Lipoedema · Guide
WATCH: Mr Karri explains the characteristics of lipoedema, plus live WAL surgery
In this video, Mr Karri explains the typical characteristics of a patient with lipoedema, talking through the column-like appearance of the legs which have lost their normal leg contour. There is also a lot of fat deposition with another classic sign being the cut off from this fat at the ankle, with the back of the feet also spared. Mr Karri talks about the problems lipoedema causes and the frequent misdiagnosis by healthcare professionals. The end of the video shows live surgery using Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL).
- Medically reviewed by
- Medically reviewed by Mr Vasu Karri, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, FRCS(Plast), GMC 4631035
- Written by
- Mr Vasu Karri
- First published
- Last reviewed
- Next review due
- 27 September 2027
- Reading time
- 1 min
At a glance
- Technique shown
- Water-assisted liposuction
- Format
- Video
Summary
- Mr Karri describes the typical signs of lipoedema: column-shaped legs, fat that stops at the ankle, and feet that are spared.
- Lipoedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity, and the fat does not respond to diet or exercise.
- The end of the video shows water-assisted liposuction (WAL).
Lipoedema is a very common condition, affecting around 1 in 12 women in the UK. It is also frequently misdiagnosed as obesity, but this type of fat is diet resistant, it will not be shifted through exercise or calorie restriction. Pain and hypersensitivity is a frequent complaint.
About the author
Mr Vasu Karri
BSc(Hons), MBBS, MRCS, MSc, FRCS(Plast)
Mr Vasu Karri is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon in full time private practice at Kinvara Private Hospital, Rotherham. He is on the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register for plastic surgery, certified by the Royal College of Surgeons of England in plastic surgery.
- GMC 4631035
- FRCS(Plast)
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