Water jet-assisted liposuction for patients with lipoedema: histologic and immunohistologic analysis of the aspirates of 30 lipoedema patients

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2009 Mar;33(2):153-62. doi: 10.1007/s00266-008-9214-y. Epub 2008 Jul 29.

Abstract

Lipoedema is a fat distribution disorder causing massive, bilaterally symmetrical enlargement of the lower and in some cases the upper extremities in women. The atraumatic, anatomically appropriate procedure of water jet-assisted liposuction available today represents a promising treatment for these patients who generally suffer from severe subjective and objective impairment. Liposuction treatment can bring long-term improvement if the operative technique focuses on lymph vessel preservation. Immunohistologic analyses show minimal evidence of lymph vessel structures in lipoaspirates. The histologic analysis of the aspirates documents a relatively specific removal ("apheresis") of primarily intact lipocytes with low vascular amount.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Fat Distribution
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipectomy*
  • Lipid Metabolism Disorders / surgery
  • Lipomatosis / surgery*
  • Lower Extremity
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult