-
lipoedema
Posted on August 7, 2026 by Josef
Over 40 years of expert care
Best UK Group & 5 star reviews
Clinics
Over 40 years of expert care
Best UK Group & 5 star reviews
Nationwide Clinics
Award winning plans
Lipoedema Surgery
The Private Clinic offers safe and reliable treatments such as Lipoedema Surgery for symptoms.
Medically by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed April 5th 2025It is estimated that 11% of the female population suffer from lipoedema for years, without access to lipoedema surgery and treatment. Although it was first diagnosed in the 1940s, little progress has been made with the condition, with many medical professionals having no knowledge of the condition and often misdiagnosing patients.
What is lipoedema?
Lipoedema also spelt Lipedema in the USA, is a condition that causes an abnormal build-up of OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow’s Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling – g10research.com, in the legs. It is more likely to affect women, can be painful and in severe cases can affect daily life. The majority of cases of go undiagnosed with many patients being advised to lose weight but lipoedema does not respond to weight loss or which can leave many patients feeling frustrated. Without specialist care, symptoms may worsen over time, which is why early diagnosis and access to appropriate lipoedema surgery or treatment is essential.
What are the symptoms of lipoedema?
The most common symptoms of lipoedema include:
There are 3 different stages of lipoedema severity, patients can remain in one stage or progress from stage 1-3 over time.
What causes lipoedema?
The causes of lipoedema are not known however it is believed that changes such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause and taking the contraceptive pill have been considered as potential factors that can bring on lipoedema symptoms. It is also believed that lipoedema can be hereditary however it can miss a generation.
Lipoedema Surgery & Treatment
It is important to note that there is no cure for lipoedema and any treatments should be seen more as of lipoedema symptoms.
The Private Clinic have launched a comprehensive lipoedema treatment programme in collaboration with Mr Michael Mouzakis to give patients clarity, structure and long-term support throughout their treatment journey.
To ensure long-term success, Lipoedema surgery must be wrapped in a rigorous clinical framework.
Lipoedema Surgery Before & After Photos
Our reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to your desired goals. Take a look at some of the results below
What to Expect from our Lipoedema Treatments
There is a huge variety of different and techniques. What is when Lipoedema with Liposuction is not causing any damage to the lymphatic system, which could then cause lymphodema, often referred to as Lymph sparing liposuction
Our surgeons at The Private Clinic use tumescent Vaser liposuction or tumescent micro lipo liposuction procedures to help reduce the symptoms of lipoedema.
Tumescent liposuction is a technique where the areas being with are injected with anaesthetic fluid. This helps to enlarge the fatty tissue making it easier to remove whilst also constricting small blood vessels which reduces the risk of bleeding and bruising. The anaesthetic in the fluid also causes the area to become numb which makes it more comfortable to perform under local anaesthetic.
Lipoedema surgery, such as Liposuction, can be performed on all the areas affected by including the following:
.
What is the recovery like after lipoedema surgery?
You will leave our liposuction clinic wearing a post-surgery compression garment on the area/s treated. It is important that this garment is worn at all times (apart from when bathing) for two weeks and then at night only for another two weeks but ideally up to 3 months post-procedure to ensure the best .
Fluid leakage is common following liposuction treatment from the incision sites, this usually subsides after 48 hours. The fluid leakage in most cases is just excess tumescent fluid left over from the procedure. We will you with aftercare to help you manage this in a comfortable way.
Bruising and Swelling may occur a couple of days post-procedure. Bruising should reduce after 2 weeks but swelling is likely to remain for around 1-3 months. It will gradually reduce, we recommend exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet and drinking lots of fluids to help encourage this.
The Private Clinic have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Liposuction for Lipoedema on the NHS is possible; however it is very difficult to get NHS for this type of procedure.
The first step is to get a diagnosis from your GP, once this has happened then your GP can apply for funding through your local (CCG). Each CCG has different regulations as to what they will and won’t fund and many conditions are taken on a case-by-case basis.
As well as strict regulations, the NHS also has lengthy wait-times for Lipo for Lipoedema procedures.
Many patients choose to seek for self-pay liposuction treatment for lipoedema for these reasons.
Our private clinic setting allows Lipoedema patients to meet with our expert surgeon, who specialises in Liposuction for Lipoedema. Surgery is carried out at our state-of-the-art private hospital in . All aftercare appointments are included in the cost of the procedure and our 24-hour helpline means you will be in the best of hands.
Lipoedema is commonly misdiagnosed as Lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema is a where the lymphatic system does not work and causes a build-up of excess fluid and swelling in the affected areas. It usually only occurs in one leg or arm and is often caused due to damage to lymph nodes which can happen as part of cancer therapy.
Lipoedema in is a condition that causes a build up of fatty deposits in the affected areas. It affects both arms or legs symmetrically and although the cause is still relatively unknown, reports have those hormones and genetics are factors that can make you more prone to developing lipoedema.
Whilst both conditions do cause an enlargement of the affected area, the cause is different. Another tell-tale difference between the two conditions is that when pressure is applied to an area affected by lymphoedema, an mark may remain which does not happen when pressure is applied to an area affected by lipoedema.
It is possible for with lipoedema to also have lymphoedema.
There is no real treatment for Lymphoedema but treatments that implement compression and massage have been known to help reduce symptoms, along with a lifestyle and exercise. At The Private Clinic we offer Body Ballancer treatment which has been clinically proven to help reduce limb and body swelling by effectively moving any excess fluid into and through the lymphatic vessels whilst boosting blood circulation.
There is no real cure for lipoedema the range of lipoedema treatments on offer will help patients manage their condition, their symptoms and reduce the progression of the condition whilst also improving their overall health.
If left untreated, your lipoedema symptoms may get worse and begin to affect your mobility, emotional health, and quality of life. In some cases lipoedema surgery may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to managing more advanced or persistent symptoms.
Lipoedema can also progress into lymphedema if the excess starts to block vessels of the lymphatic system which will prevent the natural drainage of lymph fluid.
We advise patients to allow 3-5 days before returning to work. This will depend on the nature of your role. Those in a job role that is highly strenuous may need to take extra time to allow time to heal.
Lipoedema Surgery Patient Testimonials
The Lipoedema UK 2021 Survey – Living with Lipoedema – Liposuction and Other Treatments was completed by 933 women who have lipoedema. 92% reported a reduction in size & swelling to limbs and 87% an overall improvement in their of life after having liposuction treatment for lipoedema.
There are a growing number of personal testimonials and that show that many patients experience enormous benefits and improved quality of life from liposuction for lipoedema.
Meet our Medical Experts
We are the UK’s leading cosmetic group and have some of the most experienced surgeons in the country working with us.
Vaser Liposuction Surgeon
Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Hair Transplant Surgeon & Vaser Lipo Total Definer Surgeon
Ready to begin your journey?
Come and see our expert surgeons to the best options available for you. Book a consultation and take that first step.
Talk to an expert
View our
The Private Clinic Group includes:
About The Private Clinic
The Private Clinic is a multi award winning medical group with clinics located across the UK. We have over 40 years’ experience in offering the best in advanced minimally invasive non surgical treatments and expert led procedures in our clinics and hospitals. Our surgeons are all with the and we are regulated by the . The CQC is an independent regulator for health and social care in England. Last review March 10th 2023.
Information
Useful Links
Sign Up for Latest News & Offers
View our
reg: The Private Clinic is a trading name of TPC Group ( registration number ) © 2026 The Private Clinic.
TPC Group Limited as The Private Clinic Harley Street London, which is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited. TPC Group Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. Chrysalis Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and lending.