Endermologie-augmented physiotherapy after liposuction for lower-limb lipedema

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial compares two postoperative care pathways for women with lipedema of the legs undergoing liposuction. All participants receive standard physiotherapy after surgery; the intervention group also receives Endermologie sessions to aid recovery. Endermologie uses controlled suction and rolling massage, tailored to healing status and pain, to potentially reduce swelling and stiffness and improve function. The study will recruit women aged 25–45 with stage II or III lipedema, within BMI 25–35, and undergoing or recently underwent liposuction at Cairo University-affiliated clinics. Outcomes will focus on edema, pain, tissue mobility, and functional recovery during the postoperative period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants will be eligible for inclusion if they meet all of the following criteria:

Female participants diagnosed with lower-limb lipedema. Age between 25 and 45 years old.

* Clinical diagnosis of lipedema confirmed by the treating physician or specialist physiotherapist.
* Lipedema stage II or stage III based on clinical presentation, including disproportionate fat deposition, pain/tenderness, easy bruising, tissue nodularity, or lobular tissue changes.
* Scheduled for or recently underwent lower-limb liposuction for lipedema management.
* Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m².
* Medically stable and cleared by the treating surgeon to start postoperative physiotherapy.
* Ability to understand instructions and comply with treatment visits and assessment procedures.
* Willingness to wear prescribed compression garments according to the postoperative protocol.

3.2 Exclusion Criteria

* Primary or secondary lymphedema unrelated to lipedema, unless clearly differentiated and documented.
* Lipedema stage IV with advanced lipo-lymphedema requiring complex decongestive therapy beyond the study protocol.
* BMI greater than 35 kg/m² or less than 25 kg/m².
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, renal disease, hepatic disease, or active systemic inflammatory disease.
* Deep vein thrombosis, active thrombophlebitis, severe peripheral arterial disease, or untreated varicose complications.
* Active infection, open wounds, skin ulceration, cellulitis, or significant postoperative complications preventing mechanical therapy.
* Known coagulopathy, current anticoagulation therapy not cleared by the surgeon, or high bleeding risk.
* Pregnancy or lactation.
* Previous lower-limb liposuction within the preceding 12 months.
* Use of other structured edema-reduction interventions during the study period outside the assigned protocol.
* Inability to attend scheduled follow-up assessments.

Where it's running

• Outpatient Physiotherapy Clinic in al rahma hospital
  Cairo, Nozha, Egypt Recruiting
• Outpatient Physiotherapy Clinic in al rahma hospital
  Cairo, Egypt Completed

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zeinab Ali, Assistant professor
• Email: zahamada@ju.edu.sa
• Phone: +966557647507

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.