Early postoperative fibrosis can compromise the functional and aesthetic gains of liposuction for lipedema. This prospective, single-center trial enrolled 50 women (stage II–III lipedema) treated with power-assisted liposuction and then subjected them to focused extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (SWT) three times weekly for three weeks, beginning on postoperative day 7. Twenty-five matched controls received standard care alone. Twelve-week evaluation with ultrasound elastography showed a 45 % relative reduction in fibrotic stiffness in the SWT group versus controls; skin–pinch elasticity improved by 33 %, and numeric pain scores fell by 51 %. No major adverse events or lymphatic-related complications were recorded. The investigators propose that SWT modulates fibroblast activity and down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby preserving lymphatic integrity while softening residual nodularity. By demonstrating clinically meaningful, objectively measured antifibrotic effects, this study adds a reproducible adjunct to the post-liposuction pathway and strengthens the case for integrating biophysical therapies into comprehensive lipedema management.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Authors & affiliations
Agostino Bruno Private Practice in Rome, Rome, Italy; Matteo Cilluffo Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
Tags: Shockwave therapy; fibrosis; lipedema.
