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Shockwave therapy in lipedema patients: A prospective study
Agostino Bruno1, Matteo Cilluffo2
1Private Practice in Rome, Rome, Italy.
Phlebology
|May 20, 2025
Summary
Early shockwave therapy (SWT) significantly reduces postoperative fibrosis and pain after liposuction for lipedema. This treatment improves skin elasticity and patient satisfaction, preserving aesthetic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Aesthetic Surgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- Postoperative fibrosis is a common complication after liposuction for lipedema, causing tissue hardening, pain, and poor aesthetic results.
- Fibrosis can negatively impact skin elasticity and body contouring achieved through liposuction.
- Current management strategies for lipedema liposuction often struggle to adequately address post-surgical fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of early shockwave therapy (SWT) in mitigating postoperative fibrosis following liposuction in lipedema patients.
- To assess the impact of SWT on functional and aesthetic outcomes, including skin elasticity and pain.
- To determine if SWT can enhance patient satisfaction after lipedema liposuction.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 50 female patients with stage II-III lipedema undergoing power-assisted liposuction (PAL).
- Patients received three weekly SWT sessions for three weeks, commencing one week post-surgery.
- Outcomes were compared against a control group of 25 patients who did not receive SWT, using ultrasound elastography, skin elasticity measurements, and patient-reported pain and satisfaction scores.
Main Results:
- The SWT group demonstrated a significant reduction in fibrosis severity (2.1 vs. 3.8, p < .001) compared to the control group.
- Improved skin elasticity (1.5 mm vs. 1.0 mm, p < .01) and lower pain scores (2.3 vs. 4.7, p < .001) were observed in the SWT group.
- Patient satisfaction was notably higher in the SWT group (92% vs. 68%, p < .01).
Conclusions:
- Early postoperative shockwave therapy is a safe and effective intervention for reducing fibrosis after lipedema liposuction.
- SWT positively influences fibroblast activity, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhances tissue perfusion, thereby preserving surgical results.
- Integrating SWT into postoperative care protocols offers a promising strategy to optimize liposuction outcomes and improve patient satisfaction in lipedema management.
