Analysis of the Lipedema Definition Technique (LDT) for Treating Lipedema: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study

Introduction: Lipedema is a progressive chronic condition that mainly affects women, and is characterized by disproportionate subcutaneous fat accumulation in the extremities, causing pain, edema, and impaired quality of life. Objective: This study evaluated the outcomes of the lipedema definition technique (LDT) for the treatment of lipedema, focusing on clinical efficacy, quality of life improvement, and patient satisfaction. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 67 women who underwent the LDT to treat lipedema (types II to V and stages 1 to 4). Analyzed variables included weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, total body water, InBody score, ideal weight, fat-free mass, basal metabolic rate, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat level, and percentage of obesity. The Lipedema Symptoms Assessment Questionnaire and complementary questionnaire were applied to assess satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Study assessments were conducted preoperatively, 90 days after surgery, and completed 2 years later. Results: A total of 34 patients (mean age of 40 years) were included; most had stage 2 lipedema (50.7%) and type IV (49.2%). After 90 days of the LDT, significant reductions were observed in weight (−2.5 kg, P = .001), body mass index (−0.9 kg/m 2 , P = .001), body fat percentage (−3.1%, P = .001), visceral fat (−1.8 points, P = .001), and percentage of obesity (−4.3%, P = .001). Moreover, fat levels in the upper and lower quadrants were significantly reduced, and bioimpedance analysis showed changes in all 5 body segments after LDT. Improvements in quality of life (89.4%) and pain reduction (87.2%) were reported. High satisfaction rates (91.5%) were observed, with 81.0% of patients reporting positive outcomes and 75.0% maintaining results in the long term. Conclusion: Lipedema definition technique was effective in reducing fat, improving quality of life, and achieving high patient satisfaction. This study reinforces the role of surgery as an intervention for lipedema, promoting important clinical and aesthetic benefits.