>The procedure can be carried out as a day case or with an overnight stay. In our protocol it usually takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on the number of areas, with one night in hospital to monitor the first hours. The type of anaesthesia, sedation with tumescent local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia, is decided with the anaesthetist according to the case and the extent.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>What is the difference between WAL, PAL and Renuvion&reg;?<\/h3><p>WAL separates the tissue with a jet of saline before aspirating it; PAL uses a cannula that vibrates and works better in fibrous tissue; Renuvion&reg; does not remove fat, it applies energy to encourage the skin to contract. They are combined according to the case.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>Do I need a diagnosis before having surgery?<\/h3><p>Yes, always. It must be confirmed that it is lipedema and not another cause of increased volume, and the venous system must be assessed. This is how <a href=\"\/en\/lipedema-diagnosis\/\">lipedema is diagnosed<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>Does it depend on the stage of lipedema I have?<\/h3><p>No. The stages describe the appearance of the tissue, they do not measure the severity of the symptoms. The indication is decided by pain and functional limitation, not by the stage number.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"oplac-faq-item\"><h3>Who performs the surgery and where?<\/h3><p>Dr Alexo Carballeira Bra&ntilde;a, plastic surgeon recertified by the SECPRE, with the vascular study carried out by Dr Marta Zaplana, angiologist and vascular surgeon on the team. The clinic is in Valencia. Meet the <a href=\"\/en\/medical-team\/\">medical team<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= SOURCES ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section white\" style=\"padding-top:0;\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-refs\">\r\n    <h3>Sources and references<\/h3>\r\n    <ol>\r\n      <li>Carballeira Bra&ntilde;a A, Poveda Castillo J. <em>The Advanced Care Study: Current Status of Lipedema in Spain, A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study<\/em>. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023;20(17):6647. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37681787\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View on PubMed<\/a> (study by our team)<\/li>\r\n      <li>S2k guideline Lipoedema, AWMF 037-012, v5.0 (2024). <a href=\"https:\/\/register.awmf.org\/assets\/guidelines\/037-012l_S2k_Lipoedem_2024-01_01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View guideline<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li>Herbst KL et al. <em>Standard of care for lipedema in the United States<\/em>. Phlebology, 2021. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34049453\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View on PubMed<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK573066\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lipedema - StatPearls (NCBI)<\/a><\/li>\r\n    <\/ol>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= DISCLAIMER \/ AUTHORSHIP ============================= -->\r\n<section class=\"oplac-section white\" style=\"padding-top:0;\">\r\n  <div class=\"oplac-authorbox\">\r\n    <p><strong>Medically reviewed content.<\/strong> Content produced by the medical team at Lipedema Advanced Care and reviewed by <strong>Dr Alexo Carballeira Bra&ntilde;a<\/strong>, plastic surgeon (SECPRE recertified) specialising in the treatment of lipedema, registered with the ICOMV and lead author of <em>The Advanced Care Study<\/em> (IJERPH, 2023). Meet <a href=\"\/en\/doctor-alexo-carballeira-brana\/\">Dr Alexo Carballeira<\/a> and the rest of the <a href=\"\/en\/medical-team\/\">medical team<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n    <p>This information is for general guidance and does not replace a medical consultation or diagnosis. Lipedema is a chronic condition; it has no cure, but its symptoms can be treated. All surgery carries risks. In lipedema liposuction the most frequently described are seroma, haematoma, transient changes in sensation, contour irregularities, infection and, less frequently, venous thrombosis or the worsening of pre-existing oedema. Serious complications are rare in the published series, but each patient's risk depends on the volume to be treated, on their medical history and on their prior condition, and it is explained individually in consultation before the consent form is signed. No outcome can be guaranteed in advance. Every case requires an individual assessment. Last updated: August 2026.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- ============================= PREFOOTER CONTACTO (FORM 1787) ============================= -->\r\n<section id=\"lac-prefooter-contacto-unico\" class=\"lpf-main-section\">\r\n    <div class=\"lpf-container\">\r\n        <div class=\"lpf-flex-wrapper\">\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"lpf-doctor-side\">\r\n                <div class=\"lpf-doctor-sticky-box\">\r\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dr-alexo-carballeira-consulta-lipedema-marques-del-turia.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Alexo Carballeira\" class=\"lpf-doctor-img\" title=\"\">\r\n\r\n                    <div class=\"lpf-text-overlay\">\r\n                        <p class=\"lpf-tagline\">PERSONALISED CARE<\/p>\r\n                        <h2 class=\"lpf-hero-title\">\r\n                            Begin your path towards <br>\r\n                            <span class=\"lpf-gold-text\">lipedema relief<\/span>\r\n                        <\/h2>\r\n\r\n                        <div class=\"lpf-quote-container\">\r\n                            <p>\"My commitment is to offer you a precise diagnosis and complete support throughout.\"<\/p>\r\n                            <span class=\"lpf-signature\">Dr. Alexo Carballeira<\/span>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"lpf-form-side\" id=\"contacto_footer\">\r\n                <div class=\"lpf-form-box\">\r\n                    <div class=\"lpf-form-header\">\r\n                        <h3 class=\"lpf-form-main-title\">Request an Assessment<\/h3>\r\n                        <p class=\"lpf-form-subtitle\">SPECIALIST PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS<\/p>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <div class=\"lpf-form-engine\">\r\n                        <div class=\"wpforms-container wpforms-container-full\" id=\"wpforms-3655\"><form id=\"wpforms-form-3655\" class=\"wpforms-validate wpforms-form\" data-formid=\"3655\" method=\"post\" enctype=\"multipart\/form-data\" action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5913\" data-token=\"8d4c561932aa9ffceed390b3745b6e8d\"><noscript class=\"wpforms-error-noscript\">Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.<\/noscript><div class=\"wpforms-field-container\"><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_0-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-name\" data-field-id=\"0\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label wpforms-label-hide\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_0\">Name <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><div class=\"wpforms-field-row wpforms-field-medium\"><div class=\"wpforms-field-row-block wpforms-first wpforms-one-half\"><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_0\" class=\"wpforms-field-name-first wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][0][first]\" placeholder=\"Name\" required><label for=\"wpforms-3655-field_0\" class=\"wpforms-field-sublabel after wpforms-sublabel-hide\">First<\/label><\/div><div class=\"wpforms-field-row-block wpforms-one-half\"><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_0-last\" class=\"wpforms-field-name-last wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][0][last]\" placeholder=\"Surnames\" required><label for=\"wpforms-3655-field_0-last\" class=\"wpforms-field-sublabel after wpforms-sublabel-hide\">Last<\/label><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_2-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-email\" data-field-id=\"2\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label wpforms-label-hide\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_2\">Email <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"email\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_2\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][2]\" placeholder=\"Email\" required><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_13-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-number\" data-field-id=\"13\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_13\">Telephone <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"number\" pattern=\"\\d*\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_13\" class=\"wpforms-field-small wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][13]\" placeholder=\"Telephone\" required><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_12-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-radio wpforms-list-inline\" data-field-id=\"12\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_12\">Gender<\/label><ul id=\"wpforms-3655-field_12\"><li class=\"choice-1 depth-1 wpforms-selected\"><input type=\"radio\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_12_1\" name=\"wpforms[fields][12]\" value=\"Female\"   checked='checked'><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_12_1\">Female<\/label><\/li><li class=\"choice-2 depth-1\"><input type=\"radio\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_12_2\" name=\"wpforms[fields][12]\" value=\"Male\"  ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_12_2\">Male<\/label><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_11-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-number wpforms-one-half wpforms-first\" data-field-id=\"11\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_11\">Age <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"number\" pattern=\"\\d*\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_11\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][11]\" placeholder=\"Ej: 45\" required><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_8-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-number wpforms-one-half\" data-field-id=\"8\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_8\">Weight (kg)<\/label><input type=\"number\" pattern=\"\\d*\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_8\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][8]\" placeholder=\"Ej: 70\" ><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_7-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-number wpforms-one-half wpforms-first\" data-field-id=\"7\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_7\">Height (cm)<\/label><input type=\"number\" pattern=\"\\d*\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_7\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][7]\" placeholder=\"Ej: 170\" ><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_9-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-number wpforms-one-half\" data-field-id=\"9\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_9\">Waist (cm)<\/label><input type=\"number\" pattern=\"\\d*\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_9\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][9]\" placeholder=\"Ej: 80\" ><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_10-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-number wpforms-one-half wpforms-first\" data-field-id=\"10\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_10\">Hip (cm)<\/label><input type=\"number\" pattern=\"\\d*\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_10\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][10]\" placeholder=\"Ej: 100\" ><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_3-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-textarea\" data-field-id=\"3\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label wpforms-label-hide\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_3\">Message (Optional)<\/label><textarea id=\"wpforms-3655-field_3\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][3]\" placeholder=\"Message\" ><\/textarea><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-3655-field_4-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-checkbox\" data-field-id=\"4\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label wpforms-label-hide\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_4\">Checkboxes <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><ul id=\"wpforms-3655-field_4\" class=\"wpforms-field-required\"><li class=\"choice-1 depth-1\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wpforms-3655-field_4_1\" name=\"wpforms[fields][4][]\" value=\"I accept the privacy policy\" required ><label class=\"wpforms-field-label-inline\" for=\"wpforms-3655-field_4_1\">I accept the privacy policy<\/label><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[recaptcha]\" value=\"\"><div class=\"wpforms-submit-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[id]\" value=\"3655\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[author]\" value=\"6\"><button type=\"submit\" name=\"wpforms[submit]\" id=\"wpforms-submit-3655\" class=\"wpforms-submit\" aria-live=\"assertive\" value=\"wpforms-submit\">Send<\/button><\/div><\/form><\/div>  <!-- .wpforms-container -->\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico {\r\n        background-color: #0F1E23 !important;\r\n        padding: 100px 5%;\r\n        font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n        position: relative;\r\n        overflow: hidden;\r\n    }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-container { max-width: 1400px; margin: 0 auto; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-flex-wrapper { display: flex; align-items: stretch; gap: 80px; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-doctor-side { flex: 1; position: relative; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-doctor-sticky-box { position: sticky; top: 50px; height: 100%; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-doctor-img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; filter: brightness(0.6); display: block; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-text-overlay {\r\n        position: absolute; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; padding: 80px 40px;\r\n        background: linear-gradient(to top, #0F1E23 30%, transparent 100%);\r\n    }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-tagline { font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 5px; color: #C8A158; margin-bottom: 15px; font-weight: 600; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-hero-title { font-size: clamp(30px, 4vw, 52px) !important; line-height: 1.1 !important; color: #ffffff !important; margin-bottom: 30px !important; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif !important; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-gold-text { color: #C8A158 !important; font-style: italic; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-quote-container { border-left: 1px solid #C8A158; padding-left: 25px; max-width: 400px; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-quote-container p { color: #ccc; font-style: italic; font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-signature { display: block; font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 2px; color: #C8A158; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 10px; font-weight: 700; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-form-side { flex: 1; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-form-box { background: rgba(0,0,0,0.2); padding: 60px; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.05); }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-form-main-title { color: #ffffff !important; font-size: 26px !important; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif !important; margin-bottom: 5px !important; font-weight: 400 !important; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-form-subtitle { font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; color: #C8A158; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 40px; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico input,\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico textarea {\r\n        width: 100% !important; background: transparent !important; border: none !important;\r\n        border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1) !important; color: #fff !important; padding: 12px 0 !important;\r\n        font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif !important; font-size: 15px !important; margin-bottom: 15px !important;\r\n        border-radius: 0 !important;\r\n    }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico input:focus { border-bottom-color: #C8A158 !important; outline: none; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-field-label { font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: #C8A158; letter-spacing: 1px; display: block; margin-top: 10px; font-weight: 700; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-row { display: flex; gap: 20px; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-col { flex: 1; }\r\n    @media (max-width: 992px) {\r\n        #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-flex-wrapper { flex-direction: column; }\r\n        #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-form-box { padding: 40px 20px; }\r\n        #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .lpf-text-overlay { position: relative; padding: 40px 0; background: none; }\r\n    }\r\n    \/* Markup REAL de WPForms (shortcode en vivo) *\/\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-field-label { font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: #C8A158; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: 700; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-field { margin-bottom: 8px; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-field-radio ul { display: flex; gap: 10px; margin: 10px 0 20px; list-style: none; padding: 0; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-field-radio li { flex: 1; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-field-radio input[type=\"radio\"] { display: none !important; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-field-radio label.wpforms-field-label-inline { display: block; text-align: center; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1); padding: 12px; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: #777; transition: 0.3s; }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-field-radio li.wpforms-selected label.wpforms-field-label-inline { border-color: #C8A158; color: #C8A158; background: rgba(200, 161, 88, 0.05); }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-submit {\r\n        width: 100% !important; background-color: #C8A158 !important; color: #000 !important;\r\n        padding: 22px !important; font-family: 'Manrope', sans-serif !important; font-weight: 700 !important;\r\n        letter-spacing: 3px !important; border: none !important; cursor: pointer; transition: 0.4s ease;\r\n        margin-top: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n    }\r\n    #lac-prefooter-contacto-unico .wpforms-submit:hover { background-color: #ffffff !important; transform: translateY(-3px); }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<!-- =====================================================================\r\nRICH SNIPPET (JSON-LD)  -  MedicalWebPage + MedicalProcedure + BreadcrumbList + FAQPage\r\n===================================================================== -->\r\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@graph\": [\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"MedicalWebPage\",\r\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/lipedema-surgery\/#webpage\",\r\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/lipedema-surgery\/\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Lipedema surgery: how it works, techniques and when it is indicated\",\r\n      \"headline\": \"Lipedema surgery: how it works, step by step\",\r\n      \"description\": \"How lipedema surgery works step by step: when it is indicated, which techniques are used, duration, anaesthesia and recovery. Individual assessment.\",\r\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\r\n      \"lastReviewed\": \"2026-08-19\",\r\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-08-21T13:18:09+00:00\",\r\n      \"specialty\": { \"@type\": \"MedicalSpecialty\", \"name\": \"Plastic Surgery\" },\r\n      \"isPartOf\": { \"@type\": \"WebSite\", \"name\": \"Lipedema Advanced Care\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/\" },\r\n      \"author\": { \"@type\": \"Physician\", \"name\": \"Dr Alexo Carballeira Bra\\u00f1a\", \"medicalSpecialty\": \"PlasticSurgery\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/doctor-alexo-carballeira-brana\/\" },\r\n      \"reviewedBy\": { \"@type\": \"Physician\", \"name\": \"Dr Alexo Carballeira Bra\\u00f1a\", \"medicalSpecialty\": \"PlasticSurgery\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/doctor-alexo-carballeira-brana\/\" },\r\n      \"publisher\": { \"@type\": \"MedicalClinic\", \"telephone\": \"+34665027006\", \"openingHoursSpecification\": {\"@type\": \"OpeningHoursSpecification\", \"dayOfWeek\": [\"Monday\",\"Tuesday\",\"Wednesday\",\"Thursday\",\"Friday\"], \"opens\": \"09:00\", \"closes\": \"19:00\"}, \"name\": \"Lipedema Advanced Care\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/\" },\r\n      \"citation\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"ScholarlyArticle\",\r\n        \"name\": \"The Advanced Care Study: Current Status of Lipedema in Spain, A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study\",\r\n        \"author\": \"Carballeira Bra\\u00f1a A, Poveda Castillo J\",\r\n        \"datePublished\": \"2023\",\r\n        \"isPartOf\": { \"@type\": \"Periodical\", \"name\": \"International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health\" },\r\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37681787\/\"\r\n      },\r\n      \"about\": {\r\n        \"@type\": [\"MedicalProcedure\", \"TherapeuticProcedure\"],\r\n        \"name\": \"Lipedema surgery\",\r\n        \"alternateName\": [\"Lipedema reduction surgery\", \"Lymphatic-sparing liposuction\"],\r\n        \"procedureType\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/PercutaneousProcedure\",\r\n        \"bodyLocation\": [\"Hips\", \"Thighs\", \"Calves\", \"Arms\", \"Buttocks\"],\r\n        \"howPerformed\": \"A specific liposuction that removes lipedema tissue while preserving the lymphatic vessels, using WAL, PAL and Renuvion techniques combined according to the case, planned by areas and across one or several sessions.\",\r\n        \"preparation\": \"Confirmed clinical diagnosis, vascular study with duplex ultrasound and 3D body scan prior to the surgical indication.\",\r\n        \"followup\": \"Complex decongestive therapy started immediately after the procedure, compression, manual lymphatic drainage, scheduled reviews and progressive reintroduction of activity.\",\r\n        \"relevantSpecialty\": { \"@type\": \"MedicalSpecialty\", \"name\": \"Plastic Surgery\" },\r\n        \"indication\": { \"@type\": \"MedicalIndication\", \"name\": \"Lipedema with pain and functional limitation not controlled by conservative treatment\" },\r\n        \"contraindication\": { \"@type\": \"MedicalContraindication\", \"name\": \"Untreated obesity, oedema of another cause without prior decongestive therapy, active venous disease or recent thrombosis, clotting disorders, painless lipohypertrophy\" }\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\r\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/lipedema-surgery\/#breadcrumb\",\r\n      \"itemListElement\": [\r\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/\" },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Lipedema treatment\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/lipedema-treatment\/\" },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Lipedema surgery\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/lipedema-surgery\/\" }\r\n      ]\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/lipedema-surgery\/#faq\",\r\n      \"mainEntity\": [\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What does lipedema surgery involve?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Removing the diseased fatty tissue through a specific liposuction that spares the lymphatic vessels. It is planned by areas on a prior clinical diagnosis and a vascular study, and the aim is functional: to reduce pain and volume, not to reshape the silhouette.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does surgery cure lipedema?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. Lipedema is a chronic condition and there is no cure. Surgery removes the affected tissue in the treated areas and with it reduces pain and volume, but conservative management remains part of the treatment both before and after.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How does it differ from a cosmetic liposuction?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"In the aim, in the technique and in the indication. Here the purpose is functional, the execution preserves the lymphatic system and the procedure is planned on a medical diagnosis. A conventional cosmetic liposuction is not designed for this tissue.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much does lipedema surgery cost?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It depends on the number of areas, the sessions required, the extent and the techniques that need to be combined, so we do not publish a fixed figure: without assessing the case it would be made up. A written quote is provided at the assessment, and financing options are available.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How many sessions are needed?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It depends on the extent. There is a limit to how much tissue can be safely removed in a single procedure, so when the involvement is extensive it is planned across several sessions spaced out over time. At the assessment you are told how many are anticipated in your case.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long does the surgery take and is a hospital stay required?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The procedure can be carried out as a day case or with an overnight stay. In our protocol it usually takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on the number of areas, with one night in hospital to monitor the first hours. The type of anaesthesia, sedation with tumescent local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia, is decided with the anaesthetist according to the case and the extent.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the difference between WAL, PAL and Renuvion?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"WAL separates the tissue with a jet of saline before aspirating it; PAL uses a cannula that vibrates and works better in fibrous tissue; Renuvion does not remove fat, it applies energy to encourage the skin to contract. They are combined according to the case.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I need a diagnosis before having surgery?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, always. It must be confirmed that it is lipedema and not another cause of increased volume, and the venous system must be assessed.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does it depend on the stage of lipedema I have?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. The stages describe the appearance of the tissue, they do not measure the severity of the symptoms. The indication is decided by pain and functional limitation, not by the stage number.\" } },\r\n        { \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Who performs the surgery and where?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Dr Alexo Carballeira Bra\\u00f1a, plastic surgeon recertified by the SECPRE, with the vascular study carried out by Dr Marta Zaplana, angiologist and vascular surgeon on the team. The clinic is in Valencia.\" } }\r\n      ]\r\n    }\r\n  ]\r\n}\r\n<\/script>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lipedema surgery Lipedema surgery:how it works, step by step Surgery is currently the only treatment that removes lipedema tissue. It does not cure the condition, which is chronic, but it can produce a lasting reduction in pain and volume when conservative management is not enough. Here we explain when it is indicated, which techniques are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5913","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5913","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5913"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5913\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6772,"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5913\/revisions\/6772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lipedemaac.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5913"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}