Long-term benefit of liposuction in patients with lipoedema: a follow-up study after an average of 4 and 8 years.

BACKGROUND Long-term results following liposuction in patients with lipoedema are available only for an average period of 4 years. OBJECTIVE To find out whether the improvement of complaints persists for a further 4 years. METHODS In a single-centre study, 85 patients with lipoedema had already been examined after 4 years. A mail questionnaire - often in combination with clinical controls - was repeated after another 4 years (8 years after liposuction). RESULTS Compared with the results after 4 years, the improvement in spontaneous pain, sensitivity to pressure, oedema, bruising and restriction of movement persisted. The same held true for patient self-assessment of cosmetic appearance, quality of life and overall impairment. Eight years after surgery, the reduction in the amount of conservative treatment (combined decongestive therapy, compression garments) was similar to that observed 4 years earlier. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate for the first time the long-lasting positive effects of liposuction in patients with lipoedema.