Over 40 years of expert care

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Over 40 years of expert care

Best UK Group & 5 star reviews

Nationwide Clinics

Award winning treatment plans

Lipoedema Surgery

The Private Clinic offers safe and reliable treatments such as Lipoedema Surgery for symptoms.

Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed April 5th 2025

It is that 11% of the female suffer from lipoedema for years, without access to effective 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 ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling 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 lipoedema go undiagnosed with many patients being advised to lose weight but lipoedema does not respond to weight loss or exercise which can leave many patients . Without specialist care, symptoms may worsen over time, which is why early 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 are not known however it is believed that hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause and taking the contraceptive pill have been considered as potential 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 management 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 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 excellent for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to your desired goals. Take a look at some of the below

What to Expect from our Lipoedema Treatments

There is a huge variety of different liposuction treatments and techniques. What is important when treating Lipoedema with Liposuction surgery is not causing any damage to the system, which could then cause lymphodema, often referred to as Lymph sparing liposuction

Our at The Private Clinic use tumescent Vaser liposuction or micro lipo procedures to help reduce the symptoms of lipoedema.

Tumescent liposuction is a technique where the areas being with liposuction 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 lipoedema including the following:

.

What is the like after 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 results.

Fluid leakage is common following liposuction 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 provide 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 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 .*

*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Liposuction for Lipoedema on the NHS is possible; however it is very difficult to get NHS funding for this type of .

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.

is a condition where the lymphatic system does not work and causes a build-up of excess fluid and swelling in the affected areas. It 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 comparison 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 presented 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 indention mark may remain which does not happen when pressure is applied to an area affected by lipoedema.

It is possible for patients 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 healthy lifestyle and exercise. At The Private Clinic we offer Body treatment which has been clinically proven to help reduce limb and body swelling by effectively moving any excess fluid into and the lymphatic vessels whilst boosting blood circulation.

There is no real cure for lipoedema however 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 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 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% reported an overall improvement in their quality of life after having liposuction treatment for lipoedema.

There are a growing number of testimonials and studies that show that many patients experience enormous benefits and improved quality of life from non-cosmetic liposuction for .

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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 the best in advanced minimally invasive non treatments and expert led surgical procedures in our clinics and hospitals. Our surgeons are all registered 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.

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Company reg: The Private Clinic is a trading name of TPC Group Limited (company registration number ) © 2026 The Private Clinic.

TPC Group Limited trading 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.